At more than 4,000 square miles, the nickname for the one island actually named Hawaii is apropos: The Big Island is bigger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. It also has everything that you would want from any island in Hawaii: gorgeous beaches, dramatic volcanoes, friendly locals and fascinating history. After all, this is where King Kamehameha the Great built his kingdom in the early 19th century. When most people visit the Big Island, they go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Big Island is also a great place to enjoy a classic luau, go snorkeling, hike and see some Technicolor rainbows. Even the beaches—there are 80—have their own colors, such as the black-sand Punaluu Beach and greenish-hued Papakolea Beach. Check out this Big Island travel guide to start exploring.
Things Not to Miss on the Big Island
• See the lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Hike Akaka Falls State Park
• Go snorkeling to see bright corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles
• See the view from the top of Mauna Kea
When to Go to the Big Island
Even though Hawaii is located in the tropics, it gets cooler, drier weather, thanks to the trade winds from the east. That means temperatures stay pretty warm and comfortable throughout the year. When you are planning your travel to the Big Island, however, two factors to consider are the rainy season and pricing. The dry season runs from May through October while November through April is the rainy season. The perfect intersection of lower prices and dry weather happens between September and November. The best reason to come during the winter or early spring is for whale-watching season; humpback migration season lasts from December to April. If you come this time of year, just remember to bring some rain gear.
-
The Best Beaches in the U.S. for Celebrating July 4th
The United States is home to more than 12,000 miles of coastline (12,383, to be exact). With all that land, there are more than a few hidden beaches... Read More
-
It Is Safe to Travel to Hawaii During the Volcanic Eruptions — but Avoid These Areas
After two weeks of eruptions, Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano became more dangerous over the weekend.Lava from the volcanic eruption oozed out to the... Read More
-
Video From a Helicopter Shows What the Inside of Kilauea's Crater Looks Like After Eruption
The Kilauea volcano eruption, on the Big Island of Hawaii, sent a plume of smoke into the air and lava down to the surrounding area below. So far,... Read More
-
Photos and Videos Show the Incredible Destruction From the Kilauea Volcano Eruption
A day after the Kilauea volcano erupted on Hawaii’s Big Island, the state experienced its strongest earthquake in 43 years. Hundreds of people have been... Read More
-
Hawaii's Kilaeua Volcano Has Erupted, Lava and Sulfur Dioxide Gas Forces Mandatory Evacuations
After days of anticipation, a crack in Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano rift zone erupted on Thursday afternoon, forcing emergency evacuations.About 1,700... Read More
-
Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Could Erupt at Any Moment, Authorities Warn
After hundreds of small earthquakes, scientists and residents are preparing for an eruption on Hawaii’s Big Island.The U.S. Geological Survey has issued... Read More
-
VIDEO: Five Things to Do on Hawaii’s Big Island
Officially named Hawaii, but referred to by most as the Big Island, this is the largest island in the Central Pacific archipelago known as Hawaii. Here,... Read More
-
This Tiny Airbnb Right Next to an Active Volcano in Hawaii Is a Real Hot Deal
Here’s a hot vacation deal for you. Literally.If you feel like you’ve been playing it too cool and comfortable all your life with your stable ground... Read More
-
Which Beach You Should Be Sitting on Right Now, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
With summer drawing near, almost everyone is envisioning the warm sun hitting their face and the sand beneath their toes. And while your local beach may... Read More
-
Tour the Exclusive, $25,000-a-year Club Where Athletes and A-listers Vacation in Hawaii
This story originally appeared on BusinessInsider.com.An average of eight million people visit the Hawaiian islands each year. But it's not likely... Read More
-
The Top Trending Destinations for Families in 2017
When you're traveling with family, not any destination will do.While a quiet seaside resort could be the perfect getaway for two, it could prove too... Read More
-
Two Hurricanes Are Headed for Hawaii
Hurricane Madeline is poised to pass “dangerously close” to the Big Island of Hawaii on Wednesday, according to an alert from the Central Pacific... Read More
-
The Best Places to Travel in December
As a whole, the month of December is a whirlwind. Even as the chaos of Thanksgiving weekend begins to fade, the world is already preparing for the end... Read More
-
The World’s Friendliest Islands 2015
As part of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards survey, readers were asked to evaluate islands around the world, ranking individual characteristics... Read More
-
2015 America’s Best Family Hotels
At last, a Hawaiian vacation that incorporates the kids. Meet Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu, where bassinets and baby-proofed balconies are... Read More
