Hawaii Island

Travel Guide
Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island Travel Guide Video

Discover the stunning natural beauty and fascinating history of this paradise island, the largest in the United States.

Hawaii’s Big Island, or officially Hawaii Island, certainly lives up to its name. It is nearly twice the size of all of the rest of the Hawaiian Islands combined. The island consists of five volcanoes that rise up from the Pacific Ocean, creating stunningly beautiful landscapes and picture-perfect beaches, complemented by a rich and fascinating history and culture.

Hawaii Island has many resort regions with top-notch facilities, including gourmet restaurants, luxury spas and superb golf courses, as well as the two main towns Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Car rental companies operate out of these two towns, as well as out of both international airports, as public transport is limited. Driving is the best option if you are planning to spend some time exploring the island.

Head to Kohala Coast to discover some of Hawaii Island’s most popular beaches, such as Mauna Kea Beach and Hapuna Beach State Park. Relax on the pristine sands, or dive into the crystal blue water to swim with the dolphins, turtles and tropical fish native to these waters.

Inland, there are many natural wonders to discover. Hike through the tropical rainforests, see and hear stunning waterfalls, or take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of the island’s two active volcanoes at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You will also be able to climb to the peak of Maunakea, Hawaii Island’s tallest peak which, when measured from the sea bed, is taller than Mount Everest. Don’t miss the spectacular views from the remote Pololū Valley Outlook at the north of the island.

As it was once home to the Hawaiian royal family, the island has many sites of strong cultural and historical interest. Visit the 72 hectare Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, once the site of royal grounds, as well as a place of refuge for those who broke the Kapu, or sacred laws. The Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is home to fascinating archaeological sites where you’ll discover petroglyphs, or kii pohaku, native Hawaiian carvings into lava rock which date back hundreds of years.

Hawaii Island’s tropical climate, with over 300 days’ sunshine per year on the west coast, ensures that it is a popular destination all year round. The busiest time falls between December and March, so if travelling in the period it is recommended to book accommodation well in advance. Many surfers head to the island in winter, as the rough winds cause large sea swells, but temperatures remain warm. Hawaii lies in the North Pacific Ocean, 3,219 kilometres from the US mainland.

Where to stay in Hawaii Island

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Holualoa Village

While visiting Holualoa Village, you might make a stop by sights like Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden and Honl's Beach.

Holualoa Village
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Historic Kailua Village

Are you interested in stunning beaches, island views and popular shops? A visit to Historic Kailua Village might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Kailua Pier and Kailua-Kona Wharf.

Historic Kailua Village
Kahalu\'u Beach Park featuring landscape views, snorkelling and coral

Kahaluu-Keauhou

If you're spending some time in Kahaluu-Keauhou, Keauhou Shopping Center and Keauhou Bay Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Kahaluu-Keauhou
Kahalu\'u Beach Park featuring landscape views, snorkelling and coral

Kahaluu Bay

5/5(2 area reviews)

Kahaluu Bay is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, seaside views and pristine golf courses. You might want to check out attractions like Kahalu'u Beach Park or Magic Sands Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Kahaluu Bay
Richardson\'s Ocean Park which includes a garden and landscape views

Keaukaha

If you're spending some time in Keaukaha, Keaukaha Beach Park and Port of Hilo are top sights worth seeing.

Keaukaha
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Kohala Estates

If you're spending some time in Kohala Estates, Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Pua Mau Place Botanic & Sculpture Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Kohala Estates
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
4 out of 5
93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is RM881 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
RM881
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,108 reviews)
"The hotel lobby and front garden are quite beautiful. The pictures on the internet do not do it justice!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Royal Kona Resort
Royal Kona Resort
3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is RM922 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
RM922
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,493 reviews)
"Beautiful biew of the bay and activities in the bay."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Royal Kona Resort
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village
4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM1,442 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
RM1,442
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"We loved this place, there's plenty of activities for families. Watched sunset right in our balcony amazing!!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea Village
Sea Village
2.5 out of 5
75-5992 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this condo in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and gas grills. Popular attractions Honl's Beach and Kona Inn Shopping Village are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Check in was snow, the room guaranteed by 4:00 pm, I was there at 3:40pm and they won’t let us to the room till 4:00pm, this resort didn’t provide shampoo and conditioner, it is kind of weir."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Sea Village
Kanaloa at Kona by Castle
Kanaloa at Kona by Castle
3 out of 5
78-261 Manukai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition ...
7.4/10 Good! (382 reviews)
Nice, Spacious Condo
"Loved this property. Last time we stayed in Kona we stayed right down the road at Kona Coast Resort. This condo was bigger and we were located right near the pool so that was a plus. Aside from some of the renovation material being in one of the closets and a weird urinal in one of the bathrooms, ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Kanaloa at Kona by Castle
CASTLE Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
CASTLE Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
4 out of 5
69-1029 Nawahine Pl, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (616 reviews)
"Such a beautiful place and the location was perfect!"

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2024

CASTLE Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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