Big Island

Best Big Island Honeymoon Resorts

Hawaii is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world and for good reason…it’s tropical, it has all of the amenities and activities you could want, and it’s relatively easy to get to for being on the other side of the world.

Before I let you in on my favorite Big Island honeymoon resorts, here’s my biggest tip for planning the best honeymoon…pick the right time of year to go. Hawaii is an extremely family friendly vacation destination so when kids are out of school, expect even the swankiest resorts to have a pool full of kids. While a lot of places have adults only pools, kids are always around everywhere else you go, so if you’re looking for a quieter time to go, pick spring or fall (or at least avoid the summer and winter holidays). I’m not telling you this to make you think Hawaii isn’t the perfect honeymoon destination (it is), but many people mistakenly believe that by staying at a super expensive beach resort they’ll limit the kids (noise) around, but that’s not necessarily the case. When you go has more to do with it than where you stay.

That being said, here are 5 amazing Big Island honeymoon resorts…

Four Seasons Hualalai: Four Seasons Hualalai is the most extravagantly luxurious resort in Hawaii hands down (even more so than the other Four Seasons resorts) and it’s practically made for honeymooners. The resort pretty much only has king size beds and the amenities are so vast and wonderful that you’ll never want to leave! Pricing starts at $749/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Fairmont Orchid: Another five star resort, the Fairmont is a totally dreamy place to spend your honeymoon. Set on a gorgeous white sand beach, the pools, spa, and restaurants at the Fairmont are top notch. Pricing starts at $270/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: If you’re looking for a trendy spot with vintage Hawaiian vibes to spend your honeymoon, you’ll love the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. It’s located on one of the best beaches on the Big Island. Pricing starts at $385/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Best Big Island Family Friendly Resorts

The Big Island is definitely one of the most chill islands in Hawaii. But because it’s so “big” it overwhelms a lot of people and they’re not sure where to stay. The Big Island has a surprisingly large number of family friendly resorts that front world class beaches and have great amenities. Staying at one of these resorts may just be your families best vacation ever.

I feel like this post needs a disclaimer up front: pretty much anywhere you go in Hawaii is going to be kid friendly. Hawaii is not a stuffy destination. The most posh and expensive hotels on the island (hello, Four Seasons) caters to children quite amazingly and unless you’re at the adults only pool (many resorts have them, you’ll always find kids boogie boarding in the waves, bobbing around in the pool, and having dinner with their families. That being said, this list includes resorts that may appeal to children especially due to their pools or kids clubs, and parents due to their locations and convenience factors.

6 Best Big Island Family Friendly Resorts

Hilton Waikoloa Village: The Hilton Waikoloa Village is like its own little city. The grounds are sprawling and gorgeously manicured. There are plenty of pools, and amazing beach, and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy (from water sports to cultural activities like hula lessons and lei making). This is also where you’ll find Dolphin Quest, a guided swim with dolphins in a spacious lagoon. Pricing starts at $180/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Four Seasons Hualalai: This is hands down the most lavish resort in Hawaii and while it’s super popular with honeymooners, it’s also one of the best resorts for kids in Hawaii. The resort has a fantastic kids club, seven different pools (one specifically for kids), great snorkeling, a movie night under the stars, and nearby tide pools to explore. The only downside to staying here (besides the price of course) is that you won’t ever want to leave the resort! Pricing starts at $740/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Sheraton Kona: Sheraton’s around the world are family friendly, and this one south of Kona is no different. While not located directly on the beach (it overlooks the ocean at a rocky point), the Sheraton has a great pool area with waterslide and its location south of Kona makes it convenient for doing a day trip to the south side or Hilo side of the island. Pricing starts at $165/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Where to Eat on the Big Island: 20 Big Island Restaurants

If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like me, a lot of your vacation probably centers around where you’re going to eat. And there’s nothing wrong with that! So to help you out, I’ve rounded up 20 of the best Big Island restaurants so you’ll know exactly where to eat on the Big Island.

Kona & Kohala

1.Brown’s Beach House: This romantic open-air beachfront restaurant is located at the Fairmont Orchid near Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast (north of Kona). It’s one of the best fine dining experiences on the Big Island.

