The Complete Guide to the Island of Hawai‘i — Including Locals’ Favorite Stops

It’s no secret that the Island of Hawai‘i is a tropical paradise filled with no shortage of beautiful beaches, thoughtfully designed resorts, important cultural landmarks, national parks, and some of the most delicious food in the Pacific. It makes sense, then, that Hawai‘i, commonly known as the Big Island, was named one of Travel + Leisure’s best places to go in 2024.

Whether it’s a trip to one of the island’s main events (the Kona Brewers Festival in March, the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April, or the Ironman World Championship in October) or simply to relax in a location packed with panoramic views ranging from swaying palm trees against cerulean seas to volcanic outcrops, the Big Island is a destination that cannot be missed.

It would take years to see and do everything the Big Island has to offer, so it pays to get some local help — especially from two locals who have lived on the Island of Hawai’i their entire lives. Justin Lee, a professional spearfisherman and president of FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i, and Kolby Akamu Moser, a commercial and documentary filmmaker, share the best places to stay, eat, and play on the Big Island.

“Hawai‘i Island is for adventures and travelers looking for something real,” Akamu Moser says. “More than any other island, Hawai‘i Island is full of history and mo’olelo (stories) of our Gods and Goddesses, early settlers, Ali‘i (chiefs), and ancestors. These stories are significant to Native Hawaiians and kama‘āina (locals) today, and there are many places where visitors can learn about our rich history.”

Best Hotels & Resorts

Mauna Lani

An Auberge Resorts Collection property, Mauna Lani offers guests plenty of room to spread out with 333 rooms on 32 oceanfront acres. It was named one of the Best New Hotels of 2020 by Travel + Leisure editors and later named one of the state’s best resorts by T+L readers in 2023.

“It’s luxurious with a modern aesthetic and situated right next to an ancient Hawaiian Fishpond that is fun to explore,” Akamu Moser says of the resort, which also features the only Goop store in the Hawaiian Islands. A lifestyle brand curated by Gwyneth Paltrow, Goop’s Mauna Lani location stocks clean beauty, wellness products, and elevated resort wear.

Four Seasons Hualālai

There is a reason the Four Seasons Hualalai has been voted one of the best resorts in Hawaii by T+L readers every year since 2016. “The aloha spirit is so strong here,” Lee says of the 249-room property, which features King’s Pond, a 1.8-million gallon salt-water aquarium where guests can swim in alongside a marine biologist. Other resort highlights include five restaurants that source 75 percent of all food from Hawai‘i Island farmers and “Only At Hualalai” experiences that pair local experts — think freediver Kimi Werner or blacksmith Neil Kamimura — with resort guests for curated day trips.

Waikōloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Families traveling together or larger groups might consider Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, which is tucked in the island’s northern part. “It’s a bit more affordable and perfect for family travel,” says Akamu Moser, a mom of two. “It has a big beautiful pool with a slide, is just steps from the beach, and is walking distance from restaurants and shops at Queen’s Marketplace and Kings Shops.”

Kona Village

After closing in 2011, Kona Village reopened as a Rosewood resort — and no detail has been missed. Guests of the resort can expect to stay in their own hale – Hawaiian for home – which have all been tastefully decorated mainly using Hawaiian artists and dine at one of four bars and restaurants. (Insider tip from senior T+L editor Maya Kachroo-Levine: Every bar and dining venue makes a different mai tai.) Follow it up with a dip in one of the property’s two pools.

Volcano House

Travelers wanting an up-close view of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park should consider Volcano House, the only hotel within the park and one of the oldest lodges in the national park system. Guests can stay in one of 33 guest rooms that overlook the edge of Kīlauea, book one of 10 renovated cabins, or reserve a campsite at one of two campgrounds, Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki.

Best Things To Do

Puako Bay

If snorkeling is a priority, Puako Bay should be at the top of the itinerary. Located approximately 30 miles north of Kona, it’s not the place for laying on the sand and getting sun, but putting on a mask and hopping into the water. “It’s so shallow, and it’s relatively big tide pools that’ll drop off to a little bit of a ledge. You can swim for an hour looking at all the fish, shells, and octopus,” Lee says of the popular spot beach park.

Snorkeling at Night With Manta Rays

Kona is one of the few places in the world where manta rays can be viewed year-round in their natural habitat. Snorkelers of all ages led by experienced swimmers and divers are welcomed into the water at dusk, accompanied by large lights that attract plankton, thus pulling manta rays up close to feed. “There is nothing like it in the world,” Lee says, adding he recently took his kids, ages 5 and 7, on the nighttime adventure. “To be literally half an inch from them, belly to belly, is incredible.” Companies like Anelakai Adventures offer eco-friendly tours aboard paddled Hawaiian canoes that are non-invasive to the rays.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

As the name implies, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Beyond eruptions and lava fields, the park is also home to more than 155 miles of trails, native flora and fauna, as well as sacred petroglyphs. “It’s a full-day adventure,” Lee says. “It’s one place I know I can take somebody who has never been to Hawai’i and not leave disappointed.”

