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). Youll love relaxing in the contemporary rooms. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I'm Elana. Located on the west side of the island, Fairmont Orchid is a quintessential Hawaiian resort. Lets check out the best ones I picked for you. 20 Best Island Vacations in the World. The views from your private balcony will take your breath away, and if youve had enough relaxing on the lanai, the superb location means youre just a stones throw from the beach and other local establishments! For more, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. A historic ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii offering 4 beautifully restored plantation era cottages. Hike for an hour or so to Papakolea Green Sand Beach and check out the natural olive-green sands. Something that a lot of people dont talk about is staying in off-the-beaten path places to stay on the Big Island. Is your phone eSIM ready? The Rainforest Zoo and lava fields are just 15 minutes drive from the hotel. We only recommend the things we actually use ourselves and never accept useless sponsored crap. Email[emailprotected]to find out how. 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. Perfect for those on a savvy budget, Open Gate is off the beaten track and away from the standard tourist traps of the major towns on Hawaii Island, making it the perfect place to meet like-minded people while gazing at the nearby volcano! Puna is a great choice for the budget-savvy traveller because it has plenty of modest accommodation for great prices meaning you can spend more on your activities. Thanks to its tropical climate you can visit Big Island all year round but in order to get better deals on resorts on Big Island Hawaii, I suggest traveling between September November. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Here, families can veg out and enjoy their perfect Hawaiian vacation. The Holua Resort is superbly located within walking distance of exceptional golf courses, boasts six pools, and its great for families making it one of the best places to stay on the Big Island. My 9 Things: What I packed to travel with my pet. Waikoloa offers a great selection of hotels with family-friendly facilities such as kids clubs and pools. Imagine yourself having a Hawaiian cocktail under the palm trees watching the surreal color of the ocean. Holualoa Inn 5. 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. This area of The Big Island is home to Hawaiian Volcano Park and is where avid travellers will find their zen. 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! The recently renovated Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is nestled right on the white sands of Hapuna Beach on the stunning Kohala Coast. 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! Before I start I would like to let you know that the Big Island is a very popular and expensive travel destination that is visited by travelers all year round. If exploring the volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is at the top of your to-do list, then a hotel near Hilo on the eastern part of the island is your best bet. Or maybe "glamping" in a well-appointed cabin tent is more your style. Hilo. Close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kau is a vastly different experience with almost no hotels. You wont have difficulty picking a place in Kohala as you will find the most delightful resorts by the white sand beaches here. This is a personal preference based on what you enjoy as both Kona and Hilo are beautiful. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If you want to spend your vacation relaxing, you can float the day away in one of the pools, get a traditional lomi lomi massage at the spa, or sip tropical drinks at the pool bar. They have a gorgeous community area for bonfires and BBQs. Moderately priced and suitable for a family or group of four, the cosy Crater Rim Cabin comes with a fully stocked and functional kitchen and is surrounded by lush gardens and forestry. 1. What's the best place to stay on Big Island: Hilo, Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa? This luxurious B&B has charm to spare, enchanting guests with its grand architecture and awe-inspiring views . Hang out with locals at Hana Hou Restaurant and sample some traditional Hawaiian dishes. More information. Top 10 destinations for families in 2023. They all have great reviews and ideal locations close to beaches! Planning a trip to Big Island, Hawaii? World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. SCP Hilo hotel features spacious rooms, a lush swimming pool where you can enjoy getting a suntan on sunny days, a bar with a great selection of tropical cocktails, and a fitness center. This area of the island is why its sometimes referred to as the Golf Capital of Hawaii because its home to one of the richest Big Island neighbourhoods where youll find world-renowned golf courses surrounded by five-star resorts and sunny beaches that are straight out of a postcard. Wander around the grounds and youll find an incredible open-air lobby, a palm-tree studded pool deck, and a fully outfitted gym with Peloton bikes. Kona is probably the most well-rounded region with family-friendly hotels, backpackers hostels, and resorts plus restaurants and activities to suit everyone. Its eye level to one of Hawaiis most beautiful waterfalls and is flanked by both the Wailuku River and rainforest. This two-story wooden bungalow only has six rooms, so expect to feel right at home during your stay. It can accommodate two guests and is centrally located in Intown Atlanta. Located in the north of the island, the area features excellent beaches and beautiful scenery. Actually, all of the other islands could fit inside the Big Island. I'm a photographer, writer & environmental advocate excited to be sharing regenerative solutions, ideas & concepts for our lives & businesses with you. After spending time snorkeling and chilling on the powdery sand of Kona, discover the historical sites and beautiful landscapes at the historic Kaloko-Honokhau National Park. If you have bigger kids, ATV tours are a great way to get off the beaten track and enjoy a fully guided tour, complete with a swim under a waterfall all to yourselves! They offer eco friendly accommodations that are high tech and high style with all the amenities and comforts you need for an awesome getaway vacation. The Kulaniapia experience is phenomenal, just minutes from town, but completely secluded. In this blog post, I will talk about the 5 best areas where to stay on the Big Island with hotels from luxury to budget plus Airbnbs. Afterward