5 Attractions to Visit on The Big Island, Hawaii 

There is no need to cite reasons why Hawaii is an overall dream travel destination for almost anybody, regardless of the difference in interests. Hawaii is home to some of the best and most beautiful islands and destinations in the entire world, not just the United States of America. Among those gorgeous islands of Hawaii are Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the subject of this article, the Big Island.

The iconic Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most geographically unique islands in Hawaii and all of the United States. Home to some of the most majestic natural attractions and phenomenons, Hawaii’s Big Island features black sand beaches, hardened lava deserts, snow-covered mountain peaks, and steamy and lush rainforests. However, the Big Island’s most famous attraction is its fire-spitting, active Kilauea volcano, which has been causing an increase in the island’s landmass since 1983. Furthermore, the hiking trails and state parks on Hawaii’s Big Island offer some of the best sights in all of Hawaii

Granted, the Big Island is quite different from the rest of Hawaii as it does not send out the same honeymoon-perfect, romantic destination vibes. However, it offers several opportunities to have the adventure of a lifetime while surrounded by some of the most breathtaking sceneries in the universe. So, if you have decided on the Big Island as the destination for your next trip, we guarantee you won’t regret it. To ensure you make the best of your time there, here is a complete guide containing everything you need to know before heading to the Big Island, Hawaii. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii – The Big Island 

The temperatures on Hawaii’s Big Island remain relatively consistent throughout the year, between the high 70s and low 80s. However, September, October, and November are the best months to visit the Big Island. During this time, room rates on the island dip quite a bit compared to the peak season from December to March, when room rates tend to skyrocket due to the ideal surfing conditions.  

How to get around Hawaii – The Big Island 

There are several ways to move around Hawaii’s Big Island; here is a rundown of the best ones: 

Car (Considerably The Best Way)

Hawaii’s Big Island is quite large, and the best attractions are spread along its several coasts, many of which are inaccessible by bus services. Therefore, the best way to get around it affordably and conveniently is by car. 

You can easily pick up a rental car at the Kona International Airport (KOA) or the Hilo International Airport (ITO). Some hotels also offer car rental services. However, it is essential to note that some rental agencies will ask you to avoid rough roads such as Saddle Road. If you would rather have a local do the driving so you can focus on the sightseeing, you can sign up for one of the many tourist tours available on the island.

Taxi 

Taxis, although comfortable, are not the most affordable way to travel around the island, even by tourist standards, as the meter starts at around $3. Taxis are also quite accessible; you can’t just flag one in the middle of the road. The best place to find them is around either airport; otherwise, you can ask your hotel to help you call for one. Uber service is also operational on the Big Island, however, still not as affordable as renting a car if you would like to navigate freely around the island. 

Bus 

Buses are the most affordable option around Hawaii’s Big Island as the bus rate starts at $2 (cash only), and kids ages four and younger ride for free. However, buses are only convenient if you are not planning to venture off on your own too far from your hotel, as the island’s bus system does not make regular stops at all the tourist attraction sites. The bus schedule is also not the most convenient, some routes are only services Monday through Friday. 

Helicopter 

Of course, this is not exactly a viable means of transportation; it is more of an adventure opportunity. Although it is a pretty costly splurge, taking a helicopter ride over the island is a great way to see the magnificent sights of Hawaii’s Big Island, especially the rides over the island’s active volcanoes and the valley tours through the Kohala or Hamakua coasts. 

Where to stay in Hawaii – The Big Island

Hawaii’s Big Island boasts some of the best and highest-class hotels and resorts in the world to help island visitors enjoy their stay on the island to the maximum. Because the Big Island is a major Hawaiian attraction, the hotels and resorts on the island include various options to meet the different needs of the island’s visitors. Here are the best hotels on the Big Island, Hawaii: 

Best Beach Hotels Hawaii’s the Big Island:

The Big Island has magnificent beach hotels, including Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and Autograph Collection. 

Best Pool Hotels in Hawaii’s Big Island: 

Ranked among the best pool hotels in Hawaii’s Big Island are Fairmont Orchid and Hilton Waikoloa Village. 

Best Resorts in Hawaii’s Big Island: 

Some of the best resorts in Hawaii’s Big Island are Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection and Fairmont Orchid. 

Best Family Hotels in Hawaii’s Big Island: 

Among the highest-ranked family hotels in the Big Island, Hawaii, are Waikoloa Beach Mariott Resort & Spa and Hilton Waikoloa Village. 

Best Spa Hotels in Hawaii’s Big Island: 

Among the hotels with the best spa treatments on Hawaii’s Big Island are Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection. 

Best Golf Hotels in Hawaii’s Big Island: 

Ranking among the best hotels for golf in Hawaii – the Big Island are Hilton Waikoloa Village and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection. 

Other high-ranking hotels on the Big Island: 

• The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort 
• Kohala Suites by Hilton Grand 
• Castle Halii Kai at Waikoloa 
• Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacations 
• Shores at Waikoloa 
• Holualoa Inn
• Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 
• Fairways at Mauna Lani 
• Hawaii Island Retreat 

Best places to eat in Hawaii – the Big Island 

As a hot tourist spot, Hawaii’s Big Island features a variety of restaurants, eateries, cafes, and breakfast joints that offer visitors an inclusive cuisine that caters to the different tastes and appetites of the island’s visitors. 

On the island, specifically in the hotel areas, you will find several Hawaiian fusion restaurants serving plates like shredded pork, poi (a Hawaiian Dessert dish), and several other regional dishes. Another staple served in restaurants all around the island is, of course, fresh seafood. Some of the best eateries on the Big Island are located on the Kohala coast, near Kona. However, the prices around this area are not exactly budget-friendly. One of the highest-ranking restaurants in this area is the ULU Ocean Grill at the Four Seasons Resorts Hualalai, which is highly praised for its unique menu and spectacular ocean views. You can dine at 808 Grindz Cafe in Kona at more affordable prices. 

