best area to stay on the big island

Traffic will slow to a crawl and can be very frustrating when trying to reach your destination. While you may see some recommendations advising to stay on different parts of the island during your trip, I recommend staying in the Kona/Waikoloa/Kohala area. Its proximity to a variety of sights and attractions, especially Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, make this area an excellent base by which to see this side of the island. I have been reading for more of an idea of the differences between Kona, Hilo etc. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Stretching north of Kailua-Kona town toward Kohala you'll discover a part of the Kona coast known as the 'Gold Coast' - and it's home to the island's top resorts and some of the best beaches found anywhere on the island. I am thinking to split time in Hilo and Kona. For the finest in luxury resorts, head to the Kohala Coast, located at the northern end of the Big Island’s western coast. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. We think this is best place to stay in Kona Hawaii. You’ll find the most beautiful resorts on the island here as well as water sports and activities like whale watching and glass bottom boat tours. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. It depends where you’re flying in and out to. If you are a working stiff, coming to the island not to retire, but to live here full time, there are some neighborhoods that are fantastic, above Lako Street, especially in the Sunset area. In fact, the pace of the area was great. Hilo is considerably less touristy than the west side of the island and offers a variety of good budget options for accommodations. - We are traveling with two other active couples … I would stay in Hilo the whole time except there is less sun on that side. 5.0.1 Hilton Waikoloa Village (4 stars) – Our pick! Would you recommend flying in and out at the same location or in on one side and out on the other? Swimming with Sea Turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii. Great place! If the volcano in Hilo is doing something special (another reason to call the Park in advance), then it's worth staying on the Hilo side first so you can explore the park during the first or second day/night of your visit. If you're visiting the Big Island, you'll want to make sure you allocate enough time to actually see the entire island. Great beaches available over much of the coastline, Much of the area is in a lava field and not especially scenic, A wide variety of accommodations available, including budget accommodations, Great assortment of beaches available just north of Kailua-Kona, Several historic sites in the area for history buffs, Great location to base from for West Side attractions, An abundance of shopping and restaurants available, Can be very crowded in parts of Kailua-Kona town, Traffic can be horrible from 3pm-6pm north of town, May experience VOG (volcanic smog) at times, Great proximity to Hamakua and Hilo attractions, A good place to base from for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Decent selection of shops and/or markets available, Very good access to Saddle Road and Mauna Kea attractions, General area not as hospitable to visitors, Can be quite wet in this area, especially at night, Great proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Geographically isolated from most other attractions, Good proximity to many sights on the island (except Kailua-Kona), Can be very wet over much of the north coast, Good proximity to many sights on the island (except HVNP and South attractions), Proximity to South Point and Punaluu Beach, Poor proximity to many of the island's attractions, Great proximity to many sights on the island (except HVNP), Traffic can be very bad at times, especially during rush hour. There are two large pool areas with water slides but the most alluring part of the resort is the lagoon in it’s centre. Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability, Explore accommodation options in the north, Fly into one of the major airports at either Kailua-Kona (KOA) or Hilo (ITO) and depart from the other. My favorite part of the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes, National Park. Kailua Kona has no beaches to speak of, and is much more prone to vog as well as clouds and rain. Here, locals make waterproof straw baskets, batik and other crafts, and visitors will also find mesmerizing blue holes, excellent bonefishing and diving. To help you plan, let me share with you where to stay on the Big Island. Tip: You can actually fly into Hilo from Honolulu, Kahalui (Maui) or Los Angeles. Because it’s one long stretch of resorts, you’ll also find a lot of shops and restaurants. For the most part, the Big Island is warm and tropical year-round. Here is a list of 10 best beachfront hotels & resorts on the big island: 1. On your first day, a great way to get the lay of the land (and sea!) So let's talk about strategies and the best locations to stay on the island. We love the Volcano area not only because of its proximity to the park but also because of the lush scenery. Have a look at the white sandy beaches we recommend in this area. A week might cut it on smaller islands like Kauai, Maui, or Oahu, but the Big Island is, well, Big! Depending on your interests, you may want to give yourself more time in Kailua-Kona or Hilo- it's really up to you. I can’t wait to share more of this magical place with you. Rented a car and traveled the island. Best Pack and Play 2019: Find the Best Pack n Play for Your Baby! Visit everything you want to see on that side of the island, and then drive to the other side. In this article we outline the pros and cons of all your options, and help you choose the best accommodations for your group. It's easy to plan and book your perfect Big Island trip. If there are several areas you would like to see, we suggest arranging multiple accommodations around the island. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. We stayed with some lovely friends when visiting this side of the island which was a treat because we learnt where the locals go! You won't find a lot of great swimming beaches in Hilo, but there is a good variety of shops and small restaurants here. I assume it is cheaper to fly in and out from the same location? We drove from Hilo to Waikoloa in one day and it was a lovely drive. My husband and I are hoping to visit Hawaii next year and of course, the Big Island is on our list. For what you want, you definitely want to be on the Kohala Coast. Any questions on where to stay on the Big Island in Hawaii? This will allow you to explore the Volcanoes National Park, swim with turtles and see some of the “wet” side of the island’s best natural attractions like Akaka Falls. Plus, there are over 5,000 Kona Coffee trees on the property! The carpets need to be replaced due to wear over time, weird noises from the toilets. 1 Where to Stay on the Big Island Hawaii: 2 The Best Places to Stay on the Big Island for a One-Week Vacation; 3 Where to Stay in Kona. You'll find an abundance of waterfalls here right outside of Hilo. One of our absolute favorite places to stay on the Big Island is just south of Kailua-Kona. A few of the most popular properties in this area are the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the Fairmont Orchid, the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. After visiting the state of Hawaii 5 times, including two trips to Maui , two trips to Oahu , and one trip to Kauai , we finally made it to the Island of Hawaii (nicknamed “The Big Island”) and it was absolutely magical! This was a long day. What is it like in Waikoloa. Within Hawaii you can fly to Kona from Honolulu, Kahalui (Maui), Kapalua (Maui) and Ho’olehua (Molokai). This side of the island is dry and barren, with lava fields stretching as far as you can see in some places. Enjoy!! Then, dive into the pristine Pacific waters for a chance to see beautiful tropical fish, acres of healthy coral reefs and maybe even a green sea turtle!. You'll have more and better snorkeling options on the Kohala Coast as well, particularly in September. Best Toddler Travel Bed (2019) – Top Picks from Family Travel Expert! Except for checkin, which was a bit dis-organized, the rest of the hotel was really good. We uncovered the best places to stay on the Big Island during our week-long trip and I’m going to share them with you now. Known to locals as both “Kailua” and “Kona” the sunny northern side of the region attracts those who favor sunbathing on white sands of the beaches and towards the south, snorkeling around the crisp, blue waters and its marine life will keep you busy for hours on end. Lavish and extremely popular among kids and parents alike, the Four Seasons Resort is, in my opinion, “the” best place to stay on the big island for families. One of our absolute favorite places to stay on the Big Island is just south of Kailua-Kona. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort overlooks the beach and you can easily drive along Hapuna Beach Road down to its adjacent parking lot. We are not suggesting to never make the southern route drive, as it's also quite scenic, but only do so when the weather is good and preferably early in the day since fog and other weather conditions can make the drive hazardous later. © Copyright 2021 — Guide of US, LLC. Discover the best snorkeling off the Kohala Coast on this 3 hour Big Island snorkel cruise. The contrast between this side of the island and the Kailua-Kona side is incredible. If the Sheraton isn’t available or within your budget, here are some other ideas on where to stay in Kona Hawaii: You can fly direct to Kona from Anchorage, Denver, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland (OR), San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Vancouver. Expect to spend about two full days exploring the park, especially if you're fortunate enough to find it's geologically active during your visit. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each of the areas we've briefly discussed above. The rangers at the visitor center can tell you all about what's happening in the park (you may even want to call ahead so you'll know in advance). North Hamakua Big Island Hiking Trails Guide. Holualoa Inn provides the perfect blend of casual elegance and Polynesian luxury. Knowing where to stay on the Big Island is important. The west side (Kona side) averages only 10 inches of rain per year in the Kohala Coast region. There are a lot of choices, but now that you know how to spend your time and which routes to take you can begin narrowing down your options. Mahalo! Photo-centric trip reports of the Big Island? There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. This will alleviate a lot of extra driving and allow you to experience both sides of the island. A Complete Itinerary for Visiting the Big Island in One Week. The amount of rainfall varies based on what side of the island you are on. While my list goes on and on if you want a beach front hotel/motel paniolo greens is not the one you want. Hi Amber. Holualoa Inn is a luxury Big Island Bed and Breakfast that features spectacular Pacific Ocean views on 30 lush acres of well-tended tropical fruit and flower gardens. I’d be happy to help you pick the best Big Island hotel for your Hawaii trip. United States - The Big Island - Where are the best area(s) to stay for snorkeling etc. We saw dolphins playing from our oceanfront room, fabulous sunsets and enjoyed sipping a cup of Kona coffee on the balcony each morning. Beautiful beaches, stunning resorts, steaming volcanoes, crazy landscapes, local culture and an abundance of wildlife. We recommend you stay in Hilo for two nights in the middle of your trip. Thanks…..we will be flying to and from Honolulu…and want to see as much as possible…..the internal flights are looking really expensive though…. Check prices and availability at the Sheraton Kona here. We recommend you stay in Kona for two nights at the start of your trip. and Manta Ray snorkelling at night. Finish your Hawaiian vacation with a relaxing stay at a Big Island resort in Waikoloa. Figuring out where to stay can get confusing given the number of options, which is why I’m rounding up the best resorts on the Big Island for families. On the Kailua-Kona side, you'll have more time to explore the sights, beaches, historic and cultural locations, and attractions that exist on that side of the island, including day trips up to Pololu and Waipio Valleys. 20 helpful votes. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. It’s easily one of the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii… maybe even in the whole of the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii make sure you devote some time to this magical place. Holualoa Inn is a luxury Big Island Bed and Breakfast that features spectacular Pacific Ocean views on 30 lush acres of well-tended tropical fruit and flower gardens. If you are active and want to hike in the park, I’d recommend staying a few nights in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We suggest one week as a minimum, but two or three weeks are ideal. Download your FREE copy of our... When driving from one side of the island to the other, always try to take the Northern (Hamakua) Coast route; it's safer and the speed limit is higher. Luckily, we tried and tested this strategy ourselves and it worked beautifully. Kailua-Kona . Staying on the Hilo side for a few days is a great way to avoid the 2 hour drive each way. There are hotels in Hilo, which is the Big Island’s most populated town.The town offers shops and restaurants and bay front views. If you decide on the Big Island (which is actually called Hawaii), stay part of the time on the west side--the Kohala Coast--and the other part on the east side--near Hilo and the volcanoes. Here you'll find a nice selection of beaches and a variety of resorts that offer more affordable pricing than Kohala or Waikaloa. Kailua-Kona does feel a lot more 'touristy' than other areas on the island, and it will feel a bit crowded at times too - especially if a cruise ship has docked (this is where the ships dock on the island). is to book a full-day boat tour for snorkeling prime spots. Do let me know if you need any further guidance on the best place to stay on the Big Island in Hawaii. Waikoloa is also the easiest point to access the Big Island’s nicest beaches. Thanks! Try the Lava Lava Club for a refreshment and some outstanding side dishes. Then the Waikoloa area is the best place to stay on the Big Island. Learn how your comment data is processed. Lots of good things to see. There are also more attractions on that stretch of the island than if you were to take the Southern Coast route. The Sheraton Kona has an amazing pool area with waterfalls, a sandy-bottomed kids pool and an epic waterslide. Boyfriend and I want to see the volcano lava flow, snorkel and I love the sun! Deciding on places to stay in Hilo Hawaii isn’t as easy as on the other side of the island. This cottage-cabin hybrid boasts the luxuries that a stay at a fancy resort don’t have: outdoor sauna (from Finland), large jacuzzi, and FOUR indoor fireplaces! Save. 5. You’ll find that in each best place to stay on Big Island has hotels at a range of price points but the Big Island is expensive overall so you do need to have a somewhat healthy budget to come here. One real downside to the east side is the lack of good beaches; they are few and far between here unfortunately. And because there are such a wide variety of accommodations available, the lodging selection process can be challenging. 1,991 posts. An area that is dry and sunny almost every day of the year. Be sure to read our Big Island of Hawaii Weather article for more information. I agree with the Mauna Lani resort area...the snorkeling at Makaiwa Bay is great ( this is the beach you will get a gate card access to … Big Island travel tips & recommendations →, Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures, Where to Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii. You’ll find many of the island’s local residents here as well as a good deal of the Big Island hotels. A couple of the most popular properties here include the Grand Naniloa Hotel and the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. We stayed at paniolo greens I was actually a little disappointed. Aboard a comfortable catamaran, admire Hawaii's postcard-worthy beaches, mountains and shoreline. The Big Island is MUCH bigger than I was expecting….I’m hoping to have 6-7 days on the Big Island. Stretching from the Gold Kohala Coast north of Kailua-Kona town to the areas south of Kailua-Kona town you'll find everything from multimillion-dollar resorts to economical condominium rentals. The good thing about the Big Island is most of the things to do are actually free so it’s not like you’re forking out a lot to go to activities every day. Best luau we did was at Marriott in Waikoloa. The Big Island is really one of the best places to stay on Hawaii to avoid rain. You’re about to explore one of the most magical places on earth. Stark and barren lava fields on one side and lush and verdant rainforest on the other. It’s about 200 ft wide in the summer, too. I did however enjoy my stay in hawaii on