The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the chain and the most geologically dramatic. Active volcanoes, black sand beaches, snow-capped peaks, and lush rainforests all share the same landmass. Choosing where to stay shapes your entire trip, because the island is roughly the size of Connecticut and driving from one coast to the other takes over two hours.
This guide covers the best hotels in Big Island Hawaii across every category: luxury resorts on the Kohala Coast, budget-friendly options in Kona and Hilo, family resorts with waterslides and kids’ programs, intimate boutique properties near waterfalls and volcanoes, and everything in between. It also answers the most common question travelers have: Waikoloa or Kona?
Quick Reference: Best Hotels by Category
| Category | Top Pick | Starting Price |
| Best Overall Luxury | Four Seasons Resort Hualalai | ~$$/night |
| Best Luxury Value | Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection | ~$$/night |
| Best for Families | Hilton Waikoloa Village | ~$$/night |
| Best Kid-Friendly | Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa | ~$$/night |
| Best Boutique | SCP Hilo Hotel | ~$$/night |
| Best Budget | Royal Kona Resort | ~$$/night |
| Best Near Volcanoes | Volcano House | ~$$/night |
| Best Romantic/Couples | Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort | ~$$/night |
Understanding the Big Island: Where to Stay and Why
Before choosing a hotel, you need to understand the island’s geography, as it changes everything.
The Kohala Coast (West Side, Waikoloa area): This is where the major luxury resorts sit. Sunny, dry weather nearly year-round, white sand beaches, and world-class golf courses. Resorts here are large, self-contained, and expensive, but they’re also the most spectacular. If you’re here for a resort vacation, this is your zone.
Kona (West Side, central): A more affordable, walkable town. Great for couples and families who want beach access plus real restaurants, coffee farms, and manta ray snorkeling nearby. Resorts here are more modest but the location is central and convenient.
Hilo (East Side): Lush, rainy, slow-paced, and genuinely local. No mega-resorts here, instead you’ll find boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and farm stays. It’s an hour from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the best base for nature travelers.
Volcano Village: The closest town to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with cozy lodges nestled in misty forests. Ideal for travelers who plan to spend multiple days exploring the park.
Waikoloa vs. Kona: Which Is Better?
This is the most searched question about Big Island accommodations. The answer depends on what you want. Waikoloa delivers the full resort experience, sprawling grounds, multiple pools, spa access, and beachside dining, but you need a car for almost everything. Kona is walkable, has better restaurant variety, and costs less, but the resorts are smaller and less luxurious. If your trip is about unwinding at a resort, choose Waikoloa. If you want to explore and eat well, choose Kona.
Best Luxury Hotels in Big Island Hawaii
1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Best Overall Luxury
Location: North Kona | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.7/5 (1,600+ reviews)
The Four Seasons Hualalai is the gold standard on the Big Island and by most measures, the finest resort in all of Hawaii. It sits on 865 acres of lava fields and beach in North Kona, and its low-density bungalow layout means it never feels crowded despite accommodating hundreds of guests.
What sets it apart: a private snorkeling lagoon filled with tropical fish, six pools including a saltwater King’s Pond carved from lava rock where guests swim alongside manta rays, and a beach that rivals anything in the Maldives. The service-to-guest ratio is exceptional staff remember names and preferences from day one.
The rooms are enormous by resort standards, starting at 840 square feet, and almost all have outdoor lava rock showers. Dining at Hualalai is a genuine reason to stay: ULU Ocean Grill uses ingredients from on-property gardens, and the seafood is sourced daily from local fishermen. There’s also a Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course and a spa ranked among the best in the United States.
Best for: Couples celebrating a milestone, luxury travelers who want genuine privacy, guests who won’t leave the resort grounds.
Watch out for: The price. This is one of the most expensive hotels in the United States. Budget a minimum of $$/day beyond room cost for dining and activities.
2. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort Best for Couples & Honeymooners
Location: North Kona | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.8/5
Kona Village was the most legendary resort on the Big Island for decades before Hurricane Iselle destroyed it in 2014. After a decade of reconstruction, it reopened in 2023 under Rosewood management, and it may now be the most exclusive property in Hawaii.
The concept is unchanged from the original: guests stay in individual hales (bungalows) scattered across a private bay, with no phones, no televisions, and no keys (your door is left open). It’s deliberately disconnected. The bay is sheltered and calm, the snorkeling off the private beach is extraordinary, and the culinary program is the most ambitious on the island.
Only 150 hales exist across 82 acres, meaning density is very low. Unlike the Four Seasons, children are not prohibited, but the atmosphere strongly skews adult. This is a honeymoon resort in every way that matters.
