_Vogue _s Small Guide to Hawaii s Big Island
The perfect winter escape, Hawaii’s Big Island, is a lot closer than you think.
The perfect winter escape, Hawaii’s Big Island, is a lot closer than you think. And the minute you touch down in Kona, you realize how much slower, friendlier, and more humid life can be. Though the island conjures clichés of chain-hotel luaus and tourist tchotchkes, there’s plenty of charming treasures to devour, to explore, and to take in—slowly.
Photo: Courtesy of Cara Reagan1/7Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
There’s no shortage of resorts on the Big Island, but there is one in particular worth pointing out: the mid-century modern icon that is the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. With a color palette of bright orange and a coveted white-sand beach on the west coast, the Mauna Kea has been one of the Big Island’s most celebrated hotels since venture capitalist and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller broke ground in 1960. When it opened in 1965, it was the most expensive hotel ever built in the world. Almost half a century later, its architecture and soul is still very much intact, from the original orange concierge chairs and ceramic lamps to the fabled Fredrico cocktail.
Photo: Courtesy of @snowflake_1452/7Kohala Forest Preserve
The natural beauty on offer in Hawaii is breathtaking: stunning cliffs, running lava, double (and sometimes triple) rainbows, and postcard-worthy waterfalls are all within reach. Our favorite day hike is to the Kohala Forest Preserve starting at Pololu Valley Lookout. You can drive along the epic cliff-lined coast without breaking a sweat, but we recommend putting on a pair of sneakers and hiking down to the secluded black-sand beach and watching the sapphire-blue water crash against lava rocks.
Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Garrett3/7Gill’s Lanai
With a post-hike appetite worked up, head to Gill’s Lanai, a lunch shack in the small historic village of Kapaau. It serves fresh-caught lobster tacos and poke bowls. For the seafood averse, there’s vegetarian bahn mi and gourmet hot dogs that do not disappoint.
Photo: Courtesy of Lizzie Garrett Mettler4/7Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.
Shave ice, or as locals on the Big Island also call it, ice shave, is a Hawaiian dessert staple. We’re confident that the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. truck parked in Kawaihae is among the best. With artisan-made natural flavors and even sweet potato ice cream on the menu, this truck will satisfy both your foodie palette and your inner child.
Photo: Courtesy of Ricardo Jarquin5/7‘Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge
There’s one thing on our minds when we sit down to dinner in Hawaii and that is fish. Preferably right out of the ocean and raw. One of the most exquisite fine-dining spots on the island is ‘Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge, located right on the beach at the Four Seasons Hotel at Hualalai. Locavores will appreciate that the restaurant sources its menu from 160 farmers and fishermen.