Hawaii Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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 Honl's Beach and Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden.

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
Captain Cook which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views

Opihihale

While visiting Opihihale, you might make a stop by sights like Pebbles Beach and South Kona Beaches.

Opihihale
Royal Kona Resort
Royal Kona Resort
3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is ₹16,253 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹16,253
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,525 reviews)
"Location, location, location. We had a corner room that was quite literally "on the rocks". Our most expensive room ever during our 53 years of marriage, but well worth the cost."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Royal Kona Resort
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village
4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
The price is ₹26,294 per night from 14 May to 15 May
₹26,294
per night
14 May - 15 May
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Loved this resort! Hope to return!"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa
4 out of 5
69-699 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
The price is ₹20,969 per night from 23 May to 24 May
₹20,969
per night
23 May - 24 May
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"It would be easier to have car next time."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa
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.
Aston Kona by the Sea
Aston Kona by the Sea
4 out of 5
75-6106 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and 2 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (975 reviews)
"This resort was relaxing and enjoyable. I would definitely stay here again if I had the opportunity. The only reason that I did not give it a perfect review was due to the really weird design of the window in the bedroom. It was a corner window that faced into the outdoor entrance to the condo. We ..."

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Aston Kona by the Sea
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 an in-room washer/dryer. Popular attractions Kailua Pier and Magic Sands Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"Check in was snow, the room guaranteed by 4:00 pm, I was there at 3:40pm and they won’t let us to the room till 4:00pm, this resort didn’t provide shampoo and conditioner, it is kind of weir."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Sea Village
Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER
Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER
3 out of 5
75-6040 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this eco-certified condo in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (429 reviews)
"Excellent property, and wonderful, helpful staff. We had an ocean front room, which was amazing. The pool is great for kids and adults alike. The property is also located a little away from the busy part of Ali’i drive, which makes it great to relax at the end of the day after a day full of activities ..."

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2024

Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER
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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