Food scene
Convenience store with nice selection of smoothies, shave ice, fresh fruit, plate lunches, fresh sandwiches, wraps and its fabled Hawaiian nachos.
Low Store
28-1099 Mamalahoa HwyConvenience store with nice selection of smoothies, shave ice, fresh fruit, plate lunches, fresh sandwiches, wraps and its fabled Hawaiian nachos.
What’s Shakin’s main attraction is its smoothies, but you can also grab fresh fruit, coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and wraps. The staff is friendly, and they also have a nice retail section.
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What's Shakin
27-999 Mamalahoa HwyWhat’s Shakin’s main attraction is its smoothies, but you can also grab fresh fruit, coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and wraps. The staff is friendly, and they also have a nice retail section.
Mr. Ed’s Bakery offers delicious breads and baked goods and equally delicious preserves, such as the very popular lilikoi (passion fruit) flavors (their selection of other fruit flavors takes up a whole wall). You can also grab coffee or a quick breakfast! Former school teachers Dean and June Edmoundsun opened the business in 2000 at the site of the historic Ishigo Store & Bakery.
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Mr. Ed's Bakery
28-1672 Old Mamalahoa HwyMr. Ed’s Bakery offers delicious breads and baked goods and equally delicious preserves, such as the very popular lilikoi (passion fruit) flavors (their selection of other fruit flavors takes up a whole wall). You can also grab coffee or a quick breakfast! Former school teachers Dean and June Edmoundsun opened the business in 2000 at the site of the historic Ishigo Store & Bakery.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill is a great option if you’re looking for something a little more upscale, but still fun. The menu is nicely executed American fare with a Hawaiian twist, and the restaurant is in a beautiful downtown Hilo space that was once a bank. Locals love this bistro for their happy hour deals, seafood specials and delicious drinks. Reservations recommended.
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Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo
64 Keawe StJackie Rey’s Ohana Grill is a great option if you’re looking for something a little more upscale, but still fun. The menu is nicely executed American fare with a Hawaiian twist, and the restaurant is in a beautiful downtown Hilo space that was once a bank. Locals love this bistro for their happy hour deals, seafood specials and delicious drinks. Reservations recommended.
** Address and photos on Airbnb are from their previous location. Current location is to-go only, address is 177 Kaumana Dr, Hilo, HI 96720 **
Liko Lehua didn't start as a restaurant, but grew into one by popular request after locals couldn’t get enough of their lilikoi (passion fruit) butter (which they still sell by the jar, along with other flavors). They’re only offering take-out these days, but the food is delicious and the staff is friendly. Rainbow Falls is nearby, which is a great place to enjoy your to-go meal.
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Liko Lehua
177 Kaumana Drive** Address and photos on Airbnb are from their previous location. Current location is to-go only, address is 177 Kaumana Dr, Hilo, HI 96720 **
Liko Lehua didn't start as a restaurant, but grew into one by popular request after locals couldn’t get enough of their lilikoi (passion fruit) butter (which they still sell by the jar, along with other flavors). They’re only offering take-out these days, but the food is delicious and the staff is friendly. Rainbow Falls is nearby, which is a great place to enjoy your to-go meal.
Hawaiian Style Café is an upscale (but still cozy) diner with upbeat staff and creative takes on Hawaiian fare. They’re also known for their all-day breakfast menu that includes huge (and delicious) pancakes. Desserts are also worth checking out here, but many people are too stuffed because the portions are so large!
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Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
681 Manono StHawaiian Style Café is an upscale (but still cozy) diner with upbeat staff and creative takes on Hawaiian fare. They’re also known for their all-day breakfast menu that includes huge (and delicious) pancakes. Desserts are also worth checking out here, but many people are too stuffed because the portions are so large!
Popover is a café offering delicious baked goods made on-site, including donuts, cookies and popovers! Stop in to try their sandwiches made on popovers (including a breakfast sandwich), popover pizza, a great cup of coffee or their delicious macadamia nut blondie.
Popover
399 E Kawili StPopover is a café offering delicious baked goods made on-site, including donuts, cookies and popovers! Stop in to try their sandwiches made on popovers (including a breakfast sandwich), popover pizza, a great cup of coffee or their delicious macadamia nut blondie.
