The Big Island of Hawai‘i offers abundant opportunities to choose your own adventure and your choice of where to stay shapes the story. One moment you’re standing before an erupting volcano (which happened twice during my visit between December, 2025 and January, 2026), the next you’re driving past snow-capped peaks, coffee farms, waterfalls and beaches dusted in black, white or even green sand. As the youngest, largest and most volcanically active Hawaiian island, the Island of Hawai’i (commonly known as The Big Island) probably packs more diversity into one place than anywhere else in the US – featuring eight of the world’s 13 climate zones. From lush, tropical coastlines to otherworldly lava fields and alpine terrain, every region feels like a different island altogether. But it’s a BIG island and many of the best destinations are hours apart. The secret to experiencing it all? Choose your accommodations wisely – or better yet, choose one in each area to spend less time driving and more time exploring.
Choose your Big Island hotel based on where you want to explore
Island Breeze Luau at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort
This family-friendly lowkey resort – with clean basic rooms and balconies overlooking picturesque Kamakahonu Bay – makes a great hotel to begin your adventure, as it is less than a 20-minute drive from the airport. Situated steps from downtown Kona waterfront, on the ancestral sacred grounds of King Kamehameha, the location is convenient to explore Hawaiian craft and souvenir markets, bars and restaurants, cultural sites and shops along the majestic Pacific. Steps from the hotel, take a dip in the pool, sail, kayak, paddleboard, scuba dive, or even challenge yourself to the famous IRONMAN® World Championship Swim Course alongside the pier.
Nestled on the grounds where Hawaii’s most famous King ruled, the resort has an array of historical and cultural experiences throughout, in honor of this deep history. The Island Breeze Luau is the top reason to stay here – as the lavish buffet with traditional foods accompanied by singing, dancing and fire dinner show is the best way to become immersed in authentic Polynesian culture, right on the grounds of the Kamehameha the Great’s former estate.
As the sunset dips below the oceanfront horizon, live music and dance impress with festive hula dancers, fire dancers, and the Royal Court in colorful costume. Learn the stories of Hawaiian history, that have been passed down for generations. Watch the unearthing of the slow-roasted pig from the ‘imu (underground oven), participate in traditional Hawaiian games, and imbibe on Mai Tais at the open bar. Fill your plate with incredible dishes like fresh poke, mac’ salad, Kahlua pork, teriyaki beef, purple sweet potato, fresh catch of the day, island fruits and more local ingredients. An assortment of Hawaiian desserts beckon at the end of the night, like banana bread, ube cheesecake, pineapple upside down cake, lilikoi bars and Haupia.
Thank you to Kona Beach Resort for hosting my stay so I could experience the property firsthand.
Venture Out in Nature
Rainforest, volcano, waterfall, and driving adventures await from SCP Hilo Hotel
For travelers seeking the perfect base to explore the lush, tropical side of the Big Island, SCP Hilo Hotel offers an authentic, minimalist stay across from a peaceful bayfront and close to snorkeling coves protected by volcanic rock barriers. This side of the island feels like old-school Hawai’i – greener, quieter, and deeply connected to nature. One morning, I walked just over a mile from the hotel to downtown Hilo to browse the Hilo Farmers Market, then cooled off with a POG lilikoi shave ice topped with condensed milk from neighboring Kula Shave Ice.
The hotel leans into local culture. At Christmastime, a complimentary ukulele lesson was offered in the lobby—an especially memorable moment after watching sea turtles drift across the bay just steps away. Guests can also borrow bikes or stand-up paddleboards, making it easy to explore the surrounding area at a relaxed pace. Next door, the 25-acre Lili‘uokalani Gardens invite wandering, with arched bridges crossing fishponds and pagodas that feel transported from another era.
SCP Hilo Hotel is ideally positioned to visit some of the Big Island’s most iconic sights. Rainbow Falls is just a short drive away, while Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park – home to steam vents, crater hikes, and the world’s most active volcano – is an easy half-day trip. Take in an afternoon drive north toward Waimea, stopping to take in the sweeping coastal views at Waipi‘o Valley Lookout. Along the way, visit the Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden, one of the most impressive gardens I’ve ever experienced. Meandering through its 17 acres at the edge of the Onomea Valley, I kept thinking “Jurassic Park.” Boardwalks descend beneath towering palms and tree ferns into a rainforest dotted with waterfalls, orchids, and other unique rare flowers, eventually opening to winding paths showcasing more than 2,500 species of thriving tropical plants – an unforgettable reminder of just how wild and beautiful this side of the island can be.
