Big Island, Hawaii: An Adventurer’s Guide

The Island of Hawaiʻi, often called the Big Island, lives up to its name in every sense. It’s the largest in the Hawaiian chain, and the most diverse, with landscapes ranging from molten lava fields to lush rainforest, from snow-dusted summits to black and green sand beaches. Life here moves at a slower rhythm, giving travelers the space to explore, absorb, and truly connect with the raw beauty of the land.

Whether you’re trekking across a volcanic crater, watching manta rays swirl under the moonlight, or savoring poke with your toes in the sand, every moment on the Big Island feels like a memory in the making.

Getting to the Big Island

Most visitors arrive at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the western side of the island. Others choose to land in Hilo International Airport on the east, especially if their itinerary begins with volcano exploration. Since the Big Island spans nearly 4,030 square miles, many savvy travelers fly into one side and depart from the other, taking a scenic road trip across the island along the way.

Pro Tip: Check with your car rental provider about drop-off charges if you plan to return the vehicle to a different airport.

Why Driving is the Best Way to Explore

While the Hele-On public bus offers affordable transportation at just $2 per ride, it moves slowly and isn’t ideal for flexible travel. Renting a car allows you to fully access the island’s remote valleys, scenic beaches, and lesser-traveled roads. Be prepared to drive at a relaxed pace—the speed limit rarely exceeds 55 mph—and enjoy the journey as much as the destinations.

Rental car agencies operate out of both main airports and select resorts. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available but less reliable in remote regions.

Top Experiences Across the Island

From coast to summit, the Big Island offers a full spectrum of activities. Whether you crave adrenaline, culture, or peace, the following highlights cover all bases:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This legendary park is home to two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Hiking trails wind through rainforests, across lava flows, and into steaming craters. The Thurston Lava Tube and the Kīlauea Caldera leave lasting impressions with their otherworldly terrain.

• Over 150 miles of trails
• Volcanic steam vents and crater lookouts
• No active lava at the surface, but the volcanic presence is powerful

Mauna Kea Summit

At nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea offers a rare chance to see snow in Hawaii. The summit provides dramatic views by day and cosmic clarity at night. Tour operators like Hawaii Forest & Trail run evening trips featuring sunset viewing and telescope-guided stargazing.

• Dress warmly; the summit gets cold
• 4×4 vehicles required for self-driving
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories of the land

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

One of only four green-sand beaches in the world, Papakōlea gleams with tiny olivine crystals. Reaching it requires a 2.5-mile hike through windswept terrain, but the payoff is unforgettable.

• Accessible via hike or local shuttle service
• Swimming is discouraged due to strong currents
• Best visited early to avoid midday heat

Nighttime Manta Ray Swim in Keauhou Bay

Slip into a wetsuit and enter the dark ocean where floodlights attract plankton—and the graceful manta rays that follow. With wingspans up to 18 feet, these gentle creatures swirl inches away as you float above them.

• Tours depart nightly from the Kona coast
• Beginner swimmers welcome
• A must-do for wildlife lovers

Kulaniapia Falls

Set on private land, this 120-foot waterfall rewards visitors with exclusive access via day passes. Swim beneath the falls, hike surrounding trails, and add on a waterfall rappelling adventure if you dare.

Where to Stay

The Big Island accommodates every style of traveler. Resorts cluster around the Kohala Coast and Kailua-Kona, while Hilo and Puna on the east offer proximity to the volcanoes and a more relaxed pace.

Recommended options include:

• Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: Luxury on the Kona Coast
• Fairmont Orchid: Serene beachfront with lush gardens
• Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa: Family-friendly and centrally located
• Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel: Near historic sites and the Kailua Pier

Bed and breakfasts, vacation homes, hostels, and cottages dot the island, particularly around Volcano Village, Hilo, and Captain Cook.

What to Eat

Fuel your adventures with island flavors. From fresh poke bowls to seafood served steps from the ocean, the culinary scene is casual yet deeply satisfying.

Top local picks:

• Jackie Rey’s Kailua-Kona: Creative takes on Hawaiian classics
• Kona Brewing Co.: Excellent craft beers and laid-back meals
• Lava Lava Beach Club: Oceanfront dining with toes-in-the-sand appeal
• Big Island Grill: Local comfort food in a no-frills setting

And don’t miss the local treat: fruity, fluffy shaved ice, especially from Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.

Best Time to Visit

The Big Island’s appeal spans the calendar. That said, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) bring smaller crowds and better hotel rates.

• Spring temperatures: 80°F (high), 66°F (low)
• Fall temperatures: 83°F (high), 68°F (low)
• Rainiest month: March
• Quietest month: November

Cultural Tips and Practical Info

• Legal drinking age: 21
• Tip 15–20% at restaurants, taxis, and for guides
• Respect public space etiquette: don’t block sidewalks, avoid spitting, and give way on buses
• Currency: US Dollar
• Time zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time

Whether you’re hiking across hardened lava, watching manta rays swirl beneath the moonlight, or simply breathing in the plumeria-scented air, the Big Island reveals itself one powerful moment at a time. There is no single way to explore it—only your own path to follow.