Waikōloa, Hawaiʻi Island

The King's Trail is a portion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail once walked by the island's aliʻi, or royalty, which runs through the hardened lava fields of Waikōloa. Early Hawaiians traversed this trail to get to fishing spots from their villages. Today, you can still see ancient petroglyphs along the portion of the trail in Waikōloa accessed most easily by the gas station near the Kings' Shops. Follow the signs, wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection, as trekking across the black, unshaded lava gets hot.

69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive, Waikōloa

Located on the Mauna Lani Resort property along ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, this historic area is home to the Kuʻualiʻi and Kahapapa fishponds — ancient Hawaiian aquaculture systems that were once owned by King Kamehameha I to feed himself and his family. ʻAnaehoʻomalu translates to "protected mullet" in Hawaiian, a nod to the type of fish once raised in the fishponds there for aliʻi. Surrounding the fishponds are thousands of petroglyphs — potentially over 1,000 years old — and lava tubes that once provided shelter. The Mauna Lani Resort offers a history walk so you can learn more about this area.

Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Located just off Pauoa Road within the Mauna Lani Resort. Stay on Mauna Lani Drive through the roundabout, then turn left onto Pauoa Road, where you'll see a trailhead and parking on your right.

One of the major shopping centers at Waikoloa Beach Resort. Come for shopping and restaurants such as Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar — a personal fave with live music, a vibrantly colored interior and spacious lanai that can accommodate families. Kids will like their flatbreads and adults should try the teri wagyu burger and mahi mahi tacos, but whatever you do, don't leave without ordering the cheesy Kahuku corn dip served with housemade chips. I could eat this every day. Visit Patina for craft cocktails or non-alcoholic cocktails and appetizers. Tell the bartender what your favorite spirit is and they'll make something just for you. Or check out Kuleana Rum Shack, which makes its own spirits from locally sourced ingredients and mixes them into potent drinks. It also hosts a Mai Tai class that includes a rum tasting by reservation.

For more affordable eats, head to the grab-and-go section of Island Gourmet Market, where you'll find a hot bar, sushi, sandwiches and baked goods. This is where I grab food to take with me to the beach. On the other side of the shopping center is the food court, where Waikoloa Shrimp Co. prepares shrimp eight different ways alongside mac salad and hurricane fries, and Da Ramen Kind serves steaming bowls of ramen.

One of my favorite shops for women's apparel is Mahina — comfy, island-inspired outfits at prices more affordable than other local boutiques. I also like Oshima Surf and Skate for surf and skate gear, SoHa Living for affordable, beachy gifts and home décor, and Olukai — Hawaiʻi's beloved local footwear company — for slippers (flip-flops). If you are a cyclist, you can rent bikes at Bike Works Beach and Sport.

On Mākeke Fridays, the central pavilion has live local music and booths selling farm-fresh produce, prepared food and locally made crafts. Queens' Marketplace is also home to the Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas — one of the nicest movie theaters I've ever been to, where you can relax in ultra-comfy reclining chairs and have food and drinks from the attached Bistro brought to you in the theater. For the kids, there's Kozy's Tiki Palace, which hosts a fun, nightly magic show at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. by comic-magician Kozak, who's performed on "The Late Show," Comedy Central and before the British royal family. Purchase tickets online or by calling 808-430-1957.

69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Free parking

This is a second shopping center across the street from Queens' Marketplace, which also offers brand-name retailers such as Tori Richard and Na Hoku, the Kohala Coast Fine Art gallery and souvenirs and beach accessories at Whaler's General Store. I think the Lakeside Mini-Golf Course here is super fun. It's not too gimmicky like some miniature golf courses, making it suitable for both kids and adults. The Hawaiʻi Keiki Museum is a great place to immerse the little ones in place-based, interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning. For dining, splurge on a three-course tasting menu at Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill, which serves Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine and a stellar wine selection, or for something more casual, A-Bay's Island Grill for local-style comfort food.

250 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Free parking

A crescent-shaped swath of salt-and-pepper sand that stretches for about a quarter mile between the remnants of two ancient fishponds, Kuʻualiʻi and Kahapapa, and the Pacific Ocean. A kiosk on the beach rents snorkel gear, SUPs, kayaks and cabanas. It also operates glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling expeditions. I love A Bay. It's a great place to swim, since the water is usually calm and it's close to Lava Lava Beach Club — a hopping spot on the water where you can eat and drink with your feet in the sand. It's perfect for families and groups with its outdoor games like cornhole and photo ops next to its giant Aloha sign.

Hāpuna is one of my favorite beaches not just in Hawaiʻi, but anywhere. Its sand is silky and stretches for a half mile along a generally calm portion of the Pacific. Crystal-clear waters reveal honu at times, although the only rocky outcroppings for snorkeling are on the very edges. This is an idyllic beach for sunbathing and hanging with the kids.

About 15 minutes north of Waikoloa Beach Resort

Also one of the most beautiful beaches in Waikōloa, although to visit you must get a day pass from the guard who allows entry into the resort. Only around 20 to 30 are given out per day, so try to get there early. Also good for families or couples, as there are restaurants nearby, plus the Hau Tree serving food and drinks right on the beach.

About 20 minutes north of Waikoloa Beach Resort

Spencer's is an expansive beach with generally mellow waves, perfect for families. There are basketball and tennis courts and lots of room for little ones to frolic. Watch out for the wana, or sea urchins, here — ocean shoes can be a good idea.

About 20 minutes north of Waikoloa Beach Resort