If you're looking for catering or an in-home cooking class, we recommend Chef Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Catering, an accomplished local chef whose family owns Sweet Cane Café (a delicious vegetarian restaurant in Hilo).
Jasmine’s flavors are inspired by what’s available locally, and can accommodate multiple tastes (omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). See her sample menus at www.heartbeetfoods.com. You can even hire her to stock the refrigerator with groceries, if you’d like a hand with that.
If you wish to work with her, please contact her directly at jasmine@heartbeetfoods.com or 808-443-1863. Seven to 10 or more days’ notice is recommended for catering and classes (less notice usually requires an upcharge). Please let the property manager know if you make arrangements with her.
HeartBeet Catering & Home Delivery Service
If you're looking for catering or an in-home cooking class, we recommend Chef Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Catering, an accomplished local chef whose family owns Sweet Cane Café (a delicious vegetarian restaurant in Hilo).
Jasmine’s flavors are inspired by what’s available locally, and can accommodate multiple tastes (omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). See her sample menus at www.heartbeetfoods.com. You can even hire her to stock the refrigerator with groceries, if you’d like a hand with that.
If you wish to work with her, please contact her directly at jasmine@heartbeetfoods.com or 808-443-1863. Seven to 10 or more days’ notice is recommended for catering and classes (less notice usually requires an upcharge). Please let the property manager know if you make arrangements with her.
Hilo Sharks Coffee is a cool coffee shop located in Honomu. The owner (Sharkey) has a farm where he grows cacao, coffee and vanilla, and he even offers chocolate making classes (by appointment). Limited breakfast and lunch selections are available. Hours have been unpredictable since COVID, call in advance if you’re making a special trip.
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Hilo Sharks Coffee Honomu
1672 Old Mamalahoa HwyHilo Sharks Coffee is a cool coffee shop located in Honomu. The owner (Sharkey) has a farm where he grows cacao, coffee and vanilla, and he even offers chocolate making classes (by appointment). Limited breakfast and lunch selections are available. Hours have been unpredictable since COVID, call in advance if you’re making a special trip.
It’s Our Specialty has a menu of Hawaiian and American favorites, including plate lunches, hamburgers, fish & chips and daily specials.
It's Our Specialty
28-1692 Old Mamalahoa HighwayIt’s Our Specialty has a menu of Hawaiian and American favorites, including plate lunches, hamburgers, fish & chips and daily specials.
Just Cruisin’ Coffee is a friendly local drive-thru spot for shakes and coffee with early morning and late evening (for Hilo) hours. They also have a few breakfast and lunch options.
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Just Cruisin Coffee
835 Kilauea AveJust Cruisin’ Coffee is a friendly local drive-thru spot for shakes and coffee with early morning and late evening (for Hilo) hours. They also have a few breakfast and lunch options.
Ken’s House of Pancakes is a no muss, no fuss, 24-hour diner nestled between the airport and downtown Hilo. As the name implies, pancakes, waffles and other breakfast staples are all the rage here (and available all day), but there’s also an extensive lunch and dinner menu.
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Kens House of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha AveKen’s House of Pancakes is a no muss, no fuss, 24-hour diner nestled between the airport and downtown Hilo. As the name implies, pancakes, waffles and other breakfast staples are all the rage here (and available all day), but there’s also an extensive lunch and dinner menu.
Sweet Cane Café is a nice option for a quick, healthy breakfast or lunch near downtown Hilo. The menu is vegetarian and gluten-free with a heavy emphasis on local sourcing, but there are options that just about any meat eater would still like.
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Sweet Cane Cafe
48 Kamana StSweet Cane Café is a nice option for a quick, healthy breakfast or lunch near downtown Hilo. The menu is vegetarian and gluten-free with a heavy emphasis on local sourcing, but there are options that just about any meat eater would still like.
Papa’aloa Country Store & Café is a short drive north, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options, including sandwiches, burgers, salads and traditional Hawaiian plate lunches. Food is local and organic. You can also pick up some items in the store, grab a drink at the bar, and enjoy live music on many evenings.