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

Located along the Hāmākua Coast, Waipiʻo Valley — also known as Valley of the Kings — is a sacred location for Native Hawaiians surrounded by lush 2,000-foot cliffs. While the Valley itself is closed to visitors of the island, the overlook offers a peek inside the historic valley, which was once home to thousands of Hawaiians.

Visit Ka Lae (South Point)

Ka Lae, known locally as South Point, is the Southernmost point in the United States and is breathtakingly beautiful. “It’s rough and rugged but has some of the best fishing in the state. Jumping off the cliff at Ka Lae is a rite of passage of sorts for kids growing up here, (but) if you’re not a strong swimmer or familiar with the area, I wouldn’t recommend jumping, but it’s fun to watch the locals do it,” Akamu Moser says of the point.

Pololū Valley

“There are so many great hikes all over the island, but my family and I love Pololū Valley because you can jump in the water to cool down afterward,” Akamu Moser says of the hike that features a black sand beach at the end. “Make sure to stop by the fruit stand on the way out for poke nachos and fresh juices, and please be respectful and don’t leave trash or belongings there.”

Papakōlea Beach 

Also known as Green Sand Beach, Akamu Moser says Papakōlea Beach is “absolutely stunning” and worth the drive. “You’ll drive through pasture land and park at a trailhead before hiking into Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years ago,” she says. The beach’s remarkable color comes from olivine, a mineral found in the lava. “It is one of only four in the world. There is no lifeguard, and the current can be strong, so be careful along the water.”

Best Shopping

Kaʻū Coffee Mill

No trip to the Big Island is complete without enjoying locally grown coffee and picking up a bag to bring home. While Kona coffee is often the more recognizable varietal, don’t miss trying Kaʻū coffee — Coconut Caramel Crunch and Tropical Dream Pie are favorites — from Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Akamu Moser adds, “Kaʻū is often considered the hidden gem of Hawaiian coffee. Keep an eye on this coffee, as they’re climbing up the ranks as one of the best in the world.”

Big Island Candies

Anyone with a sweet tooth should pop into Big Island Candies in Hilo for a free cookie sample while shopping for the perfect souvenir. They’re best known for chocolate-dipped shortbread, so picking up a selection to take home for you — and a friend — wrapped in the store’s signature colorful boxes is a good idea.

Ahualoa Family Farms

Located in Honoka‘a, Ahualoa Family Farms is a must for at-home chefs wanting to bring home a taste of the Islands, specifically macadamia nuts. Lemon macadamia nut dressing, honey macadamia nut spread, and chili-spiced macadamia nuts are just a tiny sampling of what this family-owned farm offers. “All their coffee and macadamia nuts come from Hawai’i Island farmers,” adds Akamu Moser.

Queen’s Marketplace

An open-air shopping mall within Waikoloa Beach Resort, Queen’s Marketplace has over 35 retailers and restaurants. Shopping highlights include Hawaiian footwear brand OluKai, SoHa Living, which is known for its tropically-inspired home goods, and renowned Aloha shirt brand Reyn Spooner.

Honoka‘a Chocolate

For award-winning chocolate, Honoka‘a Chocolate Co. made from Hawaii-grown cacao is a must. Known for its small-batch, “branch-to-bar” style of chocolate, flavors that can’t be missed include coconut dark milk and bourbon bar and the barrel-aged drunken goat milk bar. Shop at the brand’s downtown Honoka’a factory store or while indulging in a 30-minute farm tour, which can be booked in advance online.

Best Restaurants

Nāpua at Mauna Lani

“Nāpua’s is unbelievable. It’s this beautiful place where you can throw a rock from the tables and hit the water.  They really embody farm to the table and support local menus,” Lee says of the eatery, noting his favorite dish is ‘nduja toast, which features spiced Kaunamano Farm pork spread on locally made sourdough with beer mustard and pickled vegetables. “It’s one of the best bites there is.”

The Poke Market

“The front door is maybe four feet wide, and it’s just a service window, walk-up order poke bowl place,” Lee says of Hilo’s The Poke Market. “In my opinion, they’re the best poke bowls around.” Lee recommends keeping it simple to let fresh, local flavors shine, “A little bit of ʻInamona, which is toasted kukui nut, paʻakai (Hawaiian sea salt), and some green onions for color.”

The Fish & The Hog

Located in Waimea, The Fish & The Hog is a smart stopover if your day takes you to the island’s northern side. Akamu Moser calls it “the best barbecue spot on the island” and recommends ordering the Sampler if it’s your first visit. “It gives you a little bit of everything,” she says of the platter that comes with prime brisket, pulled pork, baby back ribs, and house-made sausage.

