If you’re craving the kind of adventure where one day you’re hiking a volcano and the next you’re snorkeling in a calm turquoise bay, the Big Island of Hawaii is your spot. I honestly didn’t expect it to feel so different from the other Hawaiian islands—but it surprised me in the best ways.
There’s this rawness to the Big Island. Fewer crowds, more room to roam, and a sense of nature doing its thing without interruption. I found beaches with black, green, and golden sand. I got drenched in mist standing near waterfalls and even saw the glow of lava in the distance. If you’re planning your first trip—or just wondering if this island is worth the flight—this guide covers what stood out most during my time here.
Where Is the Big Island?
The Big Island—officially called Hawaii Island—is the youngest and largest of all the Hawaiian islands. It’s almost twice the size of all the others combined, which gives it a bit of everything: beaches, jungles, mountains, lava fields, and even snow-capped peaks in winter on Mauna Kea.
There are two main airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west coast and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east. I flew into Kona and road-tripped my way across—something I’d recommend if you want to experience both sides of the island.
Best Things to Do on the Big Island
🌋 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This was the highlight of my trip. The lava fields stretched for miles and looked almost moon-like. I hiked across the Kilauea Iki Trail, stood near steaming craters, and stayed until after dark to catch a glimpse of the lava glow. It’s surreal.
🌿 Akaka Falls & Hilo’s Rainforest Side
Hilo feels lush, laid-back, and green—so different from Kona. I spent a morning walking to Akaka Falls, one of the tallest in Hawaii, and it was like stepping into a jungle postcard.
🏖️ Relaxing on Black Sand Beaches
I had never seen a beach like Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. The contrast of jet-black sand and the teal ocean is stunning—and yes, I spotted sea turtles napping in the sun.
🐠 Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay
On the west coast near Captain Cook, I snorkeled at Kealakekua Bay and swam through schools of fish I didn’t even know existed. If you like marine life, this spot is a must.
🌄 Mauna Kea Stargazing
This was the clearest sky I’ve ever seen. I didn’t hike to the summit (you’ll need a 4WD and a warm jacket), but even from the visitor center, the stars were unreal.
How Many Days Do You Need on the Big Island?
I stayed for six days, and it felt just right. The island is big enough that driving from one side to the other takes a couple of hours, so staying in two areas—like Kona and Hilo—can help split up the trip and give you very different vibes.
If you’re short on time, you could do a lot in 3-4 days, but with 7 days, you’ll get to explore waterfalls, snorkel, hike, and still have downtime on the beach.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
I visited in late spring, and the weather was close to perfect—sunny in Kona, occasional showers in Hilo, but always warm. In general:
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Whale season + cooler temps, especially at altitude.
- Spring (Mar–May): Fewer crowds, great weather.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hotter, good for beach days.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Quieter, but watch for storms.
West Side vs. East Side: Where Should You Stay?
- Kona (West Coast) is dry, sunny, and full of resorts and snorkel spots. If you want beach days, cocktails, and sunsets, this is your side.
- Hilo (East Coast) is greener, rainier, and closer to waterfalls and volcano hikes. It’s less polished but more local and lush.
I split my stay and loved seeing both.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Big Island
- Rent a car. You’ll need one to get around.
- Check the volcano status. Visit the NPS website to see if lava is visible during your trip.
- Bring layers. It gets chilly at altitude (Mauna Kea and Volcano Park).
- Don’t rush it. Distances are longer than they look, and you’ll want time to stop along the way.
Final Thoughts: Is the Big Island Worth Visiting?
If you love nature, slower travel, and seeing a wilder side of Hawaii, the Big Island is 100% worth it. It’s not about party scenes or flashy beaches—it’s about lava trails, quiet bays, and stargazing like you’ve never seen before. I left feeling like I experienced Hawaii on a deeper level here.
FAQs
What is the Big Island known for?
It’s known for its active volcanoes, black and green sand beaches, diverse climates, and being the largest island in Hawaii.
How do I get to the Big Island?
You can fly into Kona or Hilo from other Hawaiian islands or from major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and Seattle.
Can you see lava on the Big Island?
Sometimes! Check the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website before your visit for current lava activity.
Is it better to stay in Hilo or Kona?
Both! Kona is great for sunshine and snorkeling, while Hilo is perfect for waterfalls and volcano access.
Do I need a 4WD for Mauna Kea?
Only if you’re planning to drive to the summit. You can stargaze from the visitor center with a regular car.
