Fun Fact: The Big Island is the largest Hawaiian island, and it’s growing in size every day because of the active Kilauea volcano.
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When To Go
The Big Island’s peak travel season is December – March, when travelers from the Northern Hemisphere want to escape the cold. Prices and tourist numbers will be at their highest everywhere on the island. So book your accommodation, rental cars, and tours in advance to ensure availability. These are the rainiest months, so stay on the western, drier side of the island. These months have the best surfing conditions, and this is the prime whale-watching season.
June – August is slightly less crowded and expensive than December – March. The weather is perfect during these months – sunny and dry. Summer also has calmer currents, giving you ideal swimming conditions.
The year-round warm weather means the Big Island doesn’t have an off-season. But April – May and September – November are shoulder seasons when you can score some excellent (by Hawaii standards) accommodation and airfare deals.
Drive the Chain of Craters Road, hike through the Pu’u Loa petroglyph field, walk through the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), and see the lava glow at night – you’ll need to check with park rangers for where to view lava.
This waterfall can be seen on an easy loop hike (though the trail has many stairs).
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Getting Around
A car is essential on the Big Island. Many tour companies provide transportation to and from guided tours, and taxis and rideshares can be arranged by your hotel. But these can be expensive.
So if you’re going to leave your hotel more than a couple of times (which I highly recommend!), then a rental car can save you money. Plus, a rental car gives you flexibility over your itinerary and room to store and transport your belongings.
I spent three days on the Big Island with a rental car. I drove all over the island and only had to fill up my tank once.
Picture yourself in this magnificent open-air hotel on the best beach on the island. There’s a spa, two pools, a tranquility pond, lush gardens, four on-site restaurants, a fitness center, and incredible views from every room.
If you want a truly luxurious resort, Mauna Lani is for you. This hotel sits on 32 oceanfront acres with royal fish ponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens, beaches, multiple pools, on-site dining, and cultural activities.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Big Island at this modern-meets-Hawaiian hotel. This resort has a spa, 10,000 square foot oceanfront pool, a beach club, water sports, cultural activities, six restaurants, a golf course, a fitness center, and a tennis pavilion.
With ‘Four Seasons’ in its name, you know this hotel will be the epitome of luxury. This resort has an award-winning golf course, seven pools, five restaurants, seven tennis courts, a spa, and a Cultural Center. Plus, every room is a two-story bungalow!
This modern-meets-Hawaiian-style resort is ideally located for exploring the island. You’ll have a private lanai, oceanview dining, a heated infinity pool, two family pools, a waterslide, ocean activities, a spa, and a world-class golf course.
You’ll love the oceanfront setting of this resort. There’s on-site biking, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, a championship golf course, a tennis club, five restaurants and bars, a spa, and a stunning pool.
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