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Volcanoes, stargazing, whale watching, and waterfalls galore will greet you on the Island of Hawai’i. Welcome to the ultimate Big Island travel guide!
The Island of Hawai’i is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined and then some. The Big Island has die-hard fans, and I am one of them. The Big Island is for coffee connoisseurs, astronomers, whale watchers, volcanologists, manta ray snorkelers, and travelers who crave a white-sand beach.
Everything you need to know about planning your trip is in the Big Island travel guide.
Here are some quick links to essential planning resources: – Check out the best (and worst) times to visit the Big Island – Pick what part of the island is the best fit for your group – Find the best beaches around the island – We’ve got you covered with 21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
Want to hop around? Use our handy table of contents below to find exactly what you’re looking for.
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The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.
Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Hawai’i (Big Island).
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Big Island Travel Guide: Facts
Impress your seatmate on the plane or win trivia night with these facts about the Island of Hawai’i:
The Island of Hawai’i has 4 out of the 5 major climate zones in the world and 8 out of 13 sub-zones, following theKöppen climateclassification scheme. That means the Big Island has deserts to polar tundra to rainforests and in-between.
Two of the five shield volcanoes that formed the island are still active. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are active but may not be erupting. Kilauea is the most active, see if it iserupting here for your trip.Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park is worth a visit.
The next Hawaiian island is forming fifteen miles off the island’s southeast coast. Loʻihi, is erupting 3,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. While it will still be several thousand years before this volcano breaks the sea’s surface, it has already risen more than 10,000 feet from the seafloor and has a crater that measures three miles across.
Kamehameha the Great, who unified the Hawaiian Islands as one kingdom in 1810, is believed to have been born in the Big Island’s North Kohala area,Waipio Valley.
Captain James Cook, who is widely considered to be the first European to set foot on the Hawaiian Islands, was killed at Kona’s Kealakekua Bay in 1779.
Measured from its seafloor base to its highest peak,Mauna Keais the world’s tallest mountain, taller than Mount Everest, since the base of Mount Everest is above sea level.
The island is often referred to as the Island of Hawaiʻi, the Big Island, or Hawaiʻi Island to distinguish it from the state.
Big Island Geography
The Big Island is aptly named:it has 63% of Hawaii’s combined land mass. That means it’s larger than all of the other islands, combined. And, with new volcanic eruptions, the island is getting bigger.
There are five major volcanoes on the Big Island and six main regions: Kona, Kohala, Hamakua Coast, Hilo, Puna, and Kau.
Like all of the Hawaiian islands, there are two sides: a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side of the island is drier and the windward side is wetter.
Kona
Welcome to sunny Kona. The Kona district stretches for most of the leeward side of the island and includes beaches, snorkeling spots, coffee farms, and cultural sights. Here you’ll also find one of the two airports, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA). It’s one of the most popular areas on the island to stay thanks to airport proximity, activities, and weather.
Shielded from the winds, you’ll find warm weather, mostly clear skies, and calm, swimmable beaches (here are the5 Best Kona Beaches). Into the cooler hillside you can explore the coffee farms that are so prevalent in the area. And enjoy an incredible historic site,Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
Plus, you will find thebest snorkeling spot on the islandhere(in our opinion).
Check out even more to love about Kona: The 21 Best Things to do in Kona (+ tips to know before you go) Where to Stay in Kona: the 7 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Kohala
Just north of Kona on the leeward side of the island is the Kohala Coast, also sometimes referred to as the Gold Coast thanks to the number of five star resorts in this area. It’s also home to some of the best beaches on the island, like Hapuna Beach, with it’s white sand and beautiful blue water. Just note that in the winter, some of these beaches get hit with large currents and waves, making them dangerous for swimming.
Venture further inland and you’ll leave the resorts behind and find another side to the Kohala district, with the cowboy (paniolo) town of Waimea, the charming town of Hawi, and the sacred Pololu Valley.
Related reads: The 15 Best Things To Do In Waikoloa Kona vs Waikoloa: What’s the Best Place to Stay on the Big Island
Hamakua Coast
Here, you’re off the leeward side of the island and you’re now on the lush, tropical windward side. The Hamakua Coast is famous for its jagged coastline, waterfalls, and stunning scenery. Waipio Valley is also located here, which is known for being the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I.
Hilo
The largest town of the windward side, here you’ll find another airport, Hilo International Airport (ITO), serving inter-island airports and some west coast airports. This small city has a great downtown and is also a launching point for many of the spectacular sights in the area, including Volcanoes National Park. Explore our1-Day Hilo Itinerary for Things to Do and the Best Things to Do in Hilo (+nearby).
