Hawaii big island travel guide for first timers
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Planning a trip to The Big Island of Hawaii? You have landed in the right place. I live in Hawaii and I am here to help you.
The Big Island is renowned for its varied landscapes and ecosystems, which include everything from black sand beaches and lush rainforests to active volcanoes and snow-capped peaks offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.
In this post, I am going to answer all the most common questions first travelers may have, so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
Hawaii Big Island Travel Guide in a nutshell
There’s so much to explore on the Big Island, from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa dominate the scenery and continually reshape the land. The island’s geography also invites a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and horseback riding in Waipio Valley to snorkeling in the clear waters of Kealakekua Bay.
In addition to its natural wonders, the Big Island is home to a vibrant cultural scene. The rich traditions of the Native Hawaiian people are celebrated through music, dance, and festivals that are held throughout the year. The island also boasts a thriving coffee industry, with the Kona region being famous worldwide for its deep, rich coffee beans.
The Big Island of Hawaii is not just a place to visit; it’s a place to experience a wide range of sights, sounds, and tastes that reflect the true spirit of Aloha. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture, this island offers an array of opportunities to create lasting memories.
How many days should you stay on the Big Island of Hawaii?
It’s always difficult to decide how many days you need in a destination, I reckon, especially when it’s home to many spectacular places to visit and exciting things to do. So the short answer would be, as long as you can.
But that’s something that depends on your to-do list and varies from person to person.
You can spend anywhere from a day to even 10 days on the island and never run out of new and exciting things to do and see.
Generally, I recommend spending at least three days on the Big Island to explore around and get a good taste of what it has to offer. But let’s
📍 Sample Big Island Itinerary
A 3-day trip should suffice to explore the Big Island and see its beaches, landscapes, and volcano.
If you don’t know what to see and do during your visit, here is a sample 3-day itinerary.
Day 1
👉 Pick up a rental car at Kona Airport and drive to Kailua-Kona for some exploration.
👉 Drive south and stop at Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling and to see the James Cook Monument.
👉 Drive a bit further south to Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge) for some beach time and to watch the sunset.
👉 Drive to Volcano Village to stay overnight in a cozy vacation rental close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2
👉 Start early and drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
👉 Check in at the Visitor Center and explore the park’s lava tubes, sulfur banks, and calderas.
👉 Drive to Puna to explore Lava Tree State Park and picturesque roads.
👉 Head to Pahoa for an early dinner.
👉 Stay overnight in a bed & breakfast or vacation rental in Pahoa or Hilo.
Day 3
👉 Start the day with breakfast on Hilo Boulevard and watch the sunrise over the ocean.
👉 Visit the Tsunami Museum and the Farmers Market.
👉 Drive north via the Rainbow Falls to the Hamakua Coast.
👉 Stop at either Akaka Falls State Park or World Botanical Gardens to see stunning waterfalls.
👉 Visit Honokaa Town for some shopping and galleries.
👉 Drive to Waipi’o Valley Overlook for a stunning view of the Valley of Kings.
👉 Drive back to the airport to end the trip.
💰💰 Cost of Big Island Accommodation
The cost of a stay in Big Island Hawaii varies depending on the kind of accommodation option you choose and the time of year.
The average mid-range hotel cost is $100 USD per person, meals cost $50 on average, and transportation adds another $30 to the total cost.
Overall, you should expect the cost to be about $200-250 USD daily for your Big Island accommodation.
💰 Average Rates for Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Resorts and luxury hotels can cost anywhere between $400-$1500, whereas mid-range accommodations average $200 per person.
If you choose budget-friendly vacation rentals, the rate should be about $90-100 per person.
Is the Big Island of Hawaii worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason.
It has breathtaking landscapes, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, stunning beaches, marine life, small towns, and charming villages all around it.
Also, there are tons of all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels, and vacation rentals as well as amazing cafes, restaurants, and bars here.
Overall, the island is definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a memorable vacation to Hawaii.
What are the best months to visit the Big Island of Hawaii?
The Big Island of Hawaii is a tropical destination, so any time of year is great for a visit here. However, the best time to visit will depend on your preferences and budget.
If you want to score the best deals on resorts, visit between September and November.
If you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere and great surfing, December through March is a great time for it.
The shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October are also great for a trip to it.
What is the Big Island best known for?
The Big Island is famous for a variety of reasons.
It features two active volcanoes, has some of the most incredible beaches and marine life in the world, and is home to lush jungles, charming towns and villages, and historic places.
It also offers lots of unforgettable activities like surfing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, camping, and much more.
Is it safe to stay on the Big Island?
Yes. Staying on the Big Island is perfectly safe, which is why thousands of tourists from around the world visit here and enjoy a memorable vacation every year.
The crime rate is low on the island, and even the few crimes that do happen here are mostly unrelated to tourists.
However, it’s always a good idea to take common-sense safety measures when visiting anywhere in the world.
❌ What are the places to avoid in Hawaii, Big Island?