Live Life Aquatic
Snorkel and swim steps from your room at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resort
Nestled in the heart of the sunny Kohala Coast, this soulful 34-acre retreat hugs an exceptional half mile of coastline. Designed for every generation, the Auberge property is anchored on a swimmable white sand cove, one that is easy to float amongst the warm waters and reefs to admire an extraordinary amount of dazzling tropical fish and sea turtles. The diversity of marine life is truly like swimming in a cultivated aquarium. The Mauna Lani Beach Club becomes a gathering place, from sunrise to sunset, for relaxation and adventure. Make complimentary leis, devour lobster rolls, or jet out at sunrise on a canoe paddle with local guides who bring the spirit of aloha and a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature. Offshore, witness the tallest mountains in the world from the glow of dawn and dive under the boat to hear whale song, from January through March, when a plethora of whales make themselves known on the horizon by slapping their tales and fully breaching.
Adding to this awe-inspiring connection to the ocean, the hotel’s restaurant, CanoeHouse, led by female Chef Rhoda Magbitang, was our favorite meal of our entire 3-week Big Island trip. The stunning sunset restaurant setting (once a canoe storage site where the Duke Kahanamoku and Babe Ruth sought respite) amplifies any meal, while the culinary journey offers Japanese inspired dishes crafted with fresh island ingredients. Highlights included Kona Kanpachi in Coconut Ginger Sauce and shareable dishes like Lobster Tempura, Japanese Milk Bread, Oysters, Scallop Sashimi, and Garlic Fried Rice with a sous vide egg.
Perfect for multigenerational family travel, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resort truly offers something for everyone. Shaped by ancient lava flows and framed by sweeping ocean and island views, the resort’s championship golf courses feel inseparable from their dramatic surroundings. Surfers can catch a wave just steps from the beach, while complimentary yoga classes, bikes, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and other activities ensure there’s always something to do—or not do, if relaxation is the goal. Families will especially appreciate the resort’s Honu program, which raises sea turtle hatchlings in saltwater ponds before releasing them into the ocean, adding a meaningful, educational element to the stay. Even an outpost of luxury retailer Goop, located just off the main lobby, invites leisurely browsing with its curated mix of resort wear, jewelry, and beauty finds.
After swimming alongside colorful fish and spotting resting turtles along the coastline, unwind poolside or retreat to an airy, newly renovated oceanfront suite. With modern design, a private lanai, and uninterrupted views of the sea, the rooms are designed to soothe. Lulled by the rhythmic sound of the waves, it’s easy for even the most overworked nervous system to fully unwind.
Thank you to Mauna Lani, Auberge Resort for hosting my stay so I could write this detailed review.
Rest and Relaxation
Standalone bungalows offer quiet sanctuary at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
For those looking for the ultimate peace and privacy, this iconic hideaway feels less like a hotel and more like a secluded Hawaiian village rediscovered. Fifteen minutes from the airport, Kona Village is a great place to end a Big Island adventure. Deeply rooted in its surroundings, Thailand came to mind as I meandered the pathway where ancient lava once flowed, connecting the black volcanic stone to the blue Pacific beach with an oasis of palm trees reflecting in the ponds around each standalone hale.
Nature takes center stage – tide pools shimmer, sunsets are theatrical, stars envelope the entire skyline, and the steady sound of the waves relaxes the soul. Luxury doesn’t compete with nature, respectfully stepping aside so the land can speak for itself. There are no high-rise buildings or imposing structures, just low-slung bungalows (with classy thoughtful décor and design) featuring arched high vaulted ceilings, spa-like bathrooms, no televisions, and expansive lanais positioned to maximize connection to the outdoors. The standalone rooms feel like personal sanctuaries – places where you don’t just sleep, but fully exhale.
Situated on an ancient Hawaiian fishing village that thrived on Ka‘ūpūlehu’s shores for centuries, Kona Village echoes their ancient wisdom with a respectful, innovative reimagining – shaped by those who know and honor the land. Water, wai, is sacred here. From marine wildlife conservation to the resort’s own reverse osmosis treatment plant, this divine element is protected in all its forms.
A three-Michelin-Key honoree, Kona Village delights with surprises tucked into every corner of the land. Lava pathways flicker with fire as they lead to the spa, while a petroglyph trail winds across ancient rock, grounding the resort in Hawai‘i’s deep history. Birdsong fills the air, and even the simple act of mailing a coconut from the resort’s charming wooden post office hut feels delightfully unexpected. As the day winds down, sip a sunset cocktail at the Shipwreck Bar and Sushi on the beach, or linger over a relaxed beachside lunch featuring fresh Kona Kanpachi ceviche and ahi poke nachos—each moment unfolding with a sense of discovery that feels uniquely Kona Village.