Puna
South of Hilo you have the Puna district, an area known for its fertile soil. You’ll find plenty of farms here growing flowers, macadamia nuts, and papayas. You can also visit thelava viewing area of Kalapana, once a historic town before it was partially destroyed by lava.
This southern region is quiet, but is home to two major attractions: Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and the majority of Volcanoes National Park (including Kilauea Volcano). You’ll also find coffee farms, mac nut farms, and hiking trails. What you won’t find are large hotels, golf courses, or a bustling town.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit the Big Island?
While you may be visiting from a place that has four seasons each year, in Hawaii there are just two: summer (kau) and winter (hooilo). Summer runs from May to October and winter lasts from November to April.
Luckily, the weather on the Big Island is warm and pleasant year-round, so there’s truly no bad time to visit.But our favorite months to visit are May and October, because there are fewer visitors, the weather is great, and it’s a little less expensive to travel in this off-peak season period.
You can find all the details for the best time to visit the Big Island (and the worst), plus our advice on when to visit for whale watching, snorkeling, and the cheapest costs!
While the winter months get a little more rain and might be a little cooler, the weather in Kona stays pretty sunny and warm year-round. It’s aperfect spot to plan a winter vacation. On the Kohala Coast you’ll find even drier conditions but be prepared for some rough surf in the winter.
That said, if you plan to visit the windward side in the winter, you are in for cooler temperatures and more rainfall. But that’s what makes that side of the island so lush and beautiful.
Getting to the Big Island
There are two (two!) airport options for you to choose from on the Big Island. The main airport that serves the most visitors isEllison Onizuka Kona International Airport(KOA). The airport is located seven miles northwest of Kailua-Kona and serves inter-island, domestic, and international locations.
Located on the other side of the island is Hilo International Airport (ITO), which is located two miles east of Hilo. This airport serves inter-island locations as well as some domestic airports on the west coast.
Renting a Car and Getting Around the Big Island
If you’re hoping to see all that the Big Island has to offer, having a car is going to be pretty important. Our favorite recommendation isDiscount Hawaii Rental Car. We use themany time we island hopand we’ve saved thousands of dollars by using them over the years.
While the island is big, you can drive around the island in one day, either using the northern route, the southern route, or by taking the saddle road through the middle of the island. When driving from Kona to Hilo, the northern route will take approximately 2 hours. You can shorten your journey to 1.5 hours by taking the saddle road, however you’ll miss some of the sights on theHamakua Heritage corridor.
For the most part, the roads on the Big Island are well paved and easy to navigate with any type of car — no 4 wheel drive required! There are a few spots where having a 4WD car is preferred or required, but you can visit most sights just cruising around with regular wheels.
If you don’t want to rent a car but you still want to get out and see the sights, a guided tour is a great option. Our favorite tour that will pick you up from your hotel and take you around is theBig Island Circle Tour.
Where to Stay on the Big Island
Ready to book your stay on the Big Island? There are so many different options: a quaint vacation rental in coffee country, a tiny home on a bed of lava, a five-star resort, or a small boutique hotel. Whatever you’re looking for, the Big Island has something for you.
Should you stay in a hotel or vacation rental?
There’s something for everyone on the island. The Big Island has plenty of five-star resorts, quaint hotels, and unique vacation rentals. But what’s the right spot for you?
The first choice you’ll need to make is whether you’re looking for a hotel or a vacation rental. There’s no bad choice. Go for a hotel if you’re looking for the traditional resort experience with big pools, nearby beaches, and restaurants within walking distance. Opt for a vacation rental if you want access to a kitchen, are looking for space, or are looking to save money.
If you’re still not sure what you want to do, webreak down the difference between choosing a hotel and a vacation rental in Hawaii.
Should you stay in Hilo, Kona, Kohala, or…?
Because you read our geography section (above) you know that the island has a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side is the drier side and includes Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast. These are the most popular places for visitors to stay, but are they the right spots for you?
Check out our where to stay guide, which walks you through the accommodation options for different areas of the island: from the luxury resorts on the Kohala Coast to the unique options on the windward side.
Related Articles:
Where to Stay on the Big Island: an area by area guide
Hilo vs Kona: picking the right place for you
Where to Stay in Kona: the 7 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Where to Stay Directory: Big Island
How Many Days Should You Stay on the Big Island
When you’re planning a trip to the Big Island, your list of things to see will be long. And the more you read about this beautiful island, the more you’ll add to your list of things to do and see. That’s why we recommend spending at least a week on the Big Island. This will give you time to check off some of your top experiences while also enjoying some downtime to relax.
Most visitors seem to agree with our advice to stay for at least a week: the average number of days a traveler spends on the island is eight.
Read more abouthow many days you should spend on the Big Island.And don’t miss ourHawaii packing listas you’re getting ready to go.
