You guys really seem to like these Hawai’i travel posts. More people read and pinned my Maui Musts post and my Kauai Travel post than if I combined every pin from every other post I’ve written in my four years at How Does She. I get it, longing over tropical Island and white sandy beaches is slightly more enjoyable than reading tips on how to pottery train your three year old.
Well, since you seem to like reading about Hawai’i it only makes sense that I cover the biggest and arguably the best Hawaiian island, Big Island. Really though, I never understand how anyone can pick a favorite island. It’s like choosing your favorite child. There may be days that one seems better than the others but in the end they all have their own unique strengths that make them equally lovable.
About the Big Island
Big Island is formally named the island of Hawai’i. And, like it’s nickname suggests, it is big; so big that all the other Hawaiian islands could fit inside of Big Island and still have room to spare.
The first time I came to Big Island was after I had lived on Maui for 18 months. I live in central Maui so even if I drive to the furthest point on the island it’s only a 40 mile trip. I couldn’t believe that a single island could be so big. We spent more time in the car over our few days there than in the six months prior on Maui. Thankfully, the island is saturated in natural beauty so you don’t mind long drives gazing out the window. And with big size comes big selection. There really is something for everyone on Big Island.
Why the Big Island?
Big Island is similar to Kauai and Maui in its abundance of adventure, romance, and natural beauty. The two things that really set Big Island apart are the active volcano and the abundance of history. Big Island has done an excellent job of preserving Hawaiian history and it is definitely worth devoting some vacation time to. As for the volcano, Kilauea, it can throw a wrench in to your travel plans. Be sure to stay up to date with the volcanoes activity when making your travel arrangements.
Like the Hawai’i travel guides I’ve written in the past, this list is includes the best the island has to offer. Regardless of your travel style you are sure to find just what you are looking for on this best of Big Island list. And like the other posts, there are more destinations included than any visitor can hope to visit in a single trip. I guess that just means you will have to come back!
Big Island Travel Guide
The Sites
- South Point
- Lapakahi State Park
- Pu’u Honua o Honaunau “Place of Refuge”
- Crystal Cove
- Cloud Forest
- Pololu Valley Lookout
- Pu’ukohala Heiau
- Puako/Malama Petroglyphs
- ‘Ahu’ena Heiau
- Hulihe’e Palace
- St. Peters Catholic Church
- Painted Church
- Tex Malasadas
- Rainbow Falls
- Pe’epe’e Falls
- Kaumana Cave
- Banyan Drive
- Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden
- Tropical Dreams Ice Cream
- Manuela Malasada Co.
- ‘Akaka Falls
- Kolekole Park
- Umauma Falls
- Laupahoe Point
- Waipio Valley
- Mauna Kea State Park
- Pololu Valley
- Captain Cook Monument
- Volcano National Park
- Kilauea Volcano*
- Jagger Museum*
- Hawai’i Volcano Observatory*
- Thurston Lava Tube*
The Beaches
When visiting Hawai’i beaches remember to use proper ocean safety. The ocean is not to be trifled with. Read the warning signs, talk to the lifeguards, check the conditions, & remember, “if in doubt, don’t go out.”
- Hapuna Beach
- Waipio Beach
- ‘Anaeho’omalu Beach
- Kealakekua Bay
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Green Sand Beach
- Old Kona Airport Beach
- Honoli’i Beach
- Waialea Beach
- Kua Bay
- Wawaloli Beach
- Makalawena Beach
I know I say this every time, but I feel obligated to remind all visitors to pack their aloha spirit on any Hawaiian vacation. The aloha spirit is strong in Hawai’i, and the biggest island may have the biggest Aloha. Come to Big Island ready to put on your cruise control, talk story with every one you pass, and leave your worries behind. We love to share our piece of paradise with those that want to visit. I hope to see you in Hawai’i soon! Aloha!
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