to eat | to do | to experience
1. Fish Tacos
Options for fish tacos are nearly as plentiful as they are delicious. You can make your own with fish that were swimming in the ocean that morning from Laau’s Fish Market. They advertise their daily catch on a chalkboard outside and go early to get the best selection of ahi, opakapaka (pink snapper), and ono (“ono” is Hawaiian for “delicious”). Stop by the Farmer’s Market on the way back to pick up some papaya or mango for a tropical salsa, the perfect finishing touch to your island tacos.
If cooking sounds like a lot of work on your vacation, visit Kohala Burger and Taco right across the street from Laau’s.
2. SUP/Surfing/Kayaking/Boogie-boarding
In the summer when the water tends to be calm and flat, Wailea Bay is perfect for activities like SUP and kayaking. When the surf starts in the winter, Wailea Bay hosts some of the best surfing and boogie boarding on the entire island. You can rent all necessary gear and have it delivered straight to the beach for convenient adventure!
3. Walking the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
The Ala Kahakai Trail rings the island and was the official “road” of the ancient Hawaiians. The trail is steeped in history and legend with many tales of Menehune mischief, but it would be worth walking just for the views. If you turn left out of the driveway, the Trail will take you to Hapuna Beach and then on to the Mauna Kea Hotel, making it a perfect 2-4 mile walk with the possibility to stop for the world’s best banana bread at the Mauna Kea brunch. If you turn right out of the driveway, the trail takes you to the beach and continues on into the quaint town of Puako.
4. Sunset drinks/Green flash
Sunsets are noteworthy events here. The house is in prime position to appreciate 180 degrees of sunset over the ocean. The sky turns magical hues of purple, cotton-candy pink, and saffron—colors that would look gaudy and extreme if a human painted them, but are literally “awe-some” when natural. Gathering with sunset drinks is a great way to mark the passage of another lovely day in paradise. Pretend you’re a local by watching for the “green flash,” a misnomer for the moment before the last sliver of the sun slides beneath the horizon when refractions of light turn it from a glowing orange to a light chartreuse.
5. Massage
The Big Island of Hawaii attracts healers. The house comes equipped with a massage table and recommendations for the best bodyworkers in the area. Spending the midday heat on a massage table, in the shade, with an ocean breeze tickling your back is one of the most blissful experiences this house offers.
6. Snorkeling
Sea turtles, manta rays, corals…oh my! Almost every morning before 9am, Wailea Bay offers spectacular snorkeling. The waters right in front of the house are filled with humahumanukanukaapua’a (Hawaiian state fish), yellow tangs, and urchins of so many colors it’s impossible to count.
7. “Practice Naps”
Taking guilt-free naps is one of the greatest perks of vacation and there are plenty of perfect spots for it. One guest got in the habit of two naps a day—one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. She dubbed her pre-noon naps as “practice naps” because “practice makes perfect and I want to nail my afternoon nap.”
8. Burgers + onion rings
A full day playing at the beach leaves you starving. Kohala Burger & Taco will sate your cravings. The burgers are fantastic and the homemade ranch dip makes the onion rings unmissable, but the fish, salad, and vegetarian options mean it’s a great place for a casual meal that the whole family will like.
9. Farmers Markets
The wet side of the island grows produce like you’ve never seen before. Green oranges that make the sweetest juice, avocados the size of cantalopes, fruits with spikes and neon colors… The Big Island also plays host to skilled artisans who make everything from smoked coconut candy (perfect for topping on ceviche or as a vegan bacon-alternative), to caramel macnut tarts, to custom knifes with koa wood handles.
10. Outdoor showers
There’s something free and delicious about showering outdoors. Whether rinsing off sand from a long day at the beach before a relaxing hottub, or taking a hot soapy shower before a fancy night out, it’s more fun to watch the sunset or listen to birds chirp around you while you do.