The Full Information to the Island of Hawai‘i — Together with Locals’ Favourite Stops

It’s no secret that the Island of Hawai‘i is a tropical paradise stuffed with no scarcity of gorgeous seashores, thoughtfully designed resorts, vital cultural landmarks, nationwide parks, and a number of the most scrumptious meals within the Pacific. It is sensible, then, that Hawai‘i, generally often known as the Large Island, was named one among Journey + Leisure’s greatest locations to go in 2024.

Whether or not it’s a visit to one of many island’s primary occasions (the Kona Brewers Competition in March, the Large Island Chocolate Competition in April, or the Ironman World Championship in October) or just to loosen up in a location filled with panoramic views starting from swaying palm timber in opposition to cerulean seas to volcanic outcrops, the Large Island is a vacation spot that can not be missed.

It might take years to see and do every part the Large Island has to supply, so it pays to get some native assist — particularly from two locals who’ve lived on the Island of Hawai’i their whole lives. Justin Lee, an expert spearfisherman and president of FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i, and Kolby Akamu Moser, a business and documentary filmmaker, share one of the best locations to remain, eat, and play on the Large Island.

“Hawai‘i Island is for adventures and vacationers on the lookout for one thing actual,” Akamu Moser says. “Greater than another island, Hawai‘i Island is stuffed with historical past and mo’olelo (tales) of our Gods and Goddesses, early settlers, Ali‘i (chiefs), and ancestors. These tales are vital to Native Hawaiians and kama‘āina (locals) at this time, and there are numerous locations the place guests can study our wealthy historical past.”

Greatest Resorts & Resorts

Mauna Lani

An Auberge Resorts Assortment property, Mauna Lani provides visitors loads of room to unfold out with 333 rooms on 32 oceanfront acres. It was named one of many Greatest New Resorts of 2020 by Journey + Leisure editors and later named one of many state’s greatest resorts by T+L readers in 2023.

“It’s luxurious with a contemporary aesthetic and located proper subsequent to an historic Hawaiian Fishpond that’s enjoyable to discover,” Akamu Moser says of the resort, which additionally options the one Goop retailer within the Hawaiian Islands. A way of life model curated by Gwyneth Paltrow, Goop’s Mauna Lani location shares clear magnificence, wellness merchandise, and elevated resort put on.

4 Seasons Hualālai

There’s a purpose the 4 Seasons Hualalai has been voted among the finest resorts in Hawaii by T+L readers yearly since 2016. “The aloha spirit is so sturdy right here,” Lee says of the 249-room property, which options King’s Pond, a 1.8-million gallon salt-water aquarium the place visitors can swim in alongside a marine biologist. Different resort highlights embody 5 eating places that supply 75 % of all meals from Hawai‘i Island farmers and “Solely At Hualalai” experiences that pair native specialists — assume freediver Kimi Werner or blacksmith Neil Kamimura — with resort visitors for curated day journeys.

Waikōloa Seashore Marriott Resort & Spa

Households touring collectively or bigger teams may take into account Waikoloa Seashore Marriott Resort & Spa, which is tucked within the island’s northern half. “It’s a bit extra reasonably priced and ideal for household journey,” says Akamu Moser, a mother of two. “It has an enormous lovely pool with a slide, is simply steps from the seaside, and is strolling distance from eating places and retailers at Queen’s Market and Kings Outlets.”

Kona Village

After closing in 2011, Kona Village reopened as a Rosewood resort — and no element has been missed. Visitors of the resort can anticipate to remain in their very own hale – Hawaiian for house – which have all been tastefully embellished primarily utilizing Hawaiian artists and dine at one among 4 bars and eating places. (Insider tip from senior T+L editor Maya Kachroo-Levine: Each bar and eating venue makes a unique mai tai.) Observe it up with a dip in one of many property’s two swimming pools.

Volcano Home

Vacationers wanting an up-close view of Hawai‘i Volcanoes Nationwide Park ought to take into account Volcano Home, the one resort throughout the park and one of many oldest lodges within the nationwide park system. Visitors can keep in one among 33 visitor rooms that overlook the sting of Kīlauea, e-book one among 10 renovated cabins, or reserve a campsite at one among two campgrounds, Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki.

