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Where To Stay On The Big Island of Hawaii: 9 Best Places To Dream Vacation

Are you having difficulty deciding where to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many tourists face this dilemma. And, to help in making a decision, I am going to share my experience in this blog post. So, stay with me till the end and learn which place is best for you.

Where To Stay On The Big Island

Quick Answer

Choosing a place to stay on the Big Island depends on your vacation goals. Let me break it down for you:

  • Families can find their way to Waikoloa village for pristine beaches and water;
  • Luxury seekers can reside in the expensive resorts located on the beachfront;
  • Couples on a romantic honeymoon can head over to the beautiful green Papakolea Beach in Ka’u.

But that’s not all! Continue reading to learn about the Big Island and its provinces that offer wildly different experiences, from various kinds of weather to the quality of hotels, attractions, and much more. So without any more delay, let’s dive in!

Read also: Hilo vs Kona: Which Hawaiian Destination is Better to Visit?

1. Kona

Kilua-Kono, on the Big Island’s west coast, is a beautiful area immediately south of the Kohala Coast. Located in the island’s Kona district, the town is home to some of the best beaches, sights, and nightlife.

This side of the island is quite dry, and there are vast lava fields in certain areas. However, the beaches here are superior, despite the fact that accessing some of them may be difficult.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying Here

First, I will be taking a look at what makes Kona a good place to stay, and also what qualities it lacks. Here are the positives and negatives of staying here:

Pros

Here are the pros of staying in Kona:

pros of staying in Kona
  • Variety of accommodation budgets: Accommodations range from inexpensive to luxurious ranging from $130 – $900.
  • Beautiful beaches: North of Kailua-Kona, there is a fantastic collection of white sand beaches.
  • Rich history: Kona is home to numerous local attractions for history enthusiasts like Hulihe’e Palace and Honaunau National Historical Park.
  • Restaurants and shopping: Kona has lots of fantastic places to eat as well as great shops close by.

Cons

Here are the cons of staying in Kona:

cons of staying in Kona
  • Crowded: Often attracts a lot of tourists so it can get rushy.
  • Smog: You might experience a lot of smog in some periods of the year due to the nearby volcanic activity.
  • Traffic: North of town, traffic can get bad between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.

The Best Places To Stay Here

Next up, let’s look at some of the best places to stay on the big island of Hawaii. I’ll be covering both some budget options as well as luxurious ones so that everyone has the best option for their price point.

Budget options

Let’s take a look at the budget-friendly options:

  • The Koi House with Pool: The Koi House with Pool is a Kailua-Kona hotel featuring resort amenities such as free WiFi and private parking, as well as an outdoor pool that is open all year for $128/night for a room. Each room includes a microwave, an electric kettle, a refrigerator, and a dining room with table and chairs. Terrace space is available at this B&B. There is a common lounge for guests to use as well.
The Koi House with Pool
Credit: www.booking.com

Read also: Hawaii vs Puerto Rico: Which One is Best Paradise Getaway

  • Tranquility Guest House: Tranquility Guest House is a pet-friendly, self-catering lodging in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, approximately 10 km from Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. For $140/night, a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, a bathroom with a shower, and complimentary amenities as well as a wardrobe are all standard in each of the guest rooms. The rooms at the inn are equipped with free WiFi, TVs, and private bathrooms with showers or bathtubs and hair dryers.
Tranquility Guest House:
Credit: www.booking.com

Luxury options

Let’s take a look at the luxury options:

  • King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach: This is one of the best place to stay in Kona. For $386/night, the rooms of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel have a flat-screen TV and a balcony, and the hotel has two restaurants. In addition to standard amenities like air conditioning and a safe, each room also features a refrigerator and a coffee maker stocked with Kona coffee. Rooms at this hotel are contemporary and decorated with elements from the island and the natural world.
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach
Credit: www.booking.com
  • The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a luxurious resort on the Kona-Kohala coast of Hawaii Island that offers guests a spa, five restaurants, and breathtaking ocean views for $895/night. The modern accommodations of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upelehu are decorated in a Hawaiian style and either look out over the resort grounds or the Pacific Ocean.
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Credit: www.booking.com

2. Kohala

The area known as Kohala Coast may be found on the northwestern side of Big Island. The Kohala Coast is the premier location from which to explore the Big Island’s various points of interest and beautiful beaches because of its rich history, spectacular scenery, and ranching culture. It is not uncommon to see whales breaching offshore between December and March.

