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 featuring tropical scenes and a park

Holualoa Village

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

Holualoa Village
Kahalu\'u Beach Park featuring 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
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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 featuring 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 which includes 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
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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 19 June to 20 June
NZ$431
19 June - 20 June
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! (2,568 reviews)
"Spectacular sunsets every evening I was there. The crashing if the waves, cool breeze."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Royal Kona Resort
Kona Coast Resort
Kona Coast Resort
3.5 out of 5
78-6842 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,303 reviews)
"The hotel is extremely nice and the service is excellent all the employees are so nice"

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Kona Coast 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 NZ$410 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$410
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a golf course. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,219 reviews)
"The location is excellent next to 3 beaches and on the waterfront with a spacious view there is a lovely Japanese garden adjacent to the hotel. The main problem is the valet parking is slow. They need to hire more parking attendants. We stayed for 3 nights and each time we waited 10-15 minutes in ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

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.
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! (1,087 reviews)
"Stayed here for the 6th time."

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (16 reviews)
"I was in Kona on a work trip. The hotels in area were way over the U.S. government’s lodging per diem rate. Kona Bali Kai was a very great and affordable option for me. I will definitely be staying there in the future for work again and for vacation in the future as well."

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Kona Bali Kai
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 fitness center. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Hāpuna ...
9/10 Wonderful! (685 reviews)
"Loved everything, home away from home beautiful grounds peaceful!"

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 2025

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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