Where to Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii: Best Areas and Hotels

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Are you planning a tropical getaway to Hawaii and wondering where to stay on the Big Island to make the most of your vacation? Whether you’re seeking a luxury resort, a vacation rental, or a cozy bed and breakfast, finding the perfect accommodation is key to experiencing everything this bucket list island has to offer. From the lush landscapes of Hilo to the sunny shores of Kona, I’ll give you everything you need to know about where to stay on the Big Island for the ultimate Hawaiian adventure!

When I was planning my trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, my biggest struggle was deciding whether to stay in Kona or Hilo, when really, there are many more options on the Big Island than just these two main towns. Deciding which area of the Big Island you want to stay really depends on what you’re looking for on your trip. The good thing is that the Big Island is very accessible by rental car and you can easily explore the whole island no matter where you stay on the Big Island.

In this blog, I’ll give you an overview of the four main areas travelers tend to stay in when visiting the Big Island. The main areas we will cover in this guide are Kona, Kohala Coast/Waikoloa Village, Hilo, and Volcano, which is located near the iconic Volcanoes National Park!

Before we start discussing where to stay on the Big Island, lets go over a few important things to know when planning your trip!

When should you visit the Big Island?

One of the most common questions travelers ask is When is the best time to visit the Big Island? The good news is, there’s really no bad time to explore this incredible Hawaiian island, but depending on your travel goals and budget, some months may be better than others.

Shoulder Seasons: April–May & September–October

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and save money, the shoulder seasons, typically April to May and September to October, are the ideal times to go. During these months, you’ll find fewer tourists, more availability at hotels and vacation rentals, and often lower prices on flights and accommodations. The weather is still warm and beautiful, making this the best time to visit the Big Island for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a more relaxed experience.

High Season: November–March

The winter months, from November through March, are considered peak travel season in Hawaii. This is when many visitors flock to the islands to escape colder mainland weather. You’ll likely enjoy some of the best weather on the Big Island during this time—think warm, sunny days and cool, breezy nights—but expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially around the holidays and spring break.

Summer Travel: June–August

Planning a summer vacation to the Big Island? The months of June through August fall within Hawaii’s hurricane season, but don’t worry—hurricanes rarely make landfall in the islands. Summer is also one of the hottest times of year and a popular travel period for families. While it’s a fun and lively season, you’ll likely experience bigger crowds at popular attractions and beaches.

Renting a Car on the Big Island

Before deciding where you stay, I highly suggest renting a car for your Big Island adventure. This island has SO much to see and having a rental car is the best way to see all of the Big Island. The island really lives up to it’s name, it’s huge and can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to get to some of the main attractions on the island.

Renting a car on the Big Island is easy and they have shuttles at the airport for all the rental car companies so you can easily pick up and drop off your rental car on your way to and from the airport!

Now, let’s talk about each area to stay on the Big Island in Hawaii and why you should stay in each one!

Kona

Kona is the most popular area to stay on the Big Island and a great place to base yourself if it is your first time visiting the island. Located on the island’s sunny west coast, Kailua-Kona offers beautiful beaches, lively shops and restaurants, and easy access to many of the island’s top attractions. This is most likely where you’ll fly into if you are coming from the mainland, as it is home to Kona International Airport, but there is also an airport in Hilo, which we will cover more later in this post.

The Kona Coast is popular for its lava rock coastline (like pictured above) but also has some amazing beaches! In Kona you’ll find Ali’i Drive which is right on the coast and home to all the touristy shops and restaurants. From Kona, if you have a rental car, it is about 1.5 hours to Hilo and 1.5 to Volcanos National Park and the black & green sand beaches.

If you’re a first-time visitor wondering where to stay on the Big Island, Kona is a great home base, especially if you’re interested in snorkeling, exploring historic sites, or relaxing by the ocean.

Best places to stay in Kona:

If you’re staying in Kona there are many options for resorts and vacation rentals! Below are a few of the most popular options for where to stay in Kona.

Royal Kona Resort – If you’re looking to stay right in the middle of everything Kona has to offer, the Royal Kona Resort might be for you! Pricing for this resort is mid-range on average starting around $200 USD per night.

Outrigger Kona – Another mid-range resort option in Kona is Outrigger Kona. If you’re looking to experience a Big Island Luau, Outrigger Kona has their Feast & Fire Luau every Monday & Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm!

Four Seasons Hualalai – If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury stay near Kona, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is located just 20 minutes from the downtown area of Kona and Ali’i Drive. The resort even has it’s own saltwater lagoon that guests can snorkel in!

Vacation Rental – There is an endless amount of vacation rentals in Kona. This is a great option if you’re traveling in a group or just want to have more space. During my week on the Big Island, I spent 3 nights in Kona. I stayed at this 1 bedroom oceanfront condo with a pool (pictured above) and it was perfect for my time on the Big Island!

