Destination Guides > Hawaii > Hawaii (the Big Island)

Hawaii - The Big Island

Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the most popular island with backpackers after Oahu. It is a great place to explore the wilderness with active volcanoes, mountains, tropical rainforest and pristine beaches. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a top attraction which includes Kilauea - the world's most active volcano.

Hilo and Kona are the two main cities on the island and each of these has an airport with frequent services from Honolulu. It is worth staying a night or two in one of these two towns to get your bearings and organise a rental car and you'll save time and money if you make the choice before booking your air ticket to the island.

You will probably need to rent a car to really explore the island as the bus services can be a little infrequent. It is probably a good idea to split the cost with other travellers to make it a little more affordable.

Hilo

Hilo is many people's first impression of the big island. This city is home to an international airport and there are lush rainforests nearby. However rainforests aren't called that for nothing and Hilo also has the dubious reputation as the rainiest city in the United States.

Despite the rain, Hilo is a nice place that hasn't been overrun by mass tourism, retaining a genuine Hawaiian feel as well as some interesting historic architecture.

Accommodation

Arnott's Lodge

98 Apapane Road, Hilo, Hawaii, HI 96720

Tel (808) 969 7097

Hilo Bay Hostel

101 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720

Tel (808) 933 2771

Patey's Place - Hilo

68 Keokea Loop, Hilo, HI 96720

Tel (808) 933 9663

Kona (Kailua-Kona)

Most visitors to the big island stay in Kona (correctly known as Kailua-Kona since Kona also refers to the surrounding area). Kona's weather is better than Hilo's and there are nice views of Mt Hualalai along with some historic sites. However Kona has a more touristy feel to it than Hilo.

Accommodation

Patey's Place - Kailua-Kona (Koa Wood Hale Inn)

75-184 Ala-Ona Ona, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Tel (808) 326 7018

Pineapple Park Hostel - Kona

81-6363 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI 96750

Tel (808) 323 2224

North Kohala

The north-east of the big island is off the beaten track and is a good place to get away from the tourist hordes.

Puna District

The eastern part of the big island is easily accessible from Hilo and features black-sand beaches and lava fields. It is a fascinating area if you're interested in volcanic activity although there aren't any good beaches.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The big island's major attraction is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which features the Kilauea Caldera along with molten lava and active lava flows. There is some spectacular hiking trails as well as camp grounds within the national park. Volcano is a small town just outside the national park which also has some accommodation and other facilities not available in the park.

Accommodation

Holo Holo In

19-4036 Kalani Homua Road, Volcano, HI 96785

Tel (808) 967 7950

Pineapple Park - Volcano

Pikake Street, Volcano

Tel (877) 865 2266