Where to Stay on the Big Island
Curated By
Lisa Roah
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Big Island
Hawai'i
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Curator’s statement
The Big Island is such a special place to visit! It is known for beautiful landscapes, volcanoes, black sand beaches, whale watching... the list goes on and on. There are countless options when considering where to stay on the Big Island — Hilo, Kailua Kona, Waimea and even Volcano Village.
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Hawai'i
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Things to do in Hawai'i
Kayak: Don't miss the Sunrise Canoe experience at the Mauna Lani: I recommend doing it early in your trip to hear the local stories and watch the sun coming up over the mountains.
Bike: Consider riding at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. However, you can rent bikes or ebikes at most of the resorts, and it is a fun way to get out and explore. We rented ebikes and went to look at the nearby Petroglyph Preserve.
Drive: Rent a car and explore the Mauna Loa summit road.
Golf: Choose from the courses of the Mauna Lani Resort, the Mauna Kea Resort or the Hualālai Golf Course. You can also play nine-hole courses at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Snorkel: There are so many turtles in the water that it is easy to find them! Book a tour to snorkel with manta rays at night.
Beach: There are so many excellent beaches to explore, such as Kukio Beach, Makalawena Beach, Pohue Bay Beach, Kua Bay Beach, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Manini Beach, Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Kaunaoa Beach Hapuna Beach, Kua Bay, and Magic Sand Beach.
Places to eat & drink in Hawai'i
Great Places to go for Dinner on the Big Island
Canoe House - A personal favorite! Make sure to order the Japanese milk bread.
Ulu Ocean Grill
Merriman's
Papa Kona
On the Rocks
Napua at the Mauna Lani Beach Club - Great at sunset
Halani/Ha Bar & Grill
Tommy Bahamas
Lava Lava Beach Club - Love the pineapple fried rice!
Travel Advisor
Lisa Roah
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Big Island. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, 5 Night Coastal Getaway to Zihuatanejo, Mexico, or Fora Advisor Jill Hirsberg's guide, Dining on the Big Island: Restaurants to Visit.