Big Island - November 2025

Kauna'oa Bay

This was our final trip for 2025.  We stayed at the Mauna Kea Resort, located on Kauna'oa Bay. This resort was built by venture capitalist and conservationist Laurence Rockefeller. It opened in 1965, with 154 rooms and has grown to 252 rooms and suites. Rockefeller's 1,600 piece rare Hawaiian and Asian art collection is placed throughout the Mauna Kea Resort for guest to enjoy. The hotel was added to the Historic Hotels of America in 2016.

After an earthquake in 2006, the hotel was repaired and reopened in 2008. A $200 million renovation, started in 2023, is now almost complete, with refreshed rooms and suites, and updated pool. In addition to some remaining building updates, a new pool and spa is scheduled to open in April 2026. 

Mauna Kea Resort Lobby

Thai Artwork

Some Activities During this Trip

Donna's Cookies: We always make a stop at the roadside bakery of Donna's Cookies in Paauilo when we visit the Big Island. The bakery offers about nine different richly flavored shortbread cookie flavors. Stopping at the bakery allows you to ask for a custom mix of our favorite cookies. You can also purchase a pre-package assorted cookie mix and smaller bags.

Source: Donna's Cookies

Source: Donna's Cookies

Honoka'a Old Town: This year, we made a stop to walk through the old town of Honoka'a. This town was the center of the Hamakua Sugar Company and was the second largest town on the Big Island during the early 1900s. Many of the buildings date back to 1920-30 and currently house a variety of business, art galleries, food and beverage shops. 

This Hardware Store Was Open for Almost 100 Years and
Closed in 2022

Tropical Botanical Garden: We've visited Tropical Botanical Garden last year and since we were in the vicinity, we toured the garden once again. If you're visiting Donna's Cookies and Honoka'a, the garden is about 30 minutes away. The flowers were once again amazing to view.

The initial pathway has a sharp angle into the lower garden area and wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and scooters cannot be safely used (canes and walking sticks are ok). Strollers must be unoccupied in the steep pathway section. The garden has an ADA exemption as modifying this pathway would alter the Onomea valley topography and be destructive to preservation of plants, trees and flowers.

Hot Glass Hawaii: If you're interested in a hands-on experience with making a glass piece, Hot Glass Hawaii is where you need to stop. We've never done this before and wanted to give it a try. Matthew, the glass maker, provides a demonstration and then visitors get to create a glass flower, paperweight, or ornament. I was a little concerned with being near 2,000F molten glass, but Matthew was right beside me helping me create my "lava" colored ornament. My wife made a beautiful glass paperweight, as well.

If you're thinking about making a glass piece, you'll need to make an online registration for a two-hour session. Hot Glass Hawaii is in the town of Hawi. There is also a small collective art gallery at this location.

Ornament

Paperweight

Dining

Jackie Reys: This casual Kailua-Kona restaurant was about 40 minutes from our hotel, but the food and service was well-worth the driving time. Saturday evening at Jackie Reys was very popular. I enjoyed the triple sampler of coconut shrimp, seared Ahi, crab cake and vegetables. My wife had the surf and turf, with shrimp, fillet mignon, served with a rich gnocchi side. There is a Jackie Reys in Hilo, but it is under different ownership. We might give it a try during our next visit to the Big Island. 

Source: Jackie Reys of Kona

Bamboo Restaurant: If you're visiting the old town of Hawi, a lunch or dinner at Bamboo Restaurant is recommended. The colorful eclectic interior is well matched by terrific drinks and food. This year, we stopped for lunch at Bamboo.We've found the Pina colada is about the best on the island as it has a wonderful fresh pineapple flavor.  Note that dinner is currently offered only on Thursday evenings and dinner reservations are advised. 

FORC Restaurant: We made a drive to Waimea one evening for a return visit to FORC. This restaurant focuses on Hawaiian inspired farm-to-table and seafood offerings. The wine and drink menu had many choices to consider. The thick 'tomahawk' pork chop, coffee-rubbed New York steak and Miso Butterfish were noteworthy dishes.

Source: FORC Restaurant

Manta Restaurant: There's something about enjoying an upscale meal with an open-air view overlooking the Kauna'oa Bay during sunset. The service at Manta was also amazing, with great suggestions for appetizers and entree  selection. The dinner entrees range from $50 to $75, though with appetizers, dessert and drinks, your cost will rise. Our hotel room included a Manta Restaurant breakfast buffet each morning. The morning buffet offered a wide selection of egg dishes, meats, sides, salads, pastries, fruits, sides, along with some Asian inspired dishes. 

Achiote Marinated Snapper with Pigeon Pea Rice,
Beurre Fondue, Garden Salsa, Fried Plantain Slice and Annato Oil

Baked Alaska with Coffee Ice Cream and Lemon Curd

What's Shakin: This small roadside shop offers delicious fruit smoothies/shakes and wraps. What's Shakin is located only minutes from the Tropical Botanical Garden and makes a great lunch stop after a morning garden visit.  We shared an Ono fish wrap, with breaded Ono fish, tomato, onion, cucumber, spinach, sprouts, and tartar sauce, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. We also enjoyed a "Mango Tango" smoothie that blended papayas, bananas, and pineapple juice. 

Menu Board