The Kohala volcano, which last erupted some 120,000 years ago and now produces some of the most rough and gorgeous natural landscapes on the entire island, is another incredible sight.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying Here

Let’s look at some of the most important perks as well as some downsides of staying in the Kohala region:

Pros

Here are the pros of staying in Kohala:

pros of staying in Kohala
  • Diverse options: Kohala offers diverse options of luxurious resorts.
  • Beaches: There are wonderful beaches like Hapuna throughout the majority of the coastline.
  • Good for shopping: Plenty of retail establishments and dining options are available.

Cons

Here are the cons of staying in Kohala:

cons of staying in Kohala
  • Lack of budget accommodation: The number of hotels or other lodgings that are affordable is less in number compared to other areas.
  • Lava fields: The majority of the region is comprised of lava fields, which are not particularly picturesque.

The Best Places To Stay Here

Next, I’ll take a peek at some of the top hotels on Hawaii’s Big Island. Let’s go over some inexpensive and other luxury choices so that you can make the best decision for your budget.

Budget options

The following are the budget-friendly options:

  • Waikoloa Colony Villas 1703: For $150/night, Waikoloa Colony Villas offers air-conditioned accommodations with a balcony and free WiFi and is located in Waikoloa, within walking distance of Anaeho’omalu Beach. Each of the rooms in this villa comes with its own terrace. The villa features a DVD player and is outfitted with a kitchen featuring an oven, and a microwave; a living room with a seating area and a dining area; two bedrooms; and three bathrooms with a bath and a shower.
Waikoloa Colony Villas 1703
Credit: www.booking.com
  • Waikoloa Neighbourhood Retreat: The Waikoloa Village neighborhood retreat is located 34 km from Pu’ukohola National Historical Park, in a great spot for bicycling. Free WiFi can be used in all areas of this hostel, which is located 47 kilometers from Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. The vacation rental has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, bedding, towels, a cable TV, a dining area, a fully furnished kitchen, a terrace with sea views, and a barbecue, all for $200/night.

Luxury options

Let’s take a look at the luxury options:

  • Fairmont Orchid Gold Experience: Fairmont Orchid Gold Experience is a luxury resort on Kohala Coast that offers guests a private beach, complimentary bicycle use, an outdoor pool, and free high-speed Internet access for $829/night per room. A terrace and resort views may be enjoyed from the Fairmont Gold level of this Mauna Lani Resort apartment. The in-room amenities at this resort include a media hub, an iPod adaptor, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, and a radio.
Fairmont Orchid Gold Experience
Credit: www.booking.com
  • The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: For $779/night, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is a family-friendly seaside hotel with convenient access to a range of recreational opportunities, including an 18-hole golf course. Each room has its own veranda overlooking the ocean, air conditioning, a sitting area, WiFi, a fridge, a coffee maker, and a flat-screen cable TV. A hair dryer, bathrobes, and slippers are provided in the plush en suite bathroom. Dinner is also available at the neighboring Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Credit: www.booking.com

Read also: Bahamas vs Hawaii: A Dive Down Into 7 Important Differences

3. Hilo

Hilo, on the northeastern edge of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a popular tourist destination. As a result of its economic success as a fishing port, the town expanded and now features a number of high-quality hotels, a buzzing nightlife, and an international airport.

Waterfalls and flourishing rainforests provide a picturesque background to the city’s many restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and museums in Hilo and the surrounding area.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying Here

Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits and drawbacks of staying in the Hilo area:

Pros

Here are the pros of staying in Hilo:

pros of staying in Hilo
  • Near To Hamakua: Conveniently located near Hamakua attractions.
  • Good location: It’s a go-to point from which you can explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Variety of stores: A variety of good stores and/or marketplaces to choose from including KTA, Hilo Farmers, and Safeway.
  • Nearby Saddle Road: Close proximity to Saddle Road and other Mauna Kea hotspots.