Greatest Issues To Do

Puako Bay

If snorkeling is a precedence, Puako Bay ought to be on the high of the itinerary. Situated roughly 30 miles north of Kona, it’s not the place for laying on the sand and getting solar, however placing on a masks and hopping into the water. “It is so shallow, and it is comparatively massive tide swimming pools that’ll drop off to just a little little bit of a ledge. You possibly can swim for an hour taking a look at all of the fish, shells, and octopus,” Lee says of the favored spot seaside park.

Snorkeling at Night time With Manta Rays

Kona is likely one of the few locations on the planet the place manta rays could be seen year-round of their pure habitat. Snorkelers of all ages led by skilled swimmers and divers are welcomed into the water at nightfall, accompanied by massive lights that entice plankton, thus pulling manta rays up near feed. “There may be nothing prefer it on the planet,” Lee says, including he just lately took his youngsters, ages 5 and seven, on the nighttime journey. “To be actually half an inch from them, stomach to stomach, is unbelievable.” Firms like Anelakai Adventures provide eco-friendly excursions aboard paddled Hawaiian canoes which are non-invasive to the rays.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes Nationwide Park

Because the identify implies, Hawai‘i Volcanoes Nationwide Park is house to 2 energetic volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, one of the crucial energetic volcanoes on the planet. Past eruptions and lava fields, the park can also be house to greater than 155 miles of trails, native wildlife, in addition to sacred petroglyphs. “It’s a full-day journey,” Lee says. “It’s one place I do know I can take any person who has by no means been to Hawai’i and never go away dissatisfied.”

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

Situated alongside the Hāmākua Coast, Waipiʻo Valley — often known as Valley of the Kings — is a sacred location for Native Hawaiians surrounded by lush 2,000-foot cliffs. Whereas the Valley itself is closed to guests of the island, the overlook provides a peek contained in the historic valley, which was as soon as house to hundreds of Hawaiians.

Go to Ka Lae (South Level)

Ka Lae, recognized regionally as South Level, is the Southernmost level in the US and is breathtakingly lovely. “It’s tough and rugged however has a number of the greatest fishing within the state. Leaping off the cliff at Ka Lae is a ceremony of passage of kinds for teenagers rising up right here, (however) should you’re not a powerful swimmer or aware of the realm, I wouldn’t suggest leaping, but it surely’s enjoyable to look at the locals do it,” Akamu Moser says of the purpose.

Pololū Valley

“There are such a lot of nice hikes everywhere in the island, however my household and I like Pololū Valley as a result of you possibly can leap within the water to chill down afterward,” Akamu Moser says of the hike that incorporates a black sand seaside on the finish. “Be certain to cease by the fruit stand on the way in which out for poke nachos and contemporary juices, and please be respectful and don’t go away trash or belongings there.”

Papakōlea Seashore 

Often known as Inexperienced Sand Seashore, Akamu Moser says Papakōlea Seashore is “completely gorgeous” and definitely worth the drive. “You’ll drive via pasture land and park at a trailhead earlier than mountaineering into Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years in the past,” she says. The seaside’s outstanding colour comes from olivine, a mineral discovered within the lava. “It’s one among solely 4 on the planet. There is no such thing as a lifeguard, and the present could be sturdy, so watch out alongside the water.”

Greatest Purchasing

Kaʻū Espresso Mill

No journey to the Large Island is full with out having fun with regionally grown espresso and choosing up a bag to convey house. Whereas Kona espresso is usually the extra recognizable varietal, don’t miss attempting Kaʻū espresso — Coconut Caramel Crunch and Tropical Dream Pie are favorites — from Kaʻū Espresso Mill. Akamu Moser provides, “Kaʻū is usually thought of the hidden gem of Hawaiian espresso. Control this espresso, as they’re climbing up the ranks as among the finest on the planet.”

