Travel Guide: The Big Island, Hawaii
My husband and I have visited the Hawaiian islands several times, and we just got back from our first trip to the Big Island. If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island, you are in the right place! This Big Island travel guide covers all the need to know information on the Big Island to help you narrow down where to stay, what to eat, what to see and what to do on your next trip.
About the Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest and the largest of the Hawaiian islands. It’s home to the tallest mountain on earth (if measured from sea level), Mauna Kea, and with multiple active volcanoes, it’s the only Hawaiian island where you can view active lava flows.
The Vibe
The Big Island is known for it’s natural laid-back vibe - perfect for those looking for a more authentic, less commercialized Hawaiian experience. With diverse landscapes and topography, the Big Island is perfect for adventure seekers.
The Weather
The Big Island is home to over 10 unique climates ranging from arid deserts to the rainiest city in the USA. Locals joke, if you don’t like the weather where you are - just drive 10 minutes and you’ll be in an entirely new climate. Generally, here’s what you can expect:
East Side - tropical and humid, known for its frequent rainfall
West Side - dry and sunny with very little rain
Interior and Higher elevations - ranging from temperate to cold. The highest peaks of Mauna Kea can even be snow capped in the winter.
When To Visit The Big Island
Big Island in Winter
Winter is whale watching season on the Big Island! For those with an adventurous spirit, a whale watching tour could get you up close and personal with these beautiful creatures, but even if you don’t take to the water, you still have a chance to view whales from shore. Temperatures are mild and less humid in the winter months but plenty warm enough to still enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Keep in mind that some areas may be unsafe for snorkeling in the winter due to high surf.
Big Island in Spring
Spring brings warm, but pleasant temperatrues. It’s a shoulder season so visitors can expect fewer tourists and lower prices. Those visiting in early spring may still have a chance to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales.
Big Island in Summer
Summer is high season for tourism and is also (unsurprisingly) the hottest time of the year. Expect highs in the upper 80s. Summer on the Big Island brings calm waters, perfect for snorkeling.
Big Island in Fall
Fall, like spring, is a shoulder season on the Big Island. During our visit in early November, we experience temperatures in the 70s and low 80s - still plenty warm enough to swim and snorkel. November is the start of the rainy season, but we only had one evening of rain on the Kona coast during our week-long stay.
Top 5 Things to Do On the Big Island
Snorkeling
The Big Island of Hawaii is known for having some of the best snorkeling in the Pacific. With its clear waters, diverse marine life and protected marine parks, the Big Island delivers incredible underwater experiences. Whether your exploring reefs along the lava-lined coast or taking a night swim with majestic manta rays, dive in for the best ways to take a peek into Hawaii's underwater world.
There are amazing snorkeling opportunities for swimmers of all skill levels - whether you are looking for a DIY adventure or prefer to go on a guided tour, the Big Island has it all. Some highlights and ‘only in Kona’ opportunities include guided night snorkeling with manta rays, snorkeling with sea turtles and spotting spinner dolphins. For a guide to snorkeling in Hawaii, click here.
Green Sea Turtle seen in Pauoa Bay
Wildlife Regulations:
Federal and State regulations are in place to help protect wildlife you may encounter while snorkeling in Hawaii. Keep these regulations in mind during your snorkeling trip.
Dolphins - in Hawaii, it is illegal to swim with, approach or remain within 50 yards of spinner dolphins. These regulations are in place to protect spinner dolphins from harassment, as their daytime behavior, swimming in protected bays, is crucial for rest and rejuvenation.
Turtles - it is illegal to touch, feed, or disturb sea turtles, and you must stay at least 10 feet away from them both on land and in the water.
🌋 See Lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Located on the Southeastern corner of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers visitors diverse landscapes ranging from rugged lava fields to rainforests and dramatic coast lines. Whether you prefer to drive the Crater Ring Road or hike through a 500 year old lava tube, there’s a little something for every fitness level in the park.
💦 Chase Waterfalls
‘Akaka Falls
Approximately 20 minutes north of Hilo, and a 1.5 hour drive from the Fairmont Orchid is Akaka Falls. The 442-foot waterfall can be viewed by walking a 0.4 mile, paved trail. Parking is $10, and there is a $5 per person entry fee.
Rainbow Falls
Located just outside of the town of Hilo, Rainbow Falls is so named because of the rainbow effect that it’s spray creates at the base of the falls. It is free to visit and the viewing area is nearly in the parking lot and is ADA accessible.
