Big Island for First-Timers: The Two-Coast Game Plan
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Explore Big Island
Everything we've researched in Big Island, Hawaii: hotels, dining, beaches, and things to do, plus golf, hikes, spas, snorkeling, nightlife, shopping, and more. Each list carries local tips, Google ratings, and map links.
When to visit Big Island
Year-round, April-October driest on Kona side
Weather & climate in Big Island
Average monthly high and low temperatures (Fahrenheit).
| Month | High | Low | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80°F | 65°F | 9.8 |
| February | 81°F | 65°F | 8.9 |
| March | 81°F | 67°F | 12.3 |
| April | 83°F | 68°F | 11.7 |
| May | 85°F | 70°F | 7.5 |
| June | 87°F | 72°F | 6.8 |
| July | 88°F | 74°F | 9.4 |
| August | 89°F | 74°F | 9.5 |
| September | 88°F | 73°F | 8.9 |
| October | 86°F | 72°F | 9.7 |
| November | 83°F | 69°F | 12.1 |
| December | 81°F | 66°F | 10.8 |
Big Island quick facts
Getting around Big Island
Towns & neighborhoods in Big Island
The main areas travelers stay and explore.
Kailua-Kona
Sunny resort town on the leeward coast with historic sites, oceanfront dining, and world-famous Kona coffee. The island's main tourist hub.
Hilo
Charming town on the rainy windward side with waterfalls, farmers markets, and old Hawaii charm. Gateway to Volcanoes National Park.
Kohala Coast (Waikoloa & Mauna Lani)
Luxury resort zone with championship golf, pristine beaches, ancient petroglyph fields, and sunny lava coast. Hawaii's premier resort area.
Volcano Village & Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Cool mountain village adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. Gateway to Kilauea volcano, lava tubes, and rainforest. Unique eco-tourism destination.
Waimea (Kamuela)
Cowboy town (paniolo country) on the cool upcountry slopes with rolling green hills, ranches, and farm-to-table dining. Hawaii's cattle ranching hub.
South Kona (Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay)
Kona coffee country with historic Captain Cook monument, world-class snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, and hillside coffee farms with ocean views.
North Kohala (Hawi & Pololu Valley)
Remote northern tip with charming Hawi town, King Kamehameha statue, Pololu Valley overlook, and winding scenic roads. Off the beaten path.
Local tips for Big Island
Insider tips
- Big Island requires lots of driving - it's huge
- Kona side is dry and sunny, Hilo side is wet and lush
What to pack
- Warm layers for Mauna Kea (near freezing at summit)
- Sturdy shoes for lava rock hiking
- Snorkel gear
Family & accessibility
Kid-friendly activities
- Hawaii Volcanoes NP Jr Ranger, Complete activities to earn Jr Ranger badge
- Atlantis Submarines, Real submarine dive to see coral and fish
- Dolphin Quest, Swim with dolphins at Hilton Waikoloa
Wheelchair-friendly
- Hawaii Volcanoes NP has accessible trails and viewpoints
- Most resorts fully accessible
- Atlantis Submarine accessible
Sample itinerary: 1 days in Big Island
A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.
Chat with Courtney to plan your dream Big Island itinerary
A day-by-day plan built around your dates, pace, and budget, by a real advisor who prices Big Island trips every week. Free, because resorts pay her, not you.
Plan my dream itineraryBig Island vs other destinations
Deciding between Big Island and somewhere else? We've broken down the popular matchups with a clear verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting Big Island
