Hawaii Island, HI

Travel Guide

Honokaa showing general coastal views
Kailua-Kona showing rugged coastline, a sunset and general coastal views
Hawaii which includes general coastal views, views and landscape views
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park featuring landscape views and signage
Waikoloa showing general coastal views and a sunset as well as a small group of people

The biggest island in the United States is a tropical paradise where you can 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.

Where to stay in Hawaii Island

Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden featuring a park and tropical scenes

Holualoa Village

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

Holualoa 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
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 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, Port of Hilo and Onekahakaha Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

Keaukaha
Default Image

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 NT$5,951 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
NT$5,951
NT$7,921 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,600 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at The Royal Kona. Very coinvent location close to restaurants and shops. Parking was right across the street. Beds were very comfortable."

Reviewed on 2025/8/27

Royal Kona Resort
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$5,200 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$5,200
NT$7,540 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a golf course. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village

4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI
The price is NT$5,778 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
NT$5,778
NT$8,258 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"We liked that this resort was located on the coast. Sunsets were spectacular!! We liked the Lagoon (guaranteed to see marine life especially sea turtles), various swimming pools (including an adult pool), Dolphin Quest including "Sunrise with Dolphins", light breakfast (provided with our package ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village
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 4-star beach aparthotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 meeting rooms, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,102 reviews)
"Just a lovely apartment - safe, 10 min drive from the town center, pool, beaches were close by and the ocean right behind! Kitchen was well equipped, balcony was beautiful, parking was plenty and mainly it was central to almost everything. We loved everything about the property. We also got pool ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

Aston Kona by the Sea
Castle Kanaloa at Kona

Castle Kanaloa at Kona

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 property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
Castle Kanaloa at Kona
Kona Bali Kai

Kona Bali Kai

2 out of 5
76-6246 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this condo in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Magic Sands Beach and Kailua Pier are located ...
Kona Bali Kai
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Hawaii Island