Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide. 60+ Insider Tips From A Fulltime Resident.

A total reset of mind and body. That describes a visit to the Island of Hawaii. Arriving on the island, you are met with a vibrancy of elements, from the warm sun to the gentle trade winds to the gorgeous turquoise-to-sapphire ocean.

Delicious tropical fruits, avocados, coconuts, fresh seafood, and grass-fed island beef nourish your body, while swimming in the ocean, relaxing in the warm sun, enjoying colorful tropical plants, and slowing down to a relaxed pace of life rejuvenates your well-being.

This holistic reset is so rejuvinating that we used to visit at least once a year from the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to the Island of Hawaii (aka Big Island) full-time in 2020.

This Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide shares my insider info as both an experienced visitor and now a full-time resident. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

What Makes the Island of Hawaii Unique?

Size & Age

The 4,000+ sq. mi. Island of Hawaii is by far the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago, with 63% of the land mass of all Hawaiian islands combined. It’s actually the largest island in the United States. The Big Island is also the youngest Hawaiian Island, with active volcanos regularly creating new land with ultra-slow lava flow.

Height

The world’s tallest mountain is located here: the dormant, yet truly majestic Mauna Kea volcano. It rises more than 33,000 ft from the ocean floor and more than 13,000 ft above sea level.

Variety

Wet side/dry side, jungle/desert, … these terms generalize the Big Island’s natural landscapes. A fascinating closer look reveals that 10 of Earth’s 14 climate zone categories are found here, including alpine snow.

It’s Spacious

Unlike the urban highrise hotels of Honolulu and the tightly-packed resorts on Maui lined up like piano keys along a single beach, resorts on the Island of Hawaii are spacious and expansive. Each resort on the Kohala coast, for example, has rolling lawns and only one resort per beach cove.

Overview Map of Hawaii’s Big Island

Timing For Your Trip

The best time of year to visit

Considerations for timing your Hawaiian vacation include high season (number of people and cost), sun index/temperature, and surf height.

High Season

The table below demonstrates Hawaii Island’s Average Daily Visitor Census, with the high-season months in bold. For context, Oahu’s average tourist count for high-season months is well over 100,000 and Maui is in the 70,000s range, and they are significantly smaller islands.

Most tourists visit Hawaii during the holidays and summer break, as you can see in the chart below. Since the chart below has average monthly data, it doesn’t show that there are short peaks in February for ski week, in April for spring break, and in November for Thanksgiving; if you notice a bump in airline and accommodation pricing during these particular weeks that’s why.

Temperature & Sun Index

The weather in Hawaii is pleasant year-round. Summer can get hot with humid upper 80s / low 90s temperatures. Winter temperatures are lovely and warm in the humid upper 70s.

You will instantly feel how intense the sun’s rays are in Hawaii because of how much closer it is to the equator than the continental US. Average UV rays range between High, Very High, and Extreme depending on the season. Take great care with sun protection while visiting the Big Island. You may want to visit during the winter months if you are sensitive to the sun.

Source: NOAA, NWS, UV Index Annual Time Series: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/stratosphere/uv_index/uv_annual.shtml

Surf

Waves tend to be larger during the winter months. Big kids might love this for boogie boarding. If you have small children, I recommend booking accommodations with a pool during the winter months.

The ideal length of your visit

Long Stays

I have found that longer stays, more than a week, offered me more time to unwind and get into the slower pace of island life. 10 days was the sweet spot for me.

I enjoyed going to two islands during my vacations. We would first go to either Oahu or Maui to get into the rhythm of the islands and then end with the super slow Big Island. Including two island experiences on one trip added so much depth, adventure, and variety to our vacations.

Short Stays

People tend to approach travel to Hawaii as a long vacation destination, with visits averaging 8-10 days according to the Hawaii Dept of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. If you live in the western US though, finding a great price on a direct flight makes a quick trip to the islands easy and so fun. It’s a quick adventure, a quick thaw, a quick reset. Booking a luxurious massage and a lovely meal on your first day or two can expedite your shifting into vacation mode.

