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 lovely seashores, thoughtfully designed resorts, vital cultural landmarks, nationwide parks, and a number of the most scrumptious meals within the Pacific. It is smart, then, that Hawai‘i, generally often called the Massive Island, was named one in all Journey + Leisure’s greatest locations to go in 2024.

Whether or not it’s a visit to one of many island’s fundamental occasions (the Kona Brewers Competition in March, the Massive Island Chocolate Competition in April, or the Ironman World Championship in October) or just to calm down in a location full of panoramic views starting from swaying palm bushes towards cerulean seas to volcanic outcrops, the Massive Island is a vacation spot that can’t be missed.

It might take years to see and do the whole lot the Massive 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 industrial and documentary filmmaker, share the very best locations to remain, eat, and play on the Massive Island.

“Hawai‘i Island is for adventures and vacationers in search of one thing actual,” Akamu Moser says. “Greater than some other 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) right this moment, and there are numerous locations the place guests can study our wealthy historical past.”

Greatest Accommodations & 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 Accommodations 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 cause the 4 Seasons Hualalai has been voted the most effective resorts in Hawaii by T+L readers yearly since 2016. “The aloha spirit is so robust 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 embrace 5 eating places that supply 75 p.c of all meals from Hawai‘i Island farmers and “Solely At Hualalai” experiences that pair native consultants — suppose 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 would possibly 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 a giant stunning pool with a slide, is simply steps from the seashore, and is strolling distance from eating places and outlets at Queen’s Market and Kings Retailers.”

Kona Village

After closing in 2011, Kona Village reopened as a Rosewood resort — and no element has been missed. Company of the resort can count on to remain in their very own hale – Hawaiian for house – which have all been tastefully embellished primarily utilizing Hawaiian artists and dine at one in all 4 bars and eating places. (Insider tip from senior T+L editor Maya Kachroo-Levine: Each bar and eating venue makes a distinct 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. Company can keep in one in all 33 visitor rooms that overlook the sting of Kīlauea, guide one in all 10 renovated cabins, or reserve a campsite at one in all two campgrounds, Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki.

Greatest Issues To Do

Puako Bay

If snorkeling is a precedence, Puako Bay must be on the prime 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 huge tide swimming pools that’ll drop off to a little bit 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 seashore park.

Snorkeling at Night time With Manta Rays

Kona is among the few locations on the earth the place manta rays may be considered 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’s nothing prefer it on the earth,” Lee says, including he lately took his children, ages 5 and seven, on the nighttime journey. “To be actually half an inch from them, stomach to stomach, is unbelievable.” Corporations like Anelakai Adventures supply eco-friendly excursions aboard paddled Hawaiian canoes which can be 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, some of the energetic volcanoes on the earth. 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 anyone who has by no means been to Hawai’i and never go away upset.”

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

Situated alongside the Hāmākua Coast, Waipiʻo Valley — also called 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, identified regionally as South Level, is the Southernmost level in the USA and is breathtakingly stunning. “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 youths rising up right here, (however) for those who’re not a robust swimmer or acquainted with the realm, I wouldn’t suggest leaping, but it surely’s enjoyable to observe 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 really like Pololū Valley as a result of you may soar within the water to chill down afterward,” Akamu Moser says of the hike that encompasses a black sand seashore on the finish. “Make sure that to cease by the fruit stand on the best way out for poke nachos and contemporary juices, and please be respectful and don’t go away trash or belongings there.”

Papakōlea Seashore 

Also called Inexperienced Sand Seashore, Akamu Moser says Papakōlea Seashore is “completely gorgeous” and well worth the drive. “You’ll drive by pasture land and park at a trailhead earlier than mountain climbing into Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years in the past,” she says. The seashore’s exceptional coloration comes from olivine, a mineral discovered within the lava. “It’s one in all solely 4 on the earth. There is no such thing as a lifeguard, and the present may be robust, so watch out alongside the water.”

Greatest Purchasing

Kaʻū Espresso Mill

No journey to the Massive Island is full with out having fun with regionally grown espresso and choosing up a bag to deliver 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 the most effective on the earth.”