Cons

Here are the cons of staying in Hilo:

cons of staying in Hilo
  • Lack of beaches: You will be missing beaches for swimming.
  • Shortage of lodgings: There is a shortage of available lodgings.

The Best Places To Stay In Hilo

Before moving forward, let’s discover some of the top lodging options in the Hilo area. So that everyone may choose the greatest alternative for their budget, I’ll discuss both inexpensive and luxurious choices.

Budget options

Let’s take a look at the budget-friendly options:

  • SCP Hilo Hotel: For $170/night for a room, SCP Hilo Hotel has relaxing lodgings with a swimming pool not far from stunning waterfalls and Hawaii National Volcanoes Park. The entire facility has free WiFi and parking for visitors. All rooms include a refrigerator, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, ironing equipment, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer; some have a balcony. There is an outdoor pool for visitors to use, as well as laundry facilities.
SCP Hilo Hotel
Credit: www.booking.com
  • Hilo Apartment Ocean Views: About 300 meters from Honoli’i Beach Park, the Hilo Apartment Ocean Views on the Hamakua Coast provides accommodations with a balcony and garden views. It offers free WiFi and a garden with a view of the ocean. For $142/night for one unit, two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen with an oven and a microwave are available in this apartment. The unit provides linens and towels for your use.

Luxury options

Let’s go through the luxury options:

  • Inn at Kulaniapia Falls: Surrounded by 22 acres of natural beauty and the largest privately accessible waterfall in Hawaii is the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. A room here will cost you $373/night. There is also free WiFi and guest PCs for your use. Each morning, a complimentary breakfast with fresh, regional dishes is served. Tours to Kulaniapia Falls, where you may abseil down the side of the waterfall with a guide, are just one of several adventurous activities you can partake in while on the island.
Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
Credit: www.booking.com
  • The Grand Naniloa Hilo: The Grand Naniloa Hilo, a DoubleTree by Hilton is a beach resort located on the shores of Hilo Bay, 48 km from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Accommodations will cost you $361/night and include complimentary WiFi. Views from guest rooms include Hilo Bay, the Hamakua Coast, and Hilo Harbour, as well as the surrounding gardens and ocean. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and German limestone in the bathrooms. There is also a kitchenette in the suites.
The Grand Naniloa Hilo
Credit: www.booking.com

Read also: Samoa vs Hawaii: Which One Is a Great Tourist Destination?

4. Puna

The spectacular volcanoes and lava fields in the Hawaiian Islands are among the most fascinating natural features there. The famed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Volcano Village are located near Puna.

Puna, on the Big Island’s eastern coast, sits just across from Kona and features stunning natural scenery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying Here

Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of staying in the Puna region.

Pros

Here are the pros of staying in Puna:

pros of staying in Puna
  • Near Hilo: A comfortable distance of around 16 miles from Hilo.
  • Scenery: Has a wide range of lush and green scenery.
  • Black sand: An eye-catching destination Isaac Hale Beach Park also known for its black sand beaches.

Cons

Here are the cons of staying in Puna:

cons of staying in Puna
  • Lacks proper lodging: It has lacked proper accommodations for tourists since the 2018 Hawaii volcano eruption.
  • Swampy area: This is a very wet and swampy area.

The Best Places To Stay Here

Let’s move forward to learn some of the most recommended hotels in the Puna region. I’ll go over both low-cost and high-end options so that you may find the best fit for your finances.

Budget options

Let’s take a look at the budget-friendly options:

  • Phoenix Garden: Located in Puna, approximately 2.5 km from Kehena Black Sand Beach, Phoenix Garden has a garden, free WiFi, and free private parking for visitors who bring their own cars for $96/night. Every room has its own private patio overlooking the lush garden. The guest rooms at the inn all have workstations. There is a private bathroom, bathrobes, and bedding in each of the rooms.
Phoenix Garden
Credit: www.booking.com
  • Cosy Volcano Studio: Located in Mountain View, the Cosy Volcano Studio is 31 km from Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and 38 km from The Pacific Tsunami Museum. In addition to being just 23 km from Kilauea, this lodging also offers free WiFi in all public areas. For $97/night, the room includes a coffee maker, a microwave, and a fridge in the apartment’s kitchen. You can use the apartment’s towels and sheets right away.

