Where to Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii: Best Hotels & Areas
My husband and I visited the Big Island of Hawaii in November 2025 — and as a Fora travel advisor, I've since helped a lot of clients plan their own trips here. Where to stay is always the first question, and on Hawaii's Big Island, it's an important one. The island is enormous — roughly the size of Connecticut, covering over 4,000 square miles — and where you base yourself will shape your entire trip.
This post covers the best places to stay in each of the major areas, from the luxury resort corridors of the Kohala Coast to the rain-soaked streets of Hilo and the misty rim of Kilauea. I've broken it out by neighborhood so you can zero in on the right fit for your trip.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
IN A RUSH? HERE ARE MY TOP PICKS:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fairmont Orchid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa
Getting Oriented: The Big Island
Before we get into hotels, it helps to understand what you're working with. The Big Island is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain — so large that all the other Hawaiian islands could fit inside it. That size means travel time between areas can be up to 1.5–2 hours, especially if you're traveling between the east and west coasts of the island.
The island also has over 10 distinct climates ranging from tropical rainforests to deserts and active volcanoes. The west (Kona) side is dry and sunny — ideal for snorkeling, beach days, and resort life. The east (Hilo) side is lush, green, and famously the rainiest city in the United States. Neither is better; they just serve completely different types of trips.
For a full breakdown on which side is right for you, check out my Kona vs. Hilo comparison guide.
I've included direct booking links here for your convenience. BUT many of these properties offer perks exclusively to bookings made on your behalf by a travel advisor — think complimentary room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, resort credits, early check-in/late check-out. Contact me to learn more.
Where To Stay On The Big Island
The Kohala Coast : Luxury Resort Areas
On the west side of the Big Island, north of Kailua-Kona, is where you'll find the Big Island's most luxurious resorts. The landscape here — sweeping lava fields giving way to white sand beaches and manicured grounds — is dramatic and unlike anywhere else in Hawaii. If you're planning to spend meaningful time at a resort, this is the area.
The tradeoff: you're 1–2.5 hours from activities like the manta ray night snorkel, waterfall hikes, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If those are high on your list, build in the drive time or consider staying closer to Kailua-Kona.
Ka'upulehu (Hualalai)
Located just north of Kailua-Kona Airport, this area is home to two of the most prestigious resorts on the Big Island.
‘Ulu at Four Seasons Hualalai
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The Four Seasons Hualalai is widely considered the most luxurious resort on the Big Island — and it's easy to see why. The property is arranged across five crescent-shaped clusters along a stretch of white sand beach, giving it an intimate, boutique-within-a-resort feel despite its 252 rooms and suites. All rooms were extensively renovated in 2019 and are spacious by Hawaii standards, with Hawaiian-inspired décor and ocean or garden views.
The standout amenity is King's Pond — a 1.8-million-gallon saltwater aquarium where guests can snorkel alongside over 1,000 tropical fish and eagle rays. It's a completely one-of-a-kind experience. Beyond that, there's a PGA Tour, Jack Nicklaus signature 18-hole golf course, a 28,000-square-foot spa with lava rock walls and open-air treatment hales, a marine biology center, multiple pools, and five restaurants. Cultural programming is woven throughout — from lei-making to ukulele lessons & guided snorkel experiences with the on-site marine biology team.
Families and couples both thrive here. The resort fee is high, but so is the level of everything else.
Pro Tip: If you want to get a taste of the White Lotus level of luxury without the price tag, consider booking a reservation at 'Ulu, their beach front restaurant serving some of the best seafood and sushi on the island.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Kona Village has one of the great comeback stories in Hawaii hospitality. The original resort — a 1960s classic beloved for its freestanding bungalow style — was destroyed by the 2011 tsunami and sat closed for over a decade before reopening as a Rosewood property in 2023. It was worth the wait.