Prices are generally reasonable at most Hilo eateries, such as Hilo Bay Cafe, which is especially popular for its sushi. Some of the best local favourites, such as Paul’s Place and Pineapples, are also considered more budget-friendly. 

Here is a list of the best restaurants to try while on Hawaii’s Big Island: 

• Two Ladies Kitchen 
• Paul’s Place 
• Suisan Fish Market 
• Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine 
• Moon and Turtle 
• Hilo Bay Cafe 
• Hawaiian Style Cafe 
• Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill Hilo 
• Moonstruck Patisserie 
• Hilo Burger Joint 
• Hana Hou Restaurant 
• Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine 
• Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay 
• Puka Puka Kitchen
• Naung Mai Thai Kitchen 

Where to go and what to do in Hawaii – The Big Island

Hawaii’s Big Island is a lot of things, but boring is not one of them. During your visit to the Big Island, you will be overwhelmed with the sights, attractions, and activities to enjoy. From the active lava-spewing volcanoes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to the stunningly beautiful Waipio Valley, the Big Island features some of the most unique and jaw-droppingly beautiful natural attractions. In addition to the gorgeous natural wonders, famous beaches, and magnificent hiking trails, the Big Island offers some excellent shopping opportunities for those looking to obtain authentic Hawaiian souvenirs before returning home. The most famous shopping hub on the island is Hilo Farmers Market, which offers an impressive collection of Hawaiian treats and crafts. 

Here is a list of the best places to visit and things to do on Hawaii’s Big Island: 

1. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park 

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park of the Big Island contains two active volcanoes, among which is the iconic Kilauea volcano, which is the main attraction of this national park. Kilauea is a 4,000-foot-tall volcanic mountain that has been spitting and spewing lava since 3 January 1983. In May 2018, Kilauea erupted, destroying entire communities around it, which resulted in mandatory evacuations and the closing of the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for four months till it reopened back in mid-September 2018. Even though Kilauea’s eruptions and volcanic activity have stopped since the last eruption in 2018, it is still at the top of America’s list of volcanoes to monitor. 

2. Kaunaoa Beach

Ranking reasonably high among the most picturesque white sand beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii is the stunning Kaunaoa Beach. Located on the central Kohala coast, the eggshell-coloured sand beach of Kaunaoa has more to offer than a picture-perfect background for some holiday shots. Snorkelling is among the most popular activities at Kaunaoa Beach, especially at both ends, where you can witness the best underwater wonders. You can also go for a volleyball game on the beach or even try bodyboarding. 

3. Akaka Falls State Park 

Akaka Falls State Park guarantees visitors a close-up view of two consecutive and almost equally stunning waterfalls – the gushing Kahuna Falls and the iconic free-falling Akaka Falls, after which the state park was named. 

Visitors must invest their time and effort into hiking a short, paved loop trail through the park to enjoy the spectacular views in Akaka Falls State Park. This trail is said to be flat and relatively easy enough for just about anyone to hike, even young kids. It is also relatively short; most people make the loop through the park in about 20 to 30 minutes. 

Another great perk about Akaka Falls State Park is its convenience and affordability. Thanks to the fact that it is open daily, you can fit it anywhere on your itinerary. It also only costs $1 per pedestrian and $5 per car, so it will not cause any damaging dents to your holiday budget. Considering the views waiting for you inside and how affordable and accessible it is to get there, there is almost no reason good enough to skip visiting Akaka Falls State Park during your time on Hawaii’s Big Island.

4. Waipio Valley 

Translated as “curved water,” Waipio Valley is named after the Waipio River that runs through it. It is one mile wide, over five miles deep, and enveloped by lush cliffs that rise as high as 2000 feet. The valley features several black beaches that are simply hauntingly beautiful; however, the water at said beaches is too murky to be considered suitable swimming water. 

In addition to being naturally breathtaking, Waipio Valley holds great historical significance to Hawaiians. Thanks to its location along the Hamakua Coast on the island’s northeastern side, the Waipio Valley was one of the most fertile valleys on the Big Island. That’s not all; Waipio Valley was also home to about 10,000 people when the navigator Captain James Cook arrived in 1778. Throughout history, Waipio Valley was also home to several Hawaiian rulers, such as Kamehameha the Great, which earned the valley its famous nickname “The Valley of the Kings.”

5. Kealakekua Bay

Whether your goal is to find a spot perfect for snorkelling and discovering the wonders that lay underwater or find interesting historical facts about the destinations of your vacations, this bay will serve both purposes. This remote bay on Hawaii’s west coast offers its visitors the chance to swim among a vast collection of sea turtles, tropical fish, and Hawaiian Spinner dolphins visible below the calm, shallow water’s surface. 

That’s not all; Kealakekua Bay holds quite a lot of historical significance. Back in January 1779, navigator Captain James Cook spotted the bay and stayed there as a guest for several weeks till tensions arose between him and the locals, leading to him being killed on the same shore—the iconic large white Captain Cook Monument across the bay monumented this significant historical event. You can also learn more about the history of the bay through the history lessons presented by the state park, which enlighten visitors about the importance of Kealakekua Bay. 

The range of the beauty of Hawaii’s Big Island is almost too broad to cover. However, whether you decide to follow our itinerary or go as the wind takes you, one thing for sure is that you will have the time of your life in the Hawaiian gem that is the Big Island.