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Pāpaʻaloa Country Store and Cafe
35-2032 Papa Aloa AvePapa’aloa Country Store & Café is a short drive north, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options, including sandwiches, burgers, salads and traditional Hawaiian plate lunches. Food is local and organic. You can also pick up some items in the store, grab a drink at the bar, and enjoy live music on many evenings.
Beaches
Honoli’i Beach Park is widely considered the best surfing beach in the area thanks to the big waves that often come in on the beautiful shores. Beware, parking can be really tough to find along this impossibly narrow road.
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Honoli'i Beach Park
Honoli’i Beach Park is widely considered the best surfing beach in the area thanks to the big waves that often come in on the beautiful shores. Beware, parking can be really tough to find along this impossibly narrow road.
Richardson Ocean Park is a black- and green-sand beach that many locals and visitors use for snorkeling and swimming. The waters here are calm, and the beach offers tidal pools, picnic areas and lifeguards, making it a nice spot for families.
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Richardson Ocean Park
2355 Kalanianaole StRichardson Ocean Park is a black- and green-sand beach that many locals and visitors use for snorkeling and swimming. The waters here are calm, and the beach offers tidal pools, picnic areas and lifeguards, making it a nice spot for families.
Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park is a rocky beach park that is great for a picnic, but not for swimming – it’s outlawed because of the sharp lava rocks, strong currents and high surf.
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Laupāhoehoe Beach Park
Hawaii 19Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park is a rocky beach park that is great for a picnic, but not for swimming – it’s outlawed because of the sharp lava rocks, strong currents and high surf.
This nearby beach park just reopened after being closed for many years!
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Kolekole Beach Park
Mamalahoa HighwayThis nearby beach park just reopened after being closed for many years!
Sightseeing
Waipi’o Valley offers more than a mile of black sand beach (the largest on the island) and spectacular views, plus great hiking. Pack your patience, though. The road is very narrow and steep and requires a 4WD vehicle (or a rigorous hike down the road), but the journey to this stunning beach is well worth it.
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Waipi'o Valley
48-5561A Waipio Valley RdWaipi’o Valley offers more than a mile of black sand beach (the largest on the island) and spectacular views, plus great hiking. Pack your patience, though. The road is very narrow and steep and requires a 4WD vehicle (or a rigorous hike down the road), but the journey to this stunning beach is well worth it.
About an hour away from the property, this national park is a must visit! Great hiking trails and opportunities to learn about the recent volcanic eruptions.
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Park Nazzjonali tal-Volcanoes tal-Hawaii
About an hour away from the property, this national park is a must visit! Great hiking trails and opportunities to learn about the recent volcanic eruptions.
Hilo Ocean Adventures is a great one-stop shop for fishing, boat tours, snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also rent kayaks and other equipment from them.
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Hilo Ocean Adventures
1717 Kamehameha AveHilo Ocean Adventures is a great one-stop shop for fishing, boat tours, snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also rent kayaks and other equipment from them.
Big Island Gravity is the go-to spot for skydiving on the Big Island. They’re located on the north portion of the island in Hawi.
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Big Island Gravity
Upolu Point RoadBig Island Gravity is the go-to spot for skydiving on the Big Island. They’re located on the north portion of the island in Hawi.
Akaka Falls State Park offers great views of a 442-foot waterfall (and nearby Kahuna Falls) along a half-mile, paved scenic path. You pay to park, or pay a per-person entry fee (you can park just outside of the park for free). Stop at Mr. Ed’s or Hilo Sharks Café in Honomu before or after your trip to the falls.
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Park Nazzjonali tal-Bini tal-Akaka
875 Akaka Falls RdAkaka Falls State Park offers great views of a 442-foot waterfall (and nearby Kahuna Falls) along a half-mile, paved scenic path. You pay to park, or pay a per-person entry fee (you can park just outside of the park for free). Stop at Mr. Ed’s or Hilo Sharks Café in Honomu before or after your trip to the falls.
Boiling Pots (also known as Pe'epe'e Falls) is a portion of the Wailuku River near Rainbow Falls that got its name from the turbulent waters that are common in this section of the river. The posted signs prohibiting swimming are serious. Unfortunately, many people have perished by trying to be too daring.
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Boiling Pots
1766 Wailuku DrBoiling Pots (also known as Pe'epe'e Falls) is a portion of the Wailuku River near Rainbow Falls that got its name from the turbulent waters that are common in this section of the river. The posted signs prohibiting swimming are serious. Unfortunately, many people have perished by trying to be too daring.
