The first island I ever visited in Hawaii was the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. The size of the island is bigger than all the other islands combined, maybe even twice as big. The land is very diverse, with a mix of tropical rain forests, volcanic rocks, to sandy beaches.
This island may not be as popular as all the other islands like Oahu or Maui, but there are so many hidden gems and fun activities that make this island so unique! Plus, since this island is more low-key, it means fewer tourists! I recently went on a solo trip to explore what else this unique piece of land has to offer and below is a travel guide for your next adventure to the Island of Hawaii!
Notes About Traveling During the Pandemic:
Before entering Hawaii, you must visit https://travel.hawaii.gov and fill out a set of forms. On this site, you must:
- Complete a Safe Travels “About You” profile
- Add your upcoming Hawaii Trips that includes travel dates and flight information
- Apply for exemption/exception from quarantine
- Must submit proof of Covid-19 vaccine or Negative PAAT/PCR Test
- As of July 8, 2021, Hawaii is now allowing all fully vaccinated travelers to enter the island without the need of a negative Covid-19 test. For more information, read here.
- All travelers who are not exempt from quarantine must quarantine for 10 days before continuing to travel around Hawaii.
- Fill out a health questionnaire within 24 hours prior to your flight. Once you fill out this questionnaire, you will receive an email with a QR code to be scanned at the airport. You must have a QR or else flight attendants will not let you board the plane.
I highly recommend doing these steps as soon as possible and not at the airport. I came to the airport a little early, 1.5-2hours before my flight, and was able to process through TSA security and the United gate without a problem since I had my QR code handy. However, within an hour before my flight, I saw a massive line with people filling out their Hawaii travel form on the spot and causing delays. Without the QR code, you will not be able to board the plane and fly so please be sure to complete everything before arriving at the airport.
For more travel updates, make sure to visit https://travel.hawaii.gov.
Facts About The Island of Hawaii
Hawaii is the biggest island among the Hawaiian Islands and is in the southernmost part of the archipelago. It is more than twice as big than all the other islands combined. On this island, you’ll find volcanoes, sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforests, snow-covered mountains, and desserts with hardened lava.
The island can be categorized into two main areas: the Leeward and Windward. These words basically describe how much rainfall an area has. The leeward side is the area that’s drier, and is where most of the sandy, sunny beaches are located on the Big Island. You’ll find that all of the popular resorts will be on this side of the island along the Kohala Coast and many tourists will want to visit the city of Kona.
The windward side of the island is wetter, thus has an abundance of tropical rainforests, lush greenery, and rapid waterfalls. I found this side of the island is better for people who desire more adventure and venturing out to explore! Popular cities and towns to visit in this part of the Island are Hilo, Pahoa, and Keaau.
Getting to the Big Island
If you’re thinking about visiting the Island of Hawaii, there are actually two airports you can fly into; Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport. Both airports are small and easy to navigate. However, I recommend flying to the airport you plan to stay at first because they are about 2 hours away from each other by car. The most popular out of the two is definitely the airport in Kona as most of the hotels and resorts are on that part of the island and there are more flight options.
Where to Stay on the Big Island
From luxury resorts to affordable AirBnB’s and hostels, this island offers many accommodations for any budget.
If you’re someone who wants to wake up next to the beach and play golf in the morning, then definitely book a stay at one of the beautiful resorts on the Kohala Coast. Below are some of the popular resort options.
- Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection; I stayed here back in 2017 the first time I visited the Big Island and it was incredible! Gorgeous interior and exterior designs, and the beach was the best place to have breakfast in the morning.
- Four Seasons Resorts Hualalai
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
- Fairmont Orchid
- Hilton Waikoloa Village
- Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
However, if you’re someone who is on a tighter budget or want something more casual and local, then definitely book a place anywhere through AirBnB. I found a glamping spot in Pahoa, just 45mins south of Hilo and it was super cool! It was an A-Frame cabin in the middle of tropical, lush greenery that included an outdoor rainfall shower. It was raining super hard one day and it felt so peaceful listening to the raindrops fall against the wooden cabin.
One last accommodation I recommend is for anyone who is on a tight budget and does not mind sharing a room and meeting new people, is to book a stay in a hostel! I know hostels are sometimes a hit or miss, but the one I stayed on the Big Island was decent and clean!
