Big Island, Hawaii

Big Island, Hawaii

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Overview

Big Island, Hawaii is one of Hawaii's most beloved destinations, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and authentic Hawaiian culture. From stunning beaches to lush rainforests, this island paradise has something for every type of traveler.

8.5/10
Family-Friendly
8.5/10
Romance
10.0/10
Adventure

Big Island at a Glance

Best Time to Visit April-May, September-October
Daily Cost $350-500/person
Main Airport Kona International Airport (KOA), Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Language English, Hawaiian
Accommodations 29 options
Activities 42 things to do

Best Time to Visit

Big Island enjoys beautiful weather year-round. The best time to visit is typically April-May, September-October for ideal weather and fewer crowds.

Peak Season

December-March, July-August

Shoulder Season

April-June, September-November

Value Season

Jun - Aug

Top Beaches

Big Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.

Hapuna Beach

Consistently rated one of best beaches in America, half-mile of white sand

Swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing

Mauna Kea Beach

This stunning crescent of white sand fronting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is often called the most beautiful beach on the ...

Swimming, snorkeling, families

Kealakekua Bay

Marine sanctuary with crystal clear water and abundant fish

Snorkeling, kayaking, dolphin watching

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

This iconic black sand beach, created by lava meeting the ocean, hosts a resident population of Hawaiian green sea turtl...

Photography, turtle watching, unique experience

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Famous black sand beach where green sea turtles bask on the shore. Beautiful contrast of black sand, blue ocean, and coc...

Turtle watching, photography, scenic beauty

Kehena Black Sand Beach

Secluded black sand beach popular with locals. Clothing-optional. Steep path down from parking area. Beautiful setting w...

Bodysurfing, sunbathing, clothing-optional beach

Things to Do

From hiking volcanic craters to snorkeling with sea turtles, Big Island offers incredible adventures.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Full day

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

3 hours (evening)

Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing

Evening (4-5 hours)

Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku)

30-45 minutes

Kilauea Iki Trail

2-3 hours

Devastation Trail

20-30 minutes

Where to Stay

Big Island offers accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to vacation rentals.

Mauna Lani Resort

World-class resort on pristine Kohala Coast, excellent snorkeling, sea turtles

$500-$1,000/night

Volcano House

Only hotel inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, overlooking Kilauea caldera

$200-$400/night

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Ultra-luxury oceanfront resort on Kona Coast with pristine private beach, multiple pools including s...

$$$$

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Legendary Kohala Coast resort with one of Hawaii's best beaches, championship golf, extensive art co...

$$$$

View all 29 accommodations

Dining & Cuisine

Experience the unique flavors of Hawaiian cuisine and fresh Pacific seafood.

Merriman's Waimea

Farm-to-Table Hawaiian $$$

Merriman's Kawaihae

Hawaii Regional $$$$

Brown's Beach House at Fairmont Orchid

Hawaiian-Asian Fusion $$$$

CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani

Contemporary Hawaiian $$$$

Travel Tips

  • No Passport Needed: Hawaii is a US state - American citizens only need a valid ID to travel here.
  • Rent a Car: A rental car is highly recommended to explore beyond resort areas. Book early during peak seasons.
  • Currency: US Dollar (USD)
  • Main Airport: Kona International Airport (KOA), Hilo International Airport (ITO)
  • Sun Protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law), bring sunglasses and a hat.
  • Respect the Land: Practice "malama aina" - care for the land. Stay on marked trails and don't disturb wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about visiting Big Island.

The best time to visit Big Island is April-May, September-October. Peak season runs December-March, July-August, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-June, September-November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November (rare).

A typical daily cost in Big Island is $350-500/person per person. Big Island is generally considered a moderate destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Big Island, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Big Island is Kona International Airport (KOA), Hilo International Airport (ITO). The primary language spoken is English, Hawaiian. The currency used is US Dollar (USD).

Big Island offers 29 accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury resorts. Popular choices include Mauna Lani Resort, Volcano House, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

There are 42 activities and experiences to enjoy in Big Island. Top activities include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Manta Ray Night Snorkel, Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing.

Essential items to pack for Big Island include: Warm layers for Mauna Kea (near freezing at summit), Sturdy shoes for lava rock hiking, Snorkel gear. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Big Island: Big Island requires lots of driving - it's huge. Kona side is dry and sunny, Hilo side is wet and lush.

Big Island offers a variety of nightlife options including: Kona Brewing Company, Huggo's on the Rocks, Don's Mai Tai Bar.

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