Overview
The most geologically dramatic place on earth you can visit without a passport — active lava flows reaching the ocean, a dozen climatic zones, and manta rays gliding under you at night
Airport
KOA, ITO
From/day
$100
Best months
Apr, May, Jun
Local Tips
Safety
Respect the volcano — stay on marked trails and heed all park closures. Ocean conditions vary dramatically; check local surf reports. Vog (volcanic smog) can affect air quality, especially on the Kona side.
Cultural Norms
Hawaiian culture runs deep here more than any other island. Remove shoes before entering homes, respect sacred sites (heiau), and don't take lava rocks — locals consider it deeply disrespectful.
Language
English and Hawaiian. You'll hear more Hawaiian language on the Big Island than other islands. 'Aloha' and 'mahalo' are used constantly.
Currency
USD. Cards widely accepted. Some rural farm stands and food trucks are cash only.
Tipping
Standard US tipping: 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for snorkel and volcano tour guides.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Kailua-Kona
The sunny west coast hub with Ali'i Drive, resort hotels, snorkeling, and the main airport. Dry and warm year-round.
Best for: Beaches, snorkeling, resort stays, nightlife
Hilo
The rainy east coast town with a charming downtown, farmers market, waterfalls, and gateway to Volcanoes National Park.
Best for: Waterfalls, farmers market, local culture, volcano access
Volcano Village
Small, misty rainforest community at 4,000 ft near the national park entrance with B&Bs, art galleries, and a cool climate.
Best for: Volcano access, cool mountain retreat, B&Bs
Waikoloa / Kohala Coast
Luxury resort coast north of Kona with pristine beaches, golf courses, and ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs.
Best for: Luxury resorts, white sand beaches, golf
Waimea (Kamuela)
Upcountry ranch town in the green hills with a cooler climate, excellent restaurants, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture.
Best for: Ranch culture, farm-to-table dining, cooler weather
Activities & Interests
How Big Island scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Volcanoes National Park
- •Drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — walk the Kilauea Iki Crater trail across a solidified lava lake
- •Explore the Thurston Lava Tube and Devastation Trail
- •Evening return to watch the glow from Halema'uma'u Crater (if active)
Kona Coast & Snorkeling
- •Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook monument) — some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii
- •Visit the Kona coffee belt — tour a farm and taste fresh Kona coffee
- •Sunset at a beachside restaurant on Ali'i Drive
Waterfalls & Black Sand
- •Drive to Hilo side — visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls (442 ft drop)
- •See sea turtles at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
- •Explore downtown Hilo and the farmers market (Wed & Sat)
7-Day Trip
Kona Arrival
- •Arrive in Kona and settle in
- •Swim and snorkel at a Kohala Coast beach
- •Dinner on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona
Kona Coast Adventures
- •Morning snorkel or kayak to Kealakekua Bay
- •Afternoon Kona coffee farm tour in the coffee belt
- •Evening manta ray night snorkel (a bucket-list Big Island experience)
Kohala Coast & History
- •Visit Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site — a massive ancient Hawaiian temple
- •Explore the Puako petroglyph field (thousands of ancient rock carvings)
- •Beach afternoon at Hapuna Beach or Mauna Kea Beach
Volcanoes National Park
- •Drive to Volcanoes National Park — hike Kilauea Iki Trail
- •Explore Thurston Lava Tube and Chain of Craters Road to the coast
- •Overnight in Volcano Village for the cool misty atmosphere
Hilo & Waterfalls
- •Morning at Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots
- •Drive north to see Akaka Falls (442 ft)
- •Afternoon exploring downtown Hilo — Palace Theater, farmers market, local shops
Waimea & Hamakua Coast
- •Drive the scenic Hamakua Coast — lush gulches and ocean views
- •Visit Waipi'o Valley overlook (the 'Valley of the Kings')
- •Lunch in Waimea ranch country and dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant
Beach Day & Departure
- •Morning at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach to see green sea turtles
- •Final swim at your favorite beach
- •Last Kona coffee and souvenirs before departure
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$300
Best priceORD
Round-trip estimate
$500
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$560
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$600
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$640
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$100
per day
Moderate
$200
per day
Luxury
$480
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$1,000
incl. flights from LAX
Moderate
$1,700
incl. flights from LAX
Luxury
$3,660
incl. flights from LAX
When to Go
Jan
✗
Feb
—
Mar
—
Apr
✓
May
✓
Jun
✓
Jul
—
Aug
—
Sep
✓
Oct
✓
Nov
✗
Dec
✗
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27° | 19° | 10d | Warm with rain on the Hilo side; Kona stays drier. Whale watching season. |
| Feb | 27° | 18° | 9d | Wettest month on windward side. Kona coast remains sunny. |
| Mar | 27° | 19° | 10d | Transitioning toward dry season. Whale watching continues. |
| Apr | 28° | 19° | 8d | Drying out. Merrie Monarch hula festival in Hilo. |
| May | 29° | 20° | 6d | Warm and increasingly dry. Great snorkeling conditions. |
| Jun | 30° | 21° | 5d | Summer begins. Dry and warm on the Kona side. |
| Jul | 31° | 22° | 5d | Warmest month. Consistently sunny on the leeward coast. |
| Aug | 31° | 22° | 5d | Hot and dry. Ocean temperatures peak — excellent for water activities. |
| Sep | 31° | 22° | 5d | Still warm. Ironman World Championship in Kona in October. |
| Oct | 30° | 21° | 7d | Slightly more rain as wet season approaches. |
| Nov | 29° | 20° | 9d | Wet season begins. Whale watching season starts. |
| Dec | 27° | 19° | 10d | Warm and wet. Holiday season with fewer crowds than Maui. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.