I’m lucky to have grown up on the Big Island. I spent my free time surfing, exploring, spearfishing and getting into trouble. I live in Chicago now, but the Big Island will always be home to me. Things have become slightly more developed since I moved away, but it remains a raw and adventurous place if you know where to look.

My favorite food to eat on the Big Island:

Shave ice. It has a much finer texture than “sno-cones”. I recommend Wilson’s by the Bay in Hilo and Scandanavian Shave Ice in Kona. My favorite flavor combination is lychee and lilikoi (passion fruit).

The fish doesn’t get any fresher and my favorite way to enjoy it is as poke– raw, salty, and delicious. Most grocery stores have a poke counter in/near the meat counter where you can buy it by the pound. Buy a few variations– Ahi poke is the standard, but shoyu, kimchee, or korean make for good twists on the classic– add in a few beers, the beach, and you have the perfect Hawaiian picnic.

Make sure to check out a local plate lunch place (drive inn diner). Check yelp to find a good one. I like the teriyaki beef and chicken katsu. Also loco moco for breakfast.

The Hilo Farmers market has great quality fresh produce. I recommend starting your visit with a cold bottle of fresh passion fruit juice and a spam musubi (or chicken if you’re too cool for school). There are countless varieties of fruits and vegetables to choose from, such as lychee and mango, as well as beautiful flowers by the stem.

Make sure to visit Imiloa Museum at the University in Hilo. Learn about the ancient Hawaiians and their deep connection to the land, sea and stars that still permeates Hawaiian culture today.

Go to the summit of Mauna Kea. The best time to arrive is around 2-3am. You’ll see more stars than you ever thought possible. Stay for sunrise…it is mind blowing to watch the sun rise over the earth from such an elevation.

In south Kona, check out the Fairwinds snorkel cruise that anchors in a pristine marine preserve. If you’re lucky you can swim with the dolphins.

Waipio Valley was the home of ancient Hawaiian kings. The way down requires 4WD, as the road is known as the steepest in the US, and the drive down the narrow winding road can be challenging, but it is worth it to see this beautiful lush valley.

At Upolu point you’ll find great whale watching and a heiau (sacred Hawaiian temple). Thousands of Hawaiians were sacrificed upon a well worn rock there. Pause for a moment there and let it haunt you. Nearby you’ll find Pololu Valley. A short hike gets you to the secluded valley floor.

Makalawena: The 4WD road across a lava field makes for an intense drive, but at the end you will be rewarded with a pristine secluded beach. If you can’t make it, Hapuna is a beautiful but more crowded substitute.

The Puuhonua o Honaunau or city of refuge is a wonderful glimpse back in to ancient Hawaii. There you’ll find many amazing tikis and a heiau or temple.

The Hawaiian Islands were created by a stationary hotspot under a moving tectonic plate. Don’t miss your chance to see that birthing process at the Volcanoes National Park. Occasionally you’ll get the opportunity to see the lava flowing in to the ocean or pooled in a lava lake at the crater.