Aloha! Plus, the attentive staff will treat you like royalty! Hilo has a more local vibe and is a bit less touristy compared to the other parts of the island. Kau is the true adventurers paradise as it is the most remote region on the island. Hilo - Best Place to Stay on The Big Island for Families 4. The handy location means you wont need to travel too far to enjoy all that downtown Hilo has to offer. Located in the wild and remote west coast, The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the northernmost hotel on the Kona side of the island. Your email address will not be published. Kona accommodations are offered in a range of prices making your stay on the Big Island customizable and memorable. You may enjoy the amenities of the larger resorts like the King Kam Marriott, Royal Kona Resort, or the Sheraton. This spectacular Hawaiian island oasis is home to all but four of the worlds climates, which means there is a tonne of ground to cover when deciding where to stay on The Big Island. Sourcing Sustainable Hardwood Flooring For Your Ho. ) Diving with manta rays is an experience that's unique to the Big Island (none of the other Hawaiian Islands have this phenomenon). And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Youll barely need to leave the resort with all the dining options, on-site golf course, and endless facilities available to you. If youre visiting The Big Island for the first time and want a classic Hawaiian experience with a modest price tag, The Holua Resort is a perfect choice. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options. If you want to read more about things to do on the Big Island. KOA campgrounds are a great place to find a unique accommodation for your next camping trip. Youll love preparing family meals in the deluxe kitchen, having movie and game nights in the living room, and luxuriating in the ensuites extra-deep soaking tub. Punaluu Beach Retreat is one of our favourites in Big Island but theyre not taking guests right now. Required fields are marked *. Its eye level to one of Hawaiis most beautiful waterfalls and is flanked by both the Wailuku River and rainforest. With so much to explore, its important you base yourself in the area of The Big Island best suited to your travel style, itinerary, and budget. With its ocean views suites, it is also a great place to stay for couples. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. The Big Island is the largest island in the USA and among the Hawaiian Islands. They both have good locations and great reviews too! You can fuel up with Kona coffee and a hearty breakfast at Halani, grab lunch poolside at Surf Shack, and sip some seriously good Mai Tais at HBar. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Perfect for couples wanting a quiet escape or for those searching for a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian landscape, private rental options are king here. Splash out on a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour of Kona and surrounding areas including Kilauea volcano and active lava flows. Maui Area Guide. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Before I start I would like to let you know that the Big Island is a very popular and expensive travel destination that is visited by travelers all year round. Its got oceanview pools, activities for the kids, and is situated in a great location for exploring the rest of the island. Kapaau. The area boasts some of the islands best beaches as well as a wide range of luxury resorts, excellent eateries, and Kona coffee farms. Such a special and. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the only hotel on the Big Island that belongs to the Historic Hotels of America. Do a tour of a local farm choose from chocolate, coffee, nuts or vanilla. Pack a picnic and explore the unusual formations created by volcanic activity in the Lava Tree State Monument. This serene Airbnb located within a five-minute walk to stunning Punaluu Beach is the ultimate choice for an adventurous couple with a higher budget. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is one of the best local-food . We used to live in Keauhou + LOVE the area. An absolutely unique experience. The beach at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has very few Big Island rivals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); About | Privacy Policy | Contact Copyright 2023 Wandering Wheatleys. This stellar retreat is nestled in a rainforest just blocks from downtown Hilo. You can also enjoy steak dinners at Manta Restaurant, experience a luau on the beach, and sip cocktails at the pool bar, Copper Bar, and Hau Tree. Her travel passion led her to step into over 40 countries and 200 cities. Top 10 destinations for families in 2023. These areas are more populated with locals but can be a great way to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in life here. 2. Afterward continue your trip to visit the