The resort spans 81 acres and features 150 standalone hales (bungalows) designed by San Francisco-based Nicole Hollis — a masterful blend of Hawaiian architecture and modern, elevated design. Even the entry-level rooms are 600 square feet, opening onto private lanais; the largest suites sleep up to 12 and include private pools. Four outdoor pools, the Asaya Spa (with cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and hot tub), guided sunrise canoe paddles, and an impressive lineup of restaurants round out the experience. Kahuwai Cookhouse celebrates Hawaii's paniolo (cowboy) culture with Kiawe wood-fired cooking; Moana highlights Pacific Rim cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
Kona Village was the first hotel in Hawaii to receive LEED v4 Gold Certification — meaningful in a destination that takes its natural environment seriously.
Lava Lava Beach Club near Waikoloa
Waikoloa
Located along Waikoloa Beach Drive on the Kohala Coast, this area offers a more accessible price point than Hualalai while still delivering the Big Island resort experience. It's walking distance to the Kings' and Queens' MarketPlace shopping centers and iconic restaurants like Lava Lava Beach Club.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hilton Waikoloa Village
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is in a category of its own when it comes to sheer scale and spectacle. Set on 62 acres of the Kohala Coast, the resort is so large that guests get around via air-conditioned Swiss-made trams and canal boats — which tells you something about the scope of this place. It's home to over 1,800 pieces of Pacific and Asian art displayed along a museum walkway, a four-acre ocean-fed saltwater lagoon with sea turtles and tropical fish, three pools including a 175-foot waterslide, 14 restaurants and lounges, two golf courses, a full-service Kohala Spa, tennis, and Dolphin Quest — an interactive dolphin swim program.
If you have kids, this is one of the most entertaining resorts on the island. It is massive, and the rooms and service don't always match the ultra-luxury of some of its neighbors, but there is truly something for everyone here and the spectacle of the property itself is hard to beat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Waikoloa Beach Resort & Spa (Marriott)
Situated directly on Anaeho'omalu Bay, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott is a solid mid-tier option on the Kohala Coast. The beach here — A-Bay — is one of the best on the island for swimming and snorkeling, which is a significant advantage over some of the higher-end properties that sit on rockier or less swimmable stretches of coast. The resort features two pools, a full-service spa, multiple restaurants, and easy access to water sports rentals right on the beach. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and the location adjacent to the Kings' Shops makes dining and shopping convenient.
Mauna Lani
Mauna Lani is a self-contained resort community that's home to two of the Big Island's finest hotels, multiple golf courses, a beach club, and some of the most significant archaeological and cultural sites on the island — including an ancient fishing village, fishponds and petroglyph fields.
Fairmont Orchid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fairmont Orchid
The Fairmont Orchid is where we stayed on our November 2025 trip, and we loved it. It sits on 32 oceanfront acres, with one of the best resort snorkeling experiences I've encountered anywhere — Pauoa Bay is protected with crystal clear waters teeming with green sea turtles, eels, tropical fish, and, on a lucky day, spotted eagle rays. The daily resort fee includes one hour of snorkel gear rental per guest per day; if you plan to snorkel more, the Fun in the Sun Pass is worth it.
Beyond the water, the Fairmont has six on-site restaurants, a spa (note: the Spa Without Walls was under renovation during our November 2025 stay — worth confirming current status before booking), a tennis pavilion with over 10 tennis courts, cultural classes, on-site Luau, walking trails to historic fish ponds and petroglyph fields, and an outdoor swimming pool. A complimentary shuttle or bike rentals connect guests to the broader Mauna Lani resort complex.
For a full breakdown of rooms, dining, and what's worth it, read my complete Fairmont Orchid review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
If the Fairmont Orchid is a four-diamond resort with real character, the Mauna Lani Auberge is its more intimate, design-forward neighbor. Following a $200 million renovation in 2019, the resort now blends modern luxury with deep respect for the land it sits on — the grounds include ancient fishponds and petroglyphs, and the resort's cultural programming reflects that history meaningfully.