Activity Ideas For A Memorable Visit To The Big Island

Ocean Fun

Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach frequently makes notable beach lists around the world. Located on the Kohala Coast, it has a lot to offer family members of all ages. Its swells are super fun for bobbing in the ocean as well as bodyboarding. Hapuna, being approximately half a mile in length and quite wide, offers plenty of room for visitors to spread out. Ample parking, showers, and bathrooms make it easily accessible for an extended time enjoying the beach. Bring snacks and drinks with you. Visit in the morning for shade near the rocks to the right of the public entrance.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is such an easy fun way to be out on the water, and you can make it as relaxing or sporty as you like. I use our paddleboards more like canoes, sitting/kneeling while paddling. My son is skilled at standing up to paddle and loves to see how fast he can go. Some hotels offer paddleboard yoga; talk about core building! For me, the fun is simply being out on the water and leisurely paddling around.

Bodyboarding (Boogie Boarding)

Have big kids and want to offer them hours of fun? Boogie boards are a fantastic solution. Go out with them to show them the basics and then watch them go, and go and go. Rentals are readily available at hotels and rental shops.

Snorkeling

Ever dream of swimming in turquoise water surrounded by beautiful tropical fish? You will find great joy in snorkeling on the Big Island. This can be as simple as going swimming in the ocean with your snorkel set or as adventurous as going on a snorkeling boat tour.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Night snorkeling with manta rays is an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Boats leave from Kona around sunset, and motor up the coastline. Non-swimmers can enjoy the show from the boat. Snorkelers get in the water and, facing downward, hold onto a giant ring that looks like a hula hoop. Scuba participants anker to the bottom and face upward. Underwater lights attract plankton, which brings the giant, graceful manta rays swimming towards you. They do underwater barrel rolls as they eat the plankton, going around and around with their slow-moving wingspan of 10 to 20+. Few places on earth offer this experience, so I highly recommend these tours during your visit.

Whale Watching

The best time to see whales is during the winter months (December-March). You can frequently spot whales breaching while you are sitting on a North Kona Coast or Kohala Coast beach enjoying a view of the water. No need for binoculars, you can simply look for large splashes offshore. It is a joy to witness.

Even more phenomenal is experiencing whales up close on a whale-watching boat tour. Both of the tours I’ve taken were out of Kawaihae (Kohala Coast) and we had great luck and saw so many whales close to the boat.

Outdoor Adventures – Ka’u

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

If you enjoy natural wonders, Volcanoes National Park will be such a treat for you. It’s a relatively small park, so it’s easy to see the sights in a day. The steam vents and Thurston Lava Tube are short walks and are such a mind-blowing wonder. For a longer (3.5 miles), challenging hike (due to a 400ft descent down the crater and then back up the other side), walking across the hardened lava lake of the Kīlauea Iki crater hike is such a uniquely Big Island activity. Nearby Kilauea erupts on occasion, and if it happens to be during your visit, you are in for a bucket list experience.

Black Sand Beach

Oh, to sink your toes in the sand. Something we’ve all enjoyed from our earliest memories. But black sand? That’s unique! Punaluʻu Beach is close to Volcanoes National Park, so it would be easy to combine visiting these natural wonders. You can also enjoy the black sand beach in Waipio Valley if you choose to do a valley tour there.

Outdoor Adventures – Hamakua Coast

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is truly a sight to behold. Located on the gorgeous Hamakua Coast, the lush, tropical vegetation creates a truly enchanting landscape next to the black sand beach and sapphire blue sea. This tranquil valley was highly valued by the Hawaiian people, its water supporting a variety of farms as a food source. It was home 1000s until the devastating 1946 tsunami. The valley floor has since become an off-the-grid destination.

You can easily drive to the Waipio Valley Lookout and take in a birdseye view. If you want to go beyond the lookout and down into the valley, you will need to go with a tour. We went on a horseback riding tour and it was a special experience that I cherish to this day.

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden

Walking through the rainforest of these botanical gardens will round out your Island of Hawaii experience, especially if your accommodations are on the island’s dry side. The trails aren’t particularly long. However, walking among the tropical plants with views of the ocean is an enriching island experience. Be sure to take the Scenic Route (Old Mamalahoa Rd in Papaikou).

Outdoor Adventures – Kohala

Horseback Riding

Not many people associate cattle ranches when thinking of Hawaii, but the Big Island has a long tradition of cattle and cowboys (Paniolos). A significant portion of the island is ranch lands. A trail ride is a great opportunity to experience this part of Big Island life.