2.Roy’s in Waikoloa: Roy’s is an institution in Hawaii and the Waikoloa location is set among some of the most luxurious resorts in Hawaii where you’ll have lovely lake views to match your fresh dinner.

3.‘Ulu Ocean Grill: The Four Seasons Hualalai is the epitome of luxury, so it’s worth having dinner here just to check out the resort. The restaurant itself has been named one of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants and one of the 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America. Also, 75% of the ingredients served at the restaurant are sourced from the Big Island.

4.Beach Tree Bar and Lounge: A more laid back dining option at the Four Seasons Hualalai, the Beach Tree Bar and Lounge has amazing drinks and small bites and is just steps from the sand.

5.Kona Brewing Co: This local brewpub is a great place to sample beer, take a tour, and chow down.

RELATED: Not very familiar with the Big Island? Read up on the lay of the (is)land and my favorite beach resorts, budget hotels, and Airbnbs.

6.Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill: This casual joint is a go to spot with locals and tourists for seafood specials, pupus, and happy hour deals. There’s also a location in Hilo.

7.Huggo’s on the Rocks: This popular Kona oceanfront spot is a favorite for sunset views, cocktails, and live entertainment. This is the casual, laid back cousin to Huggo’s next door (fine dining).

8.Island Lava Java: You could potentially eat all of your meals at this beachside eatery. From coffee and breakfast in the morning to a seafood meal at dinner, you may not ever want to leave! There’s also a location in Waikoloa.

25 Things to Know Before You Go to the Big Island

1.The Big Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s home to three active volcanoes: two that erupted last in the 80s and 90s and Kilauea, which has been erupting continuously since 1983. These eruptions mean the island is actually still growing!

2.The Big Island (also called Hawaii island) is, as the name suggests, big! In fact, all of the other Hawaiian islands could fit inside it. So don’t exect to see the hole island without a LOT of driving or staying in two different locations.

3.The island breaks pretty evenly into two halves or “sides.” Kona side and Hilo side. Kona side is the west side and it’s where most visitors stay. It’s dry and sunny and where the majority of the island’s beaches are. Hilo side is the east side of the island and it’s a lush rainforest. It rains more on this side of the island and it’s also where Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located.

4.If you’re only going to stay in one location, stay in Kona and plan daytrips to Hilo. I would plan two day trips: one along the south shore to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with stops at the green and black sand beaches and another one along the north shore to see Hilo and the surrounding areas (a lot of waterfalls).

5.It’s called the “Orchid Isle” and it’s been mostly untouched. While you will find plenty of nice resorts in the Kona/Kohala area, largely the Big Island has been left pretty much undeveloped. It’s great for those wanting to really get away.

6.Don’t come to the Big Island for less than one full week. Unless you’re just jetting over to see the volcano, you need at least a week. Two is preferable.

7.Hawaii was the 50^th state added to the United States of America. Despite it being a US state, more than one person has asked me if you need a passport to travel there. You don’t. Also, when referring to the contiguous United States, you don’t call it “the states” like you would when traveling internationally. You refer to it as “the mainland.”

8.It may feel like a different country, but remember, you’re still in the US. Hawaii has a very distinct culture and its location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean often makes it feel like a foreign land, so many visitors question how things are done. Here’s the deal, everything works like it does back home, except when it doesn’t : ) Seriously though, your phone service and everything works exactly like it does at home. But you will find yourself subject to the quirks of “island life.” Things move slower so relax and just go with the flow.

RELATED: Not very familiar with the Big Island? Read up on the lay of the land plus my favorite beach resorts, budget hotels, and Airbnbs.

9.Hawaii has its quirks. To protect the environment from invasive species, you aren’t allowed to bring in any plant or animal species (including veggies) or soil. You’ll fill out a form when you arrive and all bags will be screened by the Department of Agriculture before you go home. Hawaii also has a ban on plastic shopping bags so bring your own or plan to pay for $0.50 tote bags. Most grocery stores still have paper bags available.

10.The Hawaiian Islands run on the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone. Hawaii also doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time so they’re 3 hours behind West Coast time (6 hours behind East coast time) when we’re on Daylight savings time, and 2/5 hours when we’re not.