Heavenly Hawaii Coffee Farm source: TripAdvisor
☕️ Tour a Coffee Farm
The first Kona coffee tree was planted in the early 1800s. Kona’s rich volcanic soil and perfect climate conditions make for world class coffee. Today, there are over 600 coffee farms on the Big Island. Tours are available for free at some farms, while others may run from $20- $50 depending on what is included.
We opted to visit Greenwell Farms, one of the longest running farms, having been established in 1850. They offer a low-key, complimentary tour that doesn’t require reservations as well as free samples of their various coffee varieties.
⛱️ Visit A Black Sand Beach
Located on the Southeastern side of the island is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach - one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. While it is not always the most ideal place for swimming, due to it’s strong currents, it is a dream for sight seers. It’s rugged, basaltic coast line is stunning and you are likely to see sea turtles sunning along its shoreline.
Where To Eat on the Big Island
Sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club
Koahala Coast:
💸 Juice 101 - Juice 101 offers fresh pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls and wraps. We loved the OG Acai bowl and turkey & egg wrap (add avocado).
💸 Mauna Lani Coffee Company - Mauna Lani Coffee Company serves 100% Kona Coffee. My go-to order anytime I’m in Hawaii is an iced latte with coconut syrup and coconut milk - theirs did not disappoint.
💸 Knead and Bake Pizza - With only one table, this to-go pizza shop offers a variety of 12” pizzas. We are firmly in the camp of “pineapple belongs on pizza” so went with the Island Regular featuring pineapple, bacon, kalua pork, jalapenos, sauteed onions and honey.
💸💸💸 Lava Lava Beach Club - Located in the Waikoloa area, about a 10 minute drive from the Fairmont, the Lava Lava Beach Club is a casual, family-friendly ocean-front restaurant serving modern takes on traditional Hawaiian dishes. Some of our favorites were the ceviche, Hook Line and Sinker, and the Teriyaki Steak. This is a great spot to catch the sunset. The restaurant validates parking, just snap a photo of your rental car’s license plate and let the hostess stand know you need validation.
💸💸💸💸 CanoeHouse - Located at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, this ocean front restaurant features a seasonal menu of Japanese-inspired dishes. Try the chefs tasting menu.
💸💸💸💸 ‘Ulu - Located at the Four Seasons, about at 30 minute drive from the Fairmont, ‘Ulu emphasizes Big Island ingredients with over 75% sourced from the island - resulting in incredible seafood and sushi. We loved the Crispy Chicken and Hamachi Roll. The Four Seasons offers complimentary valet parking for dinner guests.
Kailua-Kona:
💸 💸 Broke Da Mouth Grindz - Serving Hawaiin and filipino food in generous portions, Broke Da Mouth Grindz is an unassuming spot with counter service. We split a 3-meat plate and still had left overs. We went for their famous garlic furikake chicken, garlic shrimp and pork belly paired with macaroni salad and white rice. If we were local, this would easily be a weekly stop.
💸 💸 Quinns Almost By the Sea - We found Quinns Almost by the Sea on a hunt for the best fish and chips in Kona. It was a consistent recommendation and we can totally see why. We tried the fish & chips, kalua pork egg rolls, & the tempura zucchini & onion rings. It definitely wasn’t a healthy meal but it lived up to the hype. (Please don’t show this order to my cardiologist!)
💸 💸 Umeke’s - Umeke is Hawaiian for “bowl” an you’ll find plenty of dishes here that fit perfectly in one. Whether its fresh poke or the lau lau (pork with Hawaiian salt wrapped and steamed in taro leaves for 5 hours). We loved the mahi fish taos and the Bulleh Fries with garlic aioli.
💸 Paradise Bakery - Paradise Bakery’s cakes, donuts and malasada’s are made from scratch and fresh baked daily. We were on a mission to try malasada’s before we headed home and went with their Ube, Guava and Loloki (passion fruit) options. Everything was delicious but the Ube is the one we will dream about.
Foodland Farms - Poke Bowl, Tempura Shrimp and Orange Chicken
Multiple Locations/Other:
💸💸 Chillbilly Grill - Chillbilly Grill is a food truck that can typically be found in Naalehu, Hawaii. They serve up fresh smoked bbq - smoking all of their own meats including pork, bacon and chicken.