Luxury options

Let’s take a look at the luxury options:

  • Ala Kai Bed & Breakfast: Ala Kai Bed & Breakfast is located in Keaau, Puna, and offers free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a pool with a view, and free private parking for $242/night for a room. From there, guests may easily travel 23 kilometers to visit Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo. All accommodations at this facility have garden views, a flat-screen cable TV, a DVD player, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with a shower. Additionally, there is a coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator available for use.
Ala Kai Bed & Breakfast
Credit: www.booking.com
  • Lava Tree Tropic Inn: This B&B provides guests with a complimentary continental breakfast that includes handmade bread and jam in addition to garden views for $165/night. Wi-Fi is provided at no cost in all guest rooms. The light rooms at Lava Tree Tropic Inn have gorgeous wooden flooring and are decorated in a tropical theme. The Lava Tree Tropic Inn has a sun patio and garden for guests to enjoy in addition to a TV and DVD player in the living room.
Lava Tree Tropic Inn
Credit: www.booking.com

5. Hamakua

The Hamakua Coast is a stunning stretch of the Big Island of Hawaii that can be found to the north of Hilo on the island’s northeastern coast.

Unique to the area are the specialized stores and boutiques of old Honoka’a Town, which only add to the area’s allure. Lush tropical rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and peaceful green valleys are typical of the area.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying Here

Let’s consider the positives and downsides of staying in the Hamakua area.

Pros

Here are the pros of staying in Hamakua:

pros of staying in Hamakua
  • Near tourist attractions: Location near tourist attractions like Akaka Falls and Waipio Valley.
  • Cultural Sites: You can explore the history and culture of Hawaii through visits to historic sites, botanical gardens, and museums along the coast.
  • Lots of shops: There are lots of great places to shop.

Cons

Here are the cons of staying in Hamakua:

 cons of staying in Hamakua
  • Heavy rainfall: Much of the northern coast may get heavy rain.
  • Few Dining Choices: Dining options may be limited in some parts of the Hamakua Coast, especially in more remote areas.

The Best Places To Stay Here

Let’s go on to discover several highly recommended hotels in the Hamakua area. To help you identify the solution that works best within your budget, I will discuss both inexpensive and luxurious possibilities.

Budget options

The following are the budget-friendly options:

  • Mahana House Country Inn: Mahana House Country Inn is a non-smoking resort with ocean views, free WiFi, and free private parking situated outside of Hakalau, 20 km from Hilo. A flat-screen TV with Netflix is provided in each room. For your comfort, each apartment has a table and chairs. It costs $149/night for rooms that are equipped with a coffee maker. There is a private bathroom and shower in each of the rooms.
Mahana House Country Inn
Credit: www.booking.com
  • Hamakua Guesthouse: Hamakua Guesthouse is located at Pepeekeo in Hamakua. Get ready to be amazed at its sweeping seaside views for just $158/night. Access to WiFi is provided at no cost. The guesthouse is located about a ten-minute drive from Akaka Falls State Park. Each room at the Hamakua Guesthouse has a view and access to a communal bathroom. The provided cabanas all include hammocks for overnight stays. Towels and sheets are provided.
Hamakua Guesthouse
Credit: www.booking.com

Luxury option

Let’s take a look at the expensive option:

  • Big Island Waterfall Home: For $214/night, Big Island Waterfall Home offers accommodations in Ninole with sea views, free WiFi, and free private parking. There is a terrace and a picnic area for guests to use. Two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen with an oven and a coffee maker, and a bathroom with a bidet and a hair dryer make up the vacation rental’s overall layout. The vacation rentals have linens and towels for your use.
Big Island Waterfall Home
Credit: www.booking.com

6. Volcano

The Volcano section of Big Island Hawaii lies in the southeast corner of the island, and here is where you will find the world-famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Its Volcano Village, nestled in a verdant jungle, is well-known for its quaintness and tranquillity. Volcano, with its lush tropical Ohia and Hapu’u fern forest setting, is an ideal place to get away from it all and relax.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying Here

Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of staying in the Volcano area.

