We attended the Island Breeze Hale Hoaloha luau with family visiting and it was a highlight of…read moretheir trip. The check-in process was quick and seamless, first receiving a complimentary Mai tai, then leis from very welcoming greeters, last, taking a family photo with the photographers. The venue was beautiful and spacious even though it was moved inside due to possible rain. The yard games with members of the cast before the luau was a hit for all the kids in attendance. We were all looking forward to the food as we had heard amazing things about it and it did not disappoint! They had a large keiki buffet table for the kids which our 10 year old niece loved. The adult table had a large variety of options. The local dishes of Poke, poi, lomi salmon and Kailua pork were so flavorful! The show itself was beautiful. We enjoyed the MC, Sefa's storytelling of Hawaii history and voice as he sang. The band and hula was all incredible. You really saw the dancers skill and joy as they performed. The show wrapped up with one of the best Fire-knife performances! Our niece had a front row seat on the lawn to watch and was captivated the entire time! Thank you Island Breeze for such a beautiful evening and creating a space for our family to make memories we'll hold forever.

Aloha! This was an amazing luau!! The MC was a great storyteller and singer. The performers were…read moreso graceful and fluid, delivering captivating performances with beautiful Hawaiian attire. The Fire performing Chief was last and he did an amazing job!! I like the way the food was served on the gorgeous lawn, it felt so open and authentic. Everything I tasted was fantastic. Fish, pork beef with many sides. Pre luau festivities are a lovely touch and one reason I chose this luau, wish they were a little longer, really enjoyed the emu ceremony. The service was very good at the beginning of the night but tapered down after show began. This is one of the top luaus I've been to, I highly recommend!! The valet parking is super easy and I recommend this also. You can take a quick look around the stunning hotel, I recommend this also!!!

This amazing group of gals in the Marriott King Kamehameha hotel offers hula and lei making,…read moreukelele, language immersion, and all manner of cool legit Hawaiian cultural activities, some of which are free or discounted to hotel guests. I took both hula and lei craft and had a blast on both counts! the gals who run the place are fantastic and they have some neat things

From the owner: Visit the Aloaliʻi Cultural Resource Center and Marketplace to immerse yourself in a variety of…read moreHawaiian cultural activities while shopping locally. We promote the rich culture and traditions of Hawaiʻi for both locals and visitors alike. Participate in a free historical tour and learn more about the Kamehameha Dynasty as you visit Kamehameha the Greatʻs final home... Take a complimentary hula lesson before you attend the lūʻau... Learn how to make a fresh lei for someone special.... Participate in cultural games or Hawaiian language classes.

This was a hit. So much to learn about horse and cattle history. Before 1847…read more Most stay with the ranch's for life or more than 40 years. If you know horses, you will appreciate what is here.

Amazing museum and gift shop! This is the only historical cowboy museum on the island sharing how…read morethe paniolo (Hawaii cowboys) came to existence, very interesting and the gals (museum help) were very informative. From what I understand they are building a new part of the museum showcasing the vaquero (Spanish cowboys) how they changed/influenced the Hawaii cowboys. I'm very excited to see their next phase of their development on our trip! It's a must see!!!

Pretty good art center on the Big Island of Hawai'i, and although they were in the process of…read morechanging exhibits during my particular visit, they have quite a bit to offer in terms of different kinds of local art. Classes and workshops are also offered at this location.

Me and my family LOVE the Mill! Awesome classes. Our whole family of four has taken different…read moreclasses here. Very community oriented, friendly staff, great classes and events!! Love supporting the Donkeymill. Great place to have on this side of the island!!