11.Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures. Here’s some terminology for you: “Hawaiian” refers to anyone born with Hawaiian blood. “Local” refers to anyone born in Hawaii (except white people). “Haole” refers to white people and tourists in general. The term “kama’aina” is also thrown around which refers to anyone from or living in Hawaii regardless of their ethnicity.

12.It seems like a world away but Hawaii is actually only a 5 or 6-hour flight from California. It’s 6 hours going to Hawaii, and 5 hours coming back from Hawaii. Kona (KOA) is the airport that you’ll most likely fly into. You can get a direct flight to Kona from Los Angeles (CA), Oakland (CA), Phoenix (AZ), Portland (OR), San Diego (CA), San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA). There’s also an airport in Hilo which mostly gets flights from Honolulu and Maui, but there’s also one direct flight from Los Angeles.

25 Things to Do in Hilo, Big Island

If you’re heading to the Big Island, you’re going to have so much fun because there’s sooooo much to do! In fact, the island is so big that it’s usually broken up into “Kona side” and “Hilo side.” Hilo side is the island’s “non-touristy” side and it rains a lot but that’s what makes it so green and lush. Hilo side is where you’ll find the jungles, waterfalls, colored beaches, and the volcano. Here’s a list of 25 things to do in Hilo (or at least the Hilo side) of the Big Island:

1.Rainbow Falls: Located right in Hilo town, this 80 foot waterfall is almost 100 feet in diameter and best seen in the early morning when you’ll have the best chance of seeing a rainbow.

2.Akaka Falls: Hawaii’s most famous waterfall is about 11 miles north of Hilo. It’s over 400 feet tall and accessible via an easy half-mile hike through a lush jungle. $5 entrance fee for vehicles.

3.Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: Just 7 miles north of Hilo, these botanical gardens are agreed to be the most beautiful in Hawaii and their location right next to the ocean makes for a magnificent view. Don’t miss the orchids! Admission is $20/adult.

4.Liliuokalani Park and Garden: This lovely garden is the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan and is free to the public.

5.Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Botanical Garden: This small zoo is the only zoo in the US actually built in a rainforest. Admission is free and the zoo can easily be explored in an hour or two.

RELATED: Not very familiar with the Big Island? Read up on the lay of the (is)land plus my favorite beach resorts, budget hotels, and Airbnbs.

6.Hilo Farmers Market: If you’re in Hilo on a Wednesday or Saturday, you’ve got to stop by this outdoor market with over 200 local farmers and vendors.

7.Richardson Ocean Park: While there aren’t many beaches on the Hilo side of the island, Richardson’s is your best bet for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a black sand beach but it does have tiny flecks on green (olivine) in it.

8.Downtown Hilo: Downtown Hilo is charming and full of lovely shops, restaurants, and galleries. There are also several museums such as the Pacific Tsunami Museum.

9.Historical Palace Theater: Built in 1925, the Palace Theater screens indie movies and also hosts concerts and other events.

10.Lyman Museum and Mission House: The Lyman Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian and is a world-class museum cataloging the history and culture of the Hawaiian people. Admission to the museum ($10) also includes access to the mission house next door built in the 1830s.

11.Imiloa Astronomy Center: The world’s largest collection of astronomical observatories are housed at Mauna Kea, which is a huge nod to the correlation between ancient Hawaiian culture and astronomy. You’ll find educational and cultural exhibits as well as a planetarium at the center. Admission is $17.50.

12.Hamakua Coast Scene Drive: Driving along the scenic north shore is a must do either on your way to or from Hilo.

25 Things to Do in Kona, Big Island

If you’re heading to the Big Island, you’re going to have so much fun because there’s sooooo much to do! In fact, the island is so big that it’s usually broken up into “Kona side” and “Hilo side.” Kona side is pretty dry and sunny and home to most of the island’s beaches. It’s also got great snorkeling, water activities, cultural sites, and so much more. Here’s a list of 25 things to do in Kona (or at least the Kona side) of the Big Island:

1.Snorkel Kealakekua Bay. This is the spot that Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii and it’s widely recognized as the best snorkeling spot in all of the islands. While you can reach the bay via a challenging hike, most people come on a snorkel tour or kayak tour. Bonus: if you’re visiting during whale season (November through April), this is a great way to kill two birds with one stone!

