Hawai'i - The Big Island

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🌋 Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaiʻi Island—often called the Big Island—is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and it’s unlike anywhere else on Earth. Where else can you walk on fresh lava fields, snorkel with manta rays at night, hike to hidden waterfalls, sip world-famous Kona coffee, and stargaze above the clouds—all on the same trip?

If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers the best things to do on the Big Island, when to go, where to stay, and insider tips to help you make the most of your adventure.

                               Credit to Shakaguide.com

🌅 Best Things to Do on the Big Island

  • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
    Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kīlauea and Mauna Loa). You can hike through lava tubes, see craters, and (if you’re lucky) catch a lava glow at night. You can also see these by a helicopter tour.

  • Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
    One of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in the world. Tours depart from Kona, where you’ll float under the stars as giant manta rays glide gracefully beneath you.

  • Mauna Kea Stargazing
    At nearly 14,000 ft, Mauna Kea offers some of the clearest skies on the planet. Whether you join a guided stargazing tour or visit the visitor center, it’s a surreal experience.

  • Akaka Falls & Rainbow Falls
    Lush rainforests on the Hilo side hide some of Hawaii’s most stunning waterfalls. Akaka Falls plunges 442 ft, while Rainbow Falls is famous for its morning rainbows.

  • Green Sand & Black Sand Beaches

    • Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach – Great chance to spot sea turtles.

    • Papakōlea Green Sand Beach – One of only four green sand beaches in the world (requires a hike or shuttle).

  • Kona Coffee Tour
    The Big Island produces some of the best coffee in the world. Take a farm tour to see how it’s grown, roasted, and (of course) taste fresh Kona coffee.

  • Snorkeling & Diving
    Kealakekua Bay is famous for crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and spinner dolphins. Captain Cook Monument is a top snorkeling spot. They also have whale watching tours during whale season. If you don't want to go on a tour, you can also go to Hawi (the north-most spot of Big Island) and there is an outlook where the whales like to play.

🗓 Best Time to Visit the Big Island

  • Dry Season (April–October): Sunny, warm, great for beaches.

  • Wet Season (November–March): More rain (especially Hilo side), but lush landscapes + fewer crowds.

  • Whale Season (December–April): Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters—fantastic for whale watching.

💡 Tip: The Kona side is sunnier/drier, while the Hilo side is wetter and greener—plan activities accordingly.

🏨 Where to Stay on the Big Island

  • Kona (West Side): Best for beaches, snorkeling, manta ray tours, and sunshine.

    • Luxury: Four Seasons Hualālai

    • Mid-range: Royal Kona Resort

    • Budget: Kona Tiki Hotel

  • Hilo (East Side): Best for waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park, and lush rainforest vibes.

    • Boutique: SCP Hilo Hotel

    • Budget: Arnott’s Lodge & Hiking Adventures

  • Volcano Village: For those who want to stay near Volcanoes National Park. Cozy cabins + rainforest retreats.

🍍 Food & Drink to Try

  • Kona Coffee – World-famous and best sipped fresh from a local farm.

  • Loco Moco – Rice topped with a burger patty, fried egg, and gravy.

  • Poke Bowls – Fresh ahi tuna with soy, sesame, and seaweed.

  • Shave Ice – Perfect island treat after a long hike.

  • Fresh Fruit – Try papaya, lychee, or apple bananas from farmers’ markets.

🚗 Getting Around

The Big Island is big—about the size of Connecticut! Renting a car is essential to explore beaches, volcanoes, and remote spots.

  • Highways circle the island (about a 6-hour drive all the way around).

  • Drive times can be long, so plan your days by region.

  • Gas is pricier than the mainland, but worth it for the freedom.

🧳 What to Pack

  • Light layers (it’s hot at the coast but cold on Mauna Kea).

  • Reef-safe sunscreen + reef shoes.

  • Snorkel gear (if not renting).

  • Hiking shoes for lava + waterfall trails.

  • Waterproof camera / GoPro.

  • Rain jacket (especially for Hilo side).

✨ Final Thoughts

The Big Island is raw, wild, and unforgettable. It’s less touristy than Oahu or Maui, but that’s part of its charm. If you want an island that offers a little bit of everything—beaches, volcanoes, culture, adventure, and quiet escapes—the Big Island delivers.

Whether you’re stargazing on Mauna Kea, snorkeling with manta rays, or sipping fresh Kona coffee at sunrise, the Big Island will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

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