Pros

Here are the pros of staying in Volcano:

pros of staying in Volcano
  • Near National Park: Conveniently located near Hawaii Volcano National Park.
  • Jungle environment: Very green and leafy jungle surroundings.
  • Peaceful: Has a calm and peaceful environment.

Cons

Here are the cons of staying in Volcano:

cons of staying in Volcano
  • Wet climate: It can get slippery due to frequent rain.
  • Remote location: Located in a remote area away from other tourist hotspots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Best Places To Stay Here

Let’s take a look at some of the top lodging options in the Volcano area. So that you can choose the greatest alternative for your budget:

Budget options

Let’s take a look at the budget-friendly options:

  • Pahoehoe- Hale Kumu La’au: For a modest $88/night,Pahoehoe- Hale Kumu La’au at Volcano is a nice place to stay for a room that has a hot tub. The property features free private parking and is located at a distance of 37 km from Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo. This one-bedroom apartment features a TV, a microwave, and complimentary WiFi.
Pahoehoe- Hale Kumu La'au
Credit: www.booking.com
  • Ekomomai Retreat: The beautiful Ekomomai Retreat can be found in Volcano, Big Island. The vacation rental has two bedrooms, a living room, a fully functional kitchen, a bathroom, a TV, a dining area, and a terrace overlooking the stunning garden all for just $70/night.

Luxury options

Let’s take a look at the lavish options:

  • Volcano Village Estates: This hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island is close to both Volcanoes National Park and the Volcano Art Centre Gallery, all of which can be reached in about 5 minutes by car. Each accommodation has complimentary Wi-Fi. At Volcano Village Estates, you’ll find rooms for $248/night with fireplaces, refrigerators, tea and coffee makers, and private bathrooms. A few rooms include special amenities like a wet bar or a bay window.
Volcano Village Estates
Credit: www.booking.com
  • Aloha Junction B&B: The Aloha Junction B&B is located on 1.3 beautifully manicured acres and features a sauna. The distance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is 3 km. All of the rooms include full kitchens, electric fireplaces, and patios with furniture for $210/night. Aloha Junction Guest House is located 5 minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and offers free WiFi, slippers, an electric blanket, and a flat-screen cable TV with Netflix access.
Aloha Junction B&B
Credit: www.booking.com

7. Ka’u

Ka’u is the southernmost part of Hawaii’s Big Island, and it has expansive, rural, and isolated scenery. The lack of huge hotels, resorts, and golf courses in the region makes it a peaceful vacation spot.

It contains the majority of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is where you’ll find the one-of-a-kind Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Many farms and ranches raise cattle, coffee, and macadamia nuts on the eastern slopes of the area.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying Here

Here are some of the important pros and cons of staying in the Ka’u region of the Big Island.

Pros

Here are the pros of staying in Ka’u:

pros of staying in Ka'u
  • Peaceful: You will enjoy the simple and relaxing environment.
  • Numerous Golf Courses: It is home to one of the best golf courses including the Makani and Sea Mountain Golf Club.
  • Near South Point: Closely located to South Point and Punaluu Beach.

Cons

Here are the cons of staying in Ka’u:

cons of staying in Ka'u
  • Remote location: Poor proximity to many of the island’s big attractions.
  • Lacks major lodgings: There is a lack of major lodgings compared to the rest of the Big Island.

The Best Places To Stay Here

Here are some of the best hotels in the Ka’u region of the Big Island of Hawaii. I’ll go over both budget-friendly and high-end options so that you may pick the best one for your situation.

