Hawaii Island

Travel Guide
Honokaa which includes general coastal views
Hawaii Island
Hawaii showing views, landscape views and general coastal views
Hawaii Island
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

Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden featuring tropical scenes and a park

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
Royal Kona Resort
Royal Kona Resort
3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is S$348 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
S$348
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,482 reviews)
"We loved everything about this resort in our oceanfront room except for the bed. It was hard as a rock and we felt like we were sleeping on a board. Other than that everything else was top notch."

Reviewed on 18 Nov,2024

Royal Kona Resort
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa
4 out of 5
78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is S$516 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
S$516
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 4-star golf resort in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (911 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 17 Nov,2024

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is S$298 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
S$298
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,088 reviews)
"Everything you need!"

Reviewed on 13 Nov,2024

Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
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 in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Kailua Pier and Magic Sands Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (54 reviews)
"Excellent location outside of the Ali’i Drve congestion. The accommodation was huge, the kitchen large , the balcony large…I never expected so much room. Our view was gorgeous of the ocean and cliffs only about 100 feet away. Sea Village was quiet, the staff were welcoming and everything was ..."

Reviewed on 19 Nov,2024

Sea Village
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 fitness center. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Hāpuna ...
9/10 Wonderful! (657 reviews)
"Loved the house and always love staying at the Hali Kai. The only thing that was not so great is taking trash to dumpster last night there were tons of rats running around the top and inside when we opened the lid. Not great!"

Reviewed on 18 Nov,2024

Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
Aston Kona by the Sea
Aston Kona by the Sea
4 out of 5
75-6106 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 meeting rooms, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,027 reviews)
"This place was everything we wanted, and needed for our week-long stay on the Big Island."

Reviewed on 11 Nov,2024

Aston Kona by the Sea
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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