Where to Stay on the Big Island, Hawaii

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• Best Hotels in Hawaii
• Best Hotels for Families in Hawaii

The Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island

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• Map of Hotels on Hawaii`s Big Island

The largest and youngest island that makes up the Hawaiian archipelago is called the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. When comparing its total land area to the other Hawaiian islands combined, the Big Island is bigger and continues expanding each day through persistent volcanic activity. What sets this island apart from the rest of Hawaii is the presence of two volcanoes that remain active: Mauna Loa, which is Earth`s largest volcano, and Kilauea, considered the planet`s most consistently active volcano. In addition, three other volcanoes – Mauna Kea (inactive), Hualalai (inactive), and Kohala (extinct) – connect with the active ones to form the Big Island. Not surprisingly, the large amount of volcanic work shaping this island gives it a distinct character versus its neighbouring islands. Much of the interior landscape has a rugged nature characterized by expansive stretches of black lava rock spread beneath a veil of volcanic fog. Eight unique microclimates are scattered across the Big Island, including desert, rainforest and even polar tundra zones atop Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. While the Big Island has fewer beaches compared to other Hawaiian locales, the sandy spots here are still spectacular, appearing in white, salt-and-pepper, black and even green hues along a shoreline punctuated by rocky cliffs, some with flows of lava pouring into the ocean.

The majority of the sandy beaches along the northwest coast of the island in Kona and Kohala, where guests will find the clearest water and sunny, dry climate year-round. With beautiful beaches and daily sunshine, the regions of Kona and Kohala are home to most of the island`s resorts. It takes approximately 1.5 hours by vehicle traveling east from the northwest coast deep into the tropical rainforest area of Hilo, site of the largest city on the island with the same name. Though Hilo has the greatest population, the southeast coast receives less than half of the tourism as the northwest coast, allowing the city to maintain its community atmosphere and small-town feel. South of the Hilo region is the lush Puna district, the papaya production capital of Hawaii and location of the town of Volcano. These four regions are generally the best areas for most visitors to lodge on the Big Island, though two other areas may appeal to guests seeking less frequented locales. Hamakua stretches between Kohala and Hilo, home to Mauna Kea volcano, the scenic Hamakua Heritage Corridor coastal drive, and the charming village of Honoka’a. Ka’u comprises the southernmost portion of the Big Island, location of the active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the stunning Papakolea Green Sand Beach (one of only four green sand beaches globally), Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, and coffee plantations. While both Hamakua and Ka’u offer wonderful experiences, there are no hotels, few temporary rentals, and only a handful of places to dine or shop for essentials; most people visit these areas on day trips and stay elsewhere overnight.

The Best Places to Stay on the Big Island

• Best Luxury Hotels on the Big Island
  Four Seasons Resort Hualalai • Hilton Waikoloa Village • Fairmont Orchid
• Best Family Hotels on the Big Island
  Hilton Waikoloa Village resort and two others – Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and Aston Kona by the Sea – were listed here
• Best Boutique Hotels on the Big Island
  Near the Airport: Sheraton
• Best Cheap Hotels on the Big Island
  Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club • Hilo Seaside Hotel • Kona Bayview Inn

Best Areas on the Big Island for…

• Top Beaches on the Big Island: Kona, Kohala, Hilo, Puna, Ka’u
  The western side of Hawaii`s Big Island, Kona and Kohala regions, are home to the island`s finest white sand beaches, with Kohala boasting the longest uninterrupted stretches of sand. The eastern side holds several wonderful black sand beaches, notably in Hilo which are magnificent for snorkeling and Puna which features the island`s newest beach formed after the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Ka`u additionally has stunning black sand beaches, while hardy hikers can locate the rare green sand beach Papakolea, one of merely four worldwide.
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• Best Places for Families on the Big Island: Kona, Kohala, and Hilo
  Families will find the ideal blend of magnificent shorelines, kid-accommodating hotels, and fun activities in Kona, Kohala, and Hilo. Kona offers historic sights, white sand beaches, casual lodgings and dining, and a fun small-city vibe. Kohala offers more upscale resorts with family entertainments onsite, plus the island’s finest beaches. Hilo has stunning black sand beaches and lagoons, nature parks and botanical gardens, and easy access to volcano excursions.
• Most Romantic Places on the Big Island: Kohala, Kona, and Hilo
  Kohala is a favorite among couples for its expansive, white sand beaches, high-end dining under the stars with toes in the sand, and luxurious resorts that specialize in creating romantic getaways. Kona offers similar sandy beaches, beachfront dining, a small but lively cocktail scene, with a more relaxed vibe. Hilo offers a less-touristy vibe with dramatic black sand beaches, scenic rainforest trails to waterfalls, plus accessibility to thrilling lava hikes and the scenic drive along the Hamakua Heritage Corridor.



