Where to Go on the Big Island of Hawaii
As the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawai’i (the “Big Island”) offers so much to explore. If you’re trying to decide where to stay on the Big Island, want to build your itinerary, or are just dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation, this overview of the regions is a good place to start your planning.
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Kailua-Kona and the Kona Coast
Best for: Exciting activities
For a nice microcosm of what makes the Big Island so special, Kailua-Kona is a wonderful place to visit. It has a coastal, touristy vibe, and you can find almost any type of ocean excursion, sandy beaches, Hawaiian history, great food, and a lot of fun.
Kona also offers some unique excursions, including manta ray diving, deep-water fishing, and submarine tours. Venturing out from the heart of town offers great rewards, including famed Kona coffee farms, excellent snorkeling, and beaches with crystalline blue waters.
Kohala
Best for: Culture and quiet
As the birthplace of King Kamehameha, Kohala is one of the most important and revered areas in the Hawaiian Islands. There is a peace and beauty here that comes with the staggering cliffs and curving coastal views, as well as some of the best beaches in the state. This is where you’ll want to spend time exploring heiau (ancient temples), petroglyph fields, and wahi pana (sacred places), then relaxing on a quiet beach of soft sand. It’s also home to the bustling resort areas that feature incredible dining, world-class golfing, shopping, and other activities.
Waimea and Maunakea
Best for: Good eats
Connecting the island’s east and west sides, Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) sits between two of the world’s most impressive volcanoes. Maunakea towers over one side, Mauna Loa stretches across the other, and volcanic landscapes revealing the geographic history of the islands lie in between. Though this is a landlocked region, these areas offer a beautiful drive, sometimes through the clouds in the higher elevations, punctuated by surreal landscapes made of cinder cones and lava fields.
On the northern side of Maunakea lies the paniolo town of Waimea, a place to see a different side of Hawaiian culture. Waimea has some of the best eating in Hawai‘i, so be sure to be there for a couple of meals.
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Hilo and Pāhoa
Best for: Easily accessible nature
Hilo is a must-visit destination to enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring, eating, and shopping. A leisurely stroll around Lili‘uokalani Gardens and Banyan Drive is a great way to work up an appetite for poke and shave ice, which can be found in nearby downtown Hilo near its famed farmers market.
In Pāhoa, visitors can find evidence of recent lava activity, including the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Points of interest include a park where trees were frozen in time by lava and black-sand beaches formed by recent eruptions. Rough and rugged, this area is a favorite among homesteaders and those who really want to get away.
Hāmākua Coast
Best for: Lush rainforests
For some of the most beautiful views in Hawai‘i, take a drive along the sleepy Hāmākua Coast starting north of Hilo town and stretching up to Honoka‘a. With stretches of greens and blues as far as the eye can see, this expanse gives a beautiful glimpse into the rainforest workings of the windward side of Hawai‘i Island. It comes complete with waterfalls, mountain gulches, and panoramic Pacific views. Keep an eye out for a variety of plant life and flowers, including wild orchids, eucalyptus trees, and an array of flowers of different colors.
For even more amazing views, follow signs near Pepe‘ekeo to hop on the Onomea Scenic Drive, and if you’re feeling adventurous, stretch your legs on the Onomea Bay Trail. The highway diverges in Historic Honoka‘a Town, leading visitors to more spectacular views at the Waipi‘o Valley Lookout.
Hawai‘I Volcanoes National Park and Ka‘ū
Best for: An active volcano
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a huge draw for visitors, both new and returning, and for good reason—there aren’t too many places on earth where you can witness one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
In addition to the amazing hiking and opportunities to see native flora and fauna, there’s a lot to learn in the park. Don’t miss out on Pu‘u Loa Petroglyph Field, where ancient Hawaiians wrote their stories in the lava rock.
The Ka‘ū district is nearly 1,000 square miles in total—larger than the island of O‘ahu—but it’s a very sleepy stretch of Hawai‘i that’s home to only one stoplight. Though there aren’t a lot of traditional activities like water sports or beach days to do in Ka‘ū, it’s home to two marvels that you can’t find just anywhere: a black-sand beach full of turtles and a green-sand beach made of olivine deposits.
For a unique selfie, drive to the end of South Point Road before hiking to Ka Lae to reach the southernmost point in the United States.