Where to Stay on the Big Island (+ Big Island Hawaii Map)

Q: How many volcanoes are on the Big Island?

The Big Island has FIVE volcanoes: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualālai, Mauna Kea, and Kohala. The first 3 are still active, with Kilauea being the most active volcano on Earth.

Q: What’s the best time of year to visit the Big Island?

The Big Island is great to visit year-round , but for the best weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) . Winter is very popular and can be a bit busier and more expensive, especially around the Holidays ( December in Hawaii can be particularly insane). Summer is also a very popular time of year due to family vacations!

Q: How far is it from Kona to Hilo, and is it worth the drive?

The drive from Kona to Hilo is about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the route. It’s definitely worth it if you want to experience both sides of the island, and there's a ton to see along the way, depending on which route you take!

Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and wondering where to stay on the Big Island?

The Big Island is, well.. massive! When we were planning our trip to the Big Island, I was slightly overwhelmed with the different areas of the island and figuring out where to stay!

After spending one week on the Big Island and visiting several different areas, I have some opinions on where to stay!!

In this post, I’ll split the Big Island up into its 4 main areas (Kona, Kohala, Hilo, and Volcano) and cover details like top hotels, things to do, and pros and cons to consider in each! With this information, you’ll be able to choose where to stay on the Big Island based on your personal preferences!

Hint: I personally recommend choosing more than one!

I’ve also included a detailed Big Island Hawaii map below that shows the different areas, plus every hotel and activity mentioned in this post, which you can save for later!

Big Island Hawaii Map

Before I dive into where to stay on the Big Island, it’s important to understand the overall layout of the Big Island.

The Big Island is incredibly diverse, with each area offering its own unique vibe, topography, and weather. On the sunny west side, you’ll find the Kona and Kohala coasts, known for their dry landscapes, white-sand beaches, and endless sunshine.

Moving east across the island, Hilo is a lush, tropical region with rainforests, waterfalls, and cooler, wetter weather.

Down south near Volcano, the landscape transforms into dense forests, active lava fields, and misty, cooler conditions thanks to its higher elevation.

Below is a color-coded map that show the four main areas of the Big Island that this blog post will cover:

Kona and surrounding areas (blue)
Kohala and surrounding areas (yellow)
Hilo and surrounding areas (green)
Volcano and surrounding areas (purple)

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the different regions of the Big Island! There are several other towns, districts, and neighborhoods within each of these colored areas.

For example, the town of Hilo definitely doesn’t encompass the entire green area, while the yellow area includes Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa Village, and many other towns!

This is just a look at the four main areas that people tend to stay in while on the Big Island, simplified for the purpose of this blog post!

Best Hotels on the Big Island Round Up

If you’re looking for a quick list of the best hotels on the Big Island, here are my recommendations!

Kona area:
- Royal Kona Resort
- Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Hilo area:
Kohala area:
Volcano area:
- Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant
- Hawaii Volcano House

Kona: For First Time Visitors to Hawaii

Easily the most popular area of the Big Island for visitors, Kailua Kona is a must-visit!

Nestled along the west coast of the Big Island, Kailua-Kona (often referred to as just “Kona”) has a rich history. To this day, you can explore the historic landmarks in Kona like the Hulihe’e Palace, which housed Hawaiian royalty.

Kona is a charming seaside town that blends tradition and tourism, and it’s the most popular place to stay while on the Big Island.

The area of Kona takes up most of the western side of the Big Island, stretching from the airport on the north end to the Captain Cook area in the south. However, most people stay within Kona town to be walking distance to most restaurants and bars in the area.

Where to Stay in Kona

You’ll find some familiar hotel brands in the Kona area, like the Courtyard by Marriott Kona Beach Hotel, which is set on the grounds of King Kamehameha’s ancient residence.

However, most of the more luxurious, big-name hotels are located on the Kohala Coast (more on that in the next section!).

In my opinion, the best hotel in the Kona area is the Royal Kona Resort! This is where we stayed during our 3 nights in Kona, and it was perfect! There is a beautiful infinity pool, the rooms are recently renovated, and it wasn’t too pricey!

Plus, Royal Kona Resort puts on one of the best luaus on the Big Island: the Voyagers of the Pacific. They also have a gorgeous bar and restaurant that looks over the ocean, which is the perfect place to watch the sunset!

Another option while staying in Kona is to rent a vacation rentals or condo. There are a few different spots right on the beach (or across the street), which you can find on Airbnb or VRBO. These places are typically much cheaper than a hotel!

Things to Do in Kona

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in the Kona area. Wandering around the historic Kailua Village is a great way to spend an evening, with its local shops and restaurants.