main landmarks of Puna, Lava Tree State Park, and Volcano Village in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I am sure you will have a wonderful holiday in Big Island Hawaii! Its the perfect spot to forget about normal life and just relax. If you are visiting the Big Island for the first time I recommend staying in Kona because it has easy access to the main attractions. When it comes to wining and dining youll have a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. They offer. Thanks to its incredible landscapes this volcanic island will enable you to snorkel in the best waters, explore amazing national parks, see incredible waterfalls and snap some great pictures on black sand beaches. The North Coast of the Big Island has the best beaches. A large pool overlooks the ocean, and palm trees sway in the breeze what more could you ask for? Or if you want to work on your tan, just plop down on one of the beachfront lounge chairs. Thank you so much for supporting this project! Because it is so large, with so much to take in, it can be daunting to find where to stay on the Big Island. Kohala Best Place to Stay on The Big Island for Luxury, Final Thoughts on Where to Stay on The Big Island. Complete a scuba ticket course, and head out for a dive with manta rays. I also would like to remind you of the importance of making a reservation in advance as the Big Island is a very popular and expensive travel destination. Its the best location for enjoying the local sights of Pahoa or heading out on a day trip to Lava Tree State Monument. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Spaceship House For a trip out of this world, book the Spaceship House in Navarre Beach. If the owner doesnt live here in Hawaii and the property is not taxed as a vacation rental, all of the money leaves the state and is pocketed by someone who does not live in or contribute to the community. In Puna, you wont be able to find big resorts like other parts of the island but there are nice accommodations where you can enjoy spending time in nature. Im sure you will have a great time here! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. There are plenty of reasons visitors flock to Mauna Lani year after year. While all of the rooms are nice, its well worth splurging on a room on the exclusive Gold Floor. I created Miss Tourist travel blog to help you organise the perfect holiday. The friendly staff will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best stay possible. In fact, this island is unique among the Hawaiian islands for being the only one with active volcanoes: Mauna Loa (the largest volcano in the world) and Kilauea (the most active volcano in the world). You can spend your days splashing around in one of the three massive pools, sliding down the 150-foot waterslide, or golfing at the famous Kings Golf Course at Waikoloa or the Beach Golf Course Waikoloa. Check out my curated travel guides! You might even feel a small earthquake while youre there if youre lucky! For those really splashing out, you cant go past Kohala for the high-rollers experience. Holualoa - Where to Stay Near Kailua-Kona for Coffee Lovers 3. Four Seasons Resort is located on the west side of the island in Kona and is one of the best luxurious resorts to stay on the Big Island. I'm Elana. Some of the main landmarks you should not miss on the Big Islands are Volcano village, Rainbow Waterfalls, Hamakua Coast, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, and Hapuna Beach. I have carefully selected the best of the best accommodations for all budgets but you have to be quick and make a reservation in advance if you dont want to miss them. Up for trying out tiny living while on vacation? The Rainforest Zoo and lava fields are just 15 minutes drive from the hotel. If thats not enough, the entire 138-room hotel was recently given a full renovation so everything is brand new. 20 Best Island Vacations in the World. You can also enjoy a private beach and rent paddle boards to discover the bay area. If youre looking for your home away from home in Hawaii, Kohala Suites is one of the best hotels on the Big Island. The kids will love Imiloa Astronomy Centre that provides fun and informative exhibits about Hawaiian culture and astronomy. This is a great place to teach the kids about nature and the islands diverse landscape. Hilo is more historic and feels less touristy than the Kona side. Some of the best hotels in Kailua-Kona are Four Seasons Resort and Big Island Retreat; however Hilo is better for budget travelers. Holualoa Inn 5. Hilo is the largest settlement on the Big Island and the county seat. Step inside your newly renovated room and youll find the hotels signature Heavenly beds, spacious workstations and sitting areas, and private lanais with chaise lounges. Kailua-Konais a town located inside the region of Kona on the Big Islands west coast. Our vacation rental in Kona Coffee Country in January was well priced