I stayed at the My Hawaii Hostel located in Kona, a few minutes drive from Magic Sands Beach. They offer 4 & 8-bed co-ed and female-only dorm-style rooms and one room with a private queen bed. I found the beds to be super comfortable and soft for the price and everything felt super clean. All room selections have free WIFI, air conditioning, individual outlets, and lockers with locks provided. The whole accommodation offers free parking for those with cars and a public lounge area. The only downside to the hostel is that the bathrooms are shared between everyone and there is no bathroom for girls only. They do offer private 1 person bathrooms/showers but those tend to always be occupied.
How to Get Around the Island
If you really want to travel around and explore the Island of Hawaii, then you definitely have to rent a car. You can rent through a traditional commercial company such as Enterprise but I also recommend checking out Turo. There was a huge rental car shortage in the Summer of 2021 but I was still able to find a few options off of Turo. Turo is an app similar to AirBnB where you can rent vehicles from locals in the area that you are visiting. I found the process to be super easy and the hosts I had were really nice and accommodating.
If you’re thinking about which type of vehicle to rent, I definitely recommend renting a 4WD such as a Jeep Wrangler for those who are thinking of exploring places that are more off-road and adventurous such as driving up Mauna Kea, driving down Waipi’o Valley, and off-roading to Makalawena Beach or Mahana Green Sand Beach. These places require much more horsepower to drive through and can be very dangerous for a normal sedan car. Most of the time rental companies will specifically state in the agreement that sedan cars are not allowed to go to specific places such as the ones mentioned above.
However, if you’re someone who just wants to relax and explore common touristy places here and there, then go for a sedan.
When to Visit the Island of Hawaii
If you’re not a big fan of rain, then the best months to visit will be March through October as these months experience the least amount of rainfall. Do note that the city of Hilo and that part of the island experience significantly more rain compared to Kona. Every year Hilo receives more than 120 inches of rain a year while Kona receives around 25 inches of rain. That’s almost 5x more!
When choosing a month to visit Hawaii, also note that the Summer months will be busy season since school is out, as well as the Christmas season. If you want to be away from the crowds, I recommend coming in March or October as there will be fewer crowds.
Things to Do Near Hilo
There are many things to do on the Big Island that I am going to split ideas into two sections, depending on which area you plan to visit. The first area we will start with is Hilo:
Paradise Cliffs – This place is honestly a gem and one of my favorite places to visit on the Big Island. The crazy thing is I didn’t hear many people mention this place. It is located in the city of Keaau, just about 30 minutes southeast of Hilo. It is the perfect place to walk along the coast and listen to the sound of crashing waves and take in the ocean breeze. It’s a popular fishing spot among locals and one mentioned to me that if you come during February/March, you can see whales during mating season!
Akaka Falls State Park – One of the most beautiful waterfalls I ever laid my eyes on. This stunning waterfall is located about 25 minutes north of Hilo and is filled with lush plants and tropical vibes. I highly recommend coming here as the waterfall is ginormous and even more beautiful during the major rainy season because the water will definitely be rapid and flowing! As of October 2021, to enter the waterfall, it is a $5 admission fee per person and also a $10 parking fee in the parking lot. There are state employees monitoring the ticket booth and parking lot so make sure to pay accordingly! If you want to avoid the parking fee, there is plenty of parking about 1-minute walk outside of the gate. Getting to the waterfall requires a 15min half-mile loop around the beautiful, lush, state park. You will even see mini waterfalls along the way!
Rainbow Falls – Truly a classic waterfall spot on the Big Island! Just along the Wailuku River is a gorgeous open waterfall amongst tropical greenery. The area gets its name from the distinctive rainbows that appear during bright sunny days. This area is nice because there is no admission or parking fee and there is no required effort to view the falls.
Wai’ale Falls – This is a hidden gem and only the most adventurous should be rewarded to view this spectacular waterfall! Just a few minutes’ drive along the Wailuku River above Rainbow Falls is Wai’ale Falls. To get here, park by the bridge and find a hidden passageway amongst the weeds on the right. Be ready to walk through a river that can reach above your chest (I’m 5’3) and hike 2mins through rocks to get to this amazing waterfall. Make sure to bring your swimsuit because you will definitely want to take a dip! You can even go cliff jumping here if you’re brave enough!
Hilos Farmer’s Market – If you’re someone like me who loves to try and discover fresh produce in any new environment that you visit, then you definitely have to check out the farmer’s market in Hilo. It is filled with such a variety of local produce and tropical fruits that is common to the Island. You can find fruits such as dragon fruit, lilikoi (passion fruit), mangos, guavas, star fruit, and more! Other than local produce, you can also buy souvenir items and meals from local vendors.
Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden – This place is definitely for someone who admires nature and learning about botanicals. Locals recommended that this is one of the most incredible places to visit on the Big Island as there is an abundance of plants, trees, and more to learn about. Not to mention, you will see spectacular views everywhere you walk. From the spectacular sights of tropical rain forests to incredible ocean views of Onomea Bay. This place does cost $25 to visit but is worth it if you enjoy nature!
Puna Trail – This one is for all hiking enthusiasts! Puna Trail is an amazing hike for those looking for a reward at the end of a trail. This moderate 5-mile round trip hike takes you to a beautiful, secluded beach in Keeau, HI, about 25 minutes south of Hilo. The trail offers great ocean views while feeling like you’re hiking through the jungle. Even though there is not much elevation change, hiking shoes are recommended since the hike is long, slippery, rocky and can get muddy after rainfall. Once you get to the beach, admire the beautiful scenery because it will be worth it! You might even see beautiful sea turtles here.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – To admire the Island’s astounding volcanic, geological environment, you have to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located in Pahoa, which is about a 45minutes drive south of Hilo. This place features two of the world’s most active volcanoes and if you’re lucky, you can even view active eruptions! There is a lot to see at this park such as overlooking Halema’uma Crater, Crater Rim, and Puu Oo Vent. To enter the park, it cost $30 per private non-commercial vehicle.
Things to do near Kona
Hapuna Beach – This beach is part of the State Parks in Hawaii and is considered one of the best beaches to visit in the island of Hawaii and maybe even the world. It is about 50minutes north of Central Kona and costs $5 per person to enter and $10 for parking. The beach is long and open and is a great place to catch some waves. I felt the sand was super soft and the water was very blue. If you come on a very sunny day, the water will be even more beautiful as it will be clear and turquoise.
Magic Sands Beach – In the heart of Central Kona, you will find this cute little beach on Ali’i drive. Here you’ll find super soft sand and some of the craziest waves on the island. I found this beach to be super touristy and busy, but for good reason! It’s beautiful even though it is small and on a popular street. There are a lot of local eateries nearby so you’re able to grab a drink or some food while enjoying the view. Did you know that the beach actually gets its name because due to the currents, the sand can actually disappear and be left with only rocks?
Makalawena Beach – This beach is about 20 minutes north of Central Kona and is definitely a mission to get to. However, this will probably be the best beach you will ever visit on the Big Island. Due to the amount of effort it takes to come here, the beach will be secluded and if you’re lucky, you might have the beach all to yourself. I do have to warn you that it is recommended to drive with a 4WD car because the road to get there is VERY rough and unpaved. There are a lot of potholes and can be very dangerous if you’re not careful. I was able to drive there in a sedan but it took maybe 3-4x as long than if I were to have a Jeep because I was driving extremely slow. After driving about 2 miles through rough, rocky roads, you will then find a parking lot to park your car. You then walk for about 20 minutes through other beaches and lava rocks before you are met with beautiful, clear, turquoise waters that touch warm, soft, powdery white sand.
Ali’i Saltwater Pool – If you’re looking for a hidden gem, then you have to check out Ali’i Saltwater Swimming Pool in central Kona. It is situated between the Kona Isle condominiums and the Kona by the Sea hotel. Look for a shoreline public access sign and start walking to this neat little pool. Do be mindful that this pool is not regularly maintained so the water could look murky and might not be the best for swimming.
Mauna Kea Beach – Another great beach to visit on the Big Island! This one is actually inside The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Waimea, just about 40 minutes north of Kona. All beaches on the island are open to the public and anyone can visit. However, for this one, there are limited parking spaces available (40 spots) so I recommend coming early as spots fill up quickly. Most tourists and locals recommend coming around 8am every day. I came around 8:15am on a Monday and was able to snag a spot. I felt since it was Monday, the lot was still pretty empty. Once arriving at the hotel, you’ll be greeted by the gatekeeper who will give you a parking pass and navigate you on where to park.
Take a Night Dive with Manta Rays – This is definitely for anyone who loves being in the water and meeting amazing animals. This popular tourist activity is a once in a lifetime experience where you can witness life-size ocean animals glow in the dark. During this tour, you are given a snorkel and swim gear where you will then hang onto a boat. Your guides will attract the manta rays with bright lights and plankton as food. As you float through the water, you will then be greeted by this 10 feet magnificent creature of the sea.