the big island. Please refer to my, The Best Places to Stay on the Big Island for a One-Week Vacation. There are also a variety of shops and restaurants here; this area is all about luxury. A stunning custom-tiled mosaic pool, hot tub, six exquisite guest rooms, a private honeymoon cottage, rooftop pool, and garden gazebos have delighted guests for years. Hopefully, you now have a good idea of what's available on the Big Island of Hawaii and can plan your vacation or trip accordingly. Compared to the other islands, you can find a TON of rentals on the Big Island under $100/night. The hotel is very 70s but was renovated in 2012 and has beautiful Hawaiian decor. South of Kailua-Kona you'll discover the resort area of Keauhou. When staying on the Kailua-Kona side, again, for those who are budget conscience, we recommend staying in a small inn or B&B. The Sheraton Kona sits in a prime spot, south just south of Kona town, surrounded by black lava rock and crashing waves. The Hilton Waikoloa Village also has the best luau on the Big Island which is a must for an evening of Hawaiian culture, food and entertainment. However, since the park is small, you could be fine just spending the day here. We recommend you stay in Waikoloa for three nights at the end of your trip. In all our trips to the Big Island, we haven’t stayed in Hilo because we prefer the solitude and quaintness of the Volcano area and its convenience of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This 7 days on the Big Island itinerary + guide is full of tips on where to stay, what to eat, the top beaches, and the best things to do on the Big Island! Our up coming trips include Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles and a Panama Canal cruise. In order to explore the “other” side of the Big Island, you need to stay for at least 1-2 nights in Hilo. Both Hilo and the Volcano area are lush and green for a reason- as noted above, it rains a good bit in these areas. The drive from Kailua-Kona to Hilo is more scenic via the northern route than driving from Hilo to Kailua-Kona when taking the southern route. When visiting the Hilo side, we recommend staying either in a small hotel in town or preferably in one of the lodges/inns near Volcano. Stay tuned for more posts on the Big Island of Hawaii! This side of the island is considerably wetter than the west side, but the extra rain also create a lush and verdant paradise, unlike the barren lava fields of the Kona side. This is where you’ll find the best beaches on the Big Island. I pinned this so I can refer back. Here are some tips on making this division work in your best interest... plus, they'll save you some driving time. Best resorts and areas in Gran Canaria. Travel south along the coast and you’ll arrive in Lahaina. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. The main reason for staying on the Hilo side, whether in Downtown Hilo or in the beautiful Volcano area, is because of the close proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located just outside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, surrounded by ferns and other lush vegetation, this area makes for an excellent place to set up camp to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or other sights along the south (Kau) shoreline of the Big Island. A few popular properties here include the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, the Wyndham Mauna Loa Village, and the Kona Coast Resort. The east side (Hilo side) averages 132 inches of rain each year, mostly falling overnight. Thanks for your advice on where to stay. 3.0.2 Other Hotels in Kona; 4 Where to Stay in Hilo. The park is so large that it takes about two days to explore, especially if there is any lava activity you want to see. They’re not cheap but a few luxury nights will round out your Hawaiian vacation and help you relax before returning home. There are so many great things to do on Big Island, Hawaii! That’s why we’ve created this guide for you, spelling out the best Big Island Hawaii things to do, how to get around (e.g. I’m hoping to go back later on! Check out our about us page. The best place to stay on the Big Island and what Big Island hotels you pick does depend somewhat on your budget. 3. Click here to search for flights in Kona (Kailua) airport. Main courses are good too! Many hotels in the town also overlook the beautiful bay. Kona is the main hub on the Big Island of Hawaii. The largest of the Bahama islands, Andros is also the least populated, offering the chance to own a piece of your own island without the high price tag. The island is large (twice the size of all the other islands combined) and diverse, and many visitors are often unsure which side of the island to stay on. - You want to see some great photos? We were part of a group of science nerds with a company called Science Getaways, so we bussed to the volcano on the Hilo side. If you’re looking on the Kona side of the island, you’ll find the best deals in Kailua-Kona and south (prices on the Kohala Coast are more), but other than that it’s possible to find budget friendly properties all over the island. We absolutely loved the week we spent on the Big Island this year. The Island of Hawaii, most often referred to as the “Big Island,” offers a little bit of what each of the islands in the archipelago boasts, including everything from cascading falls and colorful flowers to long, white sandy beaches and lush rainforest. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. There are less hotels on the East coast of the Big Island. This may mean a slight fee for turning in your car on the opposite side of the island from where you rented it, but it's negligible considering gas prices on the island.

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