It’s also where the most popular snorkel and dive tours leave out of, like the famous manta ray excursions! This was hands-down our favorite thing we did during our trip to the Big Island!! (You can read my full guide to snorkeling with the manta rays here!)

In addition to scuba diving, down the road from Kona are two popular Big Island snorkeling spots: Two Step Beach and Captain Cook Monument.

I highly recommend kayaking to Captain Cook monument, where you can often spot dolphins as you make your way across Kealakekua Bay. Once you arrive by kayak, you can hop out and snorkel around the area.

This is what my husband and I did on our trip, and we had a blast! However, if you’re not into sea kayaking, another option is just to book a snorkeling tour that visits the monument!

Aside from water activities, surrounding the Kona area is the famous Kona coffee belt! You can’t visit Kona and not take a coffee farm tour. We chose to do a free one at Greenwell Farms, and it was so fun.

You get to see how the coffee is made from start to finish. Plus, free coffee samples!

Pssst: There are tons of other free things to do in the Kona area! Make sure to check out my full guide!

Pros and Cons of Staying in Kona

As the top place to stay on the Big Island, Kona has plenty of pros. It’s conveniently located less than 20 minutes away from the Kona International Airport. It’s also extremely walkable, with a great collection of bars, restaurants, markets, and shops to explore.

The weather in the Kona area is typically sunny and dry year-round, making it a perfect place to stay.

However, all of these things mean Kona is the most touristy part of the Big Island, and it can get crowded during peak seasons! So, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and high prices, Kona might not be the area for you.

Kohala: For Luxury Travelers

As you head north from Kona past the airport, the landscape starts to change as you enter the Kohala area. The northern end of the Big Island is very unique!

It’s home to some of the most luxurious resorts on the island along the Kohala Coast at the base of the Hualālai and Mauna Kea volcanoes.

As you head inland, you’ll hit the town of Waimea, known as Hawaiian cowboy country!

These two areas are some of the most unique on the island, and they are totally different from each other! Below, I’ll focus mostly on the Kohala coast, since that’s where the main accommodations are.

Where to Stay in Kohala

If you’re looking for luxury during your time on the Big Island, look no further than the Kohala Coast. In the Waikoloa Beach area, you’ll find the popular Hilton Waikoloa Village and neighboring Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Mauna Lani, and Fairmont Orchid.

Just north towards Hapuna Beach, you’ll find the glorious Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

To the south, in between Kona and Kohala sits the gorgeous Four Seasons Hualalai, which starts at $1,200 per night!

All of these resorts boast a luxurious Hawaiian resort vibe, so they come with a hefty price tag! However, if you’re planning a trip to the Big Island for a honeymoon or anniversary, I highly recommend checking out the Kohala Coast.

Things to Do in Kohala

The Kohala area sees pretty much constant sunshine and warmth, so it’s no surprise it has some of the island’s best beaches. The white sand and blue water at Hapuna Beach can’t be missed, as well as the shores of Kauna’oa Beach.

If you’re a golfer, the resorts along the Kohala Coast have some of the best golf courses on the island. Championship courses like Mauna Kea Golf Course have stunning ocean views that can’t be beat.

During our trip to the Big Island, we stayed in Kona but did a quick day trip up to Kohala. My husband went golfing while I hit the spa at Hapuna Beach Resort. It was totally worth the splurge!

Another perk of this area is the proximity to the lush Waimea area, where you can go horseback riding or zip lining with panoramic views across expansive green landscapes.

Kohala is also the best place to see whales on the Big Island! From November – April humpback whales from Alaska make their way south into the warm Hawaiian waters.

If you’re visiting Hawaii during this time, you have to add whale watching to your bucket list! For more information, make sure to check out my full guide to Whale Watching on the Big Island.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Kohala

The Kohala area of the Big Island is definitely not for budget travelers. The hotels in this area are some of the most expensive on the island.

However, you’ll be spoiled with jaw-dropping views, white-sand beaches, incredible spas and golf courses, and killer pools! Some are more kid-friendly than others, so keep that in mind when booking.

In addition to the high costs, while there are plenty of dining options at each hotel, you’ll be stuck paying resort prices. Plus, there are not many nightlife options in the area.

Most people who stay in the Kohala area don’t leave their hotel much!

black lava rocks in white sand beach with teal water

Hilo: For Nature Lovers

If you have more than 2 or 3 days on the Big Island, Hilo is the perfect place to spend the second half of your Hawaiian vacation. Plus, there’s a ton to see on the drive from Kona to Hilo!

Located on the east side of the island, Hilo sees an average of 130 inches of rain per year. That’s a lot, especially compared to Kona, which only sees around 18 inches per year.

