Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens, Hilo. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
This story contains affiliate links.
At SCP Hilo — the acronym stands for Soul Community Planet — 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.
From exploring black sand beaches in Keaukaha to zip lining over lush waterfalls on the Hāmākua Coast, this five-day itinerary is Kobayashi-Kualiʻi’s guide to experiencing Hilo — a perfect blend of adventure and quality family time.
“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.”
Day 1: Arrival & Local Comfort Food
Evening: Settle in and enjoy a Japanese dinner
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.
Courtesy of SCP Hilo.
Day 2: Hilo Town to the Volcano
Morning: Flavorful breakfast and farmers market
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 Wilson’s by the Bay for a shave ice — sweet, cold and oceanside.
Afternoon: Explore the volcano
Head mauka (toward the mountains) for a private 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.
Evening: Dinner with a view
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.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Keaukaha & Beach Bliss
Morning: Fuel up for a beach day
Grab a Moloka‘i smoothie from Keaukaha General Store before heading to Richardson Ocean Park, one of Hilo’s most loved beaches.
Afternoon: Sand, sun and tide pools
Spend the day at the beach. Let the kids snorkel, surf and explore tide pools while you snack on local fruit and relax with black sand between your toes.
Evening: Italian dinner downtown
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.
Courtesy of SCP Hilo.
Day 4: Waterfalls & Adrenaline
Morning and afternoon: Zip line adventure
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.
Evening: Low-key dinner
Return to SCP Hilo for some downtime — maybe a nap or poolside reading. For dinner, Coconut Grill, a family-friendly spot next door, is a convenient option. Dine in or grab takeout to enjoy in your room.
‘Umauma Falls. Courtesy of Shutterstock.
Day 5: Zoo Visit & Aloha ‘A Hui Hou
Morning: Rainforest zoo experience
On your final morning, visit the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo — the only natural rainforest zoo in the United States. Admission is free, and the experience is priceless. Kids will love spotting monkeys, peacocks and the white tiger, while adults can enjoy the peaceful, shaded walking paths.
Afternoon: Departure
Before heading out, grab a quick bite — maybe a poke bowl or musubi. In Hilo, where time slows down, there’s always room for one more memory.
