An introductory guide to Hawai'i, the Big Island

Hawai'i's largest island, known as the Big Island, boasts impressive size and grandeur. It features breathtaking landscapes, including the world’s most active volcano (Kilauea), some of its youngest land (in Puna), the tallest mountain when measured from the ocean floor (Mauna Loa), and exceptional stargazing opportunities (atop Mauna Kea). Beyond the stunning beaches, there's much more to captivate visitors.

This predominantly rural island in the central Pacific has been home to resilient communities for thousands of years, living in harmony with land and sea. This principle — the island nurtures us, so we must nurture the island — is deeply embedded in the daily lives of residents. Visitors are expected to honor this ethos as well. Engage with the island’s bountiful offerings, from renowned Kona coffee at local farmers markets to dining at farm-to-table restaurants, swimming with massive mantas at night, participating in habitat restoration, and exploring Hawaiian myths at some of the oldest sacred sites.

Essential tips for first-time visitors to Hawai'i.

What is the best time to visit Hawai'i Island?

Surrounded by deep ocean waters and positioned at a latitude that provides nearly equal hours of daylight and night year-round, the Big Island experiences minimal temperature changes throughout the year. Most days at sea level range from 75 to 85ºF, with nighttime temperatures between 65 and 75ºF. However, due to its diverse volcanic landscape — rising from sea level to nearly 3 miles high — various weather conditions can be encountered in different areas on the same day. The eastern or windward side tends to be wetter, while the western or leeward side is drier. Higher elevations are usually cooler and may see afternoon showers. In fact, the highest peaks can even receive snow during storms, even in summer.

While summer (May to November) ushers in the Pacific hurricane season with possible weather disruptions, winter storms are more likely to affect boat charters, coinciding with the arrival of migrating humpback whales from Alaska who come to breed and give birth in the island's warm coastal waters.

The island sees peak tourist seasons during North American school breaks: spring (February to April), fall (mid-November), and winter (December and January), making these the most expensive times to visit. Budget-conscious travelers can find better hotel and rental car deals during the shoulder season (September and October) and low season in the North American summer (June to August). Notable festivals — including the Merrie Monarch hula competition in mid-April in Hilo, King Kamehameha Day celebrations in North Kohala, and the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in November — offer great opportunities for travel planning.

What is the ideal duration for a stay in Hawai'i?

Most cruise ship visitors will spend a day in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona, but that’s quite insufficient to truly appreciate what the island has to offer. To experience the highlights, you'll need at least four to five days to explore Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Kona coffee country, the northwestern beaches, and scenic routes like Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Kohala Mountain Road connecting the towns of Hawi and Waimea. Spending a week or more allows for deeper exploration of off-the-beaten-path locations such as the Hamakua Coast and the charming town of Honoka’a, as well as the more secluded areas of Puna, featuring the island’s newest lava fields.

Is it easy to access and navigate around Hawai'i Island?

There are two airports—one in Hilo and the other in Kona—serving as the primary gateways for visitors. Although both are classified as international airports, many flights from the US mainland and other international locations connect through Honolulu first.

Renting a car is essential due to the island’s vastness and the limited public bus service, which mainly covers residential areas… unless you plan to join tours with provided transportation. Waikoloa, located on the northeastern coast and housing most of the island's resorts, does offer shuttles between hotels and shopping centers, but not to the airport (Kona International, 25 miles away) or into Kailua-Kona, which is even farther south. Visitors staying in downtown Kona or Hilo will find both areas walkable, but neither town offers enough attractions to warrant spending the whole visit there; a rental car is still necessary for trips from Hilo to Volcano or from Kona to coffee country.

Must-see activities on Hawai'i Island

A visit to Hawaii Island wouldn’t be complete without exploring Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Encompassing two volcanoes, including the world's most active one, Kilauea, you might witness bubbling lava within a summit crater lake during eruptions. (Check the national park’s website for updates on eruptions and prime viewing locations). Most guests walk the trail from the visitor center to the boardwalk over the steaming Sulfur Banks, explore the remnants of an old lava tube, and some venture along a longer loop trail on the crater rim. However, there are three excellent additions if you have the time.