Pololū Valley Lookout

The Pololu Valley Lookout offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views on the island. The view in and of itself is a joy. If you want to get your blood flowing, you can do the moderately challenging hike down to the valley floor and back up (about a mile roundtrip, with 344ft in elevation, and will take about an hour).

Cultural Experiences

Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Visiting Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau offers a historic glimpse into the life of the Hawaiian people, before the arrival of explorers’ ships. Some of the most important traditional Hawaiian sites can be found here, a place that served as a religious and political center for centuries. To this day, it remains an active cultural site for the Hawaiian people.

Petroglyphs

Always fascinating to have a direct link to people so many generations ago, the petroglyphs are a joy to explore and discover. The petroglyph trails are very easy to access and are located near the Waikaloa Beach area hotels and the Mauna Lani area hotels. They are easy to drive to, or if you are staying in the area, the petroglyph trails can be a nice morning walk with a unique view of Hawaiian history.

The Mauna Kea Luau

My favorite place on the island is the Mauna Kea resort. Everywhere you stand on this property offers a postcard-worthy view. On one of its many expansive lawns, overlooking its jewel of an ocean cove is the Mauna Kea Luau. It’s a multi-faceted cultural experience where you can enjoy food, music, dance and storytelling as the sun sets over the Pacific. Wear your aloha attire and enjoy this fun entertainment option during your Island visit.

Accommodations

Resorts With The Best Beaches

Mauna Kea

As a Bonvoy Autograph Collection hotel (“a global collection of distinctive independent hotels carefully crafted to leave a lasting imprint”), and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, Mauna Kea Resort offers a stay like no other. It is the Island of Hawaii’s first resort, envisioned and developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in the 1960s. He designed the hotel to fit into the existing landscape and as a result, everywhere you go on the property feels like you are living in a postcard.

To this day, you can still feel the mid-century glamour in its joyfully updated contemporary design. Especially memorable experiences here are paddleboarding/kayaking, manta ray night snorkeling, and tennis at the seaside courts. The beach is the most beautiful on the island; you are in for a divine gift if you wake up in the early morning and take a barefoot walk in the sand.

Westin Hapuna

Westin Hapuna is a fantastic family hotel. It has a romantic feel to it too. I love Westin’s bedding and I could cozy up and enjoy the room the whole stay if it weren’t for the gorgeous, renowned beach and a pool with epic views beckoning me to come out and play. Piko Coffee & Bar is an open-air lounge with a panoramic ocean view on the central terrace where I love some alone time with a delicious coffee or cocktail depending on the time of day. The property has many features, but some notable to me are a specious, well-appointed gym and the super delicious Meridia restaurant.

Resorts With The Best Pools

The Fairmont Orchid

The Fairmont at nightime with the torches, … it is so pretty! This hotel is great for families and the rooms are pretty and welcoming. The Fairmont has a uniquely shaped pool as well as a small, protected beach cove. My children like to take paddleboards out in the cove, play in the pool and enjoy giant rainbow snowcones in the heat of the day.

Mauna Lani

Where do I start with this effortlessly lux Auberge resort? Mauna Lani is both sophisticated and causal, and will simultaneously inspire you and put you at ease. The pools (main pool, adult pool, and keiki pool) are delightful. The outdoor bar in the center of the property offers not only a picture-perfect view of the main pool and ocean beyond, but also delectable mixed drinks. The hotel’s Halani restaurant is one of my favorite places for lunch. Staying at the Mauna Lani will also provide a priority chance at CanoeHouse reservations (the top restaurant on the island); ask the concierge for CH reservations as soon as your hotel reservations are confirmed.

Four Seasons

The Four Seasons brand speaks for itself with its focus on impeccable service. What’s notable about this property is no dominating hotel tower. Instead, it’s a series of small bungalows and villas interwoven with walking paths, tropical gardens, and pools. I love to explore the property’s series of oases vignettes, revere the property’s fine finishes and details, and savor the fine cuisine. Beach Tree is one of my favorite spots on the island to dine.

Vacation Rentals

Beyond VRBO and Airbnb, which are on the DIY side of things, there are some vacation rental offerings with highly desirable services and amenities to offer.

Hualalai Villa & Homes and Mauna Kea Residences offer the best of both worlds. With all of the amenities and services a world-class resort to take care of the details, you have more time to enjoy your vacation home and your visit. Both properties have a concierge to make your restaurant and island activities reservations, such as snorkeling adventures, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, and helicopter tours.