The 333 rooms, suites, and private residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, organic textures, and private lanais. The CanoeHouse restaurant is one of the island's most celebrated dining destinations (their head chef is on the current season of Top Chef), offering Pacific Rim cuisine in an open-air oceanfront setting. Other highlights include 36 holes of championship golf, the Auberge Spa, a 25-meter lap pool, the signature Sunrise Canoe Paddle experience, and daily cultural activities. Private residences with pools and direct beach access are available for families or groups who want space and privacy without sacrificing five-star service.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is the island's main commercial hub — a walkable downtown with locally owned restaurants, shops, a historic waterfront, and easy access to nearby snorkel spots and the manta ray night snorkel at Keauhou Bay (just 15 minutes south). Lodging here skews toward smaller hotels and vacation rentals rather than full resort experiences, and the price point is generally lower than the Kohala Coast.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Sitting directly on Kamakahonu Beach — one of the only swimmable beaches right in downtown Kona — the Courtyard King Kamehameha is the best-located hotel in Kailua-Kona. It's steps from Ali'i Drive, walkable to restaurants, shopping, and the Kona pier, and a short drive from snorkel spots. Rooms are comfortable and recently renovated, and the location makes it a practical base for travelers who want to be in the middle of everything without paying resort prices. It's worth noting that the beach here is small, so don't expect a wide stretch of sand — but the convenience is hard to beat.
Keauhou Bay
Keauhou
Located about 15 minutes south of Kailua-Kona, Keauhou is a quieter area anchored by Keauhou Bay — home to Manta Village, the world's most reliable site for seeing manta rays. If doing the manta ray night snorkel is a priority, staying in Keauhou puts you within a 5-minute boat ride of the experience.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa
The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa recently completed a full renovation of its 511 rooms and suites — and the result is one of the more compelling mid-tier options on the Big Island. Perched above the lava cliffs of Keauhou Bay, the resort has spectacular ocean views from nearly every room. On-site highlights include a multi-level pool with a 200-foot waterslide, the award-winning Feast & Fire Luau, daily cultural activities, and a partnership with the Manta Pacific Research Foundation (including manta ray viewing from the resort's deck).
The location here is great for manta-focused itineraries — the bay is just a short walk from the resort, and several tour operators depart from here. It's about 15 minutes from downtown Kona, which is easy to manage with a rental car.
VRBO: Keauhou Condo
For those who prefer a home-away-from-home setup, I stayed in this VRBO condo in Keauhou during our November 2025 trip and loved it. This was our lodging for part 2 of our trip. We loved that it was in easy walking distance of the manta ray night snorkel but just a short drive from downtown Kona and other destinations on our itinerary. I'd recommend this for couples planning a week or longer who want more space and flexibility than a hotel room provides.
Hilo
Rainbow Falls
Hilo is the Big Island's second largest town and the gateway to the island's rainy east side — waterfalls, lush rainforests, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and an authentic local culture that feels entirely distinct from the resort areas on the west coast. Hotel options here are limited compared to Kona — you won't find luxury hotels here, but there are solid choices for the right kind of traveler.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, a DoubleTree by Hilton
The Grand Naniloa is the most full-service hotel option in Hilo, sitting on 70 oceanfront acres along Hilo Bay with views of Mauna Kea across the water. The property was extensively renovated and brought back to life under the DoubleTree brand, with a distinct Hawaiian cultural identity — the hotel commissioned $4 million worth of hula photography by renowned artist Kim Taylor Reece, which is displayed throughout the rooms and common areas.
Amenities include an outdoor pool, a 9-hole golf course (complimentary daily rounds included), fitness center, on-site restaurant, and a lobby bar with live Hawaiian music nightly. It's two miles from Hilo Airport and a short drive from Rainbow Falls, the Hilo Farmers Market, and Coconut Island Park. Honest caveat: this is not a luxury property — reviews are mixed on room condition and consistency — but the location, cultural identity, and price point make it the clear choice for east-side base camp.
