Why Go to Hawaii - The Big Island
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
The Island of Hawaii, better known as the Big Island, is the most geographically diverse place in Hawaii. In one trip you can see black- and green-sand beaches, snowcapped peaks, vast lava fields and steamy rainforests. And it's still growing: Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, has been adding new land for decades, and its eruptions have reshaped the summit crater in recent years.
The Big Island is less about resort luaus and more about adventure. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see craters, steam vents and, when conditions allow, the glow of an eruption. Snorkel with manta rays on a night tour off Kona, visit the black sands of Punaluu Beach and the rare green sand of Papakolea, and drive up Mauna Kea for some of the world's best stargazing. On the lush Hilo side, find waterfalls like Akaka Falls and tropical gardens. Coffee lovers can tour farms producing famous Kona coffee.
The island is big, so it's often best to split your stay between the sunny Kona side and the green Hilo side. I'll plan your route, lodging and tours, and check volcano conditions before you go.
BEST FOR
Nature lovers, hikers, culture enthusiasts and adventurous families
BEST MONTHS
April–May and September–October often balance pleasant conditions with fewer peak-holiday visitors; microclimates vary substantially.
EXPLORE
Kona, Hilo and Volcano
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Hawaii - The Big Island
Oceania › Hawaii › USA
Volcanoes, black-sand shores and island discovery
National Parks & Nature
Volcano
Beach
Adventure
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Avoid trying to fit the entire island into one day. Arrange a separate Volcanoes National Park outing and check eruption, air-quality and road updates before departure.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check the National Park Service for active eruption viewing, road closures and volcanic gas warnings.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Explore lava-shaped landscapes, rainforest pockets and volcanic craters on the island’s southeastern side.
Expect stairs and damp paths; check park entry arrangements before arrival.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Walk through lush tropical vegetation to overlooks of an impressive waterfall along the Hāmākua Coast.
Respect sacred areas and join a ranger program when offered.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Discover a restored traditional Hawaiian sanctuary and important cultural sites by the coast south of Kona.
Access into the valley is restricted; plan on enjoying the authorized overlook only.
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Admire dramatic green cliffs and the valley mouth from the scenic Hāmākua Coast overlook.
Morning light can create a rainbow in the spray, although conditions vary.
Rainbow Falls
Visit a waterfall surrounded by tropical greenery just outside central Hilo.
An exceptional oceanfront luxury resort with lava-rock scenery, pools, fine dining and golf. Best for a special-occasion stay focused on service and relaxing on the sunny Kona Coast.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Kona Coast / Kaʻūpūlehu
Hotel Tags
A refined beachfront property inspired by Hawaiian culture, with ocean activities and a tranquil resort atmosphere. Well suited for couples and families looking for a thoughtful luxury experience.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Kohala Coast / Mauna Lani
Hotel Tags
A full-service beachfront resort with tropical grounds, a sheltered beach and spa amenities. A flexible option for families or couples who want plenty of on-site comforts.
Fairmont Orchid
Kohala Coast / Mauna Lani
Hotel Tags
A contemporary resort perched above the white sands of Hāpuna Beach, with ocean views and easy beach access. Especially appealing to swimmers and beach-focused travelers.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Kohala Coast / Hāpuna Beach
Hotel Tags
A classic Big Island resort on beautiful Kaunaʻoa Bay, known for its striking setting and longstanding Hawaiian hospitality. Great for travelers who value a legendary beach location.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Kohala Coast / Kaunaʻoa Bay
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Hawaii - The Big Island
High 80°F · Low 68°F · Rain 4.4 in
Seasonal weather transitions vary across the region; review local forecasts. For a destination-specific November plan, consider Hilo gardens.
April–May and September–October often balance pleasant conditions with fewer peak-holiday visitors; microclimates vary substantially.
Best Times to Visit Hawaii - The Big Island
WHEN TO GO
06
Volcano and Mountain Access
Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea routes require separate planning. Respect high-altitude precautions, vehicle limitations and park road closures.
05
Hele-On Bus
County Hele-On buses provide some islandwide public routes, but frequency and stops may not suit a packed sightseeing day. Check current schedules.
04
Rental Car Planning
A rental car is particularly useful because Hawaiʻi Island attractions are spread between Kona, Hilo, Waimea and the volcano region.
03
Excursions and Transfers
For longer journeys, confirm pickup locations, travel time and return arrangements before booking. Hawaiʻi Island is expansive: reserve a rental car for flexible touring, and plan Kona and Hilo as separate sightseeing areas.
02
Exploring Key Areas
Plan sightseeing by district or coast to reduce backtracking. Hawaiʻi Island is expansive: reserve a rental car for flexible touring, and plan Kona and Hilo as separate sightseeing areas.
01
Getting Around
Hawaiʻi Island is expansive: reserve a rental car for flexible touring, and plan Kona and Hilo as separate sightseeing areas.
Hawaiʻi Island is expansive: reserve a rental car for flexible touring, and plan Kona and Hilo as separate sightseeing areas.
Getting Around Hawaii - The Big Island
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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