Hawaii - Hawaii (Big Island) Hotels
Heavenly Hawaii (Big Island)
If you like pina coladas, the sight of hips swaying in a grass skirt, Elvis, swimming with turtles, diving among coral reefs or catching the perfect wave, then this could be the place for you. Hawaii’s Big Island is ideal for an inexpensive trip to paradise, where the nearest continent is more than 3,200km (2,000 miles) away. ... Read more »
Otherwise known as the ‘Orchid Isle’ – thanks to the 30,000 species of the exotic flower found on it – the Big Island is more than double the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined! Clearly, the naming committee went for stating the obvious rather than the poetic, but perhaps that was because there’s so much to see and do on the Big Island that it’s almost impossible to favour just one thing.
Experience the thrill of watching glowing magma spew from some of Earth’s largest volcanoes, and wander the eerie lava moonscape to return to white sandy beaches,mountain trails or rainforests – all in a day’s adventure.
BIG ISLAND’S TOP 10
10. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Of its five volcanoes, two (Mauna Loa and Kilauea) are active. Kilauea has been belching lava continuously for nearly three decades. Gulp! |
5. Pine Trees Surfing Break Dudes! This rocky beach is totally rad (no pine trees, though). |
9. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park An oceanfront expanse of unforgiving lava rock interspersed with fish ponds, ancient temples, petroglyphs and burial caves. |
4. Thurston Lava Tube Ever wanted to walk inside a lava tube? Here’s your chance. Reach it via an ohla forest teaming with native bird. |
8. Mo’okini Luakini Heiau A monolithic ancient temple and sacred site where kings and chiefs would pray, fast and make human sacrifices away from prying eyes… |
3. Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Over 2,000 drawings have been chiselled into the lava by early Hawaiians, making this the world’s largest petroglyph site. |
7. Imiloa Astronomy Centre Offers a glimpse of the creation mythology of two seemingly unrelated groups - native Hawaiians and modern astronomers. |
2. Rainbow Falls Houses the ancient cave home of Hina, mother of Maui. The waterfall creates a daily rainbow in the morning sun… like the world beginning all over. Magical! |
6. Kahaluu Bay Want to snorkel amongst brightly coloured tropical fish and green sea turtles? This is the place. |
1. Coffee Shack Great name, great views, not-so-great coffee… But a beer on the open deck is definitely in order! |
BIG ISLAND EVENTS
April brings the Merrie Monarch Festival, which is the world’s biggest hula competition. Sounds slightly tacky, but is fantastic entertainment and goes a long way to preserving and explaining traditional practices.
The Orchid Show in mid-May is a colourful extravaganza of exotic flowers.
July’s Hawaiian Healing Garden and Mango Festival is an all-day festival celebrating… the mango! Tastings, plant sales, grafting and growing demos, art and crafts, music, hula and all manner of mango-themed fun.
The Aloha Festival arrives on the Big Island in September. Fun, fun and more fun!
Most places have Christmas Festivities from mid-November. But only the Big Island can boast that volcano celebrations form part of them!
WHEN TO GO
- April/May and September/October are both great times to nab a travel bargain and beat the crowds.
- Mid-December to mid-April is the peak tourist season, and thus more expensive. You’ll need to make reservations early.
- November to March is the rainy season, though the temperature is fairly constant year-round at a balmy 28ºC (82ºF).
GETTING AROUND
- Make use of the free Hele-On Bus service. Check timetables before venturing out.
- Hiring a car is the best way to get around at your own pace.
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75-6040 Alii Drive Kona HI 96740
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff Resort combines dramatic island scenery with soothing ope... More hotel details
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3 Stars$111
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78-6740 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona HI 96740
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$145
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78-261 Manukai Street Kailua-Kona HI 96740
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$157
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69-200 Pohakulana Place Waikoloa HI 96738-5711
Offering stylish and contemporary accommodation, the Outrigger Fairway Villas is a perfect place for leisure traveller... More hotel details
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2 Stars$99
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71 Banyan Drive Hilo Hawaii HI 96720
Offering outstanding views of the ocean and the quaint Hilo Town, the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is a perfect place fo... More hotel details
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75-5888 Alii Drive Kona HI 96740
Assuring luxury and value, the Castle Kona Reef Hawaii is a perfect venue for a pleasant and relaxing stay... More hotel details
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3 Stars$115
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78-6842 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona Hawaii HI 96740
Offering a myriad of activities and tranquil environment, the Kona Coast Resort Hawaii makes your stay pleasurable and... More hotel details
$243
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69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa Beach Hawaii HI 96738
Guests travelling for business or leisure, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is the perfect holiday location for ev... More hotel details
$166
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69-1035 Keana Place Waikoloa HI 96738
Providing luxury, relaxation and fun, as well as spectacular sunsets, Aston Shores At Waikoloa Resort is a suitable pr... More hotel details
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75-5660 Palani Road Kailua-Kona HI 96740
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