Best for: Honeymooners, anniversary trips, travelers who want total privacy and an unplugged experience.
Watch out for: Limited activities beyond the property. Bring a car if you plan to explore.
3. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Best Luxury Value
Location: Kohala Coast, Waikoloa | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.6/5 (1,700+ reviews)
After a $$ million renovation completed in 2019, Mauna Lani became the most design-forward resort on the Kohala Coast. The Auberge Resorts Collection, known for properties like Esperanza in Mexico, brought a contemporary, culturally grounded aesthetic that makes Mauna Lani feel different from every other resort here.
The resort sits on 32 acres of shoreline with two white sand beaches, three pools (including an adults-only infinity pool), and access to a stunning network of ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs. The Hālo Spa is consistently ranked among the best in Hawaii, and Napua Restaurant’s wood-fired cuisine using local ingredients is a genuine highlight.
At roughly $$/night during non-peak periods, Mauna Lani offers a five-star experience at roughly a quarter of the Four Seasons’ price. It also has the most vibrant bar scene on the Kohala Coast; the pool bar at sunset draws guests from neighboring resorts.
Best for: Travelers who want luxury without the extreme price tag, design-conscious guests, couples who want a social resort atmosphere.
Watch out for: It can feel busy. The three pools and active bar mean it’s not for guests seeking total quiet.
4. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection Best Historic Luxury
Location: Kohala Coast, Waikoloa | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.5/5
Opened in 1965 by Laurance Rockefeller, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the original luxury resort in Hawaii, the template all others followed. Its age is part of its charm. The open-air architecture funnels trade winds through every corridor, the art collection (over 1,600 pieces) rivals a museum, and Hapuna Beach, steps away and consistently ranked one of America’s best beaches, is arguably the finest beach on the island.
The rooms are slightly smaller than at the Four Seasons or Kona Village, and the resort won’t dazzle you with novelty. But the service culture here is extraordinary. Generations of families return every year specifically because the staff knows them. The Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course is one of the most beloved in the Pacific.
Best for: Returning guests, travelers who value history and culture over flash, golfers, beach purists.
Watch out for: Rooms are dated compared to newly renovated competitors. Book ocean-facing rooms to maximize value.
5. Fairmont Orchid Best All-Around Luxury Resort
Location: Kohala Coast, Waikoloa | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.6/5 (3,800+ reviews)
The Fairmont Orchid occupies the sweet spot between the ultra-luxury tier above and the upper-upscale resorts below. It’s genuinely five-star, with one of the best swimming beaches on the Kohala Coast, an outstanding spa, and a children’s program that makes it appropriate for families traveling with young kids.
The grounds cover 32 acres and include tennis courts, a freshwater pool, and a protected snorkeling cove. The resort’s restaurants, Brown’s Beach House and Norio’s Japanese Steakhouse, are among the best on the island. Norio’s omakase, in particular, is worth making a reservation for even if you’re not staying here.
The Fairmont’s family program is a genuine differentiator: Camp Orchid keeps kids ages 5-12 occupied with Hawaiian cultural activities, tidepool exploration, and cooking classes while parents have uninterrupted adult time. This makes it competitive with the Hilton Waikoloa for families willing to spend more on accommodations.
Best for: Families with older children who want luxury without paying Four Seasons prices, couples who want a classic resort experience with excellent dining.
Watch out for: Resort fees are not included in the base rate factor in an additional $$/night.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Big Island Hawaii
1. Hilton Waikoloa Village Best Resort for Families
Location: Waikoloa | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.2/5
No resort in Hawaii generates more photos from families with young children than the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The property is effectively a theme park and hotel combined. Three miles of canals run through the 62-acre grounds, and guests travel between buildings by boat or monorail. There are two waterslide towers, a dolphin interaction program, a marine sanctuary lagoon, multiple pools, a rope course, mini golf, and a lazy river.
It’s not the most refined resort experience, the rooms are aging and the service can feel impersonal given the scale, but for families traveling with kids between ages 4 and 14, it is unmatched. Kids will not want to leave the property. The dolphin interaction program (paid add-on, around $$/person) is a once-in-a-trip memory.
The resort’s location is also convenient to the Waikoloa Beach Resort area’s shopping and restaurants, which gives parents options beyond the hotel’s expensive on-property dining.
Best for: Families with kids ages 4-14, multi-generational travel, any trip where keeping children entertained is the primary objective.
Watch out for: It’s enormous (1,240 rooms) and can feel chaotic at peak times. Resort fees and parking add $$/night to the listed rate. The dolphin and marine programs book out weeks in advance. Reserve early.
2. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Best Family Value on Kohala Coast
Location: Waikoloa | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.3/5
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott delivers genuine family value on the Kohala Coast. The resort sits directly on Anaehoomalu Bay, a calm, protected beach with excellent snorkeling right off the sand, and the on-property amenities include a large pool complex, waterslide, and beach sports equipment rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear).
It’s a step below the Fairmont or Four Seasons in terms of luxury, but for families focused on beach time and outdoor activity, the location at A-Bay is arguably superior to any competing resort. The beach here is one of the safest for swimming with young children, and the protected bay means waves are gentle year-round.
The Lava Lava Beach Club, an open-air restaurant right on the sand adjacent to the resort, is the best casual dining spot on the Kohala Coast and becomes a beloved family tradition for returning guests.
Best for: Families who want beach access over resort amenities, Marriott Bonvoy members, travelers who want the Kohala Coast without paying luxury prices.
Watch out for: Rooms are comfortable but not luxurious. The pool complex is good, not great.
Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Big Island Hawaii
1. Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa Best Kid-Friendly in Kona
Location: Kona | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.2/5
The Outrigger Kona sits on a hillside above Keauhou Bay, and its manta ray program is the single best activity available to families staying in Kona. Every evening, manta rays congregate in the bay below the resort, attracted by underwater lights. The Outrigger runs a dedicated viewing platform and snorkel experience where guests can watch or swim with mantas without leaving the property. Children who experience this rarely forget it.
Beyond the manta program, the resort has a large pool with waterslide, a dedicated kids’ zone, and easy access to Captain Cook Monument and the best snorkeling on the island at Kealakekua Bay. The resort’s location in Keauhou is slightly south of central Kona, which means it’s quieter than downtown options.
Best for: Families where the manta ray experience is a priority, guests who want a quieter Kona alternative to downtown properties.
Watch out for: The hillside location means some rooms require elevator access and the beach is rocky rather than sandy. Plan for a rental car.
2. Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Best Kid-Friendly Downtown Kona
Location: Downtown Kona | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.1/5
This is the most central hotel in Kona, sitting directly on Kamakahonu Beach, a small, protected bay that is one of the calmest swimming spots on the island and ideal for young children. The historic site adjacent to the hotel (Ahuena Heiau, a restored Hawaiian temple) adds a cultural dimension that enriches the stay.
Walking distance to restaurants, shave ice shops, the Kona Farmers Market, and glass-bottom boat tours makes this the most practical base for families who want to explore Kona without relying on a car for every activity.
Best for: Families who prioritize walkability and central access, first-time Big Island visitors who want to be in the middle of everything.
Watch out for: Rooms are standard hotel-quality, not resort-quality. This is a Courtyard, not a luxury property.
Best Boutique Hotels in Big Island Hawaii
1. SCP Hilo Hotel Best Overall Boutique
Location: Hilo | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.5/5
SCP (Soul Community Planet) Hilo is the most thoughtfully designed hotel on the east side of the island. The brand’s model centers on sustainability and wellness: rooms use organic linens, the cafe serves locally sourced food, a communal yoga space is open to guests and locals, and the property’s carbon footprint is actively managed. It doesn’t feel preachy, it feels like a genuinely well-considered place to stay.
The hotel is in downtown Hilo, walking distance to the Hilo Farmers Market (open Tuesday and Saturday, one of the best in Hawaii), the historic Palace Theater, and the waterfront. It’s an hour from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For travelers who want to experience the real, unhurried side of the Big Island, SCP Hilo is the right base.
Best for: Solo travelers, eco-conscious couples, photographers, anyone who prefers local immersion over resort isolation.
Watch out for: Hilo gets significantly more rain than the Kohala Coast. If sunny weather is non-negotiable, this isn’t your hotel.
2. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls Most Unique Boutique
Location: Hilo | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.7/5
Located on a 22-acre working farm above Hilo, the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls sits directly alongside a 120-foot waterfall. Guests can swim in the natural pool at the base of the falls. The property has only eight rooms, all decorated with Hawaiian art and antiques, and the owners grow much of the food served at breakfast.
This is one of the most singular accommodations in all of Hawaii, not just the Big Island. There’s nothing manufactured about it. The farm raises exotic birds, the mist from the falls drifts across the lanai in the mornings, and on clear nights the stars above the farm are extraordinary.
Best for: Couples seeking an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience; nature lovers; photographers.
Watch out for: Very small book well in advance. Not appropriate for guests who need resort amenities or want beach access.
3. Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant Best Boutique Near Volcanoes
Location: Volcano Village | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.5/5
Kilauea Lodge has operated since 1938, originally as a YMCA camp. The property is now a 12-room inn in Volcano Village, a short drive from the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The rooms mix antique furnishings with modern conveniences, and the fireplaces are not decorative. Volcano Village sits at 3,700 feet elevation and evenings get genuinely cold.
The restaurant is the best in Volcano Village, serving European-influenced cuisine in a cozy dining room with a fireplace built from international currencies and coins, a tradition dating to the lodge’s earliest years. Staying here means waking up in the forest at elevation, surrounded by tree ferns, with the park minutes away.
Best for: Hikers, volcano explorers, travelers who want a cozy lodge feel rather than a resort.
Watch out for: Only 12 rooms, it books quickly during peak season. Reserve early.
4. Volcano Village Lodge Best Private Bungalow Experience
Location: Volcano Village | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 4.6/5
Five standalone bungalows set in a private rainforest make up the Volcano Village Lodge. Each bungalow has a gas fireplace, private outdoor hot tub, and lush garden surroundings. The property leans into privacy; there’s no central lobby or shared common space, and you’re unlikely to encounter other guests. It’s a genuinely secluded forest escape within walking distance of Volcano Village’s restaurants and galleries.
Best for: Couples who want complete privacy, hot tub access, and a forest atmosphere.
Watch out for: No restaurant or spa on-site, plan your meals around the village’s options.
Best Budget Hotels in Big Island Hawaii
1. Royal Kona Resort Best Budget Value on the Water
Location: Downtown Kona | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 3.8/5
The Royal Kona Resort is the most affordable waterfront hotel in Kona, and its location on a lava peninsula with a saltwater swimming lagoon is genuinely special. The property is older and the rooms are not luxurious, but the setting, surrounded by water on three sides, with a bar that catches the best sunset views in Kona, punches well above the price point.
The lagoon (a protected inlet of the ocean, not a pool) is calm enough for swimming and kayaking. The Don the Beachcomber Restaurant is one of the iconic spots in Kona for a sunset cocktail. If your priority is a waterfront location without paying resort prices, the Royal Kona is your answer.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who still want a waterfront feel, guests who spend most of their time exploring rather than at the hotel.
Watch out for: The rooms need updating. Ask for a renovated room when booking. Confirm air conditioning quality before arrival.
2. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo (DoubleTree by Hilton) Best Budget on the East Side
Location: Hilo | Starting price: ~$$/night | Rating: 3.9/5
The Grand Naniloa is the only full-service hotel on Hilo Bay, with stunning views of the water and Mauna Kea on clear days. The DoubleTree Hilton flag means Hilton Honors points apply, the property is well-maintained, and there’s a pool and restaurant on-site. By Hilo standards, this is the closest thing to a resort experience available.
The hotel’s location on the bay puts you minutes from Rainbow Falls, the Hilo Farmers Market, and the boat launch for whale watching tours. It’s also the most convenient base for driving to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Best for: Hilton Honors members, travelers who want the east side experience without roughing it.
Watch out for: Hilo is quiet at night. If nightlife is part of your trip, this isn’t the right base.
Which part of the Big Island is best to stay?
It depends on your trip style. The Kohala Coast (Waikoloa area) is best for luxury resort vacations with reliable sunny weather. Kona is best for families and travelers who want central access to activities. Hilo is best for nature lovers and east-side exploration. Volcano Village is best if Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is your main destination.
Is it better to stay in Waikoloa or Kailua-Kona?
Waikoloa for the resort experience; Kona for the town experience. Waikoloa’s resorts are larger, grander, and more beach-focused, but you’ll need a car to get anywhere off-property. Kona is walkable, has better restaurant variety at lower prices, and is more convenient as a base for island exploration.
What is the nicest resort on the Big Island?
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai consistently ranks as the finest property, it’s held Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings for over two decades. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is the most exclusive and the most expensive.
What is the best area to stay for first-time visitors?
Kona or Waikoloa on the west side. The weather is more reliable (the east side gets significantly more rain), and these areas put you closest to the most popular activities: snorkeling, manta ray tours, Mauna Kea, and the Kohala Coast beaches.
Do Big Island resorts charge resort fees?
Most do. Expect an additional $$/night in mandatory resort fees at Kohala Coast properties, separate from parking ($$/night at most resorts). Always factor these into your total cost when comparing hotels they are not included in most advertised room rates.
When is the best time to visit Big Island hotels?
Peak rates apply June through August and December through January. Shoulder season (February-May and September-November) offers the same weather at 20-30% lower prices. The Kohala Coast is sunny and dry year-round; the east side (Hilo, Volcano) is rainier but more lush.
