Hawaii Island, HI

Travel Guide
Kailua-Kona showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and a sunset

Hawaii Island Travel Guide Video

The biggest island in the United States is a tropical paradise where youcan swim , hike and explore volcanoes.

Hawaii Island, often referred to as Hawaii’s Big Island, has stunning landscapes, idyllic beaches and a fascinating history. The island is comprised of five volcanoes that rise out of the Pacific Ocean, and together they create a mass nearly twice the size of the remaining Hawaiian islands combined. Hawaii Island has two major towns, Hilo and Kailua-Kona, as well as a number of popular resort regions. Swim or dive in the clear blue water, hike through tropical rain forests or enjoy a round of golf as you relax at the popular holiday destination.Swim with local marine life, including turtles, dolphins and tropical fish, at some of the state’s most iconic beaches. The Kohala Coast has some of the most popular beaches on the island, including Mauna Kea Beach and the Hapuna Beach State Park.The island was once the home of the Hawaiian royals, and so has a rich history. Visit archaeological sites, including the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park and Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to discover the traditional customs and culture of the area.Rent a car to see the island, as public transportation is limited to the larger towns. Rental operators can be found at both of Hawaii Island’s international airports, and from the Hilo and Kailua-Kona townships. Driving is the easiest way to travel across the island to visit all of the major attractions, including the remote Pololū Valley Outlook, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hawaii Island’s location in the Pacific Ocean means it enjoys a tropical climate, with the west coast known to receive more than 300 days of sun per year. The winter can bring rough winds and large swells, making it a popular surfing destination, but the temperature remains warm. December through March is the busiest time and accommodation is known to sell out in advance.Hawaii is located approximately 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers) from the U.S. mainland in the North Pacific Ocean.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in the Big Island of Hawaii page.

Where to stay in Hawaii Island

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Holualoa Village

While visiting Holualoa Village, you might make a stop by sights like Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden and Honl's Beach.

Holualoa Village
Kailua Pier featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and a bay or harbor

Historic Kailua Village

Visitors to Historic Kailua Village rave about its stunning beaches, island views, and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Kailua Pier or Kailua-Kona Wharf while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Historic Kailua Village
Kahalu\'u Beach Park featuring snorkeling, landscape views and colorful reefs

Kahaluu-Keauhou

While visiting Kahaluu-Keauhou, you might make a stop by sights like Keauhou Shopping Center and Keauhou Bay Beach.

Kahaluu-Keauhou
Kahalu\'u Beach Park featuring snorkeling, landscape views and colorful reefs

Kahaluu Bay

4.5/5(221 area reviews)

Kahaluu Bay is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Kahaluu Bay
Richardson\'s Ocean Park which includes a park and landscape views

Keaukaha

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Kohala Estates, you might make a stop by sights like Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Pua Mau Place Botanic & Sculpture Garden.

Kohala Estates
Royal Kona Resort
Royal Kona Resort
3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is $195 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
$195
$259 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,492 reviews)
"Beautiful biew of the bay and activities in the bay."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Royal Kona Resort
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village
4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
The price is $306 per night from Apr 18 to Apr 19
$306
$417 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this beach resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"We loved this place, there's plenty of activities for families. Watched sunset right in our balcony amazing!!"

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
4 out of 5
93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is $186 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
$186
$266 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,107 reviews)
"The hotel lobby and front garden are quite beautiful. The pictures on the internet do not do it justice!"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
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 gas grills. Popular attractions Honl's Beach and Kona Inn Shopping Village are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great place!
"Pleasant surprised especially from a property that was built in the 70’s. Very clean and the pool and hot tub was well cared for. Staff was very pleasant which is always nice to have."

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2024

Sea Village
Kanaloa at Kona by Castle
Kanaloa at Kona by Castle
3 out of 5
78-261 Manukai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition ...
7.4/10 Good! (382 reviews)
Nice, Spacious Condo
"Loved this property. Last time we stayed in Kona we stayed right down the road at Kona Coast Resort. This condo was bigger and we were located right near the pool so that was a plus. Aside from some of the renovation material being in one of the closets and a weird urinal in one of the bathrooms, ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Kanaloa at Kona by Castle
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 children's pool. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (616 reviews)
"Such a beautiful place and the location was perfect!"

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024

CASTLE Hali'i Kai at 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.

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