• Top Areas for Sightseeing on Hawaii`s Big Island: Kona, Kohala, Hilo, Puna, Hamakua, and Ka’u
  The Big Island offers numerous cultural, historic sites and natural wonders scattered across the island. Some of the most significant cultural sights can be found in Kona, such as the historic Hulihee Palace, which was King Kamahameha I’s home, and and Puuhonua o Honaunau place of refuge. While Kohala is primarily beach resorts, traveling inland to Waimea allows travelers to experience the traditional paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture firsthand. Hilo is the largest city on the island, home to excellent museums, botanical gardens, and rainforest hiking trails. Puna showcases the ever-evolving volcanic landscape of the island, from Lava Trees State Park to the newly formed black beach; its main town, Pahoa, has the highest concentration of historic buildings on the island. Hamakua boasts a dramatic stretch of coastline with towering cliffs and the island’s tallest waterfalls. Ka’u is home to two active volcanoes where travelers can observe the lava flows up close, plus beaches with green and black sand
• Safest Locations on the Big Island
  Overall, the Big Island can be considered a safe place to visit and has experienced the lowest average rates of property crime and violent crime over the past ten years compared to Hawaii`s other largest islands. Smaller towns such as Volcano in Puna, Honoka’a in Hamakua, and Pahala in Ka’u along with resort areas like Waikiloa in Kohala tend to involve less risk of crime than the downtown areas of Kailua-Kona, Hilo, or Pahoa in Puna. However, some of the more remote, crime-free regions are located within lava zones, though warnings are usually provided well before an eruption occurs.
• Locations to Avoid on the Big Island
  Generally, the Big Island is a really safe place to visit with a low criminal rate. Most crimes that do happen on the Big Island are property crimes, like theft, rather than violent crimes. As with any city, be conscious of your surroundings and belongings, particularly at night, when visiting the downtown cores of Hilo, Kailua-Kona, or Pahoa.

The Best Places on the Big Island for Tourists

1. Kona

Spanning approximately two thirds of the western coastline from just south of Waikoloa Village to Manuka Bay, the Kona district encompasses abundant experiences. Tour coffee farms in Holualoa nestled in the Kona Mountains, tasting the renowned Kona coffee. Visit historic sites such as Puuhonua o Honaunau, a sacred refuge where lawbreakers found asylum, and Kealakekua Bay, where Captain Cook first stepped ashore on the island and later lost his life. Most inhabitants reside on the sheltered leeward side, where calm waters offer prime conditions for swimming, snorkeling in coves, and glimpsing green sea turtles and gentle giant manta rays. Some of the finest beaches include Magic Sands, Kahalu’u ideal for snorkeling, Kamakohonu, Two Step, and Kua Bay. Here lies the chief town of Kailua-Kona, also known as Kailua Village or simply Kona. Historic landmarks encompass Hulihee Palace dating to 1838 as a Hawaiian monarch`s vacation home, Mokuaikaua Church established in 1837 as Hawaii`s earliest Christian site, and the reconstructed Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark from 1812 containing Ahuʻena Heiau temple and the residence of final years for King Kamehameha I. The principal thoroughfare Ali`i Drive features an assortment of eateries, bars, shops, the Wednesday to Sunday Kona Farmers` Market, and scenic Kailua Pier at sunset.

• Best Hotels: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai • Holualoa Inn • Aston Kona by the Sea • Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

2. Hilo

Situated on the northeastern edge of Hawaii known as the windward side, the Hilo area is renowned for its rainforest preserves, abundant waterfalls, and lush orchid gardens. Despite residing at the heart of some of the island`s most spectacular natural wonders, Hilo sees considerably less tourist traffic than the western coastal locales of Kona and Kohala due to their proximity to the shoreline. Hilo serves as an ideal starting point for day tours of the ongoing volcanic flows at Kilauea, the astronomical observatories perched high upon the snowcapped peaks of Mauna Kea, and the picturesque roadway along the cliffside Hamakua Coast. Attractions within the Hilo locality itself include numerous scenic hiking routes, notably `Akaka Falls State Park with its namesake 135-meter cascade and the Kaumana lava tube formed after the 1881 eruption of Mauna Loa with a miniature rainforest growing through its skylight entrance and several kilometers accessible underground for exploration. Visitors can also discover the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden boasting over 1800 exotic plant species and Botanical World Adventures featuring zip lines, bike excursions, and additional adventures. The region`s and island`s most populous municipality, also called Hilo, is home to further stunning nature preserves, especially Wailuku River and Rainbow Falls State Parks along the same waterway leading to “Boiling Pots” (an arrangement of waterfall-fed pools appearing to bubble over when filled) and the 25-meter Rainbow Falls easily reachable on foot in 30 minutes from downtown. Hilo retains a charming small-town character despite being the largest city on the island. Its downtown core houses the phenomenal Hilo Farmers` Market open daily from early morning until mid-afternoon and showcasing locally grown tropical fruits, macadamia nuts, sushi/poke crafted with fresh local ahi tuna, colorful orchids and flowers, and much more. To the east of downtown lies the hundred-year old Liliuokalani Gardens, the biggest Japanese garden in America. Accessible through Liliuokalani Gardens by a pedestrian bridge is Coconut Island (also called Moku Ola), a tiny islet with two white sand beaches, tide pools, and a stone lookout for diving into the ocean; Coconut Island is tremendously popular among families. Most beaches in Hilo comprise black volcanic sand; some of the best involve Carlsmith Beach Park (a grouping of lagoons perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and observing sea turtles) and Richardson Beach (wonderful for snorkeling tropical fish). Accommodations here tend toward moderate options instead of the expansive resorts on the western shore. Dining and nightlife maintain a relaxed atmosphere catering primarily to local tastes.