Large Island Candies

Anybody with a candy tooth ought to pop into Large Island Candies in Hilo for a free cookie pattern whereas searching for the proper memento. They’re greatest recognized for chocolate-dipped shortbread, so choosing up a variety to take house for you — and a good friend — wrapped within the retailer’s signature colourful bins is a good suggestion.

Ahualoa Household Farms

Situated in Honoka‘a, Ahualoa Household Farms is a should for at-home cooks eager to convey house a style of the Islands, particularly macadamia nuts. Lemon macadamia nut dressing, honey macadamia nut unfold, and chili-spiced macadamia nuts are only a tiny sampling of what this family-owned farm provides. “All their espresso and macadamia nuts come from Hawai’i Island farmers,” provides Akamu Moser.

Queen’s Market

An open-air shopping center inside Waikoloa Seashore Resort, Queen’s Market has over 35 retailers and eating places. Purchasing highlights embody Hawaiian footwear model OluKai, SoHa Dwelling, which is understood for its tropically-inspired house items, and famend Aloha shirt model Reyn Spooner.

Honoka‘a Chocolate

For award-winning chocolate, Honoka‘a Chocolate Co. created from Hawaii-grown cacao is a should. Identified for its small-batch, “branch-to-bar” model of chocolate, flavors that may’t be missed embody coconut darkish milk and bourbon bar and the barrel-aged drunken goat milk bar. Store on the model’s downtown Honoka’a manufacturing facility retailer or whereas indulging in a 30-minute farm tour, which could be booked upfront on-line.

Greatest Eating places

Nāpua at Mauna Lani

“Nāpua’s is unbelievable. It is this lovely place the place you possibly can throw a rock from the tables and hit the water.  They actually embody farm to the desk and assist native menus,” Lee says of the eatery, noting his favourite dish is ‘nduja toast, which options spiced Kaunamano Farm pork unfold on regionally made sourdough with beer mustard and pickled greens. “It’s among the finest bites there’s.”

The Poke Market

“The entrance door is perhaps 4 ft extensive, and it is only a service window, walk-up order poke bowl place,” Lee says of Hilo’s The Poke Market. “For my part, they’re one of the best poke bowls round.” Lee recommends retaining it easy to let contemporary, native flavors shine, “A bit little bit of ʻInamona, which is toasted kukui nut, paʻakai (Hawaiian sea salt), and a few inexperienced onions for colour.”

The Fish & The Hog

Situated in Waimea, The Fish & The Hog is a brilliant stopover in case your day takes you to the island’s northern facet. Akamu Moser calls it “one of the best barbecue spot on the island” and recommends ordering the Sampler if it’s your first go to. “It provides you just a little little bit of every part,” she says of the platter that comes with prime brisket, pulled pork, child again ribs, and house-made sausage.

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

“Umeke” is the Hawaiian phrase for bowl, so practically every part served at each Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill places are designed to be eaten in bowls. Akamu Moser says her “go-to” order is Da Sweetie Poke, which options candy shoyu glaze, onions, and furikake flakes, and Ho’io salad, a facet of fiddlehead ferns, tomato, onion, kombu, kamaboko, and sesame.

Greatest Time To Go to

Hawai‘i’s Large Island is fashionable year-round due to lovely seashores and a temperate local weather.

“There is no such thing as a unhealthy time to go to,” Lee says. “We’ve loads of open areas and loads of roads in between. Should you don’t just like the climate the place you’re, drive up the street, and it’s lovely once more.”

Contemplating that, the “greatest” time to go to may differ relying on what guests search. June, July, and December are when tourism peaks, so these wishing for smaller crowds might go for a go to throughout shoulder seasons, which embody January to Could and August to November. These searching for sunny skies might wish to keep away from November to April when temperatures dip barely and rain is extra prevalent.

“It’s a tiny bit colder and wetter in the course of the winter months, however not by a lot,” Moser says, including that probably the most constant climate happens throughout summer season. 

Methods to Get There

There are just a few methods to get to the Large Island, all involving flying. From the continental U.S. — also known as the mainland within the Hawaiian Islands — guests can fly straight into Kona Ellison Onizuka Kona Worldwide Airport (KOA) in Kona on the island’s west facet. Guests touring from outer islands can fly into both Kona or Hilo Worldwide Airport (ITO) in Hilo on the island’s east facet.