I had the teriyaki rice bowl with smoked chicken and grilled pineapple, Justin tried the Smoke-o Loco - their take on a traditional Loco Moco dish featuring rice topped with brown gravy, two eggs your way, and your choice of pulled pork, smoked ham or bacon. We also had a side of the potato salad which was EXCELLENT - which as a southerner is a big statement.
💸 Foodland Farms - If you love poke, don’t miss the seafood counter at Foodland Farms. With nearly a dozen varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find a style that you love. They also offer samples of flavors to ensure you like your selection.
My husband, who is not a poke fan, loved their prepped food items including spicy tempura shrimp and orange chicken. Additionally, all of their Maika’i house brand items we tried were wonderful - we loved the coconut water without pulp, sparkling coconut water, toasted coconut chips and beef sticks.
If you forgot a beach bag or are looking for a functional souvenir, their reusable grocery bags are so CUTE!
Where to Stay on the Big Island
The Big Island is the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined, about the same size as Connecticut. It’s large size and varied climates give travelers some things to consider when selecting where to stay.
Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani
Northwest Coast:
The Northwest coast north of Kailua-Kona is known for its dry, arid climate with lots of sun. Here, you will find large resort areas scattered along the coast line. Look for lodging in this area if you plan to spend a lot of time on resort. From here, expect to drive 1-hour+, each way, for activities like the Manta Snorkel, waterfall hikes or Volcanoes National Park. More info on each below (from South to North):
Hualalai
$$$$ - Four Seasons
$$$$ - Rosewood
Waikoloa
$$$ - Hilton Waikoloa Village
$$$ - Hilton Grand Vacations Club
$$$ - Marriott Waikoloa Ocean Club
Mauna Lani
$$$ - Fairmont Orchid
$$$ - Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Check Out My Full Review for the Fairmont Orchid
Kailua-Kona:
Kailua-Kona is the island’s most developed area. Here you will find big box store shopping like Target & Walmart along side locally owned restaurants and a quaint downtown type district. Lodging in this area tends to be smaller hotels and condo-style vacation rentals. Consider this area if you want to be within walking distance or a short drive to locally owned shops & restaurants.
$$ - Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
$$ - Outrigger Resort
Hilo:
Located on the East side of the island, Hilo is the wettest city in the US. This is the island's second most developed area, but traditional hotel options are limited. Hilo doesn’t really cater to tourists so it genuinely feels like you’re immersing yourself into the local lifestyle. If you plan to spend the majority of your time exploring the rainforest areas, waterfalls and Volcanoes National Park, this area would make for a great home base.
$$ - Grand Naniloa Hotel - a Double Tree
$ - SCP Hilo Hotel
Tips for Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii
✈️ Flying to the Big Island
There are two airports on the Big Island Kona (KOA) and Hilo (ITO). Kona offers direct flights to and from the mainland while Hilo requires stop-overs in either Honolulu or Maui.
Most visitors fly in and out of the Kona Airport due to its closer proximity to the popular resort areas. Direct flights to/from Kona include Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Diego and Denver.
🚗 Getting Around / Transportation
🚙 Rental Car
Whether or not you need a rental car truly depends on the type of vacation you prefer.
For adventurous travelers who plan to explore, a rental car will give you the most flexibility. It is absolutely a must if you hope to visit secluded, off-the-beaten path beaches.
The roads on the Big Island are great and well maintained but sights tend to be a bit spread out, so it can take a while to get from point A to point B. If you are staying on the west side of the island and plan to visit Volcanoes National Park or waterfalls on the east side, plan to spend 1.5-2 hours in the car each way.
If you’re a “flop & drop” traveler, spending the majority of your time on the resort, you could technically get away without one, especially if you opt to stay in the walkable Kailua-Kona area. If you go that route, I highly recommend booking this day-trip tour to see the rest of the island.
🚕 Uber/Taxis
There are Ubers available, however, they can be more difficult to come by with longer waits. In fact, the one time we attempted to Uber, the app could not locate a driver.
We ended up only utilizing traditional taxi services for the times that we were not utilizing our rental car. For those who do not plan to rent a car, I would highly recommend scheduling a taxi pick up for your airport transfer upon arrival. The cost was slightly higher than what we would have likely paid for an Uber but after a long day of travel, the peace of mind knowing your ride is already waiting for you before you event get to baggage claim is invaluable.
We had an absolutely unforgettable time on the Big Island, creating memories that we will be telling our friends about for years to come. I hope this Big Island travel guide brings you tons of inspiration for your Hawaiian vacation!
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