Mauna Kea Residences are ideal if you love the beach. Not only will you relish your recreation time in the beautiful, historic Mauna Kea Resort, but you will also adore the island’s most sought-after beaches.

Hualalai Villa & Homes is affiliated with the ultra-relaxing, exquisitely luxurious Four Seasons Hualalai. If you are seeking impeccable service and enjoy a swimming pool more than a beach, then Hialalai would be a great option.

Booking tips and considerations

Vacation rental prices swing substantially upward during peak season, so go off-season if you aren’t bound to school vacations. Book early (a year in advance for peak season), to give yourself the most options to select from.

Where To Eat – The Island’s Best Dining Experiences

Restaurants for Exceptional Meals

Halani, Mauna Lani

This farm-to-table restaurant is delightful for an upscale lunch or a cozy dinner. My favorite dish is the Makai Farm Salad with poached lobster, poached shrimp, ahi tuna, mango, avocado, cherry tomato, and liliko’i dressing. Halani reservations

‘Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge, Four Seasons Hualalai

For an evening of sublime culinary artistry, ‘Ulu Ocean Grill is sure to deliver. Their delightfully plated Japanese cuisine and craft cocktails will charm you and have you wondering what you’d like to try next. ‘Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge reservations

Brown’s Beach House, The Fairmont Orchid

Get ready for a romantic evening at Brown’s. Enjoy island-inspired, farm-to-table cuisine in an open-air setting overlooking the sea. Brown’s offers a multi-sensory experience of the beauty of the islands. Brown’s Beach House reservations

Manta, Mauna Kea

You will not be able to take your eyes off of the view. Manta’s Pacific Rim cuisine is enjoyable, yet it’s the setting that I will remember for years to come. Manta reservations

CanoeHouse, Mauna Lani

For serious foodies, make CanoeHouse your top-priority reservation. The luxurious minimalist decor is the perfect backdrop to let the exquisite cuisine steal the show. CanoeHouse’s open-air, oceanfront setting is a lovely spot to watch the sunset. CanoeHouse reservations

Meridia, Westin Hapuna

Meridia is one of my favorite restaurants on the Big Island, featuring hearty and delightful, Mediterranan-inspired cuisine. While there are so many mouthwatering options on the menu, I can’t help but always order the Island Mushroom Risotto while my husband repeats the Big Island Wild Boar Ragu. Meridia reservations

Restaurants for Lunch or Casual Dinners

Tommy Bahama Restuarant & Bar, near Mauna Lani

We’ve always had a great experience at Tommy Bahama. It’s been a wonderful choice for family dinners with a delicious take on Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. The atmosphere is a combination of joyful island style with upscale finishes. Tommy Bahama reservations

Copper Bar, Mauna Kea

CopperBar’s refined, yet casual setting and Hawaiian evening entertainment offer guests a relaxed setting to enjoy its delicious food. It is a favorite of mine for family dinners. They have a nice mix of salads, sushi, flatbreads, small tapas plates, some nice entrees… Their cocktails are delicious. Copper Bar reservations

Restaurants That Are Particularly Great for Families For Children

Beach Tree, Four Seasons Hualalai

I love the Beach Tree. The service there is impeccable, and for a casual restaurant, it couldn’t be more special. Their menu is Californian with Italian influence and everything I’ve ordered has been a delight. There is a large lawn right next to the restaurant where the kids can play between courses. Beach Tree reservations

Hau Tree, Mauna Kea

Notable features of the Hau Tree restaurant are that it’s right on the beach (the most beautiful beach on the island in my opinion) and also features a lawn to the side. The beach and lawn offer plenty of room for kids to stretch their legs and play while they are waiting for their food to arrive. This also allows you to enjoy your Frederico (you’ve 100% got to try Mauna Kea’s signature drink) and take in the stunning scenery. Ovaltine Froths are a Mauka Kea children’s favorite. Hau Tree reservations

Tips on making reservations

Make Dining Reservations ASAP

As soon as you book your accommodation reservation, call the resort’s concierge and ask if they can please book your dinner reservations for your upcoming trip. There is not an abundance of options, so this is particularly important during high-occupancy times and/or if you are traveling with a larger group.