Rainbow Falls, also known as Waianuenue Falls, is located at Wailuku River State Park, just a few minutes west of downtown Hilo. The park makes for a nice, easy walk on a day when the weather is really good.
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Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls, also known as Waianuenue Falls, is located at Wailuku River State Park, just a few minutes west of downtown Hilo. The park makes for a nice, easy walk on a day when the weather is really good.
This is a must-see, highly rated destination that’s just a short drive from Kapehu Falls, and they just reopened on April 1! Located along the 4-mile scenic drive in Onomea, you will have a chance to see a waterfall, lava tube and 2,000+ plant varietals. This property is operated by a nonprofit trust. You may want to go for a short hike around beautiful Onomea Bay while you’re down there, too.
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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyThis is a must-see, highly rated destination that’s just a short drive from Kapehu Falls, and they just reopened on April 1! Located along the 4-mile scenic drive in Onomea, you will have a chance to see a waterfall, lava tube and 2,000+ plant varietals. This property is operated by a nonprofit trust. You may want to go for a short hike around beautiful Onomea Bay while you’re down there, too.
Botanical World Adventures is nearby and worth a visit. They have been closed due to COVID, so check before you go.
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Botanical World Adventures
31-240 Old Mamalahoa HwyBotanical World Adventures is nearby and worth a visit. They have been closed due to COVID, so check before you go.
Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens is a park that offers the largest ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. The site was dedicated just more than a hundred years ago on land dedicated by Queen Lili’uokalani. Beautiful views, and admission is free! You can also walk out to Coconut Island.
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Liliuokalani Park u Ġnien
189 Lihiwai StLiliʻuokalani Park and Gardens is a park that offers the largest ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. The site was dedicated just more than a hundred years ago on land dedicated by Queen Lili’uokalani. Beautiful views, and admission is free! You can also walk out to Coconut Island.
East Hawaii Cultural Center includes the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art, a community theater and a cultural center. Art exhibits are usually free (or with a suggested donation).
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East Hawaii Cultural Center
141 Kalakaua StEast Hawaii Cultural Center includes the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art, a community theater and a cultural center. Art exhibits are usually free (or with a suggested donation).
Pacific Tsunami Museum provides history on the two major tsunamis in 1946 and 1960, which devastated Hilo and other areas along the east coast of the Big Island. The museum also has a mission to educate the public about more recent tsunamis, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2018 tsunami in Indonesia. Call before you visit, they have been closed during COVID, BUT their web cam for Hilo Bay is still active.
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Pacific Tsunami Museum
130 Kamehameha AvePacific Tsunami Museum provides history on the two major tsunamis in 1946 and 1960, which devastated Hilo and other areas along the east coast of the Big Island. The museum also has a mission to educate the public about more recent tsunamis, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2018 tsunami in Indonesia. Call before you visit, they have been closed during COVID, BUT their web cam for Hilo Bay is still active.
Lyman Museum & Mission House is a Hawaiian natural history museum. A portion of the museum is located in the island’s oldest surviving wood-framed building, an 1838 home. Open since 1931, the museum is now an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Lyman Museum & Mission House
276 Haili StLyman Museum & Mission House is a Hawaiian natural history museum. A portion of the museum is located in the island’s oldest surviving wood-framed building, an 1838 home. Open since 1931, the museum is now an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
This short hike has two trailheads along the beautiful Onomea Scenic Drive and takes you to a beautiful promontory that gives you great views of Onomea Bay. There’s an entrance near Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (Donkey Trail side), but we recommend entering at the second (and more accessible) trailhead, about half a mile south of the botanical garden. Tip: wear a pair of inexpensive water shoes (not flip flops) that have a good grip so that you can easily cross Onomea Stream (which is safe and shallow). See BigIslandHikes.com for details on this and other great hikes!
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Onomea Bay Trail
27-547 Mamalahoa HwyThis short hike has two trailheads along the beautiful Onomea Scenic Drive and takes you to a beautiful promontory that gives you great views of Onomea Bay. There’s an entrance near Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (Donkey Trail side), but we recommend entering at the second (and more accessible) trailhead, about half a mile south of the botanical garden. Tip: wear a pair of inexpensive water shoes (not flip flops) that have a good grip so that you can easily cross Onomea Stream (which is safe and shallow). See BigIslandHikes.com for details on this and other great hikes!
