HAWAII

Hawaii is one of those destinations that rewards you for slowing down — and the Big Island does that better than any other island in the chain. I spent four nights at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast in November 2025, snorkeling Pauoa Bay every single day, swimming with a spotted eagle ray, and eating my way through some of the best resort and local dining I've found anywhere. The Big Island is different from what most people picture when they think Hawaii — it's wilder, more diverse, and far less crowded than Maui or Oahu. These guides are for travelers who want to actually experience it, not just check it off a list.

Start Here

Looking for a luxury stay?

Fairmont Orchid Review: Big Island Hawaii

Featured
Your Guide to Snorkeling on The Big Island, Hawaii
Your Guide to Snorkeling on The Big Island, Hawaii

Your guide to snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii

A First Timers Guide to the Big Island, Hawaii
A First Timers Guide to the Big Island, Hawaii

Everything you need to know for your first trip to the Big Island of Hawaii

Fairmont Orchid Review, The Big Island Hawaii
Fairmont Orchid Review, The Big Island Hawaii

Everything you need to know about staying at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii

A woman hiking in a forested mountain landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park wearing sunglasses, a blue jacket, a gray cap, surrounded by tall pine trees, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Hi, I'm Jess — a Western North Carolina native now based in Greenville, SC. I've spent years exploring everywhere from the red rocks of Sedona to the single-track roads of the Isle of Skye, and I write about all of it here. When I'm not planning someone's next adventure, you can find me searching for the perfect swimming hole, chasing a good hike, or snuggling up with my pups. I'm also a travel advisor with Fora Travel, a Virtuoso agency — so if you're ready to book, I can help with that too.