However, don’t let this rainy forecast deter you from staying in Hilo! Because of all the rain, this tropical area boasts lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and gorgeous landscapes. It is also where you’ll find most of the island’s black sand beaches.

Where to Stay in Hilo

You won’t find many big resorts on the Hilo side of the Big Island. The only major chain hotel is the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. This hotel overlooks Hilo Bay and has a golf course right next door. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a brand-name hotel.

We personally stayed at the fabulous SCP Hilo Hotel while on this side of the island, and I highly recommend!!

SCP Hilo, which stands for Soul, Community, Planet, focuses on sustainability and driving change in their community through their Every Stay Does Good program. It’s the perfect place to stay while exploring the wild side of the Big Island and supporting Hawaii in the process.

Things to Do in Hilo

With its frequent rainfall and tropical climate, Hilo is the perfect launching point for nature lovers exploring the Big Island. Within a 15-minute drive, you can watch the surfers at Honoli’i Beach Park, take in the scenery at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden, or hike the Onomea Bay Trail.

Within a 30-minute drive, you can visit Rainbow Falls, Kahūnā Falls, and Akaka Falls State Park and see four different waterfalls in one day!

Hilo is also the perfect place to go on a helicopter ride, as most tours leave from the Hilo airport.

And if zip-lining is on your Hawaii bucket list, Hilo is the best place on the Big Island to do it! You can even zip line over 14 different waterfalls on this top-rated tour!!

In addition, just 45 minutes away from downtown Hilo is the famous Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, which we will cover more in the next section!

Don’t forget to check out my full list of the top things to do while visiting Hilo!

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Pros and Cons of Staying in Hilo

Hilo is a great addition to your Big Island itinerary due to its proximity to so many adventurous activities! The natural beauty around Hilo is unmatched, and it has a much more local vibe than areas like Kona and Kohala.

It’s also the most populous town on the Big Island, so there are more restaurant choices.

In my opinion, skipping Hilo when visiting the Big Island is a huge mistake!

However, as previously mentioned, it is rainy in Hilo, so don’t expect constant sunshine! In addition, while it has many nature-centric activities, there’s also not much nightlife or bars in Hilo when compared to Kona.

Volcano: For National Park Enthusiasts

Yes, Volcano is the name of an actual town on the Big Island of Hawaii!

As you might have guessed, Volcano is where Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located. If you plan on spending more than one day at the National Park, you might consider staying in the town of Volcano on your trip to the Big Island.

We personally decided to skip staying overnight in Volcano, since we only spent one day exploring the National Park. Plus, the town of Hilo is only 45 minutes away, so it was definitely doable as a day trip.

Where to Stay in Volcano

The town of Volcano is very small and quiet. Most people who stay in Volcano choose to book a vacation rental. There is a good selection of tropical treehouses and quaint cottages right outside the park.

If you are looking for something really special, you do have the option of staying inside the National Park at the historic Volcano House. Located the summit of Kilauea, the Volcano House has a history dating back to the 1800s!

Another option is the famous Kilauea Lodge, which is about 5 minutes outside the park entrance. It’s known for its restaurant that focuses on big flavors from all over the Big Island.

Lastly, the famous Volcano Village Lodge is a great choice. This award-winning bed and breakfast will make you feel like you’re in the middle of the rainforest (because you are!).

Things to Do in Volcano

Obviously the most popular thing to do in Volcano is visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

If you only have one day in the park, I recommend hiking the Kilauea Iki Trail, walking through the Thurston Lava Tube, and then driving the Chain of Craters Road all the way to the sea! This is how we spent our one day in the park, and it did not disappoint!

(You can read more about our day at the park in my One Week Big Island Itinerary!)

And make sure to check out the National Park website for more details about operating hours and other great tips for visiting!

Aside from the park, staying in Volcano puts you a short drive away from Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Here, you’ll find green palm trees lining the black sand, where Hawaiian sea turtles are known to hangout!

Also nearby is the Southernmost point of the USA (non-contiguous, that is!), known as South Point or Ka Lae. If you’re bold enough, there are spots along the cliffside here where you can jump into the ocean!

girl sitting on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entrance sign

Pros and Cons of Staying in Volcano

The best part about staying in Volcano is your proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you stay in Kona, it will take you about 2 hours to get to the park, while Hilo is 45 minutes away. This can be very convenient if you plan to spend more than one day exploring the park!

On the flip side, staying in the small town of Volcano means very few amenities are nearby. You’ll struggle to find many restaurants in the area, let alone bars or shopping centers! It is away from the hustle and bustle, offering a serene escape in nature. This might be a pro to some, and a con to others!