and a great place to stay in the action. There are surprises along the way, including a waterfall and a historic adobe. Puna. For those who are curious about the other Hawaiian Islands, check out my complete guide to the best areas to stay in Hawaii! Happy exploring! With its stunning location and so many unique amenities, its easy to forget this place is actually part of a chain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. So, if you are a budget traveler there is no better place than Hilo! Rooms and suites are all outfitted with Hawaiian-style decor, private lanais, and views of either the ocean, garden, or mountains. Airbnbs where the owners live in Hawaii and are paying taxes here. Whether you go for a single or mixed gender dorm or splash out on a private room, hanging out in the communal lounge area will have you making friends and heading out in no time. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Hilo Best Place to Stay on The Big Island for Families, 4. The Big Island really does have something for everyone! This rental will be the perfect place to relax and unwind after a big day of exploring, or simply sit back and relax by the pool while you enjoy the sound of the ocean nearby. So youre going to Hawaiiyou lucky thing! You can fuel up for the day at Big Island Breakfast, snack on light bites in the afternoon at Lagoon Grill, and get your caffeine fix at Waikoloa Coffee. You can fuel up for the day at Big Island Breakfast, snack on light bites in the afternoon at Lagoon Grill, and get your caffeine fix at Waikoloa Coffee. Forest A-Frame Home is one of our favourites in Big Island but theyre not taking guests right now. More information. Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island rolls out first, followed by amenities and leisure activities to be made available in phases from April 2023. There are numerous secluded forest bungalows available, not to mention some of the most unique accommodation in Hawaii youll ever find. You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! On the east side of the island, Volcano Eco Retreat is a vegan/vegetarian resort with interesting wooden hut-like buildings. I also hope to have given you enough travel tips about the activities you can do there. 3. If you do want to explore the sister property, just hop on the complimentary shuttle. This hotel features an outdoor pool and a 24-hour gym. This resort features an epic swimming pool overlooking the ocean, spacious rooms with scenic views, a nice spa, and a very good breakfast. If you want to stay in or near Kailua-Kona, there are a wide variety of lodging styles available. Youll love relaxing in the contemporary rooms. Your email address will not be published. Between vacation rentals like airbnbs and VRBO's to fun and . Centrally located in Kona this hotel is within walking distance to the beach and has spacious rooms with a terrace, Aeolian Ranch is 5 minutes drive to Kona town center and offers family-friendly rooms and a special lounge area with ocean views, This Airbnb has amazing views overlooking the gardens and oceans and fully furnished spacious rooms and free wifi. We frequent the beach here often and love the feel of the resort! Alternatively, you may rather choose to take a soak in the outdoor hot tub or treat yourselves to a massage. Kona / Kailua-Kona - the best place to stay for the first time 2. The mini-fridges, coffee makers, and bathrobes are much-appreciated extra touches. You will enter this unique home by a stone bridge over the koi pond before enjoying a beautiful pool, ocean views from the lanai, and laid back Hawaii living. This area of The Big Island is home to Hawaiian Volcano Park and is where avid travellers will find their zen. The hotel is located one mile from Waiulua Bay and Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast. Is your phone eSIM ready? Waikoloa offers a great selection of hotels with family-friendly facilities such as kids clubs and pools. I guarantee that you will have so many postcard-perfect photos here! We have discussed why the Kona side (west side) is by far the best place to stay on the Big Island, and these two areas provide the most options for accommodation, stores, and restaurants, and are within the closest proximity to beaches. Oceanview Hilltop House is one of our favourites in Big Island but theyre not taking guests right now. in your own private room just 10 minutes to the beach and downtown. If big hotel chains arent your thing, Holualoa Inn might just be the perfect pick. The two best areas to stay on the Big Island are near Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa. If you want to read more about things to do on the Big Island, you can read more here. I am a beach baby so I tend to stay more on the west side, occasionally venturing to the north or south shores but there truly is something different for each traveler, 15 Best Sustainable Bedding Brands of 2022, The best places to