Volcano Village & Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
If seeing lava, hiking volcanic landscapes, and being as close as possible to Kilauea is the sole purpose of your trip — or even just a major priority — consider spending a night or two near the park rather than making it a day trip from the Kona side (which is 2–2.5 hours each way).
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Volcano House
Volcano House holds the distinction of being the only hotel located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — perched directly on the rim of Kilauea's Halemaumau Crater. The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1846 in various forms; the current building dates to 1941 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rooms are simple and rustic-chic — this is not a luxury property, and you shouldn't expect it to be. What you can expect is a view of an active volcano from your window, access to the park's trails day and night without getting in a car, and a front-row seat if Kilauea decides to erupt during your stay. Crater View rooms look directly into the Halemaumau Crater; guests have described watching the lava glow from bed as "otherworldly." The Rim restaurant serves Pacific Rim fare with panoramic crater views; Uncle George's Lounge is a cozy bar worth lingering in. (Full disclosure, I wasn't super impressed with The Rim, despite many recommendations to include this dining experience on our itinerary. It wasn't bad per se, but felt like overpriced Sysco food to me).
Book this in advance — it fills up quickly, especially when Kilauea is active.
Beyond Volcano House, Volcano Village (about 3 miles from the park entrance) has a handful of well-reviewed boutique properties and vacation rentals that offer a more atmospheric, rainforest-immersed experience at a lower price point. These tend to book out during active eruption periods.
FAQS
What is the best area to stay on the Big Island for a first-time visitor?
For most first-time visitors, I recommend basing yourself on the Kona side — either in Kailua-Kona or along the Kohala Coast. The reliable sunshine, access to the world's best snorkeling, and proximity to the manta ray night snorkel make it the most well-rounded starting point. If your trip is centered on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, consider adding a night or two in Volcano Village or Hilo.
What is the best luxury hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii?
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai gets my vote — it consistently delivers the most complete luxury experience on the island. The level of service, the King's Pond snorkeling experience, the spa, and the intimate resort-within-a-resort layout set it apart. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is a close second and a good choice for those who want something more design-forward and less traditional in its approach to luxury. For the Kohala Coast resort experience at a slightly more accessible price point, the Fairmont Orchid is exceptional.
Do I need to stay on the Kohala Coast to visit the top resorts?
No — all of the Kohala Coast resorts welcome day visitors for dining. That said, staying on property gives you access to amenities like King's Pond at the Four Seasons or Pauoa Bay at the Fairmont Orchid that aren't available to outside guests.
Are there boutique hotel options on the Big Island?
Yes — beyond the large resort areas, the Big Island has some lovely boutique hotel options. The Holualoa Inn above Kailua-Kona is a great choice based on consistent guest reviews — a six-room property on a working coffee farm with incredible ocean views and complimentary breakfast. Volcano Village has several atmospheric small inns and vacation rentals perfect for nature lovers staying near the park. The Kona Tiki Hotel, located right on the water in Kailua-Kona, is one of the most affordable and charming budget options on the west side.
Do I need a rental car on the Big Island?
For most visitors, yes. The island is large, sights are spread out, and the best snorkel spots are not accessible without a car. If you're planning to spend the majority of your stay on property at a Kohala Coast resort, you could technically manage without one — but you'll want a car for any day trips. Uber is available in Kona but can be difficult to come by, so I'd recommend scheduling taxis in advance for airport transfers if you choose not to rent.
How far in advance should I book hotels on the Big Island?
For Kohala Coast luxury resorts (especially the Four Seasons and Kona Village), book as far in advance as possible — 6–12 months for peak travel periods. Volcano House books out quickly whenever Kilauea is active. The Kailua-Kona and Keauhou area hotels are generally more flexible.
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