The Honomu Goat Dairy is not far from the house. Visit this farm so you can play with the adorable goats and purchase cheeses, sweets and beauty products. Goat yoga coming soon!
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Honomu Goat Dairy
28-257 Akaka Falls RdThe Honomu Goat Dairy is not far from the house. Visit this farm so you can play with the adorable goats and purchase cheeses, sweets and beauty products. Goat yoga coming soon!
Great spot for outdoor adventures. The site includes the only horseback riding/waterfall swim combination on the island! While you're at Umauma Falls, you can go swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking, and you'll learn a lot from the knowledgeable guides.
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Umauma Falls Zipline & Rappel Experience
31-313 Old Mamalahoa HwyGreat spot for outdoor adventures. The site includes the only horseback riding/waterfall swim combination on the island! While you're at Umauma Falls, you can go swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking, and you'll learn a lot from the knowledgeable guides.
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About the Area
Kapehu Falls is located in the beautiful area of Pepeekeo, a community nestled on Hawaii’s Hamakua Coast. We have the best of both worlds: a quiet, rural environment with quick access to the conveniences of downtown Hilo.
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Check out the views
The property is a great location for checking out sunrises and sunsets, and also for star gazing! You may notice few street lights as you’re driving around the island, even in the more densely populated areas. This is by design: lighting is kept to a minimum because of all of the telescopes on Mauna Kea.
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In Our Kitchen
The kitchen has cookware, glassware and dinnerware to help you make meals, and the refrigerator and pantry typically have a standard assortment of condiments and spices. Check out what we have in the house before you make a major grocery shopping trip.
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Pack for Paradise
You can pack light for your trip – shorts and T-shirts work well for the weather. Socks are also great to be worn around the house since the property can get chilly in the evenings. For the same reason, we recommend you bring at least one item with long sleeves (such as a light jacket or sweatshirt) since it can get cool and windy around the property and in the area, even in the summer. Higher elevations, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, can get very cold. Long pajama bottoms and a long-sleeved shirt are also helpful for cooler, windy nights.
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Preparing Yourself for Outdoor Adventures
If you plan to go exploring outdoors, we do recommend you buy some inexpensive water shoes (not flip flops) while you’re here, which are usually available at Target, Walmart, Long’s Drugs and other retailers. These come in handy if you head to the beach or access the private waterfall on our property.
We have plenty of beach towels and some water gear, umbrellas and yoga mats.
Make sure you bring a hat and have sunblock. We usually have sunblock on property. Keep in mind Hawaii now outlaws sunblock containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
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Drinking water
Our water supply comes from our rainwater catchment system. The water is purified with filtration and UV light, making it pure and safe to drink. Most guests choose not to buy bottled water for this reason. Water in plastic bottles comes with two burdens: an additional "deposit" you pay at the grocery store, plus an inability to recycle the bottle now that the county recycling authority has stopped accepting plastic.
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Vehicle needed
Since we are remotely located, you’ll need to have a vehicle while you are here. Ridesharing is available and pretty easy to access when you’re near downtown Hilo (you can access ridesharing from the front gate, but it usually takes a while since we have few drivers in the area).
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Bring reusable shopping bags
Plastic shopping bags are outlawed on the Big Island. Most retailers will charge you for paper bags, or they'll have reusable canvas bags available for purchase. Bring canvas bags when you go shopping (we normally have a few in the kitchen for guests' use).
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Hours are unpredictable
Call to confirm operating hours before venturing out, especially if you’re making a special trip. Many stores, attractions and restaurants have unpredictable hours in this part of the state, especially with COVID-19.
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Take COVID-19 seriously
Medical resources are scarce on the Big Island, so the county has been especially cautious about COVID-19. Take the pandemic seriously and do your part by wearing masks, washing your hands and practicing social distancing.
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Great websites
Check out these terrific local websites, which are chock full of information about the Big Island.
- www.LoveBigIsland.com
- www.BigIslandHikes.com