The Definitive Guide to Everything on the Big Island, HI
If you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii, then there’s a lot you’ll want to know, from the best Big Island airport to potential Big Island transportation, grocery stores and accommodations in Big Island HI, attractions and tours, and more.
In this post, we’re going to take you through each of these factors step by step. Whether you’ve already booked your trip or are still working out the details, you’ll have all the information you need to plan the perfect trip today. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Transportation
Before we discuss anything else, let’s take a quick look at the transportation options.
Airport
Most people fly into Big Island, even those who live in other parts of Hawaii, because it’s so convenient to get around the archipelago that way. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona and Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo are the two main options.
These airports are very reliable. The only concern is the weather in Big Island, which may occasionally cause planes to be grounded due to winds, heavy rain, hurricanes, thunderstorms, or volcanic action. Neither Big Island airport is more or less susceptible to this.
The only real Big Island airport difference is size and affordability. Because Kona has so many more flights coming in and going out each day, it is cheaper and easier overall.
Public Transport
Big Island transportation is limited. There is one train, but it’s of the historical variety, so you should still plan to visit the train museum at your leisure.
The main form of public transportation is the Hele-On, which buses folks around Hawaii County. Don’t be misled, however: Hawaii County encompasses the entirety of the Big Island, so it will get you to quite a few places, including to and from the airport.
Other Ways of Getting Around
Whether you’re trying to hit up the grocery stores in Big Island, see the sights, or get to your lodgings, there are a few other ways to get around. These include:
- Private car, where you hire a driver
- Ridesharing, where you use Uber or Lyft, both of which are available on the Big Island
- Renting a car, which is the easiest way to see the main Big Island attractions on your own schedule
Best Restaurants and Grocery Stores
Obviously, you’re going to need to eat while you’re in Hawaii. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be much of a vacation, now would it? There are, to say the least, endless choices, which can feel a little overwhelming. From the moment you step outside a Big Island airport to the moment you go home, there will be endless eateries calling your name.
To make it a bit easier for you, let’s take a look at several of the most popular restaurants and grocery stores in Big Island.
First up, here’s where to eat when you’re craving a good meal out:
- Best restaurant overall: Merriman's Waimea Big Island
- Best fine dining: Jackie Rey’s Kailua-Kona
- Best Hawaiian barbecue: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
- Best Italian: Pueo's Osteria
- Best Thai: Original Thai Cuisine
- Best seafood: Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks
- Best brunch: Hawaiian Style Cafe
If you’re planning on staying in a fully outfitted house while you’re on the Big Island (like our partners - Paradise in Hawaii Luxury Homes), then you’re going to have lots of opportunities to cook as well!
Here are a few of the top grocery stores:
- Island Gourmet Markets - Get a real taste of Hawaii at Island Gourmet Markets. If you’d like something premade so you can spend more time exploring, pick up items from their gourmet deli. Take your pick from traditional Hawaii-style plate lunches and gourmet sandwiches that will leave you satisfied.
- Island Naturals - Offering fresh organic foods to all island goers. With 3 locations, you can easily find these grocery stores located off of main roads. From fresh Hawaiian coffee to reasonably priced produce, this is an essential stop on your trip.
- Keauhou Shopping Center - Located within Keauhou Shopping Center is KTA Super Stores. KTA offers a wide selection of fruits, seafood, baked goods, and truly any basic food necessity you’re searching for.
Naturally, there are plenty of other places to eat and shop. If you want to know more about your specific area, you can usually find information left by the hosts of your vacation rental.
Attractions and Amenities
There’s ever so much to see and do in Hawaii as a whole, and Big Island attractions do not disappoint. Those who are afflicted with analysis paralysis might feel that there’s too much to see and do, at least when it comes to making decisions.
To a certain extent, what you do will depend on the current weather in Big Island as well as the Big Island airport into which you flew. However, given that it only takes about six hours to drive around the entire island, nothing is really that far apart from anything else. As such, you should choose your attractions based on what you really want to do, not necessarily based on where it is located.
Among the Most Common Big Island Attractions:
Snorkeling and Diving
Hawaii is known for its gorgeous reefs, so both snorkeling and SCUBA diving are popular here. You can rent gear yourself or take tours (which goes for many if not most of the activities in Hawaii).
Boating and Fishing
Sport fishermen and boaters will have the time of their lives in Big Island, HI, with plenty of options for type of boat, type of fishing, or both.
Hiking and Volcanoes
While common wisdom holds that you should stay as far away from a volcano as possible, some people come to Big Island expressly to view Kilauea’s eruptions. They're safe and a beautiful way to observe one of nature's natural wonders.
Beaches and Swim Spots
Hawaii is paradise, after all, so it's no surprise that many people come just to bum around on the beach. If that's you, you'll find no lack of spots, such as:
- Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
- Manini'owali Beach
- Hapuna Beach
- Mauna Kea Beach
- Waialea Bay Beach 69
- Makalawena Beach
Best Places to Stay
Ready to book lodging for your upcoming trip? Don’t wait, because accommodations in Big Island, HI fill up fast. This is especially true during the high season, when the weather in Big Island is basically heaven and everyone wants to be there!
Big Island attractions also fill up during special events, like when a volcano is erupting and people want to take walking tours, or when certain holidays and festivals arise. Point being? You should always book well ahead of time so that you have plenty of wiggle room when booking your flights and Big Island transportation.
Although there are many lovely places to stay in Hawaii, Paradise in Hawaii Luxury Homes competes with the best of them. Our partner’s range of elegant vacation rentals showcases pools, beaches, peaceful decks, giant windows, outdoor patios, sweeping views, and so much more. Whether you’re traveling in an intimate family group or with a crowd of friends, they’ve got something that will work.
We invite you to get in touch to learn more about Paradise in Hawaii Luxury Homes and book a rental before they fill up!
