Destinations / Hawaii / Big Island
Big Island Travel Guide
The biggest and most varied island: an active volcano, Maunakea stargazing, manta rays at night and Kona coffee. Stay on the dry Kohala Coast and add a night or two near the volcano so you're not driving five hours in a day.
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Where I'm sending people now
Kohala Coast for resorts and beaches, Kailua-Kona for value and tour departures, Hilo or Volcano village for the national park.
April to May and September to October. The Kona side is dry most of the year; Hilo is wet.
Kohala Coast resorts run about $700 to $2,200+ a night, with Four Seasons Hualālai at the top, plus about 18.7% tax and resort fees.
As of October 2026: Punaluʻu black sand beach park is closed, and parts of Volcanoes National Park are still closed after Hurricane Lala. Kīlauea erupts in short episodes, so check USGS before you drive down.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Fly into Kona (KOA) for the Kohala Coast resorts, which are 25-40 minutes away; Hilo (ITO) on the east side works for the volcano and rainforest side. There are nonstops to Kona from several West Coast cities, otherwise connect through Honolulu.
Getting around
A rental car is essential; this island is huge and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is about 2-2.5 hours from Kona. Many rental contracts ban driving to the Maunakea summit, so book a guided stargazing tour instead of risking it.
Money and tipping
US dollars and cards everywhere; tip 18-20% at restaurants and on manta ray or snorkel tours. Fill up on gas in Kona or Hilo, since stations are few and far between in the middle and south of the island.
How I'd spend 5 days
Day 1 Land in Kona, settle on the Kohala Coast, sunset
Day 2 Morning snorkel at Kealakekua Bay, night manta ray swim
Day 3 Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (check which areas are open first)
Day 4 Waipi'o Valley lookout, Waimea lunch, Maunakea stargazing tour
Day 5 Kona coffee farm tour and a slow beach day
Hotels I'd book in Big Island
Things to do in Big Island
Where to eat in Big Island
Merriman's Waimea
Brown's Beach House
CanoeHouse
Huggo's
Da Poke Shack
Café 100
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Big Island FAQ
Will I see lava?
Only if an eruption episode happens during your trip. Since December 2024 Kīlauea has erupted in short episodes, with gaps of days to weeks between them. Check the USGS volcano updates each morning.
Can I drive my rental car to the top of Maunakea?
Usually not. Above the visitor center at 9,200 feet you need 4-wheel drive, and most rental contracts forbid it. A guided summit and stargazing tour is the easy way up. Kids under 13 shouldn't go above the visitor center.
Should I stay in Kona or Hilo?
Kona and the Kohala Coast for sun, beaches and snorkeling. Hilo or Volcano for rainforest, waterfalls and the national park. If you want both, split your nights; the drive is 2 to 2.5 hours each way.
How much is the Volcanoes National Park fee?
$30 per car, good for 7 days. State parks like ʻAkaka Falls and Hāpuna charge non-residents $5 per person and $10 per car.
Can I visit the black sand beach?
Punaluʻu Beach Park has been closed since late August 2026 while the county works on buying it. Check before you go.
What if no manta rays show up on the night snorkel?
Some operators, like Sea Paradise, let you come back free. Book early in your trip so you have a spare night.
Do I need a car on the Big Island?
Yes. The main sights are hours apart, and rideshare is hard to find after dark outside Kona.
Has the island recovered from Hurricane Lala?
Mostly. The airports and most of Volcanoes National Park reopened within weeks, and the Kaʻū highway was repaired in August. A few park areas were still closed afterward, so check before you go.