continue your trip to visit the main landmarks of Puna, Lava Tree State Park, and Volcano Village in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. as soon as your ideal client opens it is HUGE and Flodesk makes this very easy. This spectacular Hawaiian island oasis is home to all but four of the worlds climates, which means there is a tonne of ground to cover when deciding where to stay on The Big Island. Each cottage is exactly the same and boasts beach-chic decor, ultra-comfy beds, and kitchenettes with microwaves, refrigerators, and dishware. Caffeine addicts will want to visit at least a few coffee farms in the world-famous Kona region! These areas are more populated with locals but can be a great way to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in life here. Thats why here you will be able to find accommodations for a relatively cheaper price. Hilo offers the best of both worlds, boasting an exciting town centre, miles of beautiful landscapes, and heaps of fun activities to take part in. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. If you're flying into the Big Island, Hilo is probably the first place that you'll land. Do a tour of a local farm choose from chocolate, coffee, nuts or vanilla. Unique Lodging. If youre hungry, head over to the onsite restaurant for locally sourced Hawaiian fare. Each region has something unique to offer, from exotic locations in . Want a glimmer of paradise in your inbox? Hotels are aplenty here, so youll have no shortage of great options to choose from when deciding where to take the kids! Waikoloa Village is located on the west coast and next to Kona Town. Or if youre looking for something more active you can go surfing or kayaking with the hotels residential experts, go golfing at the PGA-designated golf course, or participate in fun activities at the cultural center. This is one of the most incredible things to do on The Big Island and will give you major bragging rights at home! Every winter during "Club Season," the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Morgans, and crew flocked to their exclusive cottages on the South Georgia coast. The main airport is located on Kona side and all up the coast there are different pockets of accommodations, restaurants and beaches near Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa. Aston Kona by the Sea Frequently Asked Questions Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. These hosts have three tiny houses and are located above Kona and just below the Kaloko Cloud Forest on three beautiful acres. Well, dont worry, while the names are often used interchangeably, both the town of Kailua-Kona and the entire region are worth visiting. Spaceship House For a trip out of this world, book the Spaceship House in Navarre Beach. If you are visiting the Big Island for the first time I recommend staying in Kona because it has easy access to the main attractions. Kona / Kailua-Kona the best place to stay for the first time, 2. Take a drive to one of the many sights nearby, including the iconic Volcanoes National Park. Dont worry, high rollers Hawaii Island has plenty of options for you too. This hotel offers bungalow rooms with a lush garden, a spa, a dining area where you can make BBQ, and a sun terrace surrounded by trees. Instead, buy an eSIM! The volcanic island offers some of the state's cheapest accommodation, making it our pick for one of the best places to stay in Hawaii on a budget. Wood rafter ceilings, wing back rattan chairs, curated art, and tropical plants pepper the space with style. If youre looking for your home away from home in Hawaii, Kohala Suites is one of the best hotels on the Big Island. 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! At the end of an adventure-filled day, youll love unwinding in the modern rooms. Perfect for couples wanting a quiet escape or for those searching for a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian landscape, private rental options are king here. Your family can spread out however they please in this comfortable and modern three-bedroom house. Practice your swing at one of the many exceptional golf courses. Happy exploring! You can literally fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping against the shore. Some of the best resorts here are Fairmont Orchid Resort and Ocean Tower Hilton. If you want to read more about things to do on the Big Island. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. 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. Required fields are marked *. Visit the fascinating town of Karapana that was partially covered by lava flows in 1990. All different and contrasting. Orxy/Shutterstock. Visit Website. Check out our favorite books and travel guides! 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. This hotel offers spacious rooms with a kitchen, a pool, a fitness center, and a couple of dining options in Kohala, Surrounded by beautiful trees this hotel offers comfortable rooms with a coffee machine and easy access to the beaches, This Airbnb is the best housing option on the north side of the island with an epic ocean view and a private swimming pool. I also would like to remind you of the importance of making a reservation in advance as the Big Island is a very popular and expensive travel destination. Kona / Kailua-Kona - the best place to stay for the first time 2. Choose Kua if you have a little more cash to spare and want to stay far away from big hotels and hordes of tourists. 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. also overlooks the beach on the Kohala Coast. Waikoloa Beach Marriott and Kings Land Hilton are the best resorts to stay in Kohala. If youre feeling especially adventurous, put your. Glass House near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This heavy timber built villa is one of the most luxurious places to stay on the Big Island, and everything you could ever need for your high-end family vacation. You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! Images courtesy of Airbnb. Visit the South Gate Civic Center Museum. #2 Wailuku - Best Places to Stay in Maui on a Budget. This rental will be the perfect place to relax and unwind after a big day of exploring, or simply sit back and relax by the pool while you enjoy the sound of the ocean nearby. Of course, the best place for you to base yourself in Hawaii depends on what you want out of your trip! The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the only hotel on the Big Island that belongs to the Historic Hotels of America. Let the tropical vibe load! Each room boasts natural wood walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private covered lanais with garden views. Kohala - Best Place to Stay on The Big Island for Luxury One thing's for sure: When you're looking to explore the real Hawaii, then this island should definitely on your radar. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 12 Incredible Airbnbs on the Big Island, Hawaii, 12 Cool Boutique Hotels on Hawaiis Big Island. 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. Relax by the campfire after a day of zip-lining and tubing. Lap up your Hawaiian experience with an evening luau and hula dancing, or take part in one of the many outdoor activities on offer with the hotel. If you have any other suggestions or questions about the Hawaiian Islands please leave a comment below. Hilo is where youll find lush jungle, beautiful hiking and plenty of waterfalls as they get a lot more rain than Kona side. Ill be happy to leave a reply to them! Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links on this page might be affiliate links, which means that at absolutely no extra cost for you we will earn a small commission for a sale generated through the website. Waaaay bigger than the other Hawaiian islands. She is also an adventurer and extreme sports enthusiast who surfed in 4 continents. Between vacation rentals like airbnbs and VRBO's to fun and . You can also enjoy steak dinners at Manta Restaurant, experience a luau on the beach, and sip cocktails at the pool bar, Copper Bar, and Hau Tree. We used to live in Keauhou + LOVE the area. This is also a great place to stay if you want to swim with manta rays or attend the famous Voyagers of the Pacific luau. Beautiful bed + breakfast that overlooks Waipio valley, welcoming guests for a retreat or to host events + weddings. Best affordable accommodation in the center. Photo credit: Mauna Lani Not only is the airport a mere 13 miles away, but youll have easy access to the areas best coffee farms, snorkeling spots, and oceanfront restaurants. They both have good locations and great reviews too! This hotel will be the source of your kids most memorable vacation yet! 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. You will have the chance to experience all kinds of natural beauties so there is no reason to not get excited! Another affordable beach resort in Hawaii is Marriott's Maui Ocean Club. Up for trying out tiny living while on vacation? 10. If you prefer a more adventurous kind of holiday, then Kau is for you. If youre up for shared accommodations, you can stay in this stunning, multiple-unit open air home in your own private room just 10 minutes to the beach and downtown. As the name implies, Aston Kona by the Sea is perched directly on a wild and rugged stretch of black sand beach in Kailua-Kona. Finally, Hilo is the lush and rainy cousin to Kona on the eastern side of the island. Here another impressive landmark you shouldnt miss is the Waikloa Dry Forest Initiative. With two spacious bedrooms and a living room with a sleeper sofa, the suites can sleep up to six people. Waikoloa - best family-friendly resort town to stay on the Big Island which side of the Big Island is best to stay on? Find out! If youre looking for an ultra-relaxing beach vacation, the Big Island has got you covered. Special places to stay, glamping . The resort was given a $200 million makeover and reopened its doors in 2020 so expect everything to be new and top of the line. One of the coolest things about this hotel is that youll have access to all of the amenities, golf courses, and restaurants at the hotels sprawling sister property Hilton Waikoloa Village. There are two styles of accommodations at . Fairmont Orchid 8. 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. KOA campgrounds are a great place to find a unique accommodation for your next camping trip. The intimate hotel boasts four adorable cottages nestled right on the shores of popular. All rights reserved. If you want to stay in or near Kailua-Kona, there are a wide variety of lodging styles available. For the ultimate in luxury, consider the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu in Kona. Ive been traveling here for the past decade and living here for the past five years. orgeous community area for bonfires and BBQs. Your email address will not be published. Unique places to stay on the Big Island: Waikui right in the West-North coast is a fantastic area to stay. If budget isnt as much of a concern, there are some incredible options of accommodations available including upscale luxury resorts. Located on the western side of the island, this sprawling 825-acre resort has so many cool amenities you wont have to leave the hotel if you dont want to. Venturing around the island, youll find lush rainforests, peculiar lava trees, golf courses, volcanoes, and sun-soaked beaches. For a culture fix, you can attend an authentic luau or learn about local traditions at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Park. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. The chic rooms are bathed in white and boast beautiful hardwood floors and headboards, plenty of large windows, and colorful artwork. Take a day trip to Kohala Waterfalls where you can do an off-road vehicle tour to see the secluded sights. This newly renovated property is a great choice if you are staying over in Hilo. With eight bars and restaurants and endless things to keep you entertained, you can easily spend a week or two here without ever leaving the premises. This is the perfect choice if you plan to tour some of Konas coffee farms. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But no matter where you decide to stay on the Big Island, youll find plenty of incredible hotels to choose from! You might even feel a small earthquake while youre there if youre lucky! In this post, Ill share different accommodation options and a unique, curated list of some of my favorite places to stay on the Big Island, One of the most common things people wonder is. This hotel offers 2 swimming pools with incredible ocean views and spacious rooms with quality products, This hotel offers affordable family-friendly accommodation on the west coast with comfortable rooms with a nice garden, Located right on the bay this Airbnb features deluxe rooms, private beach access, and a lush swimming pool. Having an email that screams YOU as soon as your ideal client opens it is HUGE and Flodesk makes this very easy. Here are the best of the best hotels in Kohala that I carefully picked for you. Thank you so much for supporting this project! Shall we start to discover the Big Island? Couples looking for a relaxing, adults-only getaway with a difference, this is the place for you. Next up we have Puna, famous for the town of Kