Where to Stay on the Big Island Hawaii: Best Areas & Hotels

Wondering where to stay on the Big Island, Hawaii? I got you!

I lived on the Big Island for a year and explored all the nooks and crannies around the island.

And let me tell you, the Big Island is big! All the other Hawaiian islands could fit inside the Big Island and still have room to spare. 

With so much area to cover it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay on the Big Island. Some people stay in one location for their entire visit and make the long drives to and from their activities. Others spend half the trip in Kona and the other half in Hilo. Still others circle around the island staying in multiple places just a night or two.

Here’s a breakdown of the main areas to stay to help you better decide which part of the island suits your itinerary needs best.

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Don’t have time to read a whole blog post? Let’s cut to the chase.
Here are my top 3 picks for where to stay on the Big Island:

Stay In Kona For Shopping, Tours, and Airport

Kailua-Kona is the city most visitors fly into when visiting the Big Island. It is busy with big box stores like Costco and Wal-Mart but also has a touristy row of boutique gift shops along Ali’i Drive. 

Kona sits below the slopes of Hualalai on the west side of the Big Island. The weather is consistently good here; it’s not as rainy as other parts of the island. Locals will sometimes escape the rain from wherever they are and come to Kona for the day to soak in some sun.

Kona Highlights

• Ali’i Drive for classic tourist shopping and restaurants
• Most options for tours and cruises 
• Kona Coffee Farm tours
• Close to Kona International Airport
• Kona Brewing Company
• White Sand Beaches 
• Farm tours (like Kona Sea Salt Farm or Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm)
• Luaus 

Kona Weather

• Average temperature: high of 87 and low of 68.
• 19 inches of rain a year

Kona Beaches and Parks

What does everyone come to Hawaii for? Beaches. You won’t have to go far in Kona to find some white sand beaches to spend the day on. 

Within the city limits, some beach options are Magic Sands Beach, Old Airport, and my favorite Ala Kahakai. Ala Kahakai has a couple of points of access with some walking trails that include petroglyphs.

Just a few minutes north of the airport are softer white sand beaches like Kua Bay Beach and Makalawena Beach. There is also a trail that runs between these beaches, which include a short butte hike.

Kahalu’u Beach off Ali’i Drive is a popular beach for snorkeling and surfing, with a surf shack directly across the street.

➡️ Looking for a head start to your Big Island travel planning?
Here is a well-rounded 7 Day Big Island Itinerary to experience a majority of what the island has to offer!

Kona Tours

Kona is the hotspot for taking tours. A majority of tours depart from Kona due to its convenient location to the airport and centrality to most visitors’ accommodations.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Kona is to do a night snorkel with the manta rays. Board a small boat, only going out a few minutes, before getting in the water with a floating board shining lights into the water. Soon the giant behemoths of the sea will dance below you as they feast on the plankton.

Other ocean tours that depart out of Kona include whale watching tours during whale season (Dec-Mar), romantic sunset cruises, fishing charters, glassbottom boat tours, and snorkel tours to Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook.

If you are looking for a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour, an Island Circle tour, or a Mauna Kea stargazing tour, most companies will pick you up from your hotel without having to stress about finding a meeting spot.

Of course there are Kona coffee farm tours. Heavenly Hawaiian is a top rated tour, as well as Mountain Thunder and Buddha’s Cup. 

Kona offers more unusual farm tours as well like the Kona Sea Salt Farm, Seahorse Farm, and Octopus Farm.

➡️ Discover More Tours Departing Out of Kona Here!

Kona Shopping

If you have grocery and necessity shopping to do, Kona is the place to come. With stores like Costco, Wal-Mart, and Target you are sure to find all you need to stock your condo and car for road trips. 

Ali’i Drive is the main drag as far as tourist attractions go. For about a mile, the road runs along Kailua Bay and through a cute boutique, tourist shopping corridor in which you’ll find Hawaiian souvenirs that are both “made in China” and “locally produced”. 

This street is made for walkability and strolling in the tropical air while eating shave ice, looking for a deal at the farmers market, booking your sunset cruise, and relaxing at an oceanview bar with a mai tai. 

Kona Restaurants

There is no shortage of restaurants in Kona. You’ll find familiar chain restaurants like Denny’s, Outback Steakhouse, or McDonalds. But you will also find places to dine with aloha flare, which is probably what most look for when visiting Hawaii. 

Breakfast: A Hawaiian flavored breakfast with macadamia nut, banana waffle with coconut syrup in open-air dining overlooking Kailua Bay at Island Lava Java. 
Lunch: Da Poke Shop with over 15 flavors of poke and 13 sides to choose from (as this is a to-go only restaurant, take your poke to Magic Sands Beach for some beachside dining)
Dinner: For a fancy night out there is Jackie Rey’s with fresh fish of the day or Angus beef steak. 

Where to Stay in Kona

Royal Kona Resort

Distinctive white pyramid-esque resort jutting out into the ocean on Ali’i Drive. Convenient, walkable access to all the shopping and restaurants within the area. 

Open-air Don’s Mai Tai Bar (claiming to be the first place to make the mai tai) and sunset Voyagers of the Pacific Luau on property 

>> Check Rates & Availability for the Royal Kona Resort Here <<

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Enjoy a drink at the poolside bar overlooking the intimate white sand beach. Learn about Hawaiian history through the lobby art gallery.

Island Breeze Luau is held oceanfront with King Kamehameha’s last place of residence and Ahu’ena Heiau as a backdrop.

>> Check Rates & Availability for the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Here <<

Magic Sands Condo

Enjoy breakfast with your own private view of the ocean not 30ft away by opening the french doors. Steps away from the famous Magic Sands Beach.

Fully stocked kitchen and free designated parking. 

>> Check Rates & Availability for Magic Sands Condo Here <<

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If these don’t fit your tastes,
➡️ Check Out These Other Kona Hotels

Stay in Waikoloa for Resorts, Beaches, and Historical Sites

About 24 miles north of Kona is the popular Waikoloa beach resort area. This area is an oasis in a lava desert with manicured landscaping, large white sand beaches, and home to two ancient petroglyph fields.

Waikoloa Highlights

• Petroglyphs: Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve and Puako Petroglyph Field
• Boutique and fine art shopping at Queens Marketplace and Kings Shops
• Fine dining restaurants
• Luaus at resorts
• Golf
• Tours and cruises 
• Black and white sand beaches for swimming and snorkeling 
• Goats everywhere!
• Queen’s Bath
• Hot Malasadas Truck
• And more…

Waikoloa Weather

• 19 inches of rain a year
• Average temperature is high of 66 and low of 66

Waikoloa Beaches and Parks

Waikoloa has its own beach, Anaeho’omalu Bay (aka A-Bay, aka Waikoloa Beach). This long stretch of beach has plenty of space for everybody, a row of palm trees for shade, and convenient water sport rentals and boat tours.

A little further north is the most famous white sand beach, Hapuna Beach, which requires an entrance fee. People come from all over the world to spend a day on this beach.

Beach 69 has a lot of pockets for you to find a spot to call your own and has many shade options.

For a refreshing adventure, find your way to Kiholo Bay for Queen’s Bath, a lava tube filled with freshwater. Climb down the rocks into the pool (you might have to exercise patience if there’s a crowd).

Waikoloa Historical Sites

You’ll find many ancient historical sites to explore in the Waikoloa area. 

There are two main petroglyph fields, Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve and Puako Petroglyph Field, as well as a scattering of one-offs found along various trails. Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings that the Hawaiians are not 100% sure what they mean exactly. Perhaps it’s a written language, a form of census taking, religious rituals, or just plain art.

➡️ Read more about Big Island petroglyphs here!  

Kalahuipua’a Park has a paved trail through a lava field and has a detour lava tube with a skylight to explore.

Continuing on the trail are the ancient fishponds used by Hawaiians to feed ali’i (royalty) are still around to this day, still full of fish. These fish ponds tend to be near the beaches, which makes sense if they are stocking ponds from the ocean.

The King’s Trail is a 75-mile collection of ancient Hawaiian foot trails that run along the coast from Hawi all the way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. People would use this highway to get from village to village for trade and religious ceremonies.

Waikoloa Tours

Departing directly from Anaeho’omalu Bay (aka A-Bay, aka Waikoloa Beach), there are plenty of cruises and tours to get you out on the inviting Pacific Ocean. Take a catamaran to snorkel with sea life, go whale watching during whale season, or savor a colorful sunset.

Island circle, Mauna Kea stargazing, or volcano van tours will pick you up from your resort, so no need to drive south into Kona to catch a ride. 

Golfers will delight in the unique golf courses, including an over-the-water hole.

➡️ Discover More Tours Departing Out of Waikoloa Here!

Waikoloa Shopping

Between Queens Marketplace and Kings’ Shops, you’ll find enough stores to shop til you drop! These open air malls are home to chain stores like Crocs, Claires, and Quicksilver as well as fine art galleries and boutique shops like Genesis Galleries, Mary Jane’s, and Giving Bracelets. On select days find a farmers market and live music.

Waikoloa Restaurants

Restaurants in Waikoloa are the priciest you’ll find on the island, probably due to their coveted locations in or near the resorts and because…well…they can. There are many to choose from in the shopping malls as well as in the resorts.

Breakfast: Grab some fresh, made-to-order malasadas at the Hot Malasadas Truck
Lunch: Lava Lava Beach Club for toes in the sand, beachfront dining 
Dinner: Canoe House for a oceanfront, sunset farm-to-table meal

Where to Stay in Waikoloa

Hilton Waikoloa Village

A theme park-type stay, great for families, you won’t have to leave the property.

Multiple pools, waterslides, saltwater lagoon with water sport rentals, Dolphin Quest, international art walk, tram rides and boat shuttles, and a luau to keep you entertained for days.

>> Check Rates & Availability at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Here <<

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Wake up in luxury, with an intimate private beach cove and golf course at your doorstep.

Savor exquisite cuisine and explore cultural sites like ancient fishponds, a lava tube, and petroglyphs with a historian-guided tour or on your own. 

>> Check Rates & Availability for the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Here <<

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Situated right on Waikoloa Beach where boat tours depart and within walking distance of two shopping centers, Queens Marketplace and Kings Shop.

Stroll a short, cultural trail with marked historical sites and be entertained at the Sunset Luau.

>> Check Rates & Availability for the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Here <<

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Need other beachy options?
➡️ Find More Waikoloa Resorts Here

Stay in Captain Cook for Kona Coffee and Tropical Getaways

Captain Cook is like a Kona suburb at only 12 miles south of the city. If you are looking for a more rustic stay, experiencing the lush tropical foliage but still want to have the amenities of the city nearby, this is the area you want. Captain Cook is in the heart of the Kona coffee belt, sitting along the steep, lush slopes of Holualoa. 

Captain Cook Highlights

• Kona coffee farm tours
• Kayak/SUP Kealakekua Bay
• Hike steep 4-mile trek to the Captain Cook monument
• Antique shopping
• Pu’uhonua o Honaunau
• Snorkeling Two Step or Kealakekua Bay
• Cafes with character 
• Kealakekua heiau park
• Big Island Bees honey tour
• Ho’okena Beach for snorkeling and swimming
• And more…

Captain Cook Weather

• 34 inches of rain a year
• Average temperature is a high of 86 and low of 65

Kona Coffee

Captain Cook is where a majority of Kona coffee is grown. With the nutrient rich, volcanic soil and the weather behaving with sun in the morning and cloud cover/rain in the afternoon, Captain Cook is the ideal location for coffee to grow. Coffee connoisseurs will be in heaven trying visiting different farms and tasting the differences between the plants and roasts.

Greenwell and Kona Joes would be considered the most popular farms to visit. But there are countless other, smaller farms that also offer tastings and give you a more intimate, one-on-one experience. My personal two favorites are Heavenly Hawaiian and Sacred Grounds.

Captain Cook Beaches and Parks

The coast line around Captain Cook is pretty rocky and not very beachy.

Two Step, next door to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, is a popular snorkeling location. Lava rocks “step” into the ocean and you are immediately in another underwater world. As it’s in a bay, the water also stays pretty calm as well.

Ho’okena is a white sand beach that locals like to escape to. There is some shade on the beach and the waters offer good swimming. The parking lot is small and gets full so the best time to visit is early morning or early afternoon when the morning groups leave making room for others.

Captain Cook Historical Sites

Captain Cook has great historical significance in both ancient Hawaiian and Western civilization.

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, also known as the City of Refuge, is an ancient Hawaiian Sanctuary over 700 years old. If you were a refugee fleeing the law from a death sentence, if you could beat the law enforcement to the City of Refuge, you would be pardoned and undergo a sort of rehab in the city. When you visit you’ll see rebuilt hale, ki’i statues (tiki), lava tree molds, a konane board (Hawaiian checkers), and a lava pad great for tidepooling.

You can visit the Captain Cook monument, a white obelisk on the shore of Kealakekua Bay, marking the spot of the famed Captain James Cook’s death. The only way to it is by a 2-mile hike down steep, hot slopes. While you can kayak the bay, you cannot beach your boat so have to admire from the shore. 

Captain Cook Tours

Coffee tours we’ve talked about already.

If you like honey, Big Island Bees gives bee tours, explaining everything you never thought you knew about beekeeping.

Walk through the Painted Church and observe paintings from over 100yrs ago that have not been restored.

If you are looking for a snorkel tour in Kealakekua Bay, those boats depart from Kona, not in Captain Cook. So if you are staying in Captain Cook, you’ll have to drive to Kona only to come back by boat. 

There isn’t much in the way of group tours from Captain Cook, unless you are looking at taking a kayak tour. They will take you from one end of Kealakekua Bay to the opposite side, and most offer snorkeling from the kayak as well.

➡️ Find Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Kayak Tours Here!

Captain Cook Shopping

While there isn’t a whole lot of souvenir shopping in Captain Cook, you will find a surprising amount of antique stores to visit. There is one main drag that has a strip of walkable stores that include a bead shop, a costume shop, and the infamous chocolate Donkey Balls.

Captain Cook Restaurants

Finding places to eat isn’t hard in Captain Cook, but they are spread out. You’ll find a diverse variety of options from pizza, thai, chinese, cafes, and gelato.

Breakfast: be wowed by the view at the Coffee Shack, but be prepared to wait in line
Lunch: best lau laus on the island is at Ka’aloa’s Super J’s, be aware they often sell out before closing
Dinner: Have some pizza and local beer at Black Rock Pizza, sitting on the back lanai with an ocean view

Where to Stay in Captain Cook

Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach

Take a shower outdoors in the fresh tropical air at this private studio rental with a fully stocked kitchenette, just 2 minutes from Manini Beach on Kealakekua Bay (beach and snorkel gear available for use).

Sit out on the covered patio in a florally world with a fishpond while eating fresh fruit straight from the property.

>> Check Rates & Availability for Mermaid Studio at Manini Beach Here <<

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For more tropical stays,
➡️ Browse These Other Captain Cook Options

Stay in Hilo for Waterfalls and Tropical Forests

Hilo is the oldest and largest city on the east side of the Big Island. It’s one of the rainiest cities in the US (though you wouldn’t guess it), the buildings are historic and “have character”, and it’s on the lushest side of the island.

Hilo Highlights

• Old downtown for tourist shopping and restaurants
• Hilo Farmers Market
• Banyan Tree Drive, trees planted by celebrities 100yrs ago
• Waterfalls 
• 4-mile scenic Pepe’ekeo Drive
• Kaumana Caves
• Black sand beaches 
• Close to Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing
• Tours to waterfalls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Panaewa Rainforest Zoo

Hilo Weather

• 130 inches of rain a year
• Average temperature is high of 81 and low of 66 

Hilo Waterfalls 

If you are looking for waterfalls, you’ll find them on this side of the island. There are three main waterfalls just a mile or so away from old downtown, the Pepe’ekeo 4-mile scenic drive includes stops for waterfalls, Akaka Falls is the tallest in the area, and not to mention the ones you’ll drive over on Hwy 19. Upgrade your waterfall experience by ziplining over or rappelling down a waterfall. Multiple rivers create cascading curtains of water and after rains even the canyon walls gush tears.

➡️ Discover 15+ waterfalls around the Big Island and how to see most of them in one day here!

Hilo Beaches and Parks

There isn’t much in the way of beaches on the Hilo side of the island. Richardson Beach is a black sand beach notorious for sea turtle sightings. And there are smaller black sand/rocky beaches along the way to Richardson.

Coconut Island has a little bit of a white sand beach with some good swimming. Locals like to jump off the two tiered tower, remnants of an old footbridge. 

Honoli’i Beach Park is the surfing spot in Hilo. While lifeguards will kick you out of the water for leisure swimming, you can still enjoy sitting on the black sand and watch the surfers ride waves and wipe out.

Liliuokalani Garden is one of the largest Japanese gardens “this side of the Mississippi”. A manicured lawn is accented with pagodas and bridges with a fish pond.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Botanical Gardens could be considered a park because admission is free (donations welcome). Observe tigers, lemurs, a sloth, parrots, monkeys, anteaters, and more. Botanists will enjoy the variety of plants that decorate the park.

Bring flashlights and sturdy shoes and explore a lava tube at Kaumana Cave. Walk through a rugged tunnel that was once a river of flowing magma. 

Hilo Tours

Hilo is the most efficient headquarters for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as it is only about 30min away. If you are visiting the park for a day trip from Oahu or another island, Hilo is where you would want to fly into.

Catch a waterfall tour that lets some else do the driving while you sit back and take in the powerful moving water.

Hilo is also a good starting point to visit Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing.

The eastern side of Hilo is not known for snorkel tours, but a select few can be found that take you over to Richardson Beach.

➡️ Find a Hilo Tour That Suits You Here!

Hilo Shopping

You’ll find plenty of souvenir shopping in old downtown Hilo. Walk blocks and blocks through historic buildings and discover a ukulele shop, a chocolate shop, plenty of Aloha shirts, and the only shop serving 100% Puna coffee. 

The Hilo Farmers Market is what puts Hilo on the map. While it’s open 7 days a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays are the biggest days with the most vendors selling their handmade goods and fresh produce. The whole market is covered to protect you from any downpours.

Hilo Restaurants

With Hilo being the biggest city on the island, you won’t be lacking in restaurant choices. 

Breakfast: order a pile of pancakes with bananas, macadamia nuts, and coconut syrup from Ken’s House of Pancakes
Lunch: after driving through Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive, get a refreshing fresh fruit smoothie and wrap from What’s Shakin’
Dinner: open-air dining at Pineapple’s with a pineapple filled cocktail and BBQ Kalua pulled pork sandwich.

Where to Stay in Hilo

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a Doubletree by Hilton

Enjoy oceanfront rooms off Banyan Drive, walking distance to Coconut Island and Liliuokalani Gardens.

Rent some water toys to play in the ocean at your doorstep or hit the greens on their 9-hole golf course on property.

>> Check Rates & Availability for Grand Naniloa Hotel Here<<

Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

You wouldn’t know this property is 100% off-grid as you’re relishing sleeping in a room overlooking a private waterfall.

Spend the day paddling and swimming beneath the falls and reserve a farm-to-table cooking class or chef’s dinner. 

>> Check Rates & Availability for the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls Here <<

Heavenly Enchanted Waterfall Cottage

Rent an entire 2-bedroom cottage with its own private waterfall just a stone’s throw away.

Swim in the river, run in the fields, pet the farm animals…this is an oasis within an oasis.

>> Check Rates & Availability for Heavenly Enchanted Waterfall Cottage Here <<

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Don’t want to sleep by water?
➡️ Check Here For Other Hilo Options

Stay in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for…Volcanoes

Lava has been consistently flowing from Kilauea since 1983 in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP), located on the SE portion of the Big Island. While there was a lull after the 2018 eruption, it has woken back up for visitors to gaze into the bowels of the earth.

A pass into the national park gives you re-entry access for 7 days. Some people could spend a whole week exploring the park and hiking every trail within it.

Most people average 2-4hrs in the park, but I don’t think you’d be giving it the justice it deserves. There is such a variety of things to see and Chain of Craters Road is 20+miles one way.

Of course the star of the park is the lava lake. Best seen after dark, the glowing hot lava will ignite your imagination into what lies below the surface of the earth. 

The hike to the viewing area is only 1-mile one way on a fairly flat, paved path (used to be an actual road). There is a short diversion from paved to gravel but still easy. Once you get to the roped off area you are able to see lava about a mile out (bring binoculars for best viewing). 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Highlights

• Hike to see flowing lava
• Petroglyph hike
• Thurston Lava Tube
• Sulfur banks
• Fine arts and crafts shopping at Volcano Art Center and Volcano Garden Arts
• Nene, Hawaiian geese endemic to the islands
• Ka’u Desert Footprints trail
• Mauna Loa scenic drive to overlook
• Volcano Winery
• Volcano House/Crater Rim Restaurant views overlooking the steaming crater
• Chain of Craters Road
• And more…

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Weather

• 56 inches of rain a year
• Average temperature is high of 77 and low of 52.

HVNP Tours

Most group tours of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will start in either Kona or Hilo, but there are a few that will commence within the park.

➡️ Check Out HVNP Group Tours That Start in the Park!

While a guided tour can be fun and take some pressure off of the day, I believe a self-guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the way to go. Download the Shaka Guide app and go at your own pace, still learning about the history and science of the park but taking as long or as short of time at each stop as you like.

➡️ Download the Shaka App to Discover Their Awesome HVNP Self-Guided Tour!

HVNP Shopping

There is really only a couple of stores to visit in Volcano. There are a couple of gift shops in and out of the park and also a couple of overpriced “necessity” stores. The Volcano Art Gallery and Volcano Garden Arts has handmade local gifts and art to admire and purchase.

HVNP Activities

Winos beware! Volcano Winery has wine tastings and also estate tea tastings. Try some wines flavored with tropical fruits and purchase some to bring home, or enjoy with a picnic at their outdoor seating area.

Score some bragging rights by being able to say you went bowling at a volcano. While the military camp inside the park is for military only, civilians can take advantage of their arcade and bowling alley.

Drive up Mauna Loa Road for some hiking, peculiar burnt Koa forests, a high view looking over the national park, and to spot the endangered silversword fern.

HVNP Restaurants

For how small Volcano Village is there are quite a few options for food: Thai, burgers, cafe-style, American…

Breakfast: order plates using fresh local ingredients at the Kilauea Lodge
Lunch: get some pad thai at Tuk-Tuk Thai Food Truck at the end of Old Volcano Road
Dinner: have dinner with a volcano, with views of the glowing crater from your table at the Volcano House (reservations required)

Where to Stay at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea Lodge

Stay in a historic 1938 lodge in the heart of Volcano Village, just a couple miles from the park entrance. Relax in a garden jacuzzi tucked amongst the lush Hawaiian tropical foliage.

The on-site restaurant creates delicious plates made from locally sourced ingredients (which they list on their menus).

>> Check Rates & Availability for Kilauea Lodge Here <<

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Does sleeping by an active volcano sound exciting?
➡️ Check Out Other Volcano Options Here

Stay in Ka’u for Black & Green Sand and South Point

Naalehu and Ocean View reside in the southernmost point in the United States and are located in the district of Ka’u. It is exactly 1.5hrs away from either Kona or Hilo, so it makes for a centralized place to stay, albeit not the most convenient for hitting up the big cities. 

However, with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park about 45minutes away, a black and green sand beaches, cliff jumping, and the best malasadas on the island, Ka’u shapes up for a pleasant and quiet location to make a homebase. 

Ka’u Highlights

• South Point, southernmost point in the US
• Papakolea Green Sand Beach
• Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
• Ka’u coffee farms (like Paradise Meadows, Miranda’s, and Ka’u Coffee Mill)
• Kahuku Unit, hiking extension of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Punalu’u Bake Shop for famous malasadas and sweet bread
• Kula Kai lava tube tours

Ka’u Weather

• 28 inches of rain a year
• Average temperature is high of 82 and low of 62.

Ka’u Coffee

Like Kona coffee, Ka’u coffee is a special, one-of-a-kind treat only found in this district. Ka’u coffee is just as special as Kona coffee in that it grows in lava soil, high in nutrients and also gets the ideal weather of sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. 

While Ka’u coffee is not as popular as Kona, I find it tastes better AND it’s cheaper!

There are a few farms to tour like Paradise Meadows, Miranda’s, and Ka’u Coffee Mill. You’ll also find it in local coffee shops or farmers markets.

Ka’u Beaches

There are two infamous beaches in the Ka’u district: Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Papakolea Green Sand Beach. 

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach has easy access, just drive up and enjoy. You have a 99% chance (I made this statistic up) of seeing green sea turtles basking on the warm black sand. There’s also some hiking to do, a large heiau ruin, and an adorable chapel.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach you have to earn. It’s about a 5-mile roundtrip hike to get to the golden cove. I recommend hiking early morning to beat the heat and the crowds. Or “cheat” and have a local truck you in.

Ka’u Activities

If you are the risk-taking, adventurous type, put your bravery to the test by jumping off the 40ft cliffs at South Point. The clear blue water below calls you, but can you cross that cliff’s edge? If you don’t want to jump, enjoying the vista is just as delightful and a good place to watch the sunset.

There are a few farmers markets to enjoy and wander through throughout the week. Find some local produce and unique handmade items.

An extension of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Kahuku Unit. This park is free to enter and only open for select days. There are about 20 miles of various trails with this park, all with different difficulty levels. You’ll have grassy knolls with ocean views, trails across a lava field, or walks under koa trees.

Ka’u Tours

As Ka’u is more of a passing-through area and not a tourist hub, there aren’t much in the way of group tours.