2.Night scuba (or snorkel) with the manta rays. Manta rays are unique to the Big Island and they LOVE to come out at night. If you’re scuba certified, this is a must do, but it’s amazing to go even on a snorkel tour.

3.Visit the summit of Mauna Kea. At 14,000 feet, Mauna Kea is one of the most impressive sights in Hawaii. You’ll need 4WD to reach the summit (sunset is beautiful) or book a tour that includes sunset at the summit and then star gazing at the visitor’s center.

4.Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm. If you’ve ever dreamed of wrapping a seahorse around your little pinky, you won’t want to miss this hour-long tour!

5.Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. The National Park Service has preserved this ancient settlement and fishponds. If you’re interested in learning more about Hawaiian culture, plan to stop by this site.

6.Tour a coffee plantation. If you want to see how that famous Kona coffee is made (and even pick up a package), take a complimentary tour at Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation.

7.See historic Kona town. This charming seaside town dates back to the early 1800s. Tour the Hulihe’e Palace (a former royal vacation home) and Mokuaikaua Church (the oldest Christian church in Hawaii), and have a sunset dinner.

RELATED: Not very familiar with the Big Island? Read up on where to stay and the lay of the (is)land plus my favorite beach resorts, budget hotels, and Airbnbs.

8.Tour Kona Brewing Co. Tour the brewery of just stop in for lunch and a flight.

9.Visit the world’s first octopus farm. While Kanaluoa Octopus Farm isn’t technically a farm (they aren’t breeding YET), it’s an amazing place to learn about these mysterious creatures and the research that’s currently being done to assist in their conservation efforts.

10.Swim with dolphins. Dolphin Quest at Hilton Waikoloa Village allows you to get up close and personal with dolphins on a variety of different tours.

25 Fantastic Big Island Airbnb Rentals

Are you struggling finding the perfect place to stay on the Big Island? Picking just the right spot is usually one of the hardest parts for me when I’m planning a trip. I love staying at fancy beach resorts (pretty much more than anything!), but it just doesn’t always make sense to pay so much money when I’ll be spending most of my days hiking in Hawaii Volcano National Park or visiting amazing colored sand beaches.

Luckily, I’ve figured out the perfect way to save some serious cash and still get amazing amenities by staying in an Airbnb on the Big Island! And yippee for you…I’ve got a $35 credit for you to use towards your stay! You can grab that right here.

But before I let you in on some of my favorite Big Island Airbnbs, you probably have a few questions…

But before I get started, not super familiar with the Big Island? Check out this post to get the lay of the is(land) so you can decide where is the best part of the island for you to stay.

What is Airbnb? Airbnb is an online booking platform that connects people who are looking to rent out their home (or condo, guest cottage, garage apartment, etc.) with people who are looking for that type of accommodation. Operating in over 200 countries and 35,000 cities, Airbnb has over 10,000 listings in Hawaii alone!

How does it work? By doing a simple search by island, you’ll be able to find a wide (price and type) range of accommodation. Some Airbnb listings are for a shared or private room in the “host’s” house and some are for an entire apartment, condo, or house. You can refine your search to fit certain criteria (part of the island, price, style, etc.) before you start weeding through specific properties. Once you settle on a property, you’ll work out the details with the host and submit your payment through Airbnb’s online booking system, which mediates the transaction.

Why Airbnb in Hawaii? Airbnb is a popular accommodation source all over the world, but Hawaii is an Airbnber’s dream. Hawaii has a great variety of accommodation options, which makes it the perfect place to try out Airbnb. Since Hawaii is a major vacation destination, there are of course MANY condos to choose form but besides condos, Hawaii has a ton of “ohanas.” Ohana means family (any Lilo and Stitch fans out there???) and in Hawaii the term is applied to separate living units located on the same property as the main house. Many homes in Hawaii are divided up into multiple spaces (each with its own private entrance, bathroom, kitchenette, etc.) while some have a guest cottage on the property. Because so many homes are configured this way, it’s easy to find a private apartment or cottage on the same property with a local host.

