Where is the best place to stay on Big Island?
By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023
The Big Island, otherwise known as Hawaii, has for years, been the choice of many holidaymakers. It’s easy to understand why Hawaii’s popularity has been so consistent. Waterfalls gliding off giant cliffs, rivers of molten lava, magical rainforests, and intensely beautiful black sand beaches that pour out of undiscovered valleys, all form part of this island’s undeniable charm.
Hawaii does cater to almost everyone. From surfers to golfers and from newlyweds to families making their annual trip to the Big Island. Kailua Kona’s beaches create perfect sunset moments for honeymooners during their stay, while Waikoloa and Hilo’s diverse outdoor excursion possibilities make for the best active getaways. Pāhoa, on the other hand, gives their visitors a glimpse of erupting lava and majestic views across black sand beaches. For a real beach holiday with the family, opt for a stay at Hapuna Beach - the resort vibes won’t disappoint and neither would warm waters of this popular region. Should you crave something that serves quiet, self-catering options, add Keaau to your itinerary.If you are interested in where to stay in Big Island, you may also be interested in where to stay in Maui, where to stay in Oahu, or where to stay in Kauai.
Best places to stay on Big Island
Kailua-Kona
Best place to stay in Big island for Honeymoon
Known to locals as both “Kailua” and “Kona” the sunny northern side of the region attracts those who favor sunbathing on white sands of the beaches and towards the south, snorkeling around the crisp, blue waters and its marine life will keep you busy for hours on end.
Kona’s most sought-after accommodation lies along the beach that stretches along Alii Drive. Some of the resort beachfront properties are more expensive, but it is worth every penny when considering all the amenities and features included during your stay.
Kona not only caters to the rich, so fear not if your budget were not as substantial as you would want it to be. There are plenty of properties within walking distance from the beach that are equally perfect for honeymooners, families or a group of friends looking for a fun-filled getaway on the west coast of the Big Island that is known for its bustling markets and outdoor excursions.
Recommended hotels in Kailua-Kona:
Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay: Located on Keauhou Bay, Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and picturesque stay. The resort features spacious rooms with private lanais, a multi-level swimming pool with a waterslide, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and cultural activities. Guests can enjoy oceanfront views, experience the Manta Ray viewing, and explore nearby attractions such as the Kona Coffee Living History Farm and Kahalu’u Beach Park.
Royal Kona Resort: Situated in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Royal Kona Resort provides a convenient and comfortable stay. The resort features comfortable rooms with private balconies or patios, a swimming pool, a fitness center, an oceanfront restaurant, and a poolside bar. Guests can relax by the pool, savor ocean views, and explore the lively downtown area with its shops, restaurants, and historical sites.
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel: Located on Kona’s historic waterfront, the Courtyard by Marriott offers modern accommodations with a touch of Hawaiian heritage. The hotel features contemporary rooms with private lanais, a swimming pool, a fitness center, multiple dining options, and a luau experience. Guests can appreciate the cultural significance of the hotel’s location, relax on the beach, and explore nearby attractions like Hulihee Palace and the Kona Farmers Market.
Waikoloa
Best place to stay in Big island for Hiking
Although Waikoloa, a small community on the Kohala Coast, is known as a perfect location for water and hiking adventures and brings a bit of versatility to the table of regular resort-based regions. Hiking through ancient petroglyph fields and historical temples might sound like work, but the trails are fairly easy and they navigate without any complications; making it a family-friendly excursion.
Just like Kona, this region with its fascinating history has its different ranges of accommodation to suit the budgets of all travelers. So, finding the right spot is simply a matter of what you are willing to shell out for a room or a condo that overlooks the ocean in one of many popular resorts on Waikoloa, including Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa Beach Resort and Marriot’s Waikoloa Ocean Club.
Either way, a sunset experience at Waikoloa Beach Resort’s A-Bay - a picturesque recreational area - offers the perfect setting for a cocktail or two at dusk. Along Waikoloa Beach Drive, there are easy alternatives to the usual resort dining and doesn’t disappoint.
Recommended hotels in Waikoloa:
Hilton Waikoloa Village: Located on the Kohala Coast, Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a luxurious and expansive resort experience. The hotel features spacious rooms with private lanais, a multi-level swimming pool complex with waterfalls and a lazy river, a dolphin lagoon, multiple dining options, a spa, and a golf course. Guests can indulge in the resort’s amenities, explore the beautifully landscaped grounds, and enjoy activities such as snorkeling and kayaking.
Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort & Spa: Situated on Anaeho’omalu Bay, Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort & Spa provides a relaxing and upscale stay. The resort features comfortable rooms with private balconies, a swimming pool, a fitness center, multiple dining options, and a full-service spa. Guests can unwind by the pool, take advantage of the beachfront location, and explore nearby attractions like the historic petroglyphs at Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve.
Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacations: Located within the Waikoloa Beach Resort area, Kings’ Land offers spacious villa-style accommodations perfect for families or larger groups. The resort features well-appointed villas with full kitchens, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a barbecue area. Guests can enjoy the comforts of a home-away-from-home, access to resort amenities, and the convenience of nearby shops, restaurants, and golf courses.
Hilo
Best place to stay in Big island to explore the eastern half of the island
Situated on the northeastern side of Big Island, Hilo attracts visitors with its awe-inspiring natural beauty and its quaint, vibrant town life - all nestled within the crescent-shaped bay. Hilo is known to be the best starting point for traveling from the eastern half of the island.
