A Travel Guide for the Big Island of Hawaii

Land of Fire

The origin story of Hawaii is one of fire and fury as volcanoes violently erupted over millions of years to create the present day paradise we now enjoy. Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a super neat place to spend the day connecting with Pele, the Goddess of Fire and creator of land. Spend the day hiking through lava tubes, across cooled volcanic rock fields as well as witnessing lava erupting and oozing from the Earth right in front of your eyes. If the lava is flowing from Kilauea, plan to arrive after sunset as the absence of light makes the lava flow glow that much more brilliant. A bonus - on a clear night, the skyscape of stars and the Milky Way shine super bright with little to no light pollution to compete with. I promise you this is truly a bucket list experience you will not want to miss out on if you visit the Big Island. Level up by experiencing the beauty of this national park from above by helicopter; I hear it's worth every single penny.

Not too far from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one can do a quick tasting at Volcano Winery - hailed as the southernmost winery in the United States. This eccentric little winery puts forward an unconventional tasting menu which includes reds, whites, meads (honey) and tea wines. While not the finest of wines, I would say a quick visit is worthwhile for the novelty their offerings present.

Encounters with Wildlife

I’ve got to admit, one of my top life travel experiences ever has been swimming alongside the manta rays in Kona. If you are comfortable floating in the ocean just off shore, I highly recommend this phenomenal experience. You will be mere inches away from these graceful, completely harmless sea creatures as they eloquently slip through the night waters feeding on plankton. It’s hard to describe just how exhilarating this experience was as these gentle giants can have fin spans greater than twenty feet wide, leaving you totally in awe of their magnitude.

Some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island is off the shores of Kealakekua Bay. The waters here are loaded with colorful corals, a huge variety of tropical fish, moray eels and it’s not uncommon to catch a pod of spinner dolphins resting in the bay as well. Hike down to the small obelisk, a monument to the infamous British Explorer Captain Cook and that marks the spot for spectacular snorkeling. You can also access the bay by catamaran or small boat tour as well as by renting a kayak.

Beaches of a Different Color

On the southern east coast of the island you will find Papakōlea Beach or Green Sand Beach. This color of sand is rare and is found on only three other beaches worldwide. Accessing the beach is part of the adventure. You can choose to hike, which can be moderately challenging for some due to the direct sun, so be sure to have sunscreen as well as plenty of water on you before you set out or you can also hire a local guide to drive you out and back.

Either before or after your visit to the Green Sand Beach, consider doing a quick stop-off at South Point, the southernmost tip of the United States. You’ll be in the company of local fishermen casting lines off the sea cliffs into the Pacific Ocean as well as thrill seekers jumping into the bright blue waters fifty or more feet below even though it is not recommended for obvious reasons.

Punalu’u Beach is a black sand beach with a high chance of spotting sea turtles basking in the sun. Remember, all wildlife in Hawaii is protected and it's a crime to touch and even encroach too closely, so enjoy being in their presence, but keep a safe distance.

While Makalawena Beach’s sand may be a traditional sand color, it is one of the nicer, and quieter, beaches on the Big Island partly because one must hike through a sprawling cooled lava rock field to reach the coast. As with a lot of hikes on the Big Island, it is uncovered and you are exposed to the intense sun, so be sure to always slather on the sunscreen, wear a big brimmed hat and carry plenty of water. The waters are calm and shallow so bring your snorkel gear to enjoy the vibrant marine animals.

Rest, Recharge & Rejuvenate

The sun, jet-lag, and adventuring on the Big Island is bound to tire out even the most ambitious travelers, so it is important to book outstanding accommodations that provide all the services you need to unwind and recharge.

Aloha is alive and well at the Auberge Resort, Mauna Lani, one of the premier hotels in Hawaii. Located on the Kohala Coast just north of Kona you will experience fine dining with local island farm to table flavors, daily planned water excursions, spectacular golf courses, renowned spa offerings, daily engaging activities for keiki ages 5-12 at the Kids Club and most importantly, a variety of spacious island-influenced accommodations from rooms to suites as well as ocean-side residences. A stay at this property has been specifically curated to refresh your soul.

Regarding hotels, I will always recommend the Four Seasons brand as I feel they truly provide that extra layer of personalized service to ensure their guests have the absolute best stay while on their properties. The Four Seasons Resort at Hualalai, Hawaii is no exception. A room or villa here puts you on the Kona side of the island with access to a fantastic beach and majestic views of the black lava rocks peppering the shoreline.

The Big Island of Hawaii is substantially larger than all of the other islands in this Pacific tropical archipelago. This is important for travelers to note as commuting from place to place on the Big Island takes a bit longer than on the other islands and the amount of travel time must be considered when planning your day-to-day itinerary to ensure you maximize the amount of time you can spend enjoying the many splendors found here. Further, there are two main “city-centers,” Hilo and Kailua-Kona, each with their own airports and each located on opposite sides of the island. Identifying what beaches, sites and landmarks, as well as tours and experiences you want to build into your trip will dictate which hotel or resort you will stay at as well as the airport you fly into and out of. Also, the Island of Hawaii has eight different climate zones so always remember to have a light jacket with you as the weather and temperature can vary quite a bit as you traverse the island.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Hawaii. In need of further inspiration? Check out Megan Daly’s guide, Hidden Gems of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.