Big Island, Hawaii

So your coming to paradise! Welcome to the largest of the eight main islands where you can relax on the beach, snorkel with the fish and turtles, horseback ride through Waipio Valley, hike a volcano and even join a drum circle.

Getting around the island, the best and most efficient way to get around the island is to rent a car. There's very minimal public transportation and its not the most reliable. If you aren't planning to explore the island and are planning stay at your resort, grab a cab or Uber to your destination. But for all of you explorers, rent a car at the Kona International Airport (KOA) or Hilo Airport and grab a free map. Its hard to get lost as there are only five major roads that take you all around the island, no highways here!

What to do!

Hike a Volcano Located at Volcano National Park, $10 per vehicle for 7 days. Hike the Kīlauea Iki Crater and Thurston Lava Tube will take you all day and bring lots of water and tennis shoes. Visit the NP’s website for more to do at Volcano National Park. Camping and The Volcano Lodge are also lodging options in Volcano. I highly suggest taking the Kilauea Iki day hike, its a 4 mile loop walking through the Hawaiian fauna and into an inactive volcano, featuring views of the active volcano in the distance. Start in the morning because it usually rains around 4pm. Image Credit

Snorkel with fish and turtles Two Step Snorkeling is about 30-45 minutes from Kailua-Kona. Keone'ele Cove at the center of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (refuge) is one of the best spots to turtle watch. The honu often heave themselves up on the soft sand for a nap, inspiring plenty of onlookers with cameras. PLEASE DONT TOUCH OR FEED THE TURTLES. Take some time to go through the Place of Refuge visitors center to learn more about the hawaiian culture and traditions. Your 7 day, $10 Hawaii park pass will get you in to this historical site. Park at the visitors center and walk to the snorkel bay.

Horseback ride in Waipi’o Valley Journey through a lush tropical paradise of jungle trails, freshwater streams, taro fields, magnificent waterfalls and incredible vistas. Only in Waipi'o Valley is there such a variety of historical and spiritual places to discover and appreciate. I highly recommend Na’alapa Stables for a magnificent day of riding. Image Credit.

Places to See

Hilo Farmers Market Wednesday and Saturday 6am to 4pm with over 200 local farmers and crafters. Get your local produce and great gifts here!

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Beautiful black sand beach (not for swimming) gives you a chance to see sea turtles up close. Sea turtles are protected animals and disturbing them is illegal and can carries a substantial fine.

Green Sand Beach and South Point Papakolea Beach, located near the Big Island's southern tip, is known for its unique olive green sand. Getting to the beach isn't easy. Access involves a tree-mile hike through lava fields. Wear hiking shoes because there isn't a specific trail and the area is full of rugged and sharp lava rocks. Bring your bathing suit for a quick dip after your hike. Just around the corner from Green Sand Beach is South Point, the southern most point of the United States. Bring a piece of lava wrapped in a banana leaf or fruit as a gift to Pele, write your name with coral on the sand, or even cliff jump into the ocean on a nice day.

Punalu’u Bake Shop Enjoy some delicious guava, poi, orange, or chocolate filled malasadas or Hawaiian sweet bread from an old family recipe.


Where to Stay
There are so many options on where to stay. From fancy schmancy hotels to rented out homes. Here are some of my favorites.

Hilton Waikaloa Village Upscale resort will all the amenities you could want. Beach front with amazing pool and access to swimming with Dolphin Quest dolphins. 20 minutes from airport.

Marriott Waikaloa Village Same area as the Hilton with same amenities, pool and beach front. They both are located within walking distance of retail shops, restaurants and a grocery store. 20 minutes from airport.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay Closer to downtown Kailua-Kona where some local shops and restaurants are located. Also more accessible to wal-mart for grocery and must-have items. 25 minutes from airport.

Courtyard King Kamehameha Right in downtown Kailua-Kona with a white sand beach and pool. This is the most convenient to Alii drive. 15 minutes from airport.
Budget Friendly Options

Koa Wood Hale Hostel and private rooms available starting at $25. Free parking, wifi, computer & printer. Good and an inexpensive way to stay in Kona. 15 minutes from airport.

Hilo Bay Hostel On the Hilo side of the island, this hostel starts at $30 per night. In the heart of downtown Hilo and within walking distance to the islands best Wednesday and Saturday Farmers Market. 1hour 45min from KOA, 10 minutes from Hilo Airport.

Hale Maikai - Ocean View, Hawaii. Located south of Kona and HIlo is Ocean View, Hawaii where Hale Maikai will give you rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the two major cities. Its my family’s private sustainable residency with a large one bedroom Ohana, large private kitchen and a King Size Westin Heavenly Mattress. Wake up to a beautiful view of South Point’s windmills and 180 degree view of the pacific ocean. Hour and half to Kona and Hilo, one hour drive to Volcano National Park. Rates start at $50 per night (double occupancy). Please email me with any questions or reservations at elly.vos1@gmail.com. Hour and a half from Kona and Hilo.

Enjoy your stay on the Big Island and contact me any time with questions about this beautiful place or to make a reservation at Hale Maikai.