For those of you staying in a vacation rental, make restaurant reservations a top priority after confirming your rental reservation. Another option for rentals, especially if you are a large group, is to have a private chef come to the house to prepare dinner for you.

Consider Early Dining Times

For timing, at the beginning of your trip, you may want to book on the early side to account for jet lag and also enjoy a magnificent sunset as you sip your champagne.

Getting There

Airports

There are two major airports on the Big Island, in Kona and Hilo. These airports are tiny with only a few shops, so if you have specific dietary needs for your return flight, I recommend you bring snacks with you to the airport.

Kona International Airport (KOA)

Kona International Airport is closer to the major resorts and tourist areas. All of the accommodations recommended below are in proximity to KOA.

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Hilo is closer to Volcanoes National Park, but more than an hour away from major resorts. I recommend flying in or out of Hilo if you are beginning or ending your trip on the east side of the island, or if you found a Hilo airfare or car rental deal that makes it worth the long drive.

Ground Transportation

You will need a car. The Big Island is rural and spread out so if you want to get out and see the island and enjoy various beaches, activities and restaurants, a car is a must. Ask about self-parking vs valet at your hotel if you want to keep unnecessary costs down.

Practical Tips

Packing essentials

Pack the minimum amount of items for an easygoing time while also feeling well cared for and beautiful. I realize that this is easier said than done. This type of packing lands somewhere between an art (achieving effortless beauty with minimal items) and a skill (packing just the right items to care for yourself). I’d say a versatile capsule wardrobe with an additional couple of dresses for dinner will serve you well.

Here are some must-haves:

Hats

I always wear a hat during the day. As I mentioned above, the UV Index is either High, Very High or Extreme here so protect your face. (With abnormal cells on my nose teetering on becoming basal cells, I take it seriously.)

High-Quality Sunscreen

Obvious, but seriously. A very limited selection of sunscreen brands is available in shops so bring sunscreen with you if you have a specific brand that works for you.

Easy To Wear Clothing

There is no “scene” on the Big Island, so don’t bring a trunk of fitted fancy frocks that will have you melting in the humidity. Opt for lightweight, breathable cotton or linen which are both beautiful and easy to pack and wear.

Health and safety considerations

Medical Care Considerations

There are a few hospitals on the Big Island that handle a variety of emergencies. However, medivac small plane or helicopter flights to Oahu or Maui are sometimes necessary for cases that need specialist equipment and/or care. Also, if you need to be medically transported back to the mainland that is another level. Check with your health insurance provider about coverage in Hawaii and consider supplemental travel insurance if your current coverage doesn’t cover air ambulances.

Ocean Safety

Look for colorful beach flags (often yellow for medium hazard or red for high hazard) alerting people to current conditions; ask the lifeguard (or a local if you can’t find a lifeguard) for clarification. Many beaches will also have permanent warning signs with hazards for that particular location; be wise and heed the advice.

Sun/UV Safety

It’s not unusual to see tourists here with lobster-red sunburns; it’s painful to witness. One of my worst sunburns in Hawaii from sitting in the shade without sunblock; the UV rays ricocheted off the sand and water and my skin got fried. Moral: Apply sunblock before you go out so you know you are covered, and carry some with you.

Some sun protection tips I am careful to follow are based on American Academy of Dermatology Association recommendations:

• I sit in the shade at the pool or beach.
• I do outdoor activities in the morning or afternoon and seriously avoid being in the sun between the most intense midday hours of 10am-2pm.
• I always wear a hat.
• I invest in high-SPF, water-resistant, quality sunscreens and follow reapplication timing instructions
• I wear sunscreen even in the shade

After A Heavy Rain: River Runoff In The Ocean and Flash Floods On Trails

Ask your resort about ocean water quality if there are very heavy rains in the area. All sorts of things run downstream on heavy rain days such as manure from farms, fertilizers, oils from roads, small dead animals, and generally things that you don’t want to swim in.

I didn’t pay much heed to runoff days until a friend of mine went swimming when there was runoff. It took a few trips to urgent care and many prescriptions to heal a festering infection; since then we don’t go swimming in the ocean on runoff days, particularly with open wounds.

Also, you might avoid remote trails in steep jungle areas when there’s significant rain. People have been washed off the trail and out to sea. The Weather Channel phone app and website have severe weather alerts.

