Hilo or Kona, Hawaii: Where to Stay on the Big Island More information. Kau is the true adventurers paradise as it is the most remote region on the island. Most accommodation options are centrally located too, so youll easily find your way around. This is a personal preference based on what you enjoy as both Kona and Hilo are beautiful. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Required fields are marked *. Enjoy a vegan or vegetarian meal after a day of exploring the nearby volcanic sights. The Sea Mountain is a great hotel or more like apartments rental that has all you need for a medium to long stay on the Big Island and in the same area of the Big Island. You can fuel up for the day at Big Island Breakfast, snack on light bites in the afternoon at Lagoon Grill, and get your caffeine fix at Waikoloa Coffee. With room left over! The general store onsite is a handy addition for grabbing supplies and snacks for long days of activities, or for quieting hungry tummies around the pool. Hi Im Yulia! Just a short drive outside of Hilo proper, this private Big Island vacation rental boasts ocean views, a secure, gated pool and a furo tub. For those travelling on a budget with a little more adventure in mind, you can not go past the Open Gate Hostel. It has spacious rooms which offer comfortable accommodations for families. and wellness spa on the north Kohala coast. Luxury price tag but incredible property. The inn is located in the art-centric town of Holualoa and is just 15 minutes from Kailua-Kona. You will get to enjoy the dry weather and you will have also easy access to the lush North Coast, one of the greenest parts of Hawaii. Hawaiian Havens: The Top Hotels on the Big Island Learn how your comment data is processed. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is one of the the original "Rock Resorts" founded by Laurance Rockefeller in the mid-1960s. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! Hilo Best Place to Stay on The Big Island for Families, 4. On this site, youll find countless resources and travel tips. Dont forget to grab a bike or snorkel gear from the front desk before you start your adventure! Plus, the island boasts some seriously good oceanfront sea-to-table restaurants and bustling farmers markets where you can sample fresh fruits, veggies, and artisanal goods. Waikoloa offers a great selection of hotels with family-friendly facilities such as kids clubs and pools. Take a moment of reflection and enjoyment of the traditional Hawaiian folk art at The Painted Church in Pahoa. If you like outdoor activities, Hilo also has the best hiking trails with scenic cliff views. Rampant psytrance addict, quaffer of ale, and serial cat fancier. Rather than doing a day trip from Kona, choose to stay in Puna or Kua for the ultimate volcano experience. Imagine yourself having a Hawaiian cocktail under the palm trees watching the surreal color of the ocean. The hotel is located one mile from Waiulua Bay and Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast. On the eastern side of the island is Hilo rainier than the west, Hilo is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and, you have the convenience of a vibrant town situated amongst waterfalls and flowering gardens. Hawaii Island (also known as The Big Island) is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you want to read more about things to do on the Big Island. If youre looking for a resort that has absolutely everything you need, look no further than the Hilton Waikoloa Village. If you're looking for accommodations on the Northeastern side of the island (near Hilo), Palms Cliff is the destination for you. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. After visiting the breathtaking black sand of Kaimu beach, enjoy some vivacious live music and food at Uncle Roberts. On the Kailua-Kona Coast, you will be able to find more than enough accommodations from luxurious resorts to budget hotels. Kau Best Place to Stay on The Big Island for Adventure, 5. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. #4 Paia - Coolest Place to Stay in Maui. experience is phenomenal, just minutes from town, but completely secluded. You can spend your days splashing around in one of the three massive pools, sliding down the 150-foot waterslide, or golfing at the famous Kings Golf Course at Waikoloa or the Beach Golf Course Waikoloa. This region offers a more well-rounded view of Hawaii where you and the kids can learn about the history and culture of the island while having a lot of fun too! We used to live in Keauhou + LOVE the area. Hilo is where youll find lush jungle, beautiful hiking and plenty of waterfalls as they get a lot more rain than Kona side. If you really want to get into the Hawaiian spirit, the hotel offers cultural and outdoor experiences like lei making, ukulele lessons, and outrigger canoe excursions. The three-star SCP Hilo Hotel is a great pick for families. A beautiful, tucked away eco-boutique hotel and wellness spa on the north Kohala coast. If you want to read more about things to