Hawaii, also known as the Big Island to avoid confusion, is just that, a big island. This is mostly because it’s the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, and it was made by two separate volcanoes, one of which is still active. It’s home to a wide variety of scenery and climates. It has beaches of different colors, active volcanoes, snow on the top of the tallest mountain, lush forests, and more. 

The island is generally divided into two sides - the Hilo side and the Kona side. Kona is known for being drier, with white sand beaches, great snorkeling, and most of the resorts. Hilo is known for being wetter, with lots of rain, but also green with lots of waterfalls, and more local. The town of Hilo has one of the best local vibes you’ll find in Hawaii. Volcanoes National Park sits on the southern side of the island, though it’s more accessible from Hilo than from Kona. On the northern side of the island, you’ll find magical Waimea. Home to Mauna Kea, and the meaning of the word “country” in Hawaii. Waimea is known for having a beautiful coastline with black sand beaches and green rolling hills, mainly used as farmland at the base of Mauna Kea. On your visit to Big Island, you should pack accordingly, for some warm weather and cooler weather. Waimea and Volcanoes can get a bit chilly due to their higher elevation, and you may even find snow if you venture to the top of Mauna Kea. 

Depending on which side you’re staying on your trip, but if you have the time, I recommend taking at least a day trip to a different side of the island if you can. High points include Volcanoes National Park, Pololu Valley, and Waimea. 

Use the map function on this guide by tapping the "map" button on the top right-hand corner to see where all of the recommended places are while you're on the go! 

If you find this information helpful, any tips are appreciated for my work :)

Waimea, HI, USA

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI, USA

Hilo, HI, USA

Kona, HI, USA

Hawaii, USA

Destination: Hawaii (Big Island)

The main attraction on the eastern side of Hawaii Island is the town of Hilo. This side of the island is known for being wetter & greener, with waterfalls & rivers. If you plan on staying on the eastern side of Hawaii, I recommend flying into Hilo Airport. The main attractions on this side of the island are Hilo & the volcanoes.

Hawaii Island is made up of three volcanoes, Kilauea, Mauna Loa, & Mauna Kea. All three volcanoes are still considered active. You can visit all three of them during your visit to Hawaii. Since they are centrally located, they can be accessed from Hilo side or Kona side, but Kilauea (where Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is) is more easily accessed from Hilo & Mauna Loa & Mauna Kea are closer to Kona side.

West Hawaii is the dryer side of the island and has many beautiful white sand beaches. It's where most of the large resorts are as well. If you plan on staying on the west side of the island, fly into Kona Airport.

The north side of Hawaii's main attraction is the Kohala Coast. You can drive from Kona up to Hawi & enjoy the beautiful coastline.

The southside of Hawaii is very local & feels remote, but it is beautiful. The drive from Kona around the south side of the island will lead you through Volcanoes National Park & to Hilo.

This goes without saying, but whenever you visit anywhere, but please respect the locals & the land (aina in Hawaiian). Real people live in Hawaii with a beautiful culture & a long history of caring for these islands. Always practice respect & leave no trace.

Hawaii doesn't have the best public transit system, so unless you plan on staying within walking distance to your hotel your entire trip, or just booking tours, I highly recommend renting a car. Both of the major airports, Hilo & Kona will have all the major rental car services. If you use one of them, I recommend booking ahead of time, as cars can be limited. It will give you a lot more mobility, especially on the Big Island, where things can be a bit of a drive from each other. 

My preferred option when visiting Hawaii is to use Turo. If you haven't used Turo before, it's kind of like Airbnb, but for cars. It can often be cheaper than the regular rental car services, provides a larger range of types of cars you can rent, and also, makes you seem more like a local, which, in Hawaii can be a major plus. Regular rental car companies put stickers on the cars that register them as rental cars. If you rent from Turo, you won't have this. 

For Big Island, I recommend renting a 4x4 if you plan on doing any heavy adventuring. Also, make sure that the car you're renting has the option to meet you at the airport! It makes the rental so seamless!

Book with Turo here!

I was born and raised on Oahu, and have traveled often to the other islands. Shop my Hawaii guides below.

This goes without saying, but whenever you visit anywhere, but please respect the locals & the land (aina in Hawaiian). Real people live in Hawaii with a beautiful culture & a long history of caring for these islands. Always practice respect & leave no trace.

Destinations include;
- Maui
- Kauai
- Hawaii (Big Island)

Maui County, HI, USA

Kauai County, HI, USA

Hawaii Guides

Kawaihae Marketplace

Island Lava Java

Two Step

Holualoa Bay

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Honaunau Poke Shop

Whittington Beach Park

Volcano House

Honoli'i Beach Park

Honolulu Coffee at Waikoloa Ocean Tower

Foodland Farms Mauna Lani

Holoholokai Beach Park

Punalu'u Bake Shop

Pueo Osteria

Blue Wilderness General Store

Hilo

Waikoloa Village

Waimea

Kailua-Kona

Captain Cook

Hilo International Airport

Hāpuna Beach State Park

Mauna Kea Observatory

Kona International Airport

Two Ladies Kitchen

Crater Rim Trail

Halema'uma'u Trail

Island Gourmet Markets at The Queen's Marketplace

Beach 69

Seafood Bar and Grill

Big Island Helicopter Tours

Pololū Valley

Akaka Falls State Park

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens

Pe’epe’e Falls/Boiling Pots

Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

Kealakekua Bay/Captain James Cook Monument

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Ken's House of Pancakes

Nāhuku - Thurston Lava Tube

Pacific Tsunami Museum

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Rainbow Falls

Sea Quest Hawaii

Ola Brew - Hilo

Mauna Loa Observatory