Conclusion

The Island of Hawaii offers an exceptionally vibrant while wholly relaxing break from the hectic hustle of mainland life. In this Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide, I have recommended quiet, spacious accommodations with the highest level of amenities, furnishings, and service; this will allow you the most space and care to support you in fully unwinding and resetting during your visit. Also listed are some highlight activities to enrich and connect you with the unique culture, landmarks, and experiences of the Island of Hawaii. I hope it has been most helpful for you as you plan your upcoming visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which island is the Big Island?

It’s easy to confuse which island is the “Big Island” if you are envisioning population and urban development.

Oahu has the largest population by far and the highest density of both full-time residents and tourists, but it is the smallest of the major Hawaiian islands.

Maui is slightly larger than Oahu. While it doesn’t have a large bustling city like Oahu’s Honolulu, it does have tightly-spaced, highly-developed tourist areas. It has the second most tourists visiting.

The Island of Hawaii is nicknamed “The Big Island” based on its sheer land mass, which is larger than all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined.

Island	Nickname	Land Area (sq mi)	Resident Population Density	Avg Daily Tourist Density
Hawaii	The Big Island	4,028	49.8/sq mi	9/sq mi
Maui	The Valley Isle	727	225.8/sq mi	90/sq mi
Oahu	The Gathering Place	597	1,703.5/sq mi	166/sq mi

Are the active Big Island volcanoes safe?

Volcanic eruptions on the Big Island are fissures with slow-moving lava. Eruptions here are considered exciting spectacles. Residents and tourists alike go after dark or before sunrise to see the glowing lava in the distance. Heed safety officials’ instructions about how to view the lava safely. If the lava is flowing and you want to see it, don’t wait. It can be flowing one day and then the next it’s done.

Is the Big Island of Hawaii worth visiting? What is it known for?

My personal take on generalizing the major Hawaiian islands is this.

Oahu

Oahu is fun if you like city life with tropical flair, particularly in densely urban Honolulu. For a busy buzz and people-watching indulgence, head to charming Waikiki. You can find an abundance of restaurant, nightlife, and shopping options on Oahu too.

Quieter places like Ko Olina are further afield on Oahu, with the gorgeous Four Seasons and Disney Aulani resorts. You still will land at a large airport and take a freeway to get there. There is beautiful nature to enjoy driving up to the Northshore and around the scenic coast of the island.

We have a super fun time getting our city fix when visiting Oahu.

Maui

Maui’s small size and tourist area proximity make the island easily accessible. I love all of the beach options. There are lovely resorts and shopping options. It’s highly developed for the tourist sector. I love gentle Maui.

I do feel shockingly crowded when I’m there because, while it’s not urban, it’s tight. If you love a see-and-be-seen vibe, lots of people, and plenty of restaurant and shopping options, Maui may be a fun option.

Island of Hawaii (Big Island)

The Island of Hawaii is vast, and the spacious expanse of each resort property that I recommended is immediately noticeable.

The island is open and warm with cooling trade winds. The pace is easy-going and slow.

There aren’t an overabundance of restaurant and hotel options, but the resorts I recommended are refined and beautiful. The island is large enough to make going out and exploring and doing activities a tropical adventure.

When we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, I enjoyed starting Hawaiian vacations on either Oahu or Maui for a few days for more busy fun and then heading to the slower, spa-like Big Island for the rest of my trip. I like variety and adventure, and this approach also gave me some runway to slow down to the island life pace.

What is that airport on the Island of Hawaii?

Most tourists fly into Kona International Airport because of its proximity to major resorts.

How long does it take to fly to Hawaii?

It takes 5-6 hours to fly from the West Coast of the US to Hawaii. If you need a connecting flight through Maui or Oahu, it add some time.

Click for more about what to pack in your carry-on tote for a comfortable, entertaining, and secure travel experience.

What time is it on the Island of Hawaii?

Hawaii doesn’t have semi-annual time changes like most of the continental US. The time difference with the mainland therefore changes twice a year while Hawaii’s clocks stay the same.

• Standard Time (November-March) Hawaii is 2 hours ahead of the US West Coast
• Daylight Savings Time (April-October) Hawaii is 3 hours ahead of the US West Coast

What clothing should I pack for Hawaii?

For info on the best breathable fabrics and clothing styles for Hawaii, key items to bring, and essential clothing for sun safety, see: What To Wear In Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide Sources