Other things to do on the Island of Hawaii
Take a Helicopter Tour – If you’re looking for a new way to experience the island from a different perspective, then I highly recommend booking a helicopter tour! It’s one of my favorite experiences and I plan to do this in almost every city I visit!
There are many helicopter companies on the island and I believe any one you choose will have amazing tours. However, if you want something more personal, intimate, and a little on the more affordable side, then definitely book a tour with Mauna Loa Helicopter. All of their tours are private, and you have the option to request doors off, which is amazing for pictures and video!
Waipi’o Valley Lookout and Waipi’o Black Sand Beach – Waipi’o Valley Lookout is a classic spot to check out and is situated in the Northernmost part of the Big Island. It offers incredible views of Waipi’o Black Sand Beach and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can actually hike down there! It takes about an hour to hike down 800 feet. You do have the option to drive to the beach if you rent a 4WD if you don’t feel like hiking. I took the challenge to hike my way to the beach and it was incredible! However, I knew hiking back up was going to be a challenge so I asked some tourists if I could have a ride in the back of their pick-up truck and they said yes! Definitely saved me 2.5 hours going back up.
Stargaze up Mauna Kea Mountain – Besides beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes, did you know that the Big Island also has one of the tallest mountains in the world? You heard that right. Mauna Kea is the highest point in all of the state of Hawaii, and the second-highest peak in the world. The craziest thing is that most of the mountain is below sea level. This is an amazing spot to view the sunrise, sunset, and even stargaze. Be mindful though that you need a car such as a jeep that is able to drive up high altitudes. Make sure to bring a jacket because it will be cold!
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach -The island of Hawaii has some of the coolest beaches and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is definitely one of them! Located in the southernmost part of the island, you’ll admire this beach for its beautiful blue water and soft black sand. If you’re lucky, this is a great place to see cute sea turtles! I recommend coming early as it could get crowded during the afternoons.
Places to Eat
Pau Hana Poke – A trip to Hawaii is not complete without eating some Poke! There are many places to try poke but my favorite place would have to be from Pau Hana Poke. They are located up the street from Costco in Kona and I believe they have some of the freshest poke on the island. Plus, the pieces are bigger and a bit more affordable compared to Da Poke Shack, another popular spot for Poke.
Two Ladies Kitchen -You will definitely regret your trip to Hawaii if you do not stop by Two Ladies Kitchen to try their famous mochi! I definitely missed it the first time I visited the Big Island and had to make it a priority visit this place! They sell some of the best mochis I ever had in America and there were such a variety of options to choose from! However, my favorite would definitely have to be the classic Strawberry mochi with red bean. The mochi was so chewy and the strawberry was incredibly juicy. Quick tip, there will be a line so I recommend calling at least an hour ahead so you can breeze through the line and the mochi will be ready by the time you arrive!
808 Grindz Café – The perfect spot for Hawaiian home-style food and breakfast! Located in central Kona, this place is such a classic for locals and tourists! They’re busy most mornings, and the food speaks for it! I ordered the Kalua Pork Egg Benedict, and it was so good! I loved having it with a side of fried rice. The food felt homey and casual, and perfect to have as leftovers too.
Broke Da Mouth Grindz – If you’re looking for Hawaiian food combined with other Asian cultures, then you have to check out this place! This restaurant is definitely a must, especially if you’re looking for comfort food and a variety of grilled meats. They have everything from furikake chicken, kalbi ribs, garlic shrimp, mud pies, wings, and more! It is a bit of a wait, and they are only doing take-out at the moment, but it is definitely worth it!
Scandinavian Shave Ice – This Hawaiian classic treat is a must and will definitely cool you off during those hot days relaxing on the beach. One of the most popular places in Kona is Scandinavian Shaved Ice. They have a wide selection of syrups to choose from and you can enjoy this refreshing treat right by the water.
Poke Market – If you’re looking for a poke shop to check out in Hilo, I recommend coming to this place! It’s a cute little spot in downtown Hilo. They offer fresh poke paired with fresh pickled veggies on top of a bed of rice. They don’t offer a lot of flavors compared to the ones I’ve been in Kona, but I love how their selections were still flavorful!
Punalu’u Bake Shop – If you are visiting Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, then make sure to stop by this place for malasadas and other baked goods! It is about a 12minute drive from the beach and they’re known for their malasadas! However, I recommend coming early to try all the flavors as they tend to sell out a lot. I love their lilikoi one!
