Accommodations

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a nature and beach getaway with a variety of condos, vacation rental homes, hotels, and resorts. Choose an accommodation near any of the Big Island's local attractions that offers comfort while making the most of the beautiful beaches and attractions at affordably priced rates.

View our Big Island Vacation Rentals or Big Island Resorts

Activities

One of the most visited attractions on the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, containing two active volcanoes, Mona Loa and Kilauea, currently the world’s most active volcano, erupting continuosly since 1983. The Dormant Mona Kea Volcano is the worlds tallest mountain, measured from its base on the Pacific floor to its peak. The scenic Hamakua Coast and Waipio Valley are home to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, with more than 2000 species of exotic plants, and the awesome sight of the 442 foot Akaka Falls. On the north side of the Big Island, visit the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Built between 1790-91, the Heiau (temple) displays the skill of chiefs, men, women, and children under the leadership of Kamehameha I. With the assistance of two sailors, John Young and Isaac Davis, Kamehameha I extended his reign over all the Hawaiian Islands. The remains of John Young’s homestead may be toured at the site.

Events

The Big Island's month long Aloha Festival takes place in September, and includes events such as a royal investiture in the lava fields of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. Colorful floral parades, a falsetto contest and festive block parties are also a mainstay of the Aloha Festival. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park puts on the Kilauea Cultural Festival in July. The festival is free and you can learn from skilled practitioners how to fish, throw net, build canoe, craft drums, do lomilomi massage, beat kapa, carve wood, use plants as medicine, make ti leaf capes and sandals. The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament is held in August in Kona. This annual fishing tourney is all about prestige, with teams from Hawaii, the U.S. and around the world competing for five days to catch prized Pacific blue marlin and win the coveted HIBT’s Governor’s Trophy

Water Sports

The Pacific Ocean and the Big Island has a long history of attracting surfers to the local shores. The Big Island also offers whale watching tours, boating and deap sea fishing. The local beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

Golfing

The Big Island of Hawaii offers challenges for golfers of any skill level. The Pacific Ocean is your water hazard and the lava fields define the rough. Play through palm trees, mango forests, and immaculate greens on courses created by some of the world's best designers. So pack your clubs, your golf shoes, and a bottle of sunscreen, but for the serious golfer, a swimsuit is optional.

Beaches

Kahaluu Beach Park is famous for its snorkeling.  This small beach is a colorful experience, the sand is a salt-and-pepper mix, the water is exceptionally clear, and the rainbow-hued reef fish ride the currents in chorus lines of vivid color.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach has black sand created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. Punaluʻu is frequented by endangered Hawksbill Turtles and Green Sea Turtles, which can often be seen basking on the black sand. Visitors must remain 15 feet from the turtles at all times.

Green Sands Beach is an unusual feature of the Big Island, however it is in a remote location. It is made from lava rock rich in the mineral olivine, giving the sand an uncommon green color.

Pauoa Beach is rated as the best beach for swimming. Pauoa Beach is infused by natural freshwater springs beneath the ocean’s surface. White sands stretch wide along the shore and rocky arms protect the lagoon and maintain calm, placid waters.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation area is where local families drive for hours to spend a day at the beach. They come to an oasis of pure white sand beside a teal sea, with shore breaks for body boarders, fish for anglers, and in the summer, calm water for swimmers.