Introducing this series:
Since August 2024, I have been living and working across the islands of Hawaiʻi.
I began on Big Island, then worked my way up to Maui, Oahu, Molokai, and Kauai, where I am currently writing this.
I am extremely fortunate to have spent several weeks on each island, exploring the most beautiful landscapes and having the most life-changing experiences.
Though I arrived with no money (seriously), I’ve been able to travel long-term in Hawaiʻi thanks to doing work exchanges.
For those curious, a work exchange, or work trade, is essentially volunteering in exchange for free accommodation.
I found all of my work exchanges through a search platform called Worldpackers. After you pay for an annual membership (get $10 off with code “Lydia7”), you can apply to an unlimited number of opportunities around the world.
If you’re interested in learning more, I will soon have a guide to work exchanges.
All this to say, I’ve accumulated travel insights into each island past the tourist level that I would love to share with you.
This will be the first of this series on my top recommendations for things to do, places to see, and favorite food spots on each island in Hawaiʻi.
In this article, I will focus on the southernmost island in the chain: Big Island, also known as the Island of Hawaiʻi.
Big Island Favorites:
As the first island I’ve ever visited, Big Island will always hold a special place in my heart.
I spent 7 weeks volunteering at My Hawaii Hostel — a life of meeting people from around the world, witnessing the most gorgeous sunsets, and experiencing mind-blowing terrain.
Here are my favorite spots on Big Island.
Disclaimer: I spent most of my time on the Kona side, so I have less knowledge of the Hilo side.
Kona side:
Beaches:
- Kekaha Kai State Beach
- Mahai’ula beach
- Makalawena Beach
- Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)
- Papakōlea Beach (Green Sands)
Sights:
- Kona Point
- Southernmost Point of the United States
Hikes:
- Captain Cook Monument Trail
- Hike to Green Sands Beach (instead of paying to off-road)
Activities:
- Snorkeling with manta rays
- Coffee farm tour
- Chocolate farm tour
- Peace Botanical Garden
- Hāwī Farmers Market’
- Waimea Town Market
- Keauhou Farmer’s Market
- Big Island Mkt Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market & Artisans Fair
Eats:
- Breadbasket
- Da Bread Stand
- Sundog Bread
- Lele’s Bakery & Restaurant
Hilo side:
Beaches:
- Carlsmith Beach Park
- Richardson Ocean Park
- Kehena Black Sand Beach
Sights:
- Pololū Valley Lookout
- Waipi’o Black Sand Beach Lookout
- Lauhalaland
- MacKenzie State Recreation Area
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
- Hōlei Sea Arch
- ‘Akaka Falls
- Waiale Falls
- Rainbow Falls
Hikes:
- Pololū Valley Beach
Some hikes I plan to do next time include:
- Shipman Beach / Haena Beach
- Waipi’o Black Sand Beach
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park hikes
Activities:
- Stargazing at Mauna Kea
- Hilo Farmer’s Market
Eats:
- Punalu’u Bake Shop
- Papa’a Palaoa Bakery
- Maku’u Farmer’s Market
FAQ’s:
Should I visit both the Kona and Hilo sides? Where should I stay? What should I wear?
Both sides are definitely musts on any trip to Big Island!
Where you stay depends on what you’re looking for.
Kona is the sunnier, drier side with more white sand beaches.
Hilo is the wetter, greener side with volcanic beaches.
Most visitors tend to opt for the Kona side.
How long should I stay?
On my first trip to the Big Island, I stayed for 5 nights. I feel like I barely scratched the surface, but it offered a good taste of the island.
In my opinion, any Hawaiian island deserves at least 1 week to fully take in all sides and main experiences.
What should I wear?
Hawaiʻi doesn’t have four seasons. There is a rainy season and a drier season, which means the temperature does not vary greatly throughout the year.
Dress for warm, tropical weather: shorts, tank tops, dresses, sun cover-ups, and sandals.
Aim for looser-fitted clothing that is breathable and can ideally dry fast, if you are around water or it rains.
Bring swimsuits. Rash guards are helpful as well, as the sun is super powerful at all times of the year, due to the island’s proximity to the equator.
Attire is casual anywhere on the island, even in more upscale places. But it’s always nice to have at least one “going-out” evening outfit.
A windbreaker may also be necessary, especially when the sun goes down, or you plan to visit areas at higher elevations, such as Mauna Kea, which can get very cold (this is coming from a girl raised in Chicago, trust me).
What makes Big Island different from the other Hawaiian Islands?
Big Island’s main appeal is its stark diversity in landscapes.
The name “Big Island” comes from the fact that it’s twice the size of all the Hawaiian Islands combined, and is still growing from volcanic activity.
It has 10 of the world’s 14 major climate zones, making it one of the most climatically diverse spots in the world.
For those looking for a more unique, less commercialized vacation experience with a range of activities and regions to roam, look no further than the Island of Hawaiʻi.
What is the official color of Hawaiʻi Island?
Red — which comes from Pele, Goddess of fire, and the island’s official flower: the red ʻōhiʻa lehua blossom.
What are some of your favorite spots on Hawaiʻi Island? I’d love to learn from you as well in the comments!
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