Kula Kai Caves offer tours through a lava tube under the Ocean View neighborhood. You’ll have to call and reserve ahead of time for an exciting spelunking adventure through the ancient cave system.

For about $20/pp, locals with pickup trucks will bring you from the Ka Lae green sand trailhead and drive you down the 2.5-miles of dusty, bumpy paths so you can get to the beach faster and easier. However, you’ll just have to rely on who’s there that day and maybe wait around for a truck to come back. 

Ka’u Restaurants

Naalehu and Ocean View have very few meal options, but enough to get you by. Be mindful of open times as a lot close rather early. Kai Loki is where the night life is with weekly open mic and karaoke.

Breakfast: grab coffee and Honua’s then bring it over to Punalu’u Bake Shop to eat fresh malasadas under their garden gazebo
Lunch: pizza at Hana Hou’s, maybe take it to-go and eat at Whittington Beach
Dinner: Tai Shan Farm is set amongst a dragonfruit farm in an open air pavilion with limited seating and fresh farm-to-table menu items  

Where to Stay in Ka’u

Sea Mountain Condos

Surrounded by crashing ocean waves and an abandoned golf course (home to the infamous nene geese), these condos offer fully stocked kitchens, a barbecue area, pool and hot tub.

Walking distance of the famous Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. 

>> Check Rates & Availability for Sea Mountain Condo here <<

Hawaii Island Resort

Enjoy a morning cup of coffee on the lanai in this quiet getaway set amongst a pick-your-own orchard filled with tropical fruit like papaya, lilikoi, mango, oranges, figs, bananas, and cacao!

Relax in the pool, play some billiards, or watch a movie in the theater.  

>> Check Rates & Availability for Hawaii Island Resort Here <<

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Want to stay in the Southernmost District in the US?
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And Now For Something Completely Different…

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Stay in North Kohala for Paniolo Ranches and Valley Gorges

Known as paniolo (cowboy) country, Waimea is often a neglected area of the north end of the island, along with the Kohala peninsula and the Hamakua Coast. Here you’ll see miles and miles of grass field, perfect for ranching cows.

North Kohala Highlights

• Pololu Valley
• Waipio Valley
• Tex Drive In for malasadas
• Hawaiian Vanilla Company
• Parker Ranch and Anna Ranch Heritage Center
• Waimea farmers markets are the biggest on the island
• Lapakahi State Park
• King Kamehameha statue
• Pu’ukohola Heiau
• King Kamehameha’s birthplace
• Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co
• And more…

Waimea Weather

• 39 inches of rain a year 
• Average temperature is high of 80 and low of 56.

North Kohala Historical Sites

History abounds on this end of the Big Island, both ancient and more modern. King Kamehamha’s birthplace, his temple of Puukohola Heiau, and the fishing village Lapakahi State Park. 

Observe the original King Kamehameha statue.

Parker Ranch and Anna Ranch date back to the paniolo days of yore. Learn how cattle ranching became a great commodity to the Big Island.

North Kohala Activities

Hiking Pololu Valley brings you to a roaring black sand beach and deep gorge-ous valley. 

Due to unsafe road conditions, Waipio Valley is closed indefinitely to tourists (unless you take a guided tour) but you can still view it from the fenced area from the lookout. 

Spencer Beach is a locals’ white sand hangout with shade and calm, clear waters.

North Kohala Tours

This northern end of the island doesn’t offer a lot in the way of group tours but there are a few. A night snorkel with manta rays takes off from Kawaihae Harbor, though I hear sightings are less frequent this far north. Take a romantic sunset cocktail catamaran cruise. Get an adrenaline rush on a ziplining tour or tandem skydiving.

The US’s first commercial vanilla farm is just outside Honokaa at the Hawaiian Vanilla Company. Have a vanilla themed lunch and tour afterwards. 

Ever tried Spam flavored macadamia nuts? You can at the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company. Try free samples of various flavors, including seasonal ones not found anywhere else, and watch the kitchen workers doing their thing through big windows.

➡️ Browse Kohala Tours Here!

North Kohala Shopping

Both Hawi and Honokaa have characteristic strips of shopping for Hawaiian souvenirs and handmade items. Waimea is more of a suburb-type town with stores spread out.

However, Waimea probably has the best farmers markets on the island. Both at Parker School and at the Pukalani Stables you’ll find a festive atmosphere with a load of vendors.

