Aloha! If you are here today is probably because you are planning a trip (or maybe just thinking about it) to the Hawaiian islands, and I can’t wait to inspire you to do so! If volcanic landscapes and amazing marine life encounters are what you are looking for, Big island is right for you! I have created a full Big island travel guide with everything you need to know to enjoy this island to the fullest.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Where are located the hawaiian islands?
The Hawaiian islands are composed of eight major islands: Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Big Island, Lanai, Molokai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Overall the archipelago has much more isles and atolls, but they are uninhabited. The Aloha state, located 2’000 miles West of the California coasts right in the middle of the Pacific ocean, has 1,4 million residents. English and Hawaiian are the two official languages. Each island is different and unique to the other with its scenery.
When to visit Big island?
The Hawaiian islands can be visited all year round offering nice temperatures between 20°c and 35°c. However, some periods of the year are more propitious to visit with notably less risk of tropical storms. Consequently, I strongly advise you to visit the archipelago between May and June. In my opinion, this is the best time of the year to discover the islands as the weather is mostly dry and not too hot. Above all, the locals and the rest of the US are not on summer break just yet. Therefore, most of the famous places are not too crowded at this time.
On a side note, don’t be surprised if you got some rain (even during the dry season) as Hawaii is more humid at the center of the island which makes the land suitable for coffee.
“In case you cannot visit the Big island during this period, just try to avoid April (spring break) as well as July and August (summer break).”
How long to stay on Big island?
Alright, to discover the top attractions that the Big island has to offer, I strongly recommend staying on the island at least for 6 days. Indeed, there are various things to do, so you won’t get bored for sure. Of course, if you can slow travel, I would highly suggest spending 2 to 3 weeks in Hawaii to experience all the secret parts of the island Most importantly, it will allow you to enjoy animal encounters several times.
However, if you have limited time available, you might cut your trip to 4 full days but be prepared that it may be not relaxing at all. Moreover, keep in mind that it might take time to go from one place to another on a Big island due to its size.
Where to stay on Big island?
Big Island is the biggest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Consequently, I strongly advise you to split your stay between two different locations to avoid driving too much per day. Indeed, Hilo is a great hub on the East Coast and Kuila-Kona is ideal on the West coast.
In terms of accommodation, the island offers various possibilities with hotels and Airbnb depending on your budget. During our stay, we booked our two apartments via Airbnb and we were super happy about it! Feel free to send me an e-mail if you want more information about our accommodations.
What to do on Big island?
As mentioned, Hawaii has a lot to offer, notably ocean adventures and volcanic activities related. Thus, throughout the next paragraphs, I share the must-dos you should visit for your trip to this heavenly island.
Akaka falls state park
big island travel guide
Akaka falls state park is one of the tallest waterfalls on the island. Once you enter the park, you can do a pleasant self-guided hiking loop of 0,4 miles / 0,6 kilometers through the rainforest with tropical vegetation.
“As this is a pretty touristic place and the parking lot is quite small, I highly advise you to come at the opening hours.”
PRICE
US$ 5 per vehicle
US$ 1 per person
OPENING HOURS
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
LEVEL
easy (stairs)
marked path
Waipio valley lookout
big island travel guide
Located on the North shore of the Big Island, Waipio Valley is famously called “the Valley of the Kings”. From the lookout, you will have such an amazing view of the indescribable beauty of the valley. For the more courageous, you can hike down to the beach with a 3-mile / 4,8-kilometer round-trip hike. However, be aware that the path is very steep and requires a certain level of fitness.
On a side note, it is forbidden to drive down the beach as the road is not public (in most rental agreements, this is specified you don’t have the right to take this road actually). Therefore, you should let your car at the dedicated parking area and go down on foot.
“There is only a small parking lot near the Waipio Valley lookout. Thus, I advise you to come early in the morning and why not watch the sunrise!”