Beaches and Snorkeling Spots on the Big Island
Who doesn’t love a good beach when they’re on vacation? If you’re headed to the Big Island, you’re in luck. There are plenty of beautiful beaches for you to discover. Our favorite beaches include:
1.Hapuna Beach: If you’re looking for white-sand beaches, this is the spot. One of the best beaches on the island (if not the best), Hapuna Beach offers plenty of soft sand, good swimming conditions in the summer, and plenty of parking. It is what beach vacation dreams are made of.
2.Kikaua Point Park: This is the best spot for kids (though truthfully we love it as adults as well). This park has a protected cove that makes swimming here easy pretty much year-round. And it’s also surprisingly good for snorkeling. But the limited parking makes it a tough beach to get to.
3.Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: A must-see beach on your trip to the Big Island, it’s the best black sand beach in the state (in our opinion). But swimming here isn’t so easy, so plan to spend your time on the shore marveling at your beautiful surroundings.
Check out thislist of our favorite Big Island beaches, complete with directions, parking information, and must-know tips.
If you’re coming to snorkel, we’ve got you covered. These are ourfavorite snorkeling spots on the island.
The top one, Kealakekua Bay isn’t easily accessible from land so we recommend aboat touror akayak tripout to enjoy it. It’s one of our most memorable experiences in Hawai’i to date.
Remember that while the beaches in Hawaii are beautiful, they are not without risk. Currents, dangerous shore break, and changing ocean conditions make swimming in any ocean dangerous. Practice beach safety by swimming on beaches with lifeguards, obeying lifeguard flags, and when in doubt, don’t go out. This website has more excellent information to help keep you safe.
Things To Do on the Big Island
The Big Island is full of amazing adventures, stunning natural beauty, and important heritage sites. There’s more to do and see than you can fit into one trip, so prioritizing what you want to experience is important.
Ready to craft your list of things you can’t miss? Here are a few of our favorite experiences, but you can read thefull list of things you can do activities on the Big Island.
For an up-close experience with the ocean’s gentle giants, head out fornight snorkeling or diving with Manta Rays
Hike in Volcanoes National Park, drive the crater rim, walk through a lava tube, and look into Halema’uma’u Crater
Exploreunderwater at Kealakekua Bay— you may get lucky and be greeted by a pod of spinner dolphins
Visit a coffee farm and sample fresh coffee in Kona’s famed coffee country (these are out favorite coffee farm tours!)
That’s just the tip of the iceberg of the amazing experiences the Big Island offers. To plan your trip, check out ourfivecan’t miss experiences on the Big Island.It’s also home to a ton more farm tours (not just coffee farms) and you can go whale watching in the winter!
And if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss our12 things to do in Kona with kids. It has some great ideas that your kids will love.
Want help seeing how to fit all of the best sights into your vacation?Our Big Island itinerarywas created just for that. The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. With the download, you’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.
Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary
$37.00
Add to cartLoadingDone
Get The Big Island Itinerary
The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.
Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Hawai’i (Big Island).
“We bought theWayfinder Itineraryfrom The Hawaii Vacation Guide. Highly recommend — super organized daily plans for every part of the island. Even includes google map directions to the best parking spots and what to pack for each day of fun!”
While we embrace DIY travel, there’s something to be said for agreattour on the big island. Not only are you supporting a local business, but you’re getting time with a guide who truly knows the island. Whether they’re teaching you the history of the islands during a canoe tour or they’re educating you on the marine life during a snorkeling trip, a good tour experience can stick with you for years.
We’ve done the hard work for you by finding the best of the best tours on the island. Here’s a sampling of our favorites to get started,but don’t forget to check out our full list.
If you’re visiting the Big Island on a cruise ship, don’t miss the best Big Island shore excursions and our Cruise Travel Guide.
MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL OR DIVE
KEALAKEKUA BAY SNORKEL TOUR
Popular Big Island Videos
Get to know the Big Island and see some of our best recommendations with our most popular Big Island videos.
Want to binge-read everything we’ve written on visiting the Big Island? Pour yourself a Mai Tai and browse all Hawai’i Big Island articles here.
The Best Big Island Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, we’ve got you covered.Our island itinerarieshelp you navigate the planning process and make your trip smooth once you’re on-island. Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.
Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary
$37.00
Add to cartLoadingDone
Get The Big Island Itinerary
The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.
Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Hawai’i (Big Island).
GET Your Itinerary
Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.
“We found your YouTube channel back in October then ended up purchasing yourBig Island Itinerary. We wanted to share a big ol’ mahalo very much!! Your content is super informational, valuable, reliable, and enjoyable. I printed off your itinerary, put it in a binder to take along the journey, and mapped out our days based on your suggestions. It didn’t go totally according to plan, thanks to 5 teenagers, but it made our trip exceptional.”
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Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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