Hawaii Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Honokaa showing general coastal views
Hawaii Island
Hawaii which includes general coastal views, landscape views and views
Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island Travel Guide Video

The largest island in the US offers plenty of swimming and hiking as well as some impressive volcanic scenery.

Made up of five towering volcanoes that rise high out of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii Island is almost twice the size of all the other islands of the US state combined. Better known as Hawaii’s Big Island, here you’ll find stunning beaches and extraordinary scenery, as well as a rich history just waiting to be discovered.

Either of the island’s two major towns, Hilo and Kailua-Kona, make an ideal base from which to explore, as do its numerous other resorts. Whether you want to spend your visit swimming in the dazzling waters, hiking through the rainforest, or playing golf, there’s something for you.

Long ago, this island was where the Hawaiian royals resided, making it a great historical spot for visitors today. Here you’ll find archaeological sites like the Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park where you can learn more about the old ways on this remarkable island.

For more modern adventures, head to Kohala Coast to enjoy some of the island’s best beaches, such as Mauna Kea Beach and the Hapuna Beach State Park. In the water, you’ll be in the company of turtles, dolphins and tropical fish.

To get around the island your best bet is to hire your own car, as public transport is only available in the bigger areas. You’ll find rental firms at Hawaii Island’s two international airports as well as from the Hilo and Kailua-Kona townships. This way, you’ll be able to explore all the big attractions across the island, even the secluded Pololū Valley Outlook and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Located over 3,200 kilometres from the coast of the US mainland, Hawaii benefits from a tropical climate which gives it as many as 300 days of sun each and every year. Rough winds and swells can occur in winter, making it great for surfers – but even then you’ll get to enjoy the warm temperatures. Visitors flock here between December and March so be sure to book in plenty of time if you want to stay then.

Where to stay in Hawaii Island

Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden showing tropical scenes and a garden

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 showing 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
Default Image

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 showing landscape views, snorkelling and coral

Kahaluu Bay

5/5(5 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 showing a garden and landscape views

Keaukaha

3/5(1 area review)

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

If you're spending some time in Kohala Estates, Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Pua Mau Place Botanic & Sculpture Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Kohala Estates
Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is NZ$431 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$431
29 July - 30 July
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! (2,634 reviews)
"Thank you"

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Royal Kona Resort
Hilton Waikoloa Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village

4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
The price is NZ$682 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$682
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,059 reviews)
"Will come back"

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Hilton Waikoloa Village
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

4 out of 5
78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is NZ$694 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$694
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf resort in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"This resort is simply breathtaking. The staff is warm, friendly, courteous, respectful, professional, and made our stay relaxing."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa
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! (1,100 reviews)
"The ocean view property we booked was very spacious and comfortable for a party of 4. The view was amazing. It was definitely the highlight of the property. Waking up to the view and being able to just take it all in at anytime of the day was well worth having an ocean view. The pool was very comfortable. ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Aston Kona by the Sea
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (27 reviews)
"It's convenient to get around."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Kona Bali Kai
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (448 reviews)
"The view of this property was simply out of this world amazing. Every single morning we felt like we were in heaven! The room was lovely with plenty of space for everyone in our party. It almost felt like we were in a place outside of time. We will definitely be coming back here."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Castle Kanaloa at Kona
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

Activities

Cities near Hawaii Island