North Kohala Restaurants

There are enough food options in this corner of the island to satisfy most cravings, whether poke, Mexican, sandwiches, a brewery, or Hawaiian plates.

Breakfast: get a hot malasada the size of your head at Tex Drive-In
Lunch: Kohala Coffee Mill serves up some delicious sandwiches and wraps with their Kona coffee and local Tropical Dreams ice cream
Dinner: Try a Taste of Waimea at Merriman’s with a 3 course meal and wine pairing flights

Where to Stay in North Kohala

Kohala Village Inn

Kohala Village Inn is a plantation-style, budget friendly stay in the heart of Hawi, putting you within walking distance of town.

>> Check Rates & Availability for Kohala Village Inn here <<

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Stay in Puna to Get Away From it All

Just south of Hilo is the Puna district. One could say this is one of the ruralest areas of the Big Island as there isn’t a whole lot of tourist activities. So if you’re looking to “get away from it all” and hang loose with the locals, this is the area for you.

This area experienced the most destruction in the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Driving through Leilani Estates you’ll soon come up against walls of lava crossing the roads.

Route 137, aka the Red Road, is probably the most scenic drive on the island as you pass under large and dense tropical trees, the stuff calendar pictures are made of.

Puna Highlights

• Kehena Black Sand Beach (beware, this is a nudist beach!)
• Isaac Hale Beach Park, black sand and hot springs
• Leilani Estates, site of the 2018 Kilauea eruption
• Lava Tree State Monument
• Various roadside fruit stands and food vendors
• Red Road
• Old town Pahoa with restaurants and a couple of boutique shops 

Puna Weather

• 56 inches of rain a year 
• Average temperature is high of 81 and low of 61.

Puna Beaches and Parks

Lava Trees State Monument is a quaint 0.7-mile paved loop that takes you through a forest with a smattering of artistic towers of lava tree molds from a 1700s eruption. 

Kehena Black Sand Beach has some of the softest black sand on the island. There is a small bit of a hike and rocky cliffs to climb, but it makes it that much more rewarding. But be forewarned that this is a clothing optional beach and people definitely take advantage of that 😛

Isaac Hale Park is the newest black sand beach on the island due to the 2018 Kilauea eruption. More rocky than sand, this beach is not the best for sunbathing but hiding along the tree line and also within the trees are shallow natural hot springs for wading in. 

Puna Tours

Most tours in Puna focus on the 2018 eruption, specifically visiting Fissure 8 in Leilani Estates. However, they usually start in Hilo.

A tour that begins in Puna is a an e-bike tour taking you through Leilani Estates to see where the lava crossed and blocked off neighborhood roads as well as Fissure 8, the largest section where lava came pouring out.

➡️ Find This E-Bike Tour and Other Puna Tours Here!

Puna Shopping

The only kind of shopping you’ll find in the Puna district  are essential foods with grocery stores and roadside vendors with fruit stands and meat. 

Sundays you will find the Pahoa farmers market. 

For those who remember Uncle Robert’s Wednesday Night Market, it has morphed more into a locals’ music scene with a $20 cover charge. 

Puna Restaurants

The Puna district is not known as a destination for foodies. There are a few options in Pahoa though.

Breakfast: Pele’s Kitchen is a colorful breakfast restaurant serving local flare dishes made with their own grown produce
Lunch: Relax in the open air Tin Shack Bakery with sandwiches made on fresh purple sourdough, a fresh baked good for dessert, and washed down with housemade kombucha
Dinner: Award-winning Kaleo’s Bar and Grill serves “innovative Hawaiian-style” dishes like coconut crusted fresh-caught fish and lilikoi cheesecake.

Where to Stay in Puna

Whale Cottage

With Kehena Black Sand Beach directly across the street, enjoy the tranquility of the Big Island right from the comfort of this 1bedroom/1bath cottage with a fully stocked kitchen.

>> Check Rates & Availability for the Whale Cottage Here <<

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Looking to “Get Away From It All”?
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FAQs

🚗 Don’t Forget to Reserve Your Car for traipsing around the island! 🚗

Epilogue: Where to Stay on the Big Island

Hopefully this gives you a clearer understanding of where to stay on the Big Island based on your travel itinerary needs and desires. 

The entire island is beautiful, so you won’t go wrong with ambience! Whether it be on the drier, deserty Kona and Waikoloa areas, next to a volcano, or in tropical forest dreams of Hilo or Captain Cook, you’ll find a place to stay that works for you.