Worldwide vacationers and people visiting from the mainland may also fly into Honolulu Worldwide Airport (HNL) on Oahu and take a brief connecting flight to Kona or Hilo.

Components of the Island to Go to

The Island of Hawai‘i is split into six areas: Kohala, Kona, Kaʻū, Puna, Hilo, and Hāmākua Coast. Although there are six distinct areas, it’s not unusual to listen to locals and residents reference “Kona facet” or “Hilo facet” when speaking concerning the west and east sides of the island.

Kohala

The sunny coast of Hawai’i — receiving a median of 9 inches of rainfall per yr – Kohala is a mixture of rugged lava fields and open inexperienced pastures the place famend resorts and golf programs are tucked away. It is also house to Puʻukoholā Heiau Nationwide Historic Website, one of many largest and final heiau (temple) in-built Hawaiʻi, the unique Kamehameha Statue in Kapaʻau, and Hāpuna Seashore, one of many largest white sand seashores on the island.

Kona

Maybe probably the most well-known of the areas, Kona provides “just a little little bit of every part” for guests, together with most of the island’s lodges and resorts, espresso farms, historic landmarks, and pristine seashores. It’s additionally house to one among two airports on the island and is an effective drop-in level should you plan on staying in Waikōloa or Kailua-Kona.

Kaʻū

The southernmost area of Hawai‘i Island, Kaʻū is quiet — freed from sprawling resorts and golf programs — and as an alternative dotted with smaller communities with espresso and macadamia nut farms. Kaʻū additionally encompasses Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park and one of the crucial well-known seashores on the complete island – Punaluʻu Black Sand Seashore.

Puna

Situated south of Hilo, Puna is a historic district most well-known for encompassing Kalapana. In 1990, lava from close by Kīlauea volcano engulfed the complete city, destroying 182 houses. Guests must also make a remark to go to Lava Bushes State Park, the place, within the 1700s, lava flowed via the 17-acre park and left behind molds of tree trunks.

Hilo

Hilo started as a farming and fishing space earlier than evolving into the middle of the sugar business. Situated on the japanese facet of the island, Hilo is understood for being “sleepier” than Kona. No journey is full with out visiting Rainbow Falls or Two Women Kitchen, a mochi store that has been round for practically 30 years. One of many island’s two airports is situated in Hilo.

Hāmākua Coast

Identified for tropical rainforests and plush valleys thanks to just about 84 inches of rainfall per yr, the Hāmākua Coast is house to the famed 442-foot-high Akaka Falls, King Kamehameha’s boyhood house, Waipiʻo Valley, in addition to historic Honokaʻa City, which options regionally made present retailers, eating places, and boutiques.

Methods to Get Round

There’s a purpose it’s referred to as the Large Island: It measures greater than 4,000 sq. miles in dimension and is nearly twice as massive as all the opposite Hawaiian Islands mixed. That thought of, with a purpose to take advantage of a go to, it’s vital to have transportation choices mapped out forward of any journey.

Automotive

Renting a automotive is probably the most dependable and versatile transportation possibility when visiting Hawai’i. Vehicles could be rented from nationwide chains at each Hilo and Kona airports and thru car-sharing apps like Turo.

“Spend the additional cash and lease a automotive,” Lee says, including that reserving upfront will typically afford one of the best costs and choice of autos. “Should you can, lease a four-wheel drive automobile and simply go discover. That is the fantastic thing about the Large Island.”

Bus

For these searching for public transportation, Hele On Bus is Hawai‘i County’s free mass transit bus system. Guests can use the on-line schedule to go wherever on the island, however word that passengers disembarking at Hawai‘i Volcanoes Nationwide Park might be charged a $15 price, and bus schedules are topic to alter.

Rideshare

Journey-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft are additionally out there. Nonetheless, it’s vital to notice that mobile phone reception could be restricted and prohibitive for reserving rides in additional distant areas of the island, like Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park. The best space to make the most of rideshares is to or from Kona and Hilo airports.