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

“Umeke” is the Hawaiian word for bowl, so nearly everything served at both Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill locations are designed to be eaten in bowls. Akamu Moser says her “go-to” order is Da Sweetie Poke, which features sweet shoyu glaze, onions, and furikake flakes, and Ho’io salad, a side of fiddlehead ferns, tomato, onion, kombu, kamaboko, and sesame.

Best Time To Visit

Hawai‘i’s Big Island is popular year-round thanks to beautiful beaches and a temperate climate.

“There is no bad time to visit,” Lee says. “We have a lot of open spaces and a lot of roads in between. If you don’t like the weather where you are, drive up the road, and it’s beautiful again.”

Considering that, the “best” time to visit might differ depending on what visitors seek. June, July, and December are when tourism peaks, so those wishing for smaller crowds may opt for a visit during shoulder seasons, which include January to May and August to November. Those seeking sunny skies may want to avoid November to April when temperatures dip slightly and rain is more prevalent.

“It’s a tiny bit colder and wetter during the winter months, but not by much,” Moser says, adding that the most consistent weather occurs during summer. 

How to Get There

There are a few ways to get to the Big Island, all involving flying. From the continental U.S. — often referred to as the mainland in the Hawaiian Islands — visitors can fly directly into Kona Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona on the island’s west side. Visitors traveling from outer islands can fly into either Kona or Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo on the island’s east side.

International travelers and those visiting from the mainland can also fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu and take a short connecting flight to Kona or Hilo.

Parts of the Island to Visit

The Island of Hawai‘i is divided into six regions: Kohala, Kona, Kaʻū, Puna, Hilo, and Hāmākua Coast. Though there are six distinct regions, it’s not uncommon to hear locals and residents reference “Kona side” or “Hilo side” when talking about the west and east sides of the island.

Kohala

The sunny coast of Hawai’i — receiving an average of nine inches of rainfall per year – Kohala is a mix of rugged lava fields and open green pastures where renowned resorts and golf courses are tucked away. It’s also home to Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, one of the largest and last heiau (temple) built in Hawaiʻi, the original Kamehameha Statue in Kapaʻau, and Hāpuna Beach, one of the largest white sand beaches on the island.

Kona

Perhaps the most well-known of the regions, Kona offers “a little bit of everything” for visitors, including many of the island’s hotels and resorts, coffee farms, historical landmarks, and pristine beaches. It’s also home to one of two airports on the island and is a good drop-in point if you plan on staying in Waikōloa or Kailua-Kona.

Kaʻū

The southernmost region of Hawai‘i Island, Kaʻū is quiet — free of sprawling resorts and golf courses — and instead dotted with smaller communities with coffee and macadamia nut farms. Kaʻū also encompasses Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and one of the most famous beaches on the entire island – Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.

Puna

Located south of Hilo, Puna is a historic district most well known for encompassing Kalapana. In 1990, lava from nearby Kīlauea volcano engulfed the entire town, destroying 182 homes. Visitors should also make a note to visit Lava Trees State Park, where, in the 1700s, lava flowed through the 17-acre park and left behind molds of tree trunks.

Hilo

Hilo began as a farming and fishing area before evolving into the center of the sugar industry. Located on the eastern side of the island, Hilo is known for being “sleepier” than Kona. No trip is complete without visiting Rainbow Falls or Two Ladies Kitchen, a mochi shop that has been around for nearly 30 years. One of the island’s two airports is located in Hilo.

Hāmākua Coast

Known for tropical rainforests and lush valleys thanks to nearly 84 inches of rainfall per year, the Hāmākua Coast is home to the famed 442-foot-high Akaka Falls, King Kamehameha’s boyhood home, Waipiʻo Valley, as well as historic Honokaʻa Town, which features locally made gift shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

How to Get Around

There is a reason it’s called the Big Island: It measures more than 4,000 square miles in size and is almost twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. That considered, in order to make the most of a visit, it’s important to have transportation options mapped out ahead of any trip.

Car

Renting a car is the most reliable and flexible transportation option when visiting Hawai’i. Cars can be rented from national chains at both Hilo and Kona airports and through car-sharing apps like Turo.

“Spend the extra money and rent a car,” Lee says, adding that booking in advance will often afford the best prices and selection of vehicles. “If you can, rent a four-wheel drive vehicle and just go explore. That’s the beauty of the Big Island.”

Bus

For those seeking public transportation, Hele On Bus is Hawai‘i County’s free mass transit bus system. Visitors can use the online schedule to go anywhere on the island, but note that passengers disembarking at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will be charged a $15 fee, and bus schedules are subject to change.

Rideshare

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available. Still, it’s important to note that cell phone reception can be limited and prohibitive for booking rides in more remote areas of the island, like Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The easiest area to utilize rideshares is to or from Kona and Hilo airports.