Budget option

Let’s take a look at the budget-friendly options:

  • Art Garden-Hibiscus: The Art Garden-Hibiscus Guesthouse is a garden-view hotel in Hawaiian Ocean View, Ka’u that also offers free WiFi and private parking to its guests for $95/night. The Painted Church is 49 km away, and the hotel features a private check-in/check-out area. The two-bedroom vacation rental features a flat-screen TV with streaming services, an oven, a microwave, and a bathroom with a bathrobe. The vacation rental comes with bath towels and sheet sets.
Art Garden-Hibiscus
Credit: www.booking.com

Luxury option:

Let’s take a look at the luxury options:

  • Sea Mountain: This hotel is decorated with a Polynesian theme and complete cooking facilities and is the best place to stay on the Big Island province of Ka’u. On-site golfing for 18 holes is available, and the world-famous black sands of Punaluu County Beach Park can be reached in about 12 minutes on foot. Each Sea Mountain flat and studio features a fully equipped kitchen and a dining and living space decorated in a tropical theme. The pool and hot tub are located outside. You can access all of this for just $201/night.
Sea Mountain
Credit: www.booking.com

8. Waikoloa

Waikoloa, on the northwest side of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a beautiful tourist attraction. The beaches here look out over Waiulua Bay, which is characterized by lava rock, coral, and blue-green seas.

The town sits above a lava field, giving it a distinctively Hawaiian feel. Waikoloa Village is a must-see for any tourist in Hawaii because of its convenient location and wide variety of attractions, including the beach, shops, and restaurants.

The Pros and Cons of Staying Here

Let’s dive into the benefits and drawbacks of a Big Island vacation in the Waikoloa area.

Pros

Here are the pros of staying in Waikoloa:

pros of staying in Waikoloa
  • Near Kohala coast: Located near the big tourist attractions on the Kohala coast.
  • Variety of experience: Has a wide variety of shops and attractions like Lava Lava Beach Club.
  • Watersports: Is a great place to enjoy watersports such as surfing.

Cons

Here are the cons of staying in Waikoloa:

cons of staying in Waikoloa
  • Lack of scenery: Is less scenic compared to other parts of the Big Island of Hawaii.
  • Hurricane attacks: This area is known to be at high risk of hurricane attacks.

The Best Places To Stay Here

Let’s take a look at some of the top lodging options on the Big Island of Hawaii’s Waikoloa area. So that you may make an informed decision, I will discuss both low-cost and high-end alternatives.

Budget options

Listed below are the budget-friendly options first:

  • Castle Waimea: This upcountry Waimea lodge features cable TV, a work desk, and fans (upon request) for $170/night. It is located at the foot of Mauna Kea Volcano. It takes around 15 minutes to travel to Hapuna Beach. Each room at Castle Waimea Country Lodge has its own private bathroom. Walking distance also includes Historic Waimea Town.
Castle Waimea
Credit: www.booking.com
  • Ocean Tower by Hilton: Ocean Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations in Waikoloa features a garden and a patio right on the water. The hotel provides all rooms with a sitting space and a cable-ready flat-screen television. There is a hair dryer in each of the rooms’ private bathrooms. The Ocean Tower at Hilton Grand Vacations has several rooms available with balconies. The inn’s standard amenities include air conditioning and a desk in each room which costs $219/night.

Luxury options

Now let’s look at some more pricey resorts and hotels:

  • Hilton Waikoloa: 62 coastal acres are home to the Hilton Waikoloa Village at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The hotel is home to a full-service spa, tropical gardens, and both the Kings Golf Course and The Beach Golf Course at Waikoloa, two of the best courses in the world. The Hilton Waikoloa Village has accommodations with views of the ocean or Waialua Bay. Each room has a flat-screen TV and a coffee maker. You can enjoy all this for $715/night.
Hilton Waikoloa
Credit: www.booking.com
  • The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection welcomes guests with a flower lei and provides access to a variety of water sports, onsite dining options, and private beach amenities in addition to its beachfront setting and top-tier golf course. Each of the suites features its own veranda that looks out onto either the beach or the golf course. All rooms contain an in-room entertainment system. Prices start at $899/night.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Credit: www.booking.com

Best Place To Stay on the Big Island: An Insight Into Average Rates

Big Island Hawaii hotel rates change throughout the year and depend on the kind of lodging and the travel season.

  1. It costs around $100 USD per person per night at a budget hotel, $50 USD per person for every meal, and $30 USD per person per day for transportation.
  2. The average cost of a mid-range hotel room on the Big Island will run you between $200 and $250 per night.
  3. Luxury hotels and resorts, on the other hand, might cost $400-$1000 per night.

