
A 4-Night Stay at SCP Hilo Hotel
From exploring black sand beaches in Keaukaha to zip lining over lush waterfalls on the Hāmākua Coast, this five-day itinerary created by General Manager of SCP Hilo Hotel Breeani Kobayashi-Kualiʻi’s is a guide to adventure and quality family time in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island.
“What I love most about living in Hawai‘i is the deep sense of connection — to the land, to the people and to something greater than myself,” she said. “It’s a place where culture lives, where values are passed down and where being present with your ‘ohana means everything.”
At SCP Hilo the warm and grounded spirit of the hotel is a reflection of its general manager, Breeani Kobayashi-Kualiʻi. Born and raised in Hilo, Kobayashi-Kualiʻi leads the eco-friendly hotel with intention, blending sustainability, community and heartfelt hospitality into every corner of the guest experience.
“As a general manager at SCP Hotels, I lead with purpose to create spaces that are not just about hospitality, but about impact,” Kobayashi-Kualiʻi said.
SCP Hilo is no ordinary hotel. For its sustainability efforts, it is the first Silver-Benchmarked property in Hawai‘i. The hotel removes 2.2 pounds of marine debris from local shores through the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund for every guest check-in.
Kobayashi-Kualiʻi oversees all aspects of daily operations — ensuring guests receive exceptional service, the team feels supported and the property runs efficiently. But more than that, she serves as a steward of the brand’s core values: Soul, Community and Planet. She cultivates a culture that honors wellness (Soul), actively engages with and uplifts the local community (Community) and champions regenerative practices that give more than they take (Planet).
Kobayashi-Kualiʻi’s roots in Hilo run deep. She has lived across the island — from Kaumana and Waiākea to Waimea and the Keaukaha Homestead — but Hilo remains her heart’s home. Her grandfather, Richard Kimi, built the hotel when it was the only Hawaiian-owned hotel in the world.
“Although it is so simple, it is so special to me,” she said. “It is my home.”
Breeani Kobayashi-Kualiʻi. Courtesy of SCP Hilo.
When she’s not working, Kobayashi-Kualiʻi enjoys spending time with her children and extended ‘ohana, sharing meals, laughing and simply being together.
“As a born-and-raised Native Hawaiian, this land, its stories and its rhythm have shaped the way I live and raise my children,” she said.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Local Comfort Food
Today you'll settle into your hotel room and explore the neighborhood by foot. The hotel is walking distance to Lili'uokalani Gardens along the lake and dinner tonight.

Evening: Settle in and enjoy a Japanese dinner
Liliʻuokalani Gardens near SCP Hilo Hotel. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
After checking into SCP Hilo, take the family to Miyo’s, a beloved Japanese restaurant along the river. Try the shrimp tempura — a local comfort food favorite. After dinner, head back to the hotel for a quiet night. Let the kids unwind, maybe watch some TV, and get a good night’s rest before the adventures begin.
Day 2: Hilo Town to the Volcano
Start the morning off with a good breakfast and stroll through the farmers market. Then it's off the see the volcanoes!

Hilo Farmers Market
Kula Shave Ice at Hilo Farmers Market. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Start your day with breakfast at Paul’s Place, a small downtown gem known for its bold flavors and loyal following. With limited seating, reservations are a must — book at least two weeks ahead. Afterward, browse the Hilo Farmers Market for fresh tropical fruit and handmade goods. Stop at Kula's Shave Ice, located alongside the farmers market — it's the best.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Take a tour of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where the landscape tells the story of the island’s powerful past. Grab sandwiches from a local shop for a scenic picnic lunch at the park. Spend the afternoon exploring volcanic craters, steam vents and the eerie beauty of lava fields. Drive the Chain of Craters Road, hike through the Thurston Lava Tube and visit the ancient petroglyph fields. With a little luck, you might even see Kīlauea or Mauna Loa in action.

Dinner at Volcano House
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Kirk Aeder / Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
Wrap up the day with dinner at Volcano House, where crater views and cozy ambiance make for a memorable evening. If the volcano is active, stay past sunset to see the night glow of lava in the distance.
Day 3: Beach Day
Cruise to the end of Hilo's 4-mile coastal stretch and spend the day at the beach. Then have dinner downtown at another favorite local spot.

Keaukaha General Store
Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Grab a Moloka‘i smoothie for breakfast and load up on snacks and drinks for the beach at Keaukaha General Store.

Richardson Ocean Park
Richardson Ocean Park. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Head to Richardson Ocean Park, one of Hilo’s most beloved beaches. Here, you can snorkel, explore tide pools or just relax with the sand between your toes.

Dinner at Cafe Pesto
Downtown Hilo. Photo by Sarah Burchard
After a day in the sun, head back to SCP Hilo to rest. For dinner, visit Café Pesto in downtown Hilo. Try the shrimp Alfredo, and let the kids enjoy customizable flatbread pizzas. Wind down with board games like Jenga or Connect Four in the hotel lobby — simple, screen-free fun that brings everyone together.
Day 4: Waterfalls & Adrenaline
Today you'll drive up the Hāmākua Coast to ‘Umauma Falls for a family adventure.

Ziplining at ‘Umauma Falls
Ziplining over ‘Umauma Falls. Photo by Heather Goodman / Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
Drive north to ‘Umauma Falls for a family zip line tour. Soar above waterfalls, laugh with your kids and take in the island from a whole new angle. Afterward, stop at What’s Shakin’ for a smoothie and a cool-down.

Dinner at Coconut Grill
A view of Hilo Bay. Photo by Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku.
Return to SCP Hilo for some downtime — maybe a nap or poolside reading. For dinner, check out Coconut Grill, a family-friendly spot next door. Dine in or grab takeout to enjoy in your room.
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