• Premium Accommodations: Grand Naniloa Hotel – The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls.

3. Kohala

To the north of Kona lies Kohala, famous for having the best white sand beaches on the Big Island as well as many luxury resorts. The Kohala Coast, located on the western, drier side of the island, experiences even less rain and more sun than the Kona Coast, with a portion of it actually being a true desert. The Kohala volcanic mountains divide this district into two with lush cloud forests atop its summit and rainforests on the eastern, wetter side. Amazingly, the desert and rainforest are merely 18 km apart. The great King Kamehameha I was born at the northernmost point of Kohala, near the small town of Hawi within the difficult-to-access Kohala Historical Sites State Monument. Inland close to the town of Waimea is paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country, home to Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest cattle operations in the USA. Waimea is a favored locale for hiking, horseback riding, and features three farmers` markets operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Most hotels, dining, shopping, and golf courses are situated on the southern end of the Kohala Coast near Waikoloa Village, a master-planned resort area with golf courses, hotels, fine dining, and shopping. Some of the finest beaches in the state are located here, including expansive Hapuna Beach (the island’s largest white sand beach), tranquil Kauna’oa Beach (AKA Mauna Kea Beach, gentle waves and good snorkeling), and family-friendly Spencer Beach Park (sandy bay beach near the temple ruins at Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site)).

• Best Hotels: Fairmont Orchid • Hilton Waikoloa Village.

4. Puna

Situated between Hilo and Ka`u on Hawaii`s largest island, the Puna district is defined by its proximity to the active rift zones of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. This fertile yet ever-changing landscape bears witness to volcanic manifestations such as those preserved at Lava Tree State Park from an 18th century eruption and the black sand beach created in 2018 at Pohoiki. Despite risks from volcanic activity, Puna maintains a population nearly equal to that of Hilo while sustaining diverse tropical agriculture, most notably papayas, macadamia nuts, bananas, and flowers sold at the expansive Maku`u Farmers` Market each Sunday. The towns of Pahoa, with its freewheeling ambiance, and Volcano near Volcanoes National Park entrance exemplify Puna`s unrestrained character in contrast with neighboring Ka`u, though accommodations consist of intimate locally-run lodgings rather than large hotels. One encounters reminders of volcanic forces shaping the land from centuries past to recent months throughout this district situated at Hawaii`s southeastern tip.

• Top Hotels:Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant – Volcano Eco Retreat by Heart Core Hotels – Ma’ukele Lodge

5. Hamakua

The Hamakua region on the windward side of Hawaii`s Big Island has a rugged, wild landscape distinct from other areas. Sheer cliffs plunge abruptly into the ocean rather than gradual sandy beaches. Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, blankets the interior with greenery. Notable scenic attractions accessible via the Heritage Corridor route include Wai‘ilikahi Falls, one of the island`s highest at 329 meters, Waipio Valley surrounded by near vertical 600-meter cliffs and once home to King Kamehameha, and Hi’ilawe Falls towering over 440 meters. The main town is Honoka’a, originally a sugarcane community with preserved historical aspects like its compact downtown center. Lodging options are limited mostly to cozy inns and vacation homes available to rent in Hamakua.

• Top Accommodation: Mahana House Country Inn.

6. Ka’u

Situated at the southern tip of Hawaii`s largest island, Ka`u district claims both geographic and historic significance as the site of the first Polynesian settlement in the Hawaiian Islands. Its southernmost point at Ka Lae experiences picturesque sunrises and sunsets, offering visitors spectacular coastal vistas. Though sparsely populated compared to other regions on the island, Ka`u encompasses an impressive area larger than the entire island of Maui and incorporates the towering volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa within Volcanoes National Park, a premier natural attraction. For over a century, the region cultivated extensive sugarcane crops, but coffee farming has taken precedence in recent decades, with local roasters providing tastings and tours. The diverse topography incorporates dense rainforests, barren lava fields, and the unusual green sand beach at Papakolea, requiring an hour-long hike to access its unique sands. Nearby Punalu`u Black Sand Beach presents easier access along with opportunities for snorkeling amid sheltered waters home to endangered marine species such as turtles, seals and hawks indigenous to the Hawaiian ecosystem. Additional points of interest include the serene Wood Valley Buddhist Temple with ties to the Dalai Lama, and the ancient lava tube network at Kula Kai Caverns. Small rural communities like Pahala and Na`alehu offer visitors local flavor through artisans, eateries and farmers markets showcasing regional culture.

• Premium Accommodations: Sea Mountain • Pele’s Eye • Wood Valley Temple & Retreat