eat & sip coffee, grouped by area: Kona, Waikoloa, Waimea, Honokaa & Hilo, Our favorite beaches, adventures & places to explore, More in-depth information on where to stay, ways to be a mindful traveler & experiences not to miss. Luxurious and welcoming with a beautiful golf course! Magic Sands Beach Park has rare access to sandy beaches just south of town, whereas the rest of the coast tends to be more rocky. If youre looking for a place to stay, theres no doubt that the Big Island is dotted with secluded B&Bs, lavish oceanfront resorts, and incredible family-friendly hotels. This is the perfect choice if you plan to tour some of Konas coffee farms. This is the hotel for luxury seekers who appreciate a hotel with history. Below, you'll find our hand-picked guide to the best towns and hotels to stay in while you are on the Big Island. Kau - Best Place to Stay on The Big Island for Adventure 5. This is opportune for the budget-friendly traveler. Hilo - the best place to stay on the Big Island on a budget 3. For those that love a little adventure, try this unique, off-grid tiny home at the foot of the worlds most active volcano. Aloha, and welcome to your ultimate couples getaway at the undeniably luxurious Four Seasons. I guess white sand beaches, rainforest, lava fields, and lush palm trees are more than enough to explain how unique this island is! on the Big Island of Hawaii offering 4 beautifully restored plantation era cottages. If you have bigger kids, ATV tours are a great way to get off the beaten track and enjoy a fully guided tour, complete with a swim under a waterfall all to yourselves! Sure you can stay in an Airbnb in Oregon, Texas and more, but alternatives are so much better - fully surrounded by nature with the top amenities of a 5-star hotel near me. One of the most interesting things to see in the Hawaiian Islands is for sure the incredible volcanoes and lava fields. Waaaay bigger than the other Hawaiian islands. Who needs expensive resorts when you can have your very own condo all to yourself with the best ocean views? Here, families can veg out and enjoy their perfect Hawaiian vacation. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort 4. Plus, for each guest that stays here, the hotel works with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to remove 2.2 pounds of trash from local beaches! Hilo the best place to stay on the Big Island, 3. Whether youre a resort-style traveller with kids or a chilled couple wanting a little peace and quiet, youre bound to find the perfect place to stay. The Kulaniapia experience is phenomenal, just minutes from town, but completely secluded. Orxy/Shutterstock. Enjoy a vegan or vegetarian meal after a day of exploring the nearby volcanic sights. Youll receive advice spanning from tips on slow travel, to regenerative solutions for everyday life, to insight for capturing your life in an artful way. at the foot of the worlds most active volcano. With its natural and intimate setting, this charming bed and breakfast is a great alternative to the Big Islands massive resorts. Definitely one of the unique places to stay in Atlanta Secluded Intown Treehouse, Atlanta View on Airbnb This treehouse has consistently been one of the highest rated Airbnb properties in the entire country. Waikoloa Village is located on the west coast and next to Kona Town. Knowing where to begin looking for the world's best islands to visit can be confusing. Waikoloa - best family-friendly resort town to stay on the Big Island Theres also a kids club, an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace and a beauty centre. Start your day by hitting some of the best white sand beaches on the island such asKahaluu Beach, Kamakahonu Beach, Two Step, and Kua Bay. Its eye level to one of Hawaiis most beautiful waterfalls and is flanked by both the Wailuku River and rainforest. Kona is probably the most well-rounded region with family-friendly hotels, backpackers hostels, and resorts plus restaurants and activities to suit everyone. If youre looking to unplug and be out in nature, this tropical home among lush greenery offers the simplicity of off-grid living together with homey comforts. Trending travel. Luxury price tag but incredible property. They all have great reviews and ideal locations close to beaches! Take a moment of reflection and enjoyment of the traditional Hawaiian folk art at The Painted Church in Pahoa. which side of the Big Island is best to stay on? experience is phenomenal, just minutes from town, but completely secluded. If exploring Hawaii National Volcanoes Park is on your to-do list, SCP Hilo Hotel is a great place to base yourself. For those free-spirited travellers visiting Hawaii on a budget, Puna is the place for you. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Kona gets the most sun by far on The Big Island and has the widest choice of accommodations with a friendly and exciting vibe, making it perfect for your first time.