do on the Big Island, you can read more here. Located on the west coast, Kailua-Kona (aka Kona) is another popular place to stay on the Big Island. Where to Stay near Kailua-Kona (2023 Coolest Areas!) You can also hop on the complimentary shuttle, which can take you to nearby shops, restaurants, and championship golf courses. Where to stay in Hawaii Big Island 2023 [best 5 areas and hotels] - MEL365 If youre hungry, head over to the onsite restaurant for locally sourced Hawaiian fare. European Farmhouse Inspired Kitchen Renovation, Sourcing Sustainable Hardwood Flooring For Your Home, Earth-Inspired Bathroom Renovation Reveal. Visit Website. What's unique about Big Tiny's tiny houses? Not only are all of the parks attractions just a short drive away but Hilo International Airport is just three miles down the road. With options for every style of traveller, youll be hard-pressed not to find the perfect place to stay on your epic Hawaiian holiday! Splash out on a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour of Kona and surrounding areas including Kilauea volcano and active lava flows. Practice your swing at one of the many exceptional golf courses. Hilton Waikoloa Village 6. A historic ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii offering 4 beautifully restored plantation era cottages. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its the most remote and quietest part of the island, so you wont find any major resorts or tourist traps here. This luxurious B&B has charm to spare, enchanting guests with its grand architecture and awe-inspiring views . At check-in, youll be greeted with welcome gifts and leis, while fresh Mauna Kea banana bread and papayas will be waiting for you in your beautiful room or suite. This newly renovated property is a great choice if you are staying over in Hilo. Do a guided tour of the Kula Kai Caverns, where youll explore a 1,000-year-old system of lava tubes. Unique Places To Stay In Maui - WhereToStayClub.com You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! This Beachfront Hotel is the best luxury hotel on the north side of the island in Kohala. Luxurious and welcoming with a beautiful golf course! I am sure you will have a wonderful holiday in Big Island Hawaii! Free Cancellation. Dont worry, high rollers Hawaii Island has plenty of options for you too. No matter your party size, if youre looking for a luxurious holiday, this is the place for you. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Show prices Enter dates to see prices 9,672 reviews #5 Best Value of 50 Cool & Unique Hotels in Hawaii The casual restaurant specializes in locally sourced, beach-to-table cuisine. When staying on the Big Island, for those who are budget conscious, we recommend staying in a small inn or vacation rental. Close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kau is a vastly different experience with almost no hotels. is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Waikoloa Beach Marriott and Kings Land Hilton are the best resorts to stay in Kohala. Some of the main landmarks you should not miss on the Big Islands are Volcano village, Rainbow Waterfalls, Hamakua Coast, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, and Hapuna Beach. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! There is a huge 3.5-acre pool that has slides, a children's play area, and a spa on-site. Tucked away on a coffee and fruit orchard on the west coast, this is arguably one of the most unique hotels on the Big Island. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (dont worry, its at no extra cost to you). They offer. As I mentioned, there is so much to explore and experience on the Big Island. This incredible third-floor condominium rental has everything you could possibly need to make your Kona stay unforgettable. #2 Wailuku - Best Places to Stay in Maui on a Budget. Below, you'll find our hand-picked guide to the best towns and hotels to stay in while you are on the Big Island. If you prefer to feel like youre staying in a home away from home, I wanted to make sure to mention the Airbnb and VRBO accommodations on the island. They say two nights just isnt long enough at this special log cabin that is located at the top (yes, the top) of Kilauea Volcano! Find out! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Volcano Eco Retreat is a great place to stay on the Big Island for those who want to have a relaxing holiday. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. Plus, for each guest that stays here, the hotel works with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to remove 2.2 pounds of trash from local beaches! Plus, Kona Airport is just 30 minutes away so getting to the hotel is a breeze. Its eye level to one of Hawaiis most beautiful waterfalls and is flanked by both the Wailuku River and rainforest. which side of the Big Island is best to stay on? in paradise. Unique Hotels Near Me To Stay - Unusual Hotes | Glamping Hub The two best areas to stay on the Big Island are near Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa. With its ocean views suites, it is also a great place to stay for couples. Its perfect for a larger group, with room for six guests spread over three bedrooms. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Whether you go for a single or mixed gender dorm or splash out on a private room, hanging out in the communal lounge area will have you making friends and heading out in no time. Each cottage is exactly the same and boasts beach-chic decor, ultra-comfy beds, and kitchenettes with microwaves, refrigerators, and dishware. But dont miss out on a special dinner at Hualalai Grill. Invisible from the highway, the resorts are nestled in the lava rock formations on the coast and see some of the most sun on the island! These listings and availability can change often but I try to keep this list updated! Kau. This gem of a hotel was actually founded by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965 and was the first-ever resort on the island! With SO many different areas - from mountain to beach, and desert to forest - you can find a little bit of everything in this big beautiful state. 10.69 mi from Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. The island of Hawaii is a land of diversity and choices, and that includes the island's accommodations. The 4 Best Areas to Stay Near Kailua-Kona 1. Kohala Coast is located in the northwestern part of the island just above Kona and is known for its white-sand beaches and resorts in nature. Centrally located in Kona this hotel is within walking distance to the beach and has spacious rooms with a terrace, Aeolian Ranch is 5 minutes drive to Kona town center and offers family-friendly rooms and a special lounge area with ocean views, This Airbnb has amazing views overlooking the gardens and oceans and fully furnished spacious rooms and free wifi. Soak up the history in Kailua Village on a self-guided walking tour of the sights dating back to the 1800s! Its the best location for enjoying the local sights of Pahoa or heading out on a day trip to Lava Tree State Monument. But no matter where you decide to stay on the Big Island, youll find plenty of incredible hotels to choose from! As Ive already mentioned, Kailua-Kona is the best place to stay for first-timers but I highly recommend renting a carto discover different coasts of the island and take day trips to the volcano, the rainforest as well as some black sand lava beaches. We only recommend the things we actually use ourselves and never accept useless sponsored crap. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Where to Stay on the Big Island | Best Areas & Hotels She is also an adventurer and extreme sports enthusiast who surfed in 4 continents. This is the perfect choice if you plan to tour some of Konas coffee farms. Planning a trip to Big Island, Hawaii? Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Aston Kona by the Sea Frequently Asked Questions Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I guarantee that you will have so many postcard-perfect photos here! .path-1{fill:#333;}.path-2{fill:#fff;} Failed rock star turned failing writer. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. We list the most popular unique places to stay in hawaii! Hire some snorkeling gear and explore the coral reefs off Kealakekua Bay. Or if you want to spend your days at the hotel you can splash around in the pool, host a barbeque meal at the communal grill stations, or watch the little ones play on the playground. Hilo the best place to stay on the Big Island, 3. Gorgeous oceanfront property residing along the beautiful Kohala Coast where all of the most beautiful, big beaches are located. Thats why here you will be able to find accommodations for a relatively cheaper price. Spend some time exploring Punaluu Beach where you may even be lucky enough to spot one of Hawaiis famous Green Sea Turtles sunbaking on the black sand! Kohala - Best Place to Stay on The Big Island for Luxury Relax by the campfire after a day of zip-lining and tubing. Overlooking the impossibly blue Kaunaoa Bay and nestled right on a sandy beach, the setting cant be beat. For those that love a little adventure, try this unique, off-grid tiny home at the foot of the worlds most active volcano. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. You can shop for supplies and whip up gourmet meals in the fully outfitted kitchen, get cozy and have a movie night in the modern living room, or pour a glass of wine and watch the sunset from your private lanai. For lunch and dinner affairs, some of the best places to eat Big Island food are Da Poke Shack for a fresh, delicious poke bowl, the 'Ulu Ocean Grill (which is the perfect romantic dining spot for a Big Island honeymoon), and Kaaloa's Super J's for authentic Hawaiian fare. Where to stay in Kona Hawaii: Big Island Accommodation Guide Puako and Kawaihae, South Kohala. Home to a variety of vacation rentals, B&Bs, and oceanside hotels, the Hilo side of the Big Island has everything you need to enjoy your Hawaiian getaway. If you're flying into the Big Island, Hilo is probably the first place that you'll land. If youre visiting The Big Island for the first time and want a classic Hawaiian experience with a modest price tag, The Holua Resort is a perfect choice. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This area of The Big Island is home to Hawaiian Volcano Park and is where avid travellers will find their zen. 10 Most UNIQUE Accommodations on the South Island, New Zealand [2023] The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the best hotels on the Big Island if youre looking for an ultra-luxurious Hawaiian getaway. Beautiful bed + breakfast that overlooks Waipio valley, welcoming guests for a retreat or to host events + weddings. Magic Sands Beach Park has rare access to sandy beaches just south of town, whereas the rest of the coast tends to be more rocky. For those free-spirited travellers visiting Hawaii on a budget, Puna is the place for you. If you want all of my Big Island recommendations all in one convenient, organized place, you can check out our Big Island Travel Guide! Do you see why this town is perfect for first-timers? My 9 Things: What I packed to travel with my pet. The Palms Cliff House Inn is a Victorian-style bed and breakfast situated atop a lush oceanside property. Lava Lava Beach Club 7. If thats not enough, the entire 138-room hotel was recently given a full renovation so everything is brand new. Find unique places to stay with local hosts in 191 countries. Check out the real life Hawaiian cowboys in Waimea town, where you can even see a rodeo! SCP Hilo Hotel 10. If its your first time on the island, its easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which accommodation to choose. Hotels are aplenty here, so youll have no shortage of great options to choose from when deciding where to take the kids! 12 Stunning Airbnbs in Hilo, Hawaii. Adults-only pools, private white-sand beaches, and top-tier service mean you will want for nothing on this special vacation! Here, families can veg out and enjoy their perfect Hawaiian vacation. In the backyard, you'll enjoy breathtaking ocean views and a hot tub ideal for soaking after a day of play. Something that a lot of people dont talk about is staying in off-the-beaten path places to stay on the Big Island. Some of the best hotels in Kailua-Kona are Four Seasons Resort and Big Island Retreat; however Hilo is better for budget travelers. The handy location means you wont need to travel too far to enjoy all that downtown Hilo has to offer. There is a huge problem with housing affordability and availability throughout the islands which is mainly due to neighborhoods being bought out by foreign buyers leaving completely empty neighborhoods and rising housing costs. Courtyard by Marriott - Charleston Waterfront. Such a special and. But the hotels real standout is the Mediterranean restaurant, Meridia. 15 Best Sustainable Bedding Brands of 2022 , Why We Need To Be Wearing Non-Toxic, Reef Safe Sunscreen. keep scrolling but if you enjoy a more unique travel experience you can always look into staying in South Kona, Volcano, Hawi, Waimea or Honokaa. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? I am a beach baby so I tend to stay more on the west side, occasionally venturing to the north or south shores but there truly is something different for each traveler, 15 Best Sustainable Bedding Brands of 2022, The best places to eat & sip coffee, grouped by area: Kona, Waikoloa, Waimea, Honokaa & Hilo, Our favorite beaches, adventures & places to explore, More in-depth information on where to stay, ways to be a mindful traveler & experiences not to miss. It only happens at night (mantas are most active at night when there's more plankton to feed on), but it's not seasonal so you can catch them all year long. Captain Cook - Where to Stay Near Kailua-Kona on a Budget Final Thoughts on Where to Stay Near Kailua-Kona You can even rent snorkels from the front desk if you want to check out all of the colorful fish swimming right offshore. Animal lovers will love the flocks of free-roaming birds, the green turtle-filled lagoon, and the dolphin training and swim sessions. The apartment that has a fully equipped kitchen was very clean, comfortable and spacious. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the only hotel on the Big Island that belongs to the Historic Hotels of America. You can sip your tropical cocktails on the private beach and have delicious meals at onsite restaurants inside the lush gardens. If the owner doesnt live here in Hawaii and the property is not taxed as a vacation rental, all of the money leaves the state and is pocketed by someone who does not live in or contribute to the community. This resort features an epic swimming pool overlooking the ocean, spacious rooms with scenic views, a nice spa, and a very good breakfast. Although each of us is but a drop in the ocean, we can set off a ripple effect with a global impact. Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a modern three-star hotel and a great option for where to stay in Maui with kids.