Hawaii Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Honokaa which includes general coastal views
Hawaii Island
Hawaii featuring landscape views, general coastal views and views
Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island Travel Guide Video

The biggest island in the United States is a tropical paradise where you can swim , hike and explore volcanoes.

Hawaii Island, often referred to as Hawaii’s Big Island, has stunning landscapes, idyllic beaches and a fascinating history. The island is comprised of five volcanoes that rise out of the Pacific Ocean, and together they create a mass nearly twice the size of the remaining Hawaiian islands combined. Hawaii Island has two major towns, Hilo and Kailua-Kona, as well as a number of popular resort regions. Swim or dive in the clear blue water, hike through tropical rain forests or enjoy a round of golf as you relax at the popular holiday destination.Swim with local marine life, including turtles, dolphins and tropical fish, at some of the state’s most iconic beaches. The Kohala Coast has some of the most popular beaches on the island, including Mauna Kea Beach and the Hapuna Beach State Park.The island was once the home of the Hawaiian royals, and so has a rich history. Visit archaeological sites, including the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park and Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to discover the traditional customs and culture of the area.Rent a car to see the island, as public transportation is limited to the larger towns. Rental operators can be found at both of Hawaii Island’s international airports, and from the Hilo and Kailua-Kona townships. Driving is the easiest way to travel across the island to visit all of the major attractions, including the remote Pololū Valley Outlook, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hawaii Island’s location in the Pacific Ocean means it enjoys a tropical climate, with the west coast known to receive more than 300 days of sun per year. The winter can bring rough winds and large swells, making it a popular surfing destination, but the temperature remains warm. December through March is the busiest time and accommodation is known to sell out in advance.Hawaii is located approximately 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers) from the U.S. mainland in the North Pacific Ocean.

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 Honl's Beach and Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden.

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
Default Image

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(2 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

If you're spending some time in Keaukaha, Port of Hilo and Onekahakaha Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

Keaukaha
Default Image

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 ฿5,652 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿5,652
฿7,626 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,614 reviews)
"Very nice view."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Royal Kona Resort
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

4 out of 5
78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is ฿10,240 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿10,240
฿13,421 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf resort in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Wonderful servuce and sorted any problems straightaway."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa
PACIFIC 19 Kona

PACIFIC 19 Kona

3.5 out of 5
75-5646 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is ฿5,913 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
฿5,913
฿7,934 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,756 reviews)
"Parking was expensive."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

PACIFIC 19 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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (448 reviews)
"The view of this property was simply out of this world amazing. Every single morning we felt like we were in heaven! The room was lovely with plenty of space for everyone in our party. It almost felt like we were in a place outside of time. We will definitely be coming back here."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Castle Kanaloa at Kona
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! (1,102 reviews)
"When we checked in, we found out we were on the third floor. The elevator was broken. I had just had foot surgery within the last three weeks and had just been hospitalized for a week 10 days prior to our arrival. Third floor without an elevator was not an option. Luanne at the front desk did find ..."

Reviewed on 31 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! (29 reviews)
"It's convenient to get around."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Kona Bali Kai
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Hawaii Island