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 crammed with no scarcity of gorgeous seashores, thoughtfully designed resorts, necessary cultural landmarks, nationwide parks, and among the most scrumptious meals within the Pacific. It is sensible, then, that Hawai‘i, generally generally known as the Huge Island, was named one among Journey + Leisure’s finest locations to go in 2024.

Whether or not it’s a visit to one of many island’s essential occasions (the Kona Brewers Pageant in March, the Huge Island Chocolate Pageant in April, or the Ironman World Championship in October) or just to calm down in a location filled with panoramic views starting from swaying palm bushes towards cerulean seas to volcanic outcrops, the Huge Island is a vacation spot that can not be missed.

It could take years to see and do the whole lot the Huge 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 total 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 Huge 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) as we speak, and there are a lot of locations the place guests can study our wealthy historical past.”

Finest Motels & Resorts

Mauna Lani

An Auberge Resorts Assortment property, Mauna Lani gives friends loads of room to unfold out with 333 rooms on 32 oceanfront acres. It was named one of many Finest New Motels of 2020 by Journey + Leisure editors and later named one of many state’s finest resorts by T+L readers in 2023.

“It’s luxurious with a contemporary aesthetic and located proper subsequent to an historical 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 life-style 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 probably the greatest resorts in Hawaii by T+L readers yearly since 2016. “The aloha spirit is so sturdy right here,” Lee says of the 249-room property, which options King’s Pond, a 1.8-million gallon salt-water aquarium the place friends 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 consultants — assume freediver Kimi Werner or blacksmith Neil Kamimura — with resort friends 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 lovely pool with a slide, is simply steps from the seashore, and is strolling distance from eating places and retailers at Queen’s Market and Kings Outlets.”

Kona Village

After closing in 2011, Kona Village reopened as a Rosewood resort — and no element has been missed. Friends 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 among 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. Friends can keep in one among 33 visitor rooms that overlook the sting of Kīlauea, e-book one among 10 renovated cabins, or reserve a campsite at one among two campgrounds, Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki.

Finest Issues To Do

Puako Bay

If snorkeling is a precedence, Puako Bay must be on the prime of the itinerary. Situated 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 large tide swimming pools that’ll drop off to slightly 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 seashore park.

Snorkeling at Evening With Manta Rays

Kona is likely one of the few locations on this planet the place manta rays may be seen 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’s nothing prefer it on this planet,” Lee says, including he just lately took his youngsters, ages 5 and seven, on the nighttime journey. “To be actually half an inch from them, stomach to stomach, is unbelievable.” Firms like Anelakai Adventures supply eco-friendly excursions aboard paddled Hawaiian canoes which might be 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 energetic volcanoes on this planet. Past eruptions and lava fields, the park can be dwelling to greater than 155 miles of trails, native natural world, in addition to sacred petroglyphs. “It’s a full-day journey,” Lee says. “It’s one place I do know I can take any person who has by no means been to Hawai’i and never go away disenchanted.”

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

Situated alongside the Hāmākua Coast, Waipiʻo Valley — also referred to as 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 gives 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 lovely. “It’s tough and rugged however has among the finest 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) if you happen to’re not a robust swimmer or accustomed to the world, I wouldn’t suggest leaping, however it’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 really like Pololū Valley as a result of you possibly can bounce within the water to chill down afterward,” Akamu Moser says of the hike that includes a black sand seashore on the finish. “Be sure to cease by the fruit stand on the way in which out for poke nachos and contemporary juices, and please be respectful and don’t go away trash or belongings there.”

Papakōlea Seaside 

Also called Inexperienced Sand Seaside, Akamu Moser says Papakōlea Seaside is “completely beautiful” and well worth the drive. “You’ll drive by way 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 seashore’s exceptional shade comes from olivine, a mineral discovered within the lava. “It’s one among solely 4 on this planet. There is no such thing as a lifeguard, and the present may be sturdy, so watch out alongside the water.”