Great little shop with unique displays of local art and locally made products. There is a larger…read moreshop located in the Volcano National Park that you may also visit. We enjoyed the little trail, about ¼ mile loop which is located in the back of the shop. If you are staying at Kilauea Military Camp, you will receive a 10% discount at the stores :)

From the owner: Nestled near the edge of Kilauea, home to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, Volcano Art…read moreCenter serves as a fine arts gallery and historic cultural landmark, showcasing the handcrafted art works of over 300 artists and traditional cultural practitioners at the fiery heart of Hawaii's Big Island. VAC is a place of exploration, discovery and empowerment, providing the Volcano community, kamaaina and international visitors alike with a rich array of opportunities for personal, professional and spiritual enrichment. This dynamic and innovative nonprofit organization also serves as a benefit to the economic and cultural vitality of Hawaii. Joining as a VAC Member is the best way to show your support and help foster the livelihood and independence of the arts in Hawaii. We heavily depend on the generosity of our members to carry out our mission; please consider joining our 'ohana and become a member today!

We had a great time here! We did both the ATV and fruit tasting tours. The staff was both fun and…read morefriendly. It was a beautiful ride up in the hills right above Kona, so it was very close and convenient to get to. The cultural tour on the ATV's was very informative and fun. The fruit tasting tour was also amazing. We also did the carving tour with Mani a few years ago. He is a true craftsman and hilarious to be around as well. You can't mess up any carving that he can't fix! Impress your friends with your tiki (that he can make beautiful despite your futile attempts to carve on your own.

There seriously just wasn't enough time spent on our day trip to Aloha Adventure Farms. I came with…read moreour corporate team of 17 for an ATV Adventure Polynesian Tour, and boy did it not skimp out on adventure! Aloha Adventure Farms only has 10 single rider ATVs and for those without one, you'll have to ride in the UTV with one of the tour guides. The ATV Adventure operates rain or shine and lasts for 2 hours. For safety reasons, make sure to wear closed toe shoes. I ended up in the UTV with two other wives, and we had the time of our lives. It started raining during the tour, but thanks to the UTVs covered top, we stayed about 90% dry. If it weren't for the bumpy route, we would have loved to have a thermos of wine in hand with our hunky driver to guide us along the way. We had two tour guides who were not only fit and handsome, but knowledgeable and kept things light and entertaining for our guests. They drove us around the farm, stopping at various points to share fun, interactive, and educational tidbits about different Polynesian islands. One of the highlights was sampling fresh coconut and pineapple--it was so good, we wished we could take some home! If you have extra time, I'd recommend doing the tiki carving class, as this was such a unique experience I wish we had time for! For efficiency, I would suggest completing the waiver prior to your adventure so you can arrive and get going. Bonus: clean restrooms are onsite. PRO TIP: Take as many pictures and videos on your phone. The guides also do this, but CHARGE you if you'd like their pictures/videos the following day

I was turned on to the Hana Art Barn for its yoga classes a couple of times a week, but they also…read moreoffer other random classes like jujitsu, Tahitian, and yes -- even art, per its name! Calendar of classes here: http://www.hanaarts.com/calendar.html I went to Sherry's class on a Thursday afternoon, and it was fantastic. The room is large and regrettably toasty since it doesn't get much of a cross-breeze. They have mats there if you need them, as well as blocks. The class was $10, which was eminently reasonably given the quality of instruction. Check out the Art Barn if you're in Hana for an extended period of time!

Went to a practice this AM, was a great class. Much needed after the days of driving we've been…read moredoing. I'd recommend everyone to get a practice in at the art barn if they are passing through Hana!

Fabulous collection from local artisans; great variety! Friendly personnel. Love it. This clever…read moreshop is nestled in the stately, majestic banyan trees. If you're looking for an unusual gift that represents beautiful Hawai'i, look no further! There is bound to be something here that will catch your eye.

Right off of Banyan Drive near the entrance to Liliuokalani Gardens sits a little art shop. Being…read morenearby the hotels, there's always the concern you're about to enter a tourist trap but thankfully this place is far from it. Banyan Gallery offers art, jewelry, cards, and small handmade souvenirs from artists in and around Hilo. It's a great place to stop in and buy something meaningful either as a memento of a trip or gifts for people at home. It's a welcoming little building with colorful items in the windows and a table outside. Prices are consistent with unique handmade items - it's not cheap here. I bought a pack of printed cards on my last visit. I'd recommend stopping here on your next visit, you might find a treasure.