Top Things to do in Kona

Kona has so many unique activities, and you will never run out of things to do if you are planning on staying in Kona for your trip to the Big Island! Below I’ll cover a few of my favorite attractions in and near Kona!

Shopping on Ali’i Drive
Kona Brewing
Magic Sands Beach Park
Snorkeling at Two-Step Beach (Captain Cook about 30 minutes from Kona)
Snorkeling and kayaking at Captain Cook Monument (30 minute drive from Kona)
Snorkel with Manta Rays at Outrigger Kona

Top Tours in Kona

Hilo

Hilo is on the other side of the Big Island, the complete opposite of Kona. If you’re looking for lush rainforest and waterfalls, then Hilo is probably the perfect option for you. Located on the eastern side of the Big Island, Hilo also receives more rain than the Kona side, which is why it is so green! Staying in Hilo is the perfect option for adventure travelers and anyone looking to connect with nature on their trip to the Big Island!

Unlike the drier, resort-heavy Kona Coast, Hilo offers a greener, quieter experience, and it’s often more budget-friendly too. It’s also the closest major town to attractions like Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and great for day trips to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

I personally drove over to Hilo from Kona just for the day and feel like I was able to hit all of the highlights in that amount of time. With that said, you may decide you want to split your Big Island vacation by staying a few nights in Kona and a few nights in Hilo to get a good feel for the Big Island! If you plan to just stick to hiking and adventures and don’t care for the big resorts, you may want to spend your full trip to the Big Island in Hilo.

Hilo does not have as many large resorts as Kona, but there are a few options to make your stay in Hilo perfect! The hotels in Hilo tend to be slightly cheaper than Kona as well because it is less touristy than the Kona side of the island.

Best hotels in Hilo, Hawaii:

SCP Hilo – This hotel is right in the middle of downtown Hilo with easy access to the farmers market and a quick drive to nearby waterfalls! SCP Hilo is the perfect hotel for outdoor lovers as it is designed to cater to adventure travelers and those looking to connect with nature!

Grand Naniloa – If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience and want an oceanfront resort in Hilo, check out the Grand Naniloa! This resort is a DoubleTree by Hilton and is just 10 minutes from the Hilo airport. The resort also features a golf course!

Top Things to do in Hilo

If Hilo is your chosen destination for where to stay on the Big Island, you are in luck as you are close to all the best outdoor activities! Whether you want to chase waterfalls or support the local community by visiting a farmers market, Hilo has something for all the adventure and nature lovers!

Hiking in Akaka Falls State Park
Visiting the Hilo Farmers Market
Rainbow Falls
Paddleboarding in Hilo Bay
Coconut Island
Take a scenic drive along Onomea Bay and the Hamakua Coast

Hilo is also a great starting point for day trips to Volcanoes National Park (just a 45-minute drive), which makes it even more appealing for travelers focused on adventure and natural beauty.

Top Tours in Hilo

Hilo vs Kona: Which Side Is Better?

Still torn between Hilo and Kona? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Choose Hilo if you love waterfalls, rainforest hikes, fewer crowds, and a local vibe.
Choose Kona for sunny beaches, snorkeling, and resort amenities.

For a complete Big Island experience, consider splitting your time between both! You can also check out my full guide and itinerary for driving the Big Island to get from Kona to Hilo!

Waikoloa/Kohala Coast

Just 45 minutes from Kona, you’ll find the village of Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast. If luxury beach resorts are what you’re looking for on your Big Island vacation, Waikoloa might be the perfect spot for you. The Kohala Coast is home to some of the most luxurious resorts and hotels in Hawaii and has the best hotel options on all of the Big Island!

The Kohala Coast is ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed, upscale Hawaiian vacation. With consistently sunny weather, clear waters perfect for snorkeling, and luxury amenities, this region is a top choice for couples, honeymooners, and families alike.

Waikoloa will give you the ultimate luxury experience while also allowing you to explore the Big Island. This is also where you’ll find Kauna’oa Bay, where you can snorkel and see the manta rays, which is a must when visiting the Big Island. This is also the only place you can see manta rays in Hawaii, and even one of the few places in the world!

Waikoloa offers some of the best resorts on the Big Island, and maybe even all of Hawaii! Below, I’ll tell you where to stay on the Big Island if you want to stay at some of the most luxurious resorts in Hawaii and how to decide which one is the right option for your trip!

Best Hotels and Resorts on the Kohala Coast:

Fairmont Orchid – During my week on the Big Island, I spent 2 nights at Fairmont Orchid and it is one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed at! The resort offers several restaurants including their fine dining restaurant, Brown’s Beach House which is perfect for watching the sunset over the Pacific. Fairmont Orchid sits on a lava rock coast with a private bay where guests can snorkel, paddle board, & kayak! This hotel is absolutely stunning and a features tropical gardens and waterfalls around the resort making it feel like complete paradise!

