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.
-
Which Beach You Should Be Sitting on Right Now, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
While your local beach may be just a bike ride, train ride, or car ride away, the idea of the sitting upon the Caribbean’s warm white-sand shores... Read More
-
27-year-old Swimmer Bit Twice in Hawaii's 9th Shark Attack of 2019
A 27-year-old woman in Hawaii is alive after she was bitten twice by a shark on Tuesday while swimming in Kealakekua Bay, a historic state park on the... Read More
-
The Top 15 Resort Hotels in Hawaii
Back in 1866, a young reporter for the Sacramento Union newspaper spent four months exploring “the Sandwich Islands,” which we now know as Hawaii. They... Read More
-
The Top Islands in Hawaii
It turns out you can have it all, and at one time — at least when you spend time at one of the best islands in Hawaii. Visitors can hike up volcanoes... Read More
-
Here Are the New Flights Southwest Is Adding to Hawaii
The long-awaited flights between California and the Hawaiian Islands on Southwest Airlines were well received upon release in March. Lower fares — some... Read More
-
Viola Davis Went Skydiving in Hawaii in 'Exercise in Letting Go' and 'Tackling' Fears
Viola Davis had the ultimate aerial view of Hawaii during a recent vacation to the Aloha state.The Oscar winner and How to Get Away With Murder actress,... Read More
-
Hawaii's Big Island Is Back and Better Than Ever
My daughter, Agnes, has reached an age — 4 — where she asks questions like “Why did the dinosaurs die?” and “Where does hot lava come from?” So after... Read More
-
This Treehouse in the Middle of a Hawaiian Forest Is One of the World's Most Wished-for Airbnbs
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Airbnb shared the properties that users have added to their wish lists most often over the past decade. And... Read More
-
Hawaii’s Newest Island Disappeared Almost As Quickly As It Formed
A new landmass has formed off the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island from the molten lava of the Kilauea Volcano eruption.The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)... Read More
-
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
-
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