Finest Buying

Kaʻū Espresso Mill

No journey to the Huge Island is full with out having fun with domestically grown espresso and selecting up a bag to carry dwelling. Whereas Kona espresso is usually 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 usually thought of the hidden gem of Hawaiian espresso. Regulate this espresso, as they’re climbing up the ranks as probably the greatest on this planet.”

Huge Island Candies

Anybody with a candy tooth ought to pop into Huge Island Candies in Hilo for a free cookie pattern whereas searching for the right memento. They’re finest identified for chocolate-dipped shortbread, so selecting up a range to take dwelling for you — and a buddy — wrapped within the retailer’s signature colourful containers is a good suggestion.

Ahualoa Household Farms

Situated in Honoka‘a, Ahualoa Household Farms is a should for at-home cooks eager to carry 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 gives. “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. Buying 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. constructed from Hawaii-grown cacao is a should. Recognized for its small-batch, “branch-to-bar” model 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 facility retailer or whereas indulging in a 30-minute farm tour, which may be booked prematurely on-line.

Finest Eating places

Nāpua at Mauna Lani

“Nāpua’s is unbelievable. It is this lovely place the place you possibly can 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 probably the greatest bites there may be.”

The Poke Market

“The entrance door is perhaps 4 toes 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 maintaining it easy to let contemporary, native flavors shine, “Just a little little bit of ʻInamona, which is toasted kukui nut, paʻakai (Hawaiian sea salt), and a few inexperienced onions for shade.”

The Fish & The Hog

Situated in Waimea, The Fish & The Hog is a brilliant 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 provides you slightly little bit of the whole lot,” 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 practically the whole lot 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.

Finest Time To Go to

Hawai‘i’s Huge Island is fashionable year-round because of lovely seashores and a temperate local weather.

“There is no such thing as a unhealthy time to go to,” Lee says. “Now we have a whole lot of open areas and a whole lot of roads in between. If you happen to don’t just like the climate the place you might be, drive up the street, and it’s lovely once more.”

Contemplating that, the “finest” 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 looking for sunny skies could need to keep away from November to April when temperatures dip barely and rain is extra prevalent.

“It’s a tiny bit colder and wetter through the winter months, however not by a lot,” Moser says, including that essentially the most constant climate happens throughout summer time. 

Get There

There are just a few methods to get to the Huge Island, all involving flying. From the continental U.S. — also known as the mainland within the Hawaiian Islands — guests can fly instantly 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 also 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 mean of 9 inches of rainfall per yr – 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 gives “slightly little bit of the whole lot” for guests, together with lots of the island’s accommodations and resorts, espresso farms, historic landmarks, and pristine seashores. It’s additionally dwelling to one among two airports on the island and is an efficient drop-in level if you happen to 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 an alternative dotted with smaller communities with espresso and macadamia nut farms. Kaʻū additionally encompasses Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park and one of the well-known seashores on your entire island – Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside.

Puna

Situated south of Hilo, Puna is a historic district most well-known for encompassing Kalapana. In 1990, lava from close by Kīlauea volcano engulfed your entire city, destroying 182 properties. Guests must also make a remark to go to Lava Timber State Park, the place, within the 1700s, lava flowed by way 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. Situated on the jap 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 practically 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 yr, 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 reward retailers, eating places, and boutiques.

Get Round

There’s a motive it’s referred to as the Huge Island: It measures greater than 4,000 sq. miles in measurement and is nearly twice as large as all the opposite Hawaiian Islands mixed. That thought of, with a view to benefit from a go to, it’s necessary to have transportation choices mapped out forward of any journey.

Automobile

Renting a automotive is essentially the most dependable and versatile transportation possibility when visiting Hawai’i. Automobiles 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 automotive,” Lee says, including that reserving prematurely will typically afford the perfect costs and collection of autos. “If you happen to can, hire a four-wheel drive car and simply go discover. That is the fantastic thing about the Huge Island.”

Bus

For these looking 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 likely be charged a $15 price, and bus schedules are topic to vary.

Rideshare

Experience-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft are additionally obtainable. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to notice that cellular phone reception may be restricted and prohibitive for reserving rides in additional distant areas of the island, like Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park. The simplest space to make the most of rideshares is to or from Kona and Hilo airports.