PRICE
free access
free parking spots at the lookout
OPENING HOURS
open 24h/24
LEVEL
difficult (very steep trail)
hawaii Volcanoes national Park
big island travel guide
Based in South Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes national park is the biggest park on the island, where you will see awesome geothermal activities. I advise you first to stop at the Kilauea visitor center to get information about the place. This magnificent park is filled with different highlights such as Crater rim drive, Halemaumau crater, and chains of craters to name a few. The landscapes are wild and diverse from tropical forests to arid volcanic land. On top of that, there are numerous hikes available to experience the park to its fullest.
“Don’t forget to take a coat as it can be super windy! Moreover, put on hiking boots as you will walk mostly on lava rocks.”
PRICE
US$ 25 per vehicle
OPENING HOURS
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
LEVEL
intermediate
Pu'u'o Honaunau national historical park
big island travel guide
Located in South Kona, Pu’u’o Honaunau National Historical park is a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture. Through this spiritual sanctuary, you will step back in time with a self-guided tour. Of course, there is also a narrated tour by phone if you prefer. You should stop by the visitor center to get all the details.
“Park rangers talks are offered daily to all visitors in the amphitheater which is ideal to learn more about the native people.”
PRICE
US$ 15 per person
OPENING HOURS
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Magic sand beach park
big island travel guide
Not far from Kailu-Kona, Magic sand beach park is the ideal location to enjoy a beautiful white sand beach and turquoise waters. Moreover, you will be surrounded by lava rocks and coconut palms. What more could you ask for?
Furthermore, this heavenly beach is one of the few with lifeguards, which makes it perfect for families. On top of that, there are outdoor showers, restrooms, and a picnic area.
“I suggest you eat lunch at the delicious Magic Sand beach bar & grill that offers notably great vegan options and a spectacular view on the shore.”
PRICE
free access
(large) paid parking spots available
OPENING HOURS
6:00 am to 11:00 pm
Polulu Valley
big island travel guide
Situated in the Kohala region, the Polulu valley’s scenic lookout offers a great view of the imposing sea cliffs. Nevertheless, I highly recommend you hike down to the picturesque black sand beach. Indeed, there is a medium hiking trail that leads you to the valley floor (2 miles / 3,1 kilometers). However, it is not safe to swim in the ocean at Polulu valley as it is very agitated with big waves.
Did you know that this impressive valley was a popular place to live for Hawaiian people in the past as it has a constant supply of water?
“Since the trail is relatively steep, it can be very slippery during or after rain.”
PRICE
free access
free parking spots available
OPENING HOURS
open 24/24h
LEVEL
moderate
Where to eat on Big island?
- Charley’s Thai cuisine, located at Waikoloa (Thai restaurant $) – amazing cheap pad thai!
- Magic Sand Beach bar & grill, loctated at Kailua-Kona (Hawaiian restaurant $$) – Lunch with an ocean view!
What bucket list activity can you do on Big island?
The big island is the ideal place to check once-in-a-lifetime activities off your bucket list! Indeed, during our stay, we experienced two of the most unforgettable adventures: swimming with dolphins and manta rays!
swimming with dolphins in the open ocean
big island travel guide
Have you ever been dreaming of swimming with wild dolphins in the open ocean? I have and I realized my dream on the Big island! In other words, it was one of the best days of my life! Read my full experience here!
TOUR OPERATOR
Sunlight on water
PRICE
US$ 135 per adult
DETAILS
4:00 hours
snorkeling with the mantas at night
big island travel guide
Do you want to experience the craziest adventure of all time by snorkeling with manta rays in the middle of the ocean? On top of that, do you want to do it at night? I have and I experienced this amazing adventure on the Big island. Read my full experience here!
TOUR OPERATOR
Sunlight on water
PRICE
US$ 102 per adult
DETAILS
starts at sunset for 3:00 hours
In conclusion
To sum up, the Big island is the perfect place to enjoy unspoiled volcanic and tropical scenery combined with abundant ocean fauna. Indeed, its coasts are home to magnificent marine creatures such as dolphins, whales, and manta rays.
That is to say, I hope I have inspired you to visit the Big island someday soon and that you will enjoy it as much as we did.
Moreover, you should check out here all my posts related to the Hawaiian islands.
Finally, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. It would be a great pleasure to share with you!
Sending you lots of Love,