First, take a drive along Chain of Craters Road. This 19-mile round-trip tour includes stops at pit craters, sites of past lava fountains, and the opportunity to spot the state bird, nene. You’ll descend about 4,000 feet in elevation, enjoying sweeping views where lava cliffs meet the ocean.

Secondly, at a pull-off near the bottom of Chain of Craters Road, there's a mile-long hike through an ancient lava field to see the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs, featuring sacred and enigmatic native Hawaiian rock carvings dating back over 800 years.

Lastly, a hike into Kilauea Iki Crater through a lush fern forest and jungle (2–3 hours, 4 miles) is absolutely worthwhile. This trail provides a closer look at the terrain and some unique features of the landscape, making it easy to imagine the crater when it was filled with a bubbling lava lake just 65 years ago—some areas still emit steam.

Other island highlights include the 442-foot drop of Akaka Falls into the lush jungle of the Hamakua Coast (don't miss the Honamu Goat Dairy nearby for free 'therapy' with the kids); watching sea turtles sunbathing on the black sands of Punalu’u Beach while enjoying a fresh malasada (a fried, sugar-coated Portuguese donut) from the southernmost bakery in the United States; and experiencing the upcountry paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) atmosphere in Waimea before driving through the misty, ethereal ranchlands along Kohala Mountain Road to the charming former plantation town of Hawi.

What I love most about Hawai'i Island

Hawaii offers an exceptional setting for viewing marine life, catering to everyone from beginner snorkelers to seasoned divers and thrill-seekers, as well as those who prefer observing from a boat. On the island's west side, many dive shops provide an unforgettable experience: nighttime snorkeling (or scuba diving) with manta rays that can grow over 10 feet. Lights draw in plankton, their food, and attract mantas that gracefully loop through the water, filtering these tiny creatures right in front of delighted viewers.

Experienced divers can also embark on offshore scuba trips focusing on plankton itself. Known as blackwater diving, this adventure takes the brave one to two miles offshore after dark, where the seafloor drops to about 5,000 feet below. Here, they can witness migrating zooplankton and a variety of unusual predators (think bizarre jellyfish and vibrant squid) that follow them to the surface, all within the first 50 feet below. Those with thalassophobia (fear of deep water) might prefer to stick with the mantas gliding above the reef.

Daytime boat charters can be equally enjoyable. While swimming with resident spinner dolphins used to be a popular activity, it’s now illegal since these dolphins sleep during the day, and waking them increases their risk from predators. However, you can still spot them and other large marine life, including endangered monk seals, migrating humpback whales, pods of pilot whales, and the occasional whale shark, on specialized boat charters. Some of these use fast former military vessels that can quickly reach sighting locations, allowing snorkelers to view dolphins and — with a skilled in-water guide — sharks from close range.

What is the budget needed for Hawai'i Island?

There’s no denying that Hawai'i is a costly travel destination. Alongside high airfare, the island’s economy, reliant on imported goods, leads to elevated prices for accommodations, tours, and dining. Nevertheless, this isn’t the same as a major city (like Honolulu), and there are still deals and ways to save if you know where to search. Just remember: when it comes to tours, don’t compromise on quality; you truly get what you pay for.

Here are some estimated expenses to help you budget:

• Hostel dorm bed: $25–50

• Basic room for two (hostel/hotel): $75–150/$250+

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $100–200

• Rental car per day: $50–100

• Gallon of gas (non-CostCo): $4.75

• Pound of 100% Kona Coffee: $30+

• Poke bowl: $15

• Dinner for two: $50+

• Beer/pint at the bar: $7

• 2.5-hour manta snorkel tour: $125

• Entry to Volcanoes National Park: $15/person or $30/private vehicle

*CostCo members can save up to $1 per gallon on gas, and many locals make it a habit to refuel at the island’s sole location north of Kailua-Kona.