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, essential cultural landmarks, nationwide parks, and a few of the most scrumptious meals within the Pacific. It is smart, then, that Hawai‘i, generally referred to as 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 most important occasions (the Kona Brewers Pageant in March, the Massive Island Chocolate Pageant in April, or the Ironman World Championship in October) or just to loosen up in a location full of panoramic views starting from swaying palm timber in opposition to 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 every little thing 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 complete lives. Justin Lee, an expert spearfisherman and president of FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i, and Kolby Akamu Moser, a business and documentary filmmaker, share the perfect 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 every other island, Hawai‘i Island is filled with historical past and mo’olelo (tales) of our Gods and Goddesses, early settlers, Ali‘i (chiefs), and ancestors. These tales are important to Native Hawaiians and kama‘āina (locals) at present, and there are various locations the place guests can find out about our wealthy historical past.”

Greatest Motels & Resorts

Mauna Lani

An Auberge Resorts Assortment property, Mauna Lani presents visitors loads of room to unfold out with 333 rooms on 32 oceanfront acres. It was named one of many Greatest New Motels 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 motive the 4 Seasons Hualalai has been voted among the best 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 specialists — assume freediver Kimi Werner or blacksmith Neil Kamimura — with resort visitors for curated day journeys.

Waikōloa Seaside Marriott Resort & Spa

Households touring collectively or bigger teams would possibly contemplate Waikoloa Seaside Marriott Resort & Spa, which is tucked within the island’s northern half. “It’s a bit extra inexpensive and ideal for household journey,” says Akamu Moser, a mother of two. “It has an enormous stunning 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 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 dwelling – 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 special 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 contemplate 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, e book 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. Positioned 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 just a little little bit of a ledge. You possibly can swim for an hour all of the fish, shells, and octopus,” Lee says of the favored spot seaside park.

Snorkeling at Evening With Manta Rays

Kona is likely one of 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 giant lights that entice plankton, thus pulling manta rays up near feed. “There may be 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 unimaginable.” Firms like Anelakai Adventures supply 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 dwelling to 2 energetic volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, one of the crucial energetic volcanoes on the earth. Past eruptions and lava fields, the park can also be dwelling 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 someone who has by no means been to Hawai’i and never depart dissatisfied.”

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

Positioned 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 presents a peek contained in the historic valley, which was as soon as dwelling to hundreds of Hawaiians.

Go to Ka Lae (South Level)

Ka Lae, identified domestically as South Level, is the Southernmost level in the US and is breathtakingly stunning. “It’s tough and rugged however has a few 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) when 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 all around the island, however my household and I like Pololū Valley as a result of you’ll be able to bounce within the water to chill down afterward,” Akamu Moser says of the hike that includes a black sand seaside on the finish. “Be certain that to cease by the fruit stand on the best way out for poke nachos and recent juices, and please be respectful and don’t depart trash or belongings there.”

Papakōlea Seaside 

Often known as Inexperienced Sand Seaside, Akamu Moser says Papakōlea Seaside is “completely gorgeous” and definitely worth the drive. “You’ll drive by means of 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 seaside’s exceptional shade comes from olivine, a mineral discovered within the lava. “It’s one in all solely 4 on the earth. There isn’t 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 domestically grown espresso and selecting up a bag to convey dwelling. Whereas Kona espresso is commonly 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 commonly thought-about the hidden gem of Hawaiian espresso. Regulate this espresso, as they’re climbing up the ranks as among the best 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 searching for the proper memento. They’re greatest identified for chocolate-dipped shortbread, so selecting up a range to take dwelling for you — and a good friend — wrapped within the retailer’s signature colourful packing containers is a good suggestion.

Ahualoa Household Farms

Positioned in Honoka‘a, Ahualoa Household Farms is a should for at-home cooks desirous to convey dwelling 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 presents. “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 Seaside 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 dwelling items, and famend Aloha shirt model Reyn Spooner.

Honoka‘a Chocolate

For award-winning chocolate, Honoka‘a Chocolate Co. comprised of Hawaii-grown cacao is a should. Recognized for its small-batch, “branch-to-bar” type 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 unit 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’ll be able to throw a rock from the tables and hit the water.  They actually embody farm to the desk and help native menus,” Lee says of the eatery, noting his favourite dish is ‘nduja toast, which options spiced Kaunamano Farm pork unfold on domestically made sourdough with beer mustard and pickled greens. “It’s among the best bites there may be.”

The Poke Market

“The entrance door is possibly 4 ft broad, 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 perfect poke bowls round.” Lee recommends retaining it easy to let recent, native flavors shine, “Slightly little bit of ʻInamona, which is toasted kukui nut, paʻakai (Hawaiian sea salt), and a few inexperienced onions for shade.”

The Fish & The Hog

Positioned in Waimea, The Fish & The Hog is a great stopover in case your day takes you to the island’s northern facet. Akamu Moser calls it “the perfect barbecue spot on the island” and recommends ordering the Sampler if it’s your first go to. “It offers you just a little little bit of every little thing,” 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 every little thing 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 Massive Island is widespread year-round because of stunning seashores and a temperate local weather.

“There isn’t a dangerous time to go to,” Lee says. “Now we have a variety of open areas and a variety of roads in between. In the event you don’t just like the climate the place you’re, 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 could go for a go to throughout shoulder seasons, which embrace January to Might and August to November. These searching for sunny skies could 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 essentially the most constant climate happens throughout summer season. 

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 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 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 in regards to the west and east sides of the island.

Kohala

The sunny coast of Hawai’i — receiving a median of 9 inches of rainfall per 12 months – 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 dwelling to Puʻukoholā Heiau Nationwide Historic Website, one of many largest and final heiau (temple) inbuilt Hawaiʻi, the unique Kamehameha Statue in Kapaʻau, and Hāpuna Seaside, one of many largest white sand seashores on the island.

Kona

Maybe essentially the most well-known of the areas, Kona presents “just a little little bit of every little thing” for guests, together with lots of the island’s resorts and resorts, espresso farms, historic landmarks, and pristine seashores. It’s additionally dwelling to one in all two airports on the island and is an efficient drop-in level when 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 a substitute 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 whole island – Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside.

Puna

Positioned 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 houses. Guests must also make a remark to go to Lava Timber State Park, the place, within the 1700s, lava flowed by means of 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. Positioned 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 almost 30 years. One of many island’s two airports is situated in Hilo.

Hāmākua Coast

Recognized for tropical rainforests and luxurious valleys thanks to just about 84 inches of rainfall per 12 months, the Hāmākua Coast is dwelling to the famed 442-foot-high Akaka Falls, King Kamehameha’s boyhood dwelling, Waipiʻo Valley, in addition to historic Honokaʻa City, which options domestically made present retailers, eating places, and boutiques.

How one can Get Round

There’s a motive it’s referred to as the Massive Island: It measures greater than 4,000 sq. miles in measurement and is sort of twice as huge as all the opposite Hawaiian Islands mixed. That thought-about, so as to profit from a go to, it’s essential to have transportation choices mapped out forward of any journey.

Automobile

Renting a automobile 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 hire a automobile,” Lee says, including that reserving prematurely will typically afford the perfect costs and collection of automobiles. “In the event you can, hire a four-wheel drive car and simply go discover. That is the fantastic thing about the Massive 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 will probably be charged a $15 price, and bus schedules are topic to alter.

Rideshare

Trip-sharing providers like Uber and Lyft are additionally out there. Nonetheless, it’s essential to notice that cellphone 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.