Where to Stay on Big Island Hawaii: A Complete Guide

Being a frequent traveler myself, I understand everyone has their own requirements when it comes to staying at a tourist destination. Take a look at our guide to find out which place is the best suited for you.

1. For Families

The following hotels are great options for families: Waikoloa Village is where you’ll find beaches and resorts suitable for the whole family. There are several places to eat, as well as a spa and cabanas along the pool. For white sand and safe swimming, take the kids to Kohala Coast on the island’s northwest side.

Where to Stay on Big Island Hawaii for families

2. For Beach Lovers

The greatest beaches are in South Kohala and Hapuna Beach. Water sports such as sailing, beautiful sparkling water, and soft sandy beaches are all available.

3. For Luxury Enjoyers

Kohala is the place to go for a luxurious vacation. Beachfront hotels are more costly than those found inland. However, the high-end features are worth the price.

4. For Surfers

Popular sites for surfing and snorkeling in Kona include Kahaluu and Banyans, both of which are suitable for both novices and pros alike.

Where to Stay on Big Island Hawaii for surfers

5. For Hikers

The prices in Kona are really reasonable. Hotels on the beach or close to the beach may be found at reasonable prices. In addition to its stunning beaches, the region is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and social events.

I suggest a bed and breakfast or modest inn for those on a tighter budget. The area to the southeast is just as exciting where the Kilauea volcano is open to tourists.

6. For Couples

Papakolea Beach is perfect for couples looking for some alone time. South Point in Ka’s Papaklea neighborhood features a beach with emerald green sand. While you’re here, take in the scenic vistas, exciting activities, and vibrant green sand.

Where to Stay on Big Island Hawaii for couples

The Best Attractions on The Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is packed with a lot of exciting and exotic experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s take a look at the most thrilling ones:

  1. Swim with Manta Rays: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go swimming with manta rays may be found off the coast of Big Island, Hawaii.
Swim with Manta Rays
  1. Volcanic Monument: This is National Volcanic Monument Hawaii is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and the surrounding national park is a great place to go hiking, camping, exploring craters, and more.
  2. Punalu’u Beach: Punalu’u Beach is a must-see destination for anybody visiting Hawaii’s Big Island. Ka’u has black sand beaches because lava from Volcanoes National Park flowed into the water, creating them.
Punalu'u Beach
  1. Ziplining over KoleKole Falls: Ziplining over the beautiful scenery of Hawaii’s Big Island is a fun and exciting way to explore the island’s natural beauty. This exciting and memorable experience can only be had at KoleKole Falls.

FAQs

Is it better to stay in Hilo or Kona?

It is better to stay in Hilo if you enjoy natural beauty like volcanoes and beaches, while Kona has a more vibrant nightlife and shopping scene.

Which area of the Big Island is the best?

The western area of the Big Island is more touristy with more luxurious resorts, shopping centers, and fancy beaches. On the other hand, the eastern area is more laid back with more lush scenery.

Which side of the Big Island has the best weather?

Choosing the best side depends on personal preference. The west side is sunnier and warmer while the east side is more cloudy and rainy.

Should I stay on both sides of the Big Island?

Yes, you should stay on both sides of the Big Island as they each offer very different experiences such as different nightlife, scenery, and weather.

Which side of the Big Island has the best beaches?

The Waikoloa side of the Big Island has the best beaches. The Kohala coast is a close second as well.

Conclusion

Summing up where to stay on the Big Island Hawaii depends on what you require from a vacation. The western side, which consists of the Kona, Hilo, and Kohala regions, is known for its sunny weather, luxurious resorts as well as bustling nightlife and shopping centers. On the other hand, the eastern side consists of the Puna and Ka’u regions which are more laid back and have varied and more stunning scenery.

Each region has accommodations, both inexpensive and luxurious that can cater to the budget of any traveler. In addition, the Big Island of Hawaii has tons of exciting experiences just waiting for you. From swimming with exotic marine life, and ziplining over KoleKole Falls to the amazing volcanoes at the National Volcanic Monument, there is plenty for everyone to see and admire.

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Where to stay on the Big Island