Flying into the Big Island

To get to the Big Island, most people fly into Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side of the island. Depending on where you are coming from, you might have a connection in Honolulu, or you may be coming straight from the mainland USA.

The Kona Airport is conveniently located just 20 minutes away from the downtown Kailua-Kona, so you don’t have to worry about sitting in the car for an hour after your long flight to Hawaii. Most people stay in Kona after arriving for this reason.

While Kona is typically the cheapest airport to fly into on the Big Island, there is also an airport on the Hilo side, Hilo International Airport (ITO). This airport is much smaller and only flies to other Hawaiian islands through Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest Airlines.

So, your hotel choice may depend on which airport you are flying into! These airports are on the two opposite sides of the island (east and west), about 1.5 hours away from each other.

Renting a Car on the Big Island

As already mentioned, the Big Island is HUGE. If you plan on staying more than a day or two, I would absolutely rent a car while on the Big Island.

My favorite activities, like the Kona coffee farms, Volcanoes National Park, and ‘Akaka Fall State Park, are all spread out from each other. So it is going to be very difficult to see and do it all without a rental car!

Plus, if you plan to visit both sides of the Big Island (which I recommend), you’ll need a car to drive from Kona to Hilo, unless you want to use the public bus.

Rental cars are very reasonable on the Big Island, as long as you book in advance! I highly recommend using DiscoverCars.com. They allow you to compare prices across all of the major rental car companies. Plus, they have a great cancellation policy (typically free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance). Oh, and they price match!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather on the Big Island like?

There are actually several micro-climates on the Big Island. Overall, the Big Island is a very tropical/temperate climate, with warm weather pretty much year-round. The Kona side tends to be sunnier, while the Hilo side is rainier!

What is the population of the Big Island?

As of 2020, the Big Island of Hawaii had just over 200,000 residents.

Is it better to stay in Hilo or Kona?

I highly recommend staying on both sides of the Big Island! Each side has its own unique vibe and attractions! Kona is sunny, with more beach options and resorts, making it ideal for families and those looking to relax. Hilo, on the other hand, has lush landscapes, waterfalls, and is close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Again, I recommend splitting your stay between both sides to get the full experience, but if you have to choose only one, Kona is the more central choice.

Is Honolulu on the Big Island?

No, Honolulu is on the island of Oahu! Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii. You can read my full comparison guide on the Big Island vs Oahu here!

How many volcanoes are on the Big Island?

The Big Island has FIVE volcanoes: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualālai, Mauna Kea, and Kohala. The first 3 are still active, with Kilauea being the most active volcano on Earth.

How many days should I spend on the Big Island?

The Big Island is the largest Hawaiian island, and with its wide range of activities and landscapes, I recommend at least 5-7 days to get a good feel for the island. This allows time to explore both the Kona and Hilo sides, enjoy a few beach days, hike through volcanoes, and more!

Do I need to rent a car on the Big Island?

Yes, I highly recommend renting a car on the Big Island! The Big Island is massive and public transportation is limited. Plus, all the best destinations are fairly spread out. With a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore the island’s diverse regions at your own pace.

What’s the best time of year to visit the Big Island?

The Big Island is great to visit year-round, but for the best weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). Winter is very popular and can be a bit busier and more expensive, especially around the Holidays (December in Hawaii can be particularly insane). Summer is also a very popular time of year due to family vacations!

How far is it from Kona to Hilo, and is it worth the drive?

The drive from Kona to Hilo is about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the route. It’s definitely worth it if you want to experience both sides of the island, and there’s a ton to see along the way, depending on which route you take!

What is the best side of the island to stay on the Big Island?

If you’re interested in sunshine, white sand beaches, snorkeling, restaurants, and nightlife, the west (Kona) side is best! If you want to see tons of waterfalls, go ziplining, and experience the lush rainforest, the east (Hilo) side is the winner. If your priority is to see volcanoes, stay near Volcanoes National Park in the town of Volcano!

What’s the best area to stay on the Big Island with Kids?

See question above! It really depends on what your interests are. In general, if you’re traveling to the Big Island with kids, the Kohala Coast and Kona are the best areas to consider. These regions offer family-friendly accommodations, easy access to beaches, and activities that cater to children. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a great hotel option for families thanks to its pools, slides, snorkeling lagoon, and more.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, choosing where to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii completely depends on your budget, timeframe, and interests.

Most travelers choose to make Kona their home base, but don’t disregard the wild Hilo side, the luxurious Kohala coast, or the quaint town of Volcano.

If you have more than 4 days on the island, I highly recommend staying in at least two of these areas so you can experience all the Big Island has to offer!

Now that you know the layout of the island, I recommend checking out my list of the top 30 things to do on the Big Island to continue planning your trip!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!