Umauma Falls Zipline Experience Tours
One of the most exhilarating and memorable adventure experiences on the Big Island, Umauma Falls and Zipline Experience Tours is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the whole family.
Authentic Hamakua Dining Experiences
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
Just minutes from the largest city on the Big Island, it’s hard to tell if much of Hamakua has ever been touched by mankind. Expansive, gorgeous, and unlike any other place on Earth, a trip to Hamakua is a singular experience, offering a natural respite from the busier hubs of Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
But Hamakua isn’t uninhabited; in fact, many creative and talented locals call the otherwise sparsely-populated district home, and there are a few eateries and farm experiences that offer unique dining options. If you’re on your way across the northern end of the Big Island and need to recharge before your next adventure, these authentic eateries will satisfy your hunger.
Hawaiian Vanilla Company Luncheon
Reddekopp’s family-run farm, established in 1998, is the first commercial vanilla operation in the United States. Experience a working vanilla farm and a lunch that highlights all the ways vanilla can be used at the Hawaiian Vanilla Company.
Luncheon and Farm Tour
The Luncheon and Farm Tour begins with beverages of either vanilla ice tea or lemonade followed by lunch. An example of the menu is a main course of a vanilla citrus bourbon chicken sandwich, oven-roasted potatoes with a vanilla southwest rub and an organic salad topped by a vanilla raspberry balsamic dressing, feta and pecans. A vegetarian lunch option can also be arranged. Dessert features a scoop of Hawaiian vanilla bean ice cream and comes at the end of the vanilla presentation and tour of the farm.
Paradise Diner (Formerly I Luv Dumplings)
45-3625 Mamane St
Honokaa, HI 96727
Open: Tue & Wed 10am-5pm, Thu & Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 8am-5pm,
Closed: Mon
Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is a casual eatery with great food. Order at the counter for fresh and flavorful dishes served in generous portions. Hawaiian style comfort food, as well as delicious dumplings, noodles, steamed buns and rice bowls.
Tex Drive-In
45-690 Pakalana St
Honokaa, HI 96727
A Big Island institution, no visit to the east side is complete without at least one stop at Tex Drive-In. Serving Hawaiian classics like Loco Moco, Kalua pork, and burgers that live up to the drive-in feel, Tex Drive-In has yet to disappoint in its 50+ years on the Big Island.
