Let’s come clean about the Big Island: it’s not exactly the destination of choice for resort-hopping high rollers. While many Hawaiian tourists are willing to settle for no more than a crowded Waikiki sunset, Big Island visitors watch the sun go down from empty cliffs, overlooking the Kohala Mountain Range; or at the end of an unmarked trail, near a 1200 ft. waterfall; or at the summit of Mauna Kea, huddled around a warm Jeep, 1000 ft. above the clouds. Vacationers do not come here for the nightlife; they’re here to explore a vastly untouched natural enigma. In this island alone, 11 out of the world’s 13 climate regions are represented. From the subarctic tundra conditions of the Mauna Loa summit to the lush rainforests of the Hamakua coast to the dry and barren lava-covered Kau desert, a day of hiking can take visitors through a natural display more diverse than a roadtrip across the continental US. Yet a vacationer’s paradise can still be found here; when you’re done flirting with the rawest forces of nature, some of the state’s most beautiful beaches are waiting, with Mai Tais on tap.
The Big Island has an unmistakable spiritual force. A legacy of the historical mana (spiritual power) remains on this most sacred island, the birthplace of Hawaii’s most powerful king, Kamehameha I. In addition to the tangible energy that still emanates from the ancient heiau (temples) and historic villages dotted about the island, the volcanic rumble from below creates an exciting atmosphere. While development rapidly encroaches on the Kohala Coast and Kailua-Kona, the quintessence of the island is still preserved in the unadulterated landscape of the rest of the island. By foot, bike, horse, surfboard, or kayak, the island is an adventure-seeker’s paradise.
The Big Island has two major airports. Keahole-Kona International Airport, Keahole Airport Rd. (☎ 808-329-3423), 8 mi. north of downtown Kailua-Kona off Rte. 19, is closest to South Kohala’s crescent ...more
Based in Hilo, the Hele-On Bus (☎ 808-961-8744; www.co.hawaii.hi.us/mass_transit/heleonbus.html) is the Big Island’s only island-wide system of public transport. Buses are clean, modern, comfortable ...more
Budget travelers do best on the Hilo side, where a handful of hostels offer beds for $20 per night and public transportation to Volcanoes National Park and the Waipio Valley area is feasible. B&Bs ...more
Snorkeling. Although the island’s best snorkeling is south of Kona in Captain Cook , a number of companies sail snorkel cruises from the bay. Be sure to bring extra water, sunglasses, and plenty ...more
Hulihee Palace. The Daughters of Hawaii, with their impressive collection of Hawaiian artifacts, maintain this historical Kona site, a modest but exciting piece of Hawaiian history. Hula dances and ...more
Banks: Bank of Hawaii (☎ 808-322-9377), on Mamalahoa Hwy. in downtown Kealakekua. Open M-Th 8:30am-4pm, F 8:30am-6pm. 24hr. ATM. Bookstore: Island Books, 79-7430 Mamalahoa Hwy. (☎ 808-322-2006) ...more
Kealakekua Bay. (Snorkeling. Surfing. Open 24hr.) The steep-cliff crescent of Kealakekua Bay was formed when many acres of land plunged into the sea, and the bay and its spectacular coral reef ...more
Lapakahi State Historical Park. When Polynesian sailors arrived at the sheltered coves of Lapakahi nearly 600 years ago, they agreed upon its security and built a village. Soon thereafter, many of ...more
The landscape of the northwest corner of the Big Island is often mistakenly overlooked. However, the valleys, beaches, and rainforest yield some of the most adventuresome and scenic hikes on the island ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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