Pretty much all the touristy areas of the Big Island are safe, so you don’t have to worry about avoiding places when visiting them.
However, if you’re planning to explore off-the-beaten-path places, there are a few places to avoid.
These include Makaha, Wahiawa, Ewa Beach, Pahoa, Kahului, and Waipahu.
Best Things to Do on Big Island Hawaii
☑️ Snorkel or dive with manta rays at night
Swimming with manta rays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the coast of Big Island Hawaii is the perfect place to enjoy it.
You will find tons of tours to snorkel or dive with manta rays at night, so don’t miss out!
☑️ Tour and take free samples from the coffee farms in Kona
Touring the coffee farms in Kona is a unique experience. Kona Coffee is a rare delicacy of Big Island Hawaii.
Hundreds of coffee farms cultivate it in the high-elevation volcanic soil of Kona, where cloud cover is almost constant.
Many of these plantations offer public tours and you can even grab some free samples while you’re at it.
☑️ Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Volcanoes National Park Hawaii is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world and offers adventurous activities like hiking, camping, visiting craters, and exploring the contrasting landscapes of this massive park.
I highly recommend visiting it on your trip to Big Island Hawaii.
☑️ Enjoy the black sand at Punalu’u beach
Punalu’u Beach is one of the most incredible sights to see on Big Island Hawaii.
Located in the Ka’u region, it features black sand created as a result of lava flow from the Volcanoes National Park into the ocean.
If you’re after unique experiences on Big Island Hawaii, this one is a must-see spot.
☑️ Marvel at the unique view of Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Black sand isn’t the only unique site you will get to see on a beach in Hawaii.
Papakolea Beach also has its own unique color of sand – green! It’s one of the only 4 green-sand beaches in the world and well worth a visit.
☑️ Ride a zipline over KoleKole Falls
The picturesque landscape of Big Island Hawaii offers so many incredible sights worth seeing, and one unique way to do it is by ziplining over them.
If you’re up for this thrilling and unforgettable activity, KoleKole Falls is just the perfect place to soar over stunning mountains, waters, and the rocky coastline of the area.
☑️ Encounter whales, dolphins, and other forms of marine life
Big Island Hawaii is a wonderful place for lots of water activities, and the coastal seas around the island are home to an array of exotic marine species.
Make sure to use the opportunity to explore the underwater world of the island; you will get to see incredible creatures like whales, dolphins, and sea turtles during your exploration!
Frequently Asked Questions about Staying on the Big Island of Hawaii
Which side of the Big Island is the best to stay on?
The majority of tourists prefer the western side; that’s where you will find some of the best resorts, hotels, and beaches on the island.
However, the eastern side is just as amazing with its laid-back accommodation options, stunning sights, and thriving nature.
Where to stay on the Big Island for beaches and snorkeling?
They have incredible beaches and water activities on offer, and feature some of the best resorts and hotels.
Which side of the Big Island has the best beaches?
Additionally, you will find some amazing beaches in the Ka’u region as well.
Where to stay close to the airport?
You can choose from the hotel options I have highlighted in Kona above.
The Hilo region also has an international airport, so that’s another great choice for a stay close to the airport.
Where should I stay on Big Island, Hilo or Kona?
Kona, on the other hand, has some of the best hotels, nightlife, shops, and restaurants.
Stay in Hilo if you’re after a laid-back vacation surrounded by lots of nature, and Kona if you want a more vibrant and touristy atmosphere.
Is it better to stay in Kona or Waikoloa?
Waikoloa offers a more luxurious stay, while Kona is relatively cheaper and has more restaurants and cafes.
Both are just under an hour’s drive from each other, so you can choose one way or another and explore them both as well.
Is the Big Island very touristy?
December to March means lots of crowds and higher rates on the island.
However, tourism isn’t always at its peak here, so the rest of the months have fewer people visiting it and the prices are also lower during them.
Where to stay on the Big Island for snorkeling?
I have listed the best hotel options in these parts above.
Where to stay on the Big Island for the best view?
Hotels like the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Aeolian Ranch, Hilton Waikoloa Village, and Grand Naniloa Hotel are just some of the options for it.
Where is the best place to stay on the Big Island in December?
If you want to stay in the center of the action, the Kohala Coast and Kailua-Kona region are the best places for you.
But if you want to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and fewer crowds, the eastern side regions like Hilo and Volcano are great for it.
Final Thoughts: Where to stay on the Big Island Hawaii
With its active volcanoes, incredible beaches, lush nature, and world-class resorts and hotels, Big Island Hawaii is a breathtaking destination and every bit worth visiting.
Both the leeward and windward sides of the island offer unique and memorable experiences.
And now that you hopefully know where to stay on the big island Hawaii for your next trip here, it’s time to pack your bags and get ready for a vacation that you won’t forget your whole life!
For anyone traveling around the area, Heysham taxis are a fantastic option. The drivers are always polite, and I love how quickly they get you to your destination.
Thanks a lot for your recommendations! 🙂