Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens, Hilo. Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.
At SCP Hilo — the acronym stands for Soul Neighborhood Planet — the nice and cozy and grounded spirit of the resort is a mirrored image of its common supervisor, Breeani Kobayashi-Kualiʻi. Born and raised in Hilo, Kobayashi-Kualiʻi leads the eco-friendly resort with intention, mixing sustainability, group and heartfelt hospitality into each nook of the visitor expertise.
“As a common supervisor at SCP Motels, I lead with objective to create areas that aren’t nearly hospitality, however about impression,” Kobayashi-Kualiʻi mentioned.
SCP Hilo is not any unusual resort. For its sustainability efforts, it’s the first Silver-Benchmarked property in Hawai‘i. The resort removes 2.2 kilos of marine particles from native shores by the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund for each visitor check-in.
Kobayashi-Kualiʻi oversees all elements of day by day operations — making certain company obtain distinctive service, the crew feels supported and the property runs effectively. However greater than that, she serves as a steward of the model’s core values: Soul, Neighborhood and Planet. She cultivates a tradition that honors wellness (Soul), actively engages with and uplifts the local people (Neighborhood) and champions regenerative practices that give greater than they take (Planet).
Kobayashi-Kualiʻi’s roots in Hilo run deep. She has lived throughout the island — from Kaumana and Waiākea to Waimea and the Keaukaha Homestead — however Hilo stays her coronary heart’s residence. Her grandfather, Richard Kimi, constructed the resort when it was the one Hawaiian-owned resort on the earth.
“Though it’s so easy, it’s so particular to me,” she mentioned. “It’s my residence.”
Breeani Kobayashi-Kualiʻi. Courtesy of SCP Hilo.
When she’s not working, Kobayashi-Kualiʻi enjoys spending time along with her kids and prolonged ‘ohana, sharing meals, laughing and easily being collectively.
“As a born-and-raised Native Hawaiian, this land, its tales and its rhythm have formed the way in which I stay and lift my kids,” she mentioned.
From exploring black sand seashores in Keaukaha to zip lining over lush waterfalls on the Hāmākua Coast, this five-day itinerary is Kobayashi-Kualiʻi’s information to experiencing Hilo — an ideal mix of journey and high quality household time.
“What I like most about residing in Hawai‘i is the deep sense of connection — to the land, to the individuals and to one thing higher than myself,” she mentioned. “It’s a spot the place tradition lives, the place values are handed down and the place being current along with your ‘ohana means every part.”
Day 1: Arrival & Native Consolation Meals
Night: Settle in and revel in a Japanese dinner
After checking into SCP Hilo, take the household to Miyo’s, a beloved Japanese restaurant alongside the river. Strive the shrimp tempura — a neighborhood consolation meals favourite. After dinner, head again to the resort for a quiet night time. Let the children unwind, perhaps watch some TV, and get a very good night time’s relaxation earlier than the adventures start.
Day 2: Hilo City to the Volcano
Morning: Flavorful breakfast and farmers market
Begin your day with breakfast at Paul’s Place, a small downtown gem recognized for its daring flavors and constant following. With restricted seating, reservations are a should — e book at the least two weeks forward. Afterward, browse the Hilo Farmers Market for contemporary tropical fruit and handmade items. Cease at Wilson’s by the Bay for a shave ice — candy, chilly and oceanside.
Afternoon: Discover the volcano
Head mauka (towards the mountains) for a private tour of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the place the panorama tells the story of the island’s highly effective previous. Seize sandwiches from a neighborhood store for a scenic picnic lunch on the park. Spend the afternoon exploring volcanic craters, steam vents and the eerie fantastic thing about lava fields. Drive the Chain of Craters Highway, hike by the Thurston Lava Tube and go to the traditional petroglyph fields. With just a little luck, you may even see Kīlauea or Mauna Loa in motion.
Night: Dinner with a view
Wrap up the day with dinner at Volcano House, the place crater views and comfortable ambiance make for a memorable night. If the volcano is lively, keep previous sundown to see the night time glow of lava within the distance.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Nationwide Park
Day 3: Keaukaha & Seashore Bliss
Morning: Gasoline up for a seashore day
Seize a Moloka‘i smoothie from Keaukaha General Store earlier than heading to Richardson Ocean Park, one among Hilo’s most liked seashores.
Afternoon: Sand, solar and tide swimming pools
Spend the day on the seashore. Let the children snorkel, surf and discover tide swimming pools whilst you snack on native fruit and chill out with black sand between your toes.
Night: Italian dinner downtown
After a day within the solar, head again to SCP Hilo to relaxation. For dinner, go to Café Pesto in downtown Hilo. Strive the shrimp Alfredo, and let the children take pleasure in customizable flatbread pizzas. Wind down with board video games like Jenga or Join 4 within the resort foyer — easy, screen-free enjoyable that brings everybody collectively.
Day 4: Waterfalls & Adrenaline
‘Umauma Falls. Courtesy of Shutterstock.
Morning and afternoon: Zip line journey
Drive north to ‘Umauma Falls for a household zip line tour. Soar above waterfalls, giggle along with your children and take within the island from a complete unique approach. Afterward, cease at What’s Shakin’ for a smoothie and a cool-down.
Night: Low-key dinner
Return to SCP Hilo for some downtime — perhaps a nap or poolside studying. For dinner, Coconut Grill, a family-friendly spot subsequent door, is a handy choice. Dine in or seize takeout to take pleasure in in your room.
Day 5: Zoo Go to & Aloha ‘A Hui Hou
Morning: Rainforest zoo expertise
In your last morning, go to the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo — the one pure rainforest zoo in the USA. Admission is free, and the expertise is priceless. Children will love recognizing monkeys, peacocks and the white tiger, whereas adults can benefit from the peaceable, shaded strolling paths.
Afternoon: Departure
Earlier than heading out, seize a fast chunk — perhaps a poke bowl or musubi. In Hilo, the place time slows down, there’s at all times room for yet one more reminiscence.
