Let us set the scene for your upcoming Big Island vacation. Imagine waking up to palm trees, the perfect ocean breeze, coconuts, chickens roaming free, and the feeling of being on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It has to be one of the best feelings in the world. People travel near and far to experience this feeling and that is exactly why we want to help YOU have the Big Island vacation of a lifetime!
The Big Island is split into two “sides” — the Kona side and the Hilo side. A fun fact about this island is that the Big Island is twice as big as all of the other islands combined! That said, it takes about eight hours to drive around the entire island.
Depending on how many people are traveling with you and how many rooms you need, Big Island vacation rentals on the Hilo side range from $89 to around $500. On the Kona side, prices range from $130 to over $1,000. Depending on how much you are willing to spend and what excursions you are interested in, your trip to the Big Island will likely fizzle down to either the Kona side or the Hilo Side.
On your Big Island vacation, we recommend visiting Aloha Adventure Farms to take an exciting and scenic Big Island ATV Tour. We also recommend carving your own tiki on our Polynesian Wood Carving Tour alongside a 4th generation Master Carver direct from Tonga. It’s truly an experience you won’t forget!
Looking for some more adventures? Swimming with Manta Rays in Kailua-Kon should be on your bucket list, along with visiting the famous Kilauea Volcano on the Hilo side. You won’t want to miss tasting the “World’s Best Coffee” right here in Kona and whale watching (if you’re here in the winter). Whatever activities catch your attention, we advise that you triple-check that it is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i. The Islands of Hawaii share many of the same names which can be confusing for visitors when planning your Big Island vacation. A quick review of geography to remember that the Hawaiian islands are more than just Honolulu is going to be really helpful!
Looking for some restaurant recommendations? We are big foodies over here and want to share with you some of our go-to’s! Some great, family favorite restaurants in downtown Kona are:
- Kai Eats & Drinks (sit down restaurant right on the ocean)
- Foster’s Kitchen (sit down restaurant on the second floor of a building, also with an ocean view)
- Island Corner Cafe (casual restaurant in the Lanihau Center, near Kailua Bay in Kona)
- Cafe Pesto (wood-fired pizza, ocean view, in Hilo)
- Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery (local art and hula dancing in Hawii) to name a few.
Throughout the year, the climate on the Big Island of Hawaii stays between a beautiful 68°F to 87°F. From Big Island vacation rentals to delicious food, from legendary adventures at Aloha Adventure Farms to swimming with Manta Rays, this is sure to be a vacation of a lifetime! We can’t wait to see you soon.