The town of Hilo offers budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, and without a doubt, high ranges hotels. The region’s Waikulu River State Park and the Rainbow Falls create the most wondrous mist effects and the lava rock pools are within walking distance from this location. Hilo is also home to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that offers a peek into the active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
It has been noted that the nightlife in Hilo is not as “touristy” as Kona, but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing for the night owls. The nightlife many people have come to enjoy during their stay in Hilo is having a party with friends around a flaming BBQ pit, while savoring an appetizer washed down by your beverage of choice. However, you will find a few bars and dance clubs in town if you wish to continue your night out.
Recommended hotels in Hilo:
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton: Located on Hilo Bay, the Grand Naniloa Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies, a swimming pool, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and a golf course. Guests can enjoy ocean views, explore the nearby Liliuokalani Gardens and Wailoa River State Park, and take advantage of the hotel’s proximity to downtown Hilo.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: Situated on Hilo Bay, the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel provides a tranquil and scenic setting. The hotel features comfortable rooms with private lanais, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy views of Mauna Kea, and easily access attractions like Rainbow Falls and the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo.
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: Located near the downtown area of Hilo, the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel offers comfortable accommodations with a convenient location. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge. Guests can explore Hilo’s vibrant downtown, visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center, and take in the natural beauty of nearby attractions such as Akaka Falls and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Pāhoa
Best place to stay in Big island for cheap
Situated in the District of Puna, lies Pāhoa - a place rich in immigrant history and a key player in the European exploration of Hawaii. Until today, this laid-back little town proudly displays neo-Victorian architecture and wooden boardwalks while maintaining a strong local influence.
Despite the town’s size and its reputation as an alternative to the flamboyant tourist spots, Pāhoa packs a decent punch in terms of things to do and see. Helicopter tours, lava viewing, black sand beaches, and a marine sanctuary are but a few things to dot off on your itinerary.
You will find the residents of Pāhoa to be individualists and very socially liberal. It’s a wonderful place to explore an interesting part of Hawaii. In town, there are a couple of watering holes to frequent during your visit and your best option in terms of accommodation would probably be a lodge, guesthouse or a self-catering unit.
Recommended hotels in Pāhoa:
Kalani Retreat Center: Located within the lush jungle and wild coastline , Kalani Retreat Center offers a unique and tranquil experience in a tropical setting. The center features comfortable accommodations ranging from rooms to cottages, a swimming pool, yoga studios, a wellness center, and a restaurant. Guests can participate in various classes and workshops, explore the lush surroundings, and enjoy a peaceful retreat atmosphere.
Lava Tree Tropic Inn: Nestled in the heart of a magical rainforest, Lava Tree Tropic Inn provides cozy and charming accommodations. The inn features individually decorated rooms with private lanais, a garden, and a shared kitchen. Guests can relax in the peaceful garden setting, explore nearby lava tree formations, and visit attractions like the Ahalanui Park and Pohoiki Black Sand Beach.
Hedonisia Hawaii Sustainable Community: This unique eco-friendly accommodation in Pāhoa offers rustic and sustainable lodging options. Guests can choose from various eco-huts and cabins nestled in a lush rainforest setting. The community emphasizes sustainable living practices and offers educational programs for guests. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, learn about sustainability, and enjoy a peaceful and eco-conscious stay.
Hapuna Beach
Best place to stay in Big island with family
Hapuna beach is a state recreation area in a large park and is known to be another one of Big Island’s notoriously idyllic spots that shows off with stretches of white sand beaches and blue waters - a great place for summer play that’s lined with trees and offers a shaded picnic area for a break from the sun.
The beach connects to a part of the AlaKahai coastal trail that forms a collection of ancient trails and roads along one of Hawaii’s most pristine coastlines. Down by the beach, you’ll have to make sure you grab your spot for the day quite early, as it fills up quickly. The Three Frogs Café is a one-stop-shop for a great lunch menu and beach gear rentals that include everything from umbrellas to boogie boards.
Hapuna Beach is the perfect location for a family trip, but it is a place that welcomes plenty of visitors and tourists all year long, so do expect resort, hotel, and lodge rates to be high.
Recommended hotels in Hapuna Beach:
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: Situated adjacent to Hapuna Beach, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking ocean views. The resort features spacious rooms and suites with private balconies, multiple swimming pools, a fitness center, a spa, and several dining options. Guests can enjoy direct access to Hapuna Beach, indulge in water activities, and take in the beautiful sunset vistas.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: Located just a short distance from Hapuna Beach, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a legendary beachfront resort. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with private lanais, a swimming pool, a golf course, tennis courts, a spa, and multiple dining options. Guests can relax on the pristine beach, enjoy water sports, and experience the luxury and hospitality that the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is renowned for.
Hapuna Prince Hotel: Situated adjacent to Hapuna Beach, the Hapuna Prince Hotel provides comfortable accommodations with panoramic ocean views. The hotel features spacious rooms with private lanais, a swimming pool, a fitness center, tennis courts, and several dining options. Guests can easily access Hapuna Beach, relax in the tranquil surroundings, and explore the nearby attractions and activities.
Keaau
Best place to stay in Big island to relax
Bordering Kurtistown to the southwest sits the town of Keaau, in the District of Puna. Keaau is predominantly surrounded by an Ohia forest and also offers black sand beaches and a plethora of botanical gardens for daytime exploration and adventures.
This is a town that also proves to be a great destination for family trips with zoos, underground cave tours, zip-lining and horse riding excursions to fill up your stay.
The Puna Hongwanji Buddhist temple (founded in 1902) is a popular site to visit and the picturesque Haena Beach Trail never disappoints.
You will find accommodation in Keaau to be simple, yet comfortable. There are no hotels in this area, but this is what forms part of its charm. Opting for a stay at a holiday home proves to be the best in terms of value for money and gives provides an opportunity to savor local delicacies and fresh produce.
Our recommended hotels in Big Island
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Big IslandNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
