Find out where to catch the best sunsets in Hawaii or which pillow offers the dreamiest sleep with our quick guide on the best places to stay in Big Island.
Visiting the Big Island truly reveals a vast world in itself. In fact, itโs so expansive that a full loop drive clocks in at about six hours!
And with such grandeur, selecting the perfect spot to stay becomes more than just a mere decisionโit can truly shape your entire Hawaiian adventure. Thatโs because each area here, from the lush Puna in the east to the sunny shores of Kona in the west, offers its own unique blend of attractions, accessibility, and ambiance.
So whether you’re budgeting for a backpacking trip or splurging on luxury, this blog can certainly guide you through the best places to stay in Big Island. Worry not, as we can ensure your choice of accommodations efficiently enhances every moment of your island escape!
Puna, East Big Island
Stepping into Puna can be likened to entering a dreamy landscapeโone where natureโs raw power and serene beauty collide spectacularly. Thatโs no hyperbole either. For starters, when you visit the Lava Tree State Monument, youโll absolutely witness natural sculptures where lava once encased towering trees, creating stark reminders of nature’s force.
And just a short drive away, the inviting, geothermally heated waters of Ahalanui Park likewise offer a tranquil escape, perfect for soaking away your cares. And for those eager to delve deeper into natureโs prepared adventures, the rugged trails of Volcano National Park beckon with promises of lush rainforest and volcanic wonders.
Amidst these dramatic settings, youโll surely find a variety of eco-friendly lodges and quaint bungalows to rest your weary soul. Such retreats promise to serve as your gateway to Puna’s untamed wilderness, each crafted to enhance your connection with the natural world.
Hilo, Northeast Big Island
In Hilo, the marriage of sun and rain nurtures an environment rich with lush greenery and vibrant cultural expressions. Begin your journey at the expansive Liliuokalani Gardens, where Japanese aesthetics blend with tropical flora in a stunning display. Nearby, the thunderous Akaka Falls offers a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing natureโs power in a peaceful setting.
Guaranteed, a range of accommodations from historic houses to modern guest houses offers warm, inviting retreats in this rainy paradise. Each one is perfectly placed, providing guests easy access to the bustling local markets and museums, not to mention enveloping them in Hiloโs charming atmosphere.
Kona, West Big Island
Heading west, Kona is certainly where the sun shines brightest on some of the islandโs most spectacular beaches and historic sites.
We recommend you first visit the sacred Pu’uhonua o Hลnaunau, a place of refuge that offers insight into ancient Hawaiian customs beside serene ocean views. Once youโve fostered an appreciation for the areaโs rich culture, proceed to Kahalu’u Beach Park just up the coast. Itโs a certified haven for snorkelers eager to explore its teeming coral reefs. The regionโs rich coffee culture can also be savored at local plantations that welcome visitors with open arms.
In Kona, accommodations range from intimate beachside inns to luxurious resorts, each offering a unique perspective on its storied landscapes. And apart from providing you with comfort, these stays also present front-row seats to breathtaking sunsets and enduring traditions that are truly to die for.
Kohala, Northwest Big Island
In contrast, Kohala mixes luxury with historical intrigue along its picturesque shores.
Make no mistake about itโthe region is arguably one of the best places to stay in Big Island for golf aficionados. Thanks to championship courses such as those at Mauna Kea Resort offering sweeping ocean views. And beyond leisure, Kohala is likewise steeped in colorful Hawaiian history, with sites like the Lapakahi State Historical Park offering more insights into ancient Hawaiian life.
And as one would expect, the accommodations in Kohala are as grand as the landscapes. Plenty of resorts and private villas can absolutely provide you with world-class amenities that fit the VIP that you are. In short, these stays are crafted to ensure that guests experience the utmost in comfort and style, making every moment in Kohala a luxurious escape from the ordinary.
South Kau Region
Finally, South Kau invites those who seek to fuse solitude with adventure amid its vast, untamed landscapes.
Take the windswept cliffs of Ka Lae at the southernmost point of the United States for instance. The area offers unmatched ocean views, while the nearby Green Sand Beach dazzles with its rare olivine sands. Such remote locations are absolutely ideal if you really wish to disconnect from all the hustle and bustle, and instead reconnect with nature.
Likewise, the accommodations here, including secluded lodges and homely beachside cabins, emphasize simplicity and harmony with nature. Most provide a genuinely serene base for those eager to explore the untouched corners of the Big Island. Here, the night sky envelope panoramic ocean views that will certainly take your breath away as you enjoy profound solitude.
Discover All The Best Places To Stay In Big Island with Hawaii Villas
From the lush, volcanic landscapes of Puna to the sun-drenched beaches of Kona and the luxurious retreats of Kohala, weโve seen how the Big Island offers a diverse array of experiences to suit any traveler’s desires.
Whether it’s the cultural heartbeat of Hilo or the secluded beauty of South Kau that draws you, each region presents its unique charm and array of accommodations that can satisfy any discerning traveler.
And the good news? With Hawaii Villas, finding the best places to stay in Big Island is absolutely effortless. Thatโs because we’re always ready to help you choose the ideal accommodation that aligns with your expectations and enhances your visit.
With that, let Hawaii Villas guide you to your perfect getaway as you discover the beauty and allure of the Big Island!