Mauna Lani – Mauna Lani is an Auberge Resort and another one of the most luxurious resorts on the Big Island. The resort is set on 32 oceanfront acres & also has a beach club! The resort also features some of the most iconic oceanfront dining in all of Hawaii. You’ll also be able to enjoy some of your favorite water sports like paddleboarding!

Westin Hapuna – Westin Hapuna is a Marriott resort located on Hapuna Beach. Hapuna Beach is known for being one of the best beaches on the Big Island. It is also the Big Island’s largest white sand beach! This resort is newly renovated and also features a world-class golf course! If you want to do some golfing on your trip to the Big Island, this may be the resort for you!

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel – Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is located on Kauna’oa Bay – the home of the manta rays! Mauna Kea is a public beach, so even if you aren’t staying at this resort, I recommend coming one night for one of the best sunsets on the Big Island! You can even grab dinner at their restaurant, Manta, and then walk down the path to the manta ray viewing area in hopes of seeing the manta rays swim under the light! One of the best experiences to be had on the Big Island!

Waikoloa Beach Marriott – This Marriott resort on Kohala coast offer everything you need for the perfect Hawaiian vacation on the Big Island. If you’re looking to upgrade your stay, the resort has its secluded Na Hale wing with upgraded accommodations.

Top Things to do in Kohala Coast

If you’re staying on the Kohala Coast, you have some fun opportunities for activities that cater more towards the luxury traveler. Some of the top activities on the Kohala Coast include helicopter rides, snorkeling, high-end shopping, and fine dining options.

Staying on the Kohala Coast means easy access to premium experiences, from ocean adventures to scenic helicopter tours. Here are some of the best things to do in the area:

Nighttime snorkel with Manta Rays (Kauna’oa Bay is one of the only places in the world to do this!)
Relax on the shores of Hapuna Beach State Park
Kohala Coast Helicopter Tour for panoramic views of the Big Island’s coastline and volcanoes
The Shops at Mauna Lani
Attend a traditional Hawaiian Big Island Luau
Enjoy fine dining and spa treatments at your resort

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape for your honeymoon or a high-end vacation with your family, Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast offer the best resorts and beaches on the Big Island.

Top Kohala Coast Tours

Volcano

If your goal on your trip to Hawaii is to connect with nature on the Big Island and experience some once-in-a-lifetime activities, consider staying in the Volcano area. Volcano is a small town right in the middle of Kona and Hilo, about a one-and-a-half drive to each. This town is more secluded than Kona and Hilo but offers some of the best things to do on the Big Island! Located near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, this area is perfect for travelers seeking adventure, hiking, and a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path Hawaiian experience.

Staying in Volcano will give you easy access to some of the top bucket list experiences on the Big Island, like black sand beach, green sand beach (the southernmost point in the United States), and Volcanoes National Park.

Because Volcano is such a small town, it does not have big resorts and hotels like other areas of the Big Island. If you decide to stay in Volcano, you’ll want to book an Airbnb or a VRBO. The good news is you can find some cool accommodations here, such as glamping domes and even treehouses!

Volcano is centrally located—about 1.5 hours from both Kona and Hilo—making it a great home base if you want to explore multiple parts of the island.

I did not end up staying in Volcano on my trip to the Big Island, but I found some really unique vacation rentals that I definitely want to check out on my next trip to Hawaii and will share with you below!

Unique Places to Stay in Volcano, Hawaii:

Here are some top-rated and one-of-a-kind lodging options near the town of Volcano and Volcanoes National Park:

Bamboo Treehouse – A romantic treetop escape just minutes from the national park. Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful, forested retreat.

Big Island Treehouse – The most unique treehouse accommodation I’ve found on the Big Island! This Airbnb is designed to connect travelers with nature, with a location submerged in the dense jungle and just a 10-minute drive from Volcanoes National Park.

Keola Retreat – If you really want to connect with nature and do some camping on the Big Island without sleeping in a tent, try doing some glamping by staying in a glass dome at Keola Retreat! Keola Retreat has two glamping domes for rent that are equipped with everything you need to have a comfortable stay!

Restore at I’IWI – Probably my favorite vacation rental I found on Airbnb while researching where to stay on the Big Island is this cabin. A modern, luxury cabin in the rainforest that’s the perfect location for exploring the outdoors on this secluded side of the Big Island!

Top Things to do in Volcano

Staying in Volcano puts you close to some of the Big Island’s most iconic attractions, many of which are centered around Hawaii’s volcanic history and rugged natural beauty. Below are some of my absolute favorite things to do on the Big Island that are close to the town of Volcano.

Visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, one of the island’s most famous beaches, and a great place to spot sea turtles.
Volcanoes National Park: See Kīlauea Crater, walk through lava tubes, and hike volcanic landscapes.
Hike to Green Sand Beach, the most unique beach in Hawaii and the southernmost point in the United States!
Wine tasting at Volcano Winery. This is Hawaii’s only winery and is located just outside of Volcanoes National Park!
Discover native rainforest flora and fauna on nearby hiking trails like the Kīlauea Iki Trail and Devastation Trail

Whether you’re an adventure traveler, hiker, or even a volcano enthusiast, Volcano is one of the best areas to stay on the Big Island for the best nature experiences and best scenery on the Big Island.

Top Tours in Volcano

Where to Stay on the Big Island: A Quick Comparison & Overview

Area	Best For	Pros	Cons
Kona	First-time visitors, beaches, restaurants	Central location, airport access, snorkeling, shopping	More touristy, higher prices in peak season
Hilo	Waterfalls, hiking, nature lovers	Lush rainforest, fewer tourists, lower accommodation costs	Rainier weather, fewer resorts and beaches
Waikoloa / Kohala Coast	Luxury resorts, relaxation, beach access	High-end resorts, great snorkeling, sunny weather	Expensive, more resort-focused and less “authentic”
Volcano	Adventure travelers, volcano exploration	Close to Volcanoes National Park, unique stays, cooler climate	Fewer dining options, no large resorts, remote feel

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide has given some more insight on where to stay on the Big Island and is helpful when planning your next vacation in Hawaii! The Big Island is one of my all time favorite destinations because of everything there is to see!

Each area offers something unique, whether it’s the sunny beaches and lively town of Kailua-Kona, the lush waterfalls and local charm of Hilo, the high-end resorts and golden sands of Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast, or the raw natural beauty of Volcano Village near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

If you’ll be on the Big Island for a week or longer, I recommend choosing 2 different areas to stay so you can really get a feel for the island. For me, I stayed 3 days in Kona and 2 days on the Kohala Coast with a one-day road trip from Kona to explore the Hilo side. That felt like the perfect way to spend a trip to the Big Island but it all depends on what you’re looking for when visiting this bucket list destination!

If you are a first-timer visiting the island and want to visit all the most popular spots on the island, it may be best to stay in Kailua-Kona. If you want to explore nature, do some hiking, and see the best waterfalls, head to Hilo or Volcano! Lastly, if you want to experience the best luxury resorts and ocean views on the Big Island, stay in Waikoloa Village or Kohala Coast.

No matter where you stay on the Big Island, having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore all corners of this diverse and unforgettable island.

More Big Island Travel Guides:

FAQ’s About Where to stay on the Big Island

How many days to stay on the Big Island?

If you are planning to visit the Big Island, I recommend staying 5 days at minimum, but a week or more will be your best option to get a good feel for the island. Staying 5+ days also gives you time to stay in more than one area on the Big Island. For example, you may want to split up your time on the Big Island and stay 3 days in Kona and 2 days in Hilo!

What should you not miss on the Big Island?

Some of the best activities on the Big Island that you absolutely cannot miss on your trip are snorkeling with manta rays, visiting Volcanoes National Park, visiting black and green sand beaches, hiking to Akaka Falls, and snorkeling in Captain Cook! Some other fun activities to include in your Big Island itinerary are attending a luau, taking a helicopter ride over Volcanoes National Park or around the Kohala Coast, and visiting the Waipi’o Valley Lookout and Rainbow Falls!

Where should I stay on the Big Island in Kona?

There are some great resorts and hotels to stay at if you are staying in Kona on your trip to the Big Island. Some of the best hotels in Kona to stay at are Outrigger Kona, Royal Kona Resort, Four Seasons Hualalai, and Courtyard Marriott. Another great option to accommodations in Kona are vacation rentals which can be booked on either Airbnb or VRBO!

What are the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii if your main activity of choice is swimming snorkeling, or scuba diving?

Some of the best snorkeling and diving on the Big Island can be found in Captain Cook, which is just 30 minutes outside of Kona. If this is your main priority on your trip to the Big Island, I recommend staying in Kona for easy access! I also found some great snorkeling right off the beach when staying at Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast! With that said, you are likely to find great snorkeling all around the island such as black sand beach near the town of Volcano!

Where should I stay in Hawaii, Big Island, for best lava viewing?

If you’re wanting the chance to see lava on your trip to the Big Island, you may want to consider staying in the town of Volcano! Volcano has some really unique vacation rentals that can be found on VRBO and Airbnb. You will also get easy access to Volcanoes National Park as it is only about 10 minutes away and will be the best spot to visit on the island if you want to see lava and experience the lava tubes!

Where to Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii: Best Areas and Hotels