Massive Island Candies

Anybody with a candy tooth ought to pop into Massive Island Candies in Hilo for a free cookie pattern whereas looking for the proper memento. They’re greatest identified 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 packing containers is a good suggestion.

Ahualoa Household Farms

Situated in Honoka‘a, Ahualoa Household Farms is a should for at-home cooks desirous to deliver 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 embrace 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” fashion of chocolate, flavors that may’t be missed embrace 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 may be booked prematurely on-line.

Greatest Eating places

Nāpua at Mauna Lani

“Nāpua’s is unbelievable. It is this stunning place the place you may 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 the most effective bites there’s.”

The Poke Market

“The entrance door is perhaps 4 ft vast, 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 the very best poke bowls round.” Lee recommends maintaining it easy to let contemporary, native flavors shine, “Slightly little bit of ʻInamona, which is toasted kukui nut, paʻakai (Hawaiian sea salt), and a few inexperienced onions for coloration.”

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 aspect. Akamu Moser calls it “the very best barbecue spot on the island” and recommends ordering the Sampler if it’s your first go to. “It offers you a little bit little bit of the whole lot,” 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 almost the whole lot 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 aspect of fiddlehead ferns, tomato, onion, kombu, kamaboko, and sesame.

Greatest Time To Go to

Hawai‘i’s Massive Island is standard year-round due to stunning seashores and a temperate local weather.

“There is no such thing as a dangerous time to go to,” Lee says. “We have now lots of open areas and lots of roads in between. In case you don’t just like the climate the place you might be, drive up the highway, and it’s stunning once more.”

Contemplating that, the “greatest” time to go to would possibly 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 embrace January to Could and August to November. These in search of 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 throughout the winter months, however not by a lot,” Moser says, including that essentially the most constant climate happens throughout summer time. 

How one can Get There

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

Worldwide vacationers and people visiting from the mainland also can 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 aspect” or “Hilo aspect” when speaking in regards to the west and east sides of the island.

Kohala

The sunny coast of Hawai’i — receiving a mean 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 Web site, one of many largest and final heiau (temple) inbuilt Hawaiʻi, the unique Kamehameha Statue in Kapaʻau, and Hāpuna Seashore, one of many largest white sand seashores on the island.

Kona

Maybe essentially the most well-known of the areas, Kona provides “a little bit little bit of the whole lot” for guests, together with most of the island’s inns and resorts, espresso farms, historic landmarks, and pristine seashores. It’s additionally house to one in all two airports on the island and is an effective drop-in level for those who 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 a substitute dotted with smaller communities with espresso and macadamia nut farms. Kaʻū additionally encompasses Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park and some of the well-known seashores on the whole 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 whole city, destroying 182 properties. Guests must also make an observation to go to Lava Bushes State Park, the place, within the 1700s, lava flowed by 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 trade. Situated on the jap aspect 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 almost 30 years. One of many island’s two airports is positioned in Hilo.

Hāmākua Coast

Identified for tropical rainforests and luxurious 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 outlets, eating places, and boutiques.

How one can Get Round

There’s a cause it’s known as the Massive Island: It measures greater than 4,000 sq. miles in dimension and is nearly twice as huge as all the opposite Hawaiian Islands mixed. That thought of, so as to profit from a go to, it’s vital to have transportation choices mapped out forward of any journey.

Automotive

Renting a automotive is essentially the most dependable and versatile transportation possibility when visiting Hawai’i. Vehicles may 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 prematurely will typically afford the very best costs and number of automobiles. “In case you can, lease a four-wheel drive car and simply go discover. That is the fantastic thing about the Massive Island.”

Bus

For these in search of public transportation, Hele On Bus is Hawai‘i County’s free mass transit bus system. Guests can use the on-line schedule to go anyplace on the island, however word that passengers disembarking at Hawai‘i Volcanoes Nationwide Park shall be charged a $15 payment, and bus schedules are topic to vary.

Rideshare

Experience-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft are additionally obtainable. Nonetheless, it’s vital to notice that mobile phone reception may 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.