How does it save me money? There are several ways you’ll save money on a trip to Hawaii by staying in an Airbnb. The biggest way you’ll save money is that it’s soooo much cheaper than staying at a resort or hotel. On many islands you can find condos or ohanas either right on or just a block or two from the beach. Plus, resorts can get expensive really fast if you have more than two adults staying in a room. Airbnbs are perfect for larger parties who can rent an entire house or multi bedroom condo and split the cost. Another big benefit that Airbnbs offer is the full kitchen (or kitchenette depending on what you book). Having a place to cook some meals and a fridge to store snacks and drinks can really save you a lot. Another big plus to staying in a hosted Airbnb is that they often provide gear for you to use. If you’re staying at a beach resort, they’ll only provide chairs and umbrellas for you at their beach, but an Airbnb or condo will often have chairs, umbrellas, beach towels, coolers, and snorkeling gear for you to use during your stay. This is a pretty big bonus if you’re the adventuresome type who likes to check out different beaches and do day trips to explore the island.

25 Fantastic Big Island Airbnbs

Hilo Area

Beautiful studio steps from the bay: This cute condo near the bay in Hilo is rustic chic and starts at $89/night.

Adventurous lava rock hale: Staying in this hale will be a truly unique experience. The property is luscious and gorgeous and starts at $84/night.

Amazing paradise encounter in Hilo: This spacious Hawaiian inspired hut is centrally located on the Hilo side of the island near Kilauea, and it starts at $109/night.

Tropical modern eco-farm loft: You won’t want to leave this trendy eco-loft. It’s equal parts modern and equal parts tropical and starts at $125/night.

One-bedroom suite in Hilo: This cozy one-bedroom suite has a wonderful lanai and starts at $77/night.

Peaceful Balinese teak cottage: This little jungle hideaway starts at $92/night.

Private garden studio in the south: This well equipped studio near the southern most point of the island is a great place to explore a less visited part of the island. Pricing starts at $85/night.

Volcano

Dreamy tropical tree house: If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a luxurious tree house in the middle of the jungle, you’ll loooove this dreamy tree house near Hawaii Volcano National Park. Pricing starts at $200/night.

Luxury studio in Volcano: This bright studio is cozy but modern and conveniently located for exploring Hawaii Volcano National Park. Pricing starts at $115/night.

North Shore

Paauilo far from the madding crowd: This cute bungalow with a loft is far from crowds and tourists and the perfect place to get away from it all. Pricing starts at $110/night.

Noelani of Waipio: This cozy little two-bedroom bungalow on the north shore is the perfect basecamp for exploring the breathtaking Waipio Valley. Pricing starts at $99/night.

7 Big Island Budget Hotels

While a trip to Hawaii can be a big expense, there are a lot of ways to cut costs and staying at a budget hotel is one of the best ways.

Not super familiar with the Big Island? Read this post to get the lay of the is(land) and figure out what area is best to stay on!

Big Island Budget Hotels

Kona Side

Holiday Inn Express: This bright and modern hotel located near Kailua Bay in Kona is efficient, clean, and a perfect basecamp. This hotel includes an outdoor pool, microwaves and mini fridges in each room, a fitness center, and a hot breakfast each day. Pricing starts at $162/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Kona Seaside Hotel: Located right on the bay in Kona, this Big Island budget hotel is the perfect place to set up camp and explore the island. Locally owned and operated, this hotel is perfect for budget travelers (you won’t pay any resort fees here)! Pricing starts at $135/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Kamuela Inn: This small 30-room inn on Parker Ranch in the Big Island’s upcountry region is absolutely darling. You’ll get a real Hawaiian experience here although it’s more cowboy style than beach bum. Pricing starts at $129/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Not sure where to begin with deciding where to stay in Hawaii? I mean, even once you’ve settled on an island (or two), deciding which part of the island to stay on can be tricky, especially if you don’t really know the lay of the is(land). I’ve created a guide that breaks down the different resort areas (and more off the beaten path parts) of each island to make your planning process easier. Sign up below to get your FREE where to stay guide (it’s 6 pages y’all!) and get started planning your vacation.