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.

Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is NZ$435 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$435
21 July - 22 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! (2,609 reviews)
"It was awesome!"

Reviewed on 17 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$703 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$703
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! (1,047 reviews)
"Good hotel. Very nice but the tram was always broken. It made it difficult for our older relatives to walk around."

Reviewed on 12 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$630 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
NZ$630
6 Aug - 7 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great venue staff was awesome from front desk to Ron at Valet."

Reviewed on 18 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! (1,098 reviews)
"Overall nice place. A little outdated. Cleanliness was ok. Definitely areas of improvement in the condo."

Reviewed on 12 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! (25 reviews)
"Loved the oceanfront unit, enjoyed the amazing sunset scenery from the balcony."

Reviewed on 13 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! (444 reviews)
"We’ve stayed here many times and love it. This was the first time the room wasn’t ready at check in and we had to wait two hours for it to be cleaned. A big bummer after a 6 hour flight but staff was very gracious and gave us complimentary ac for our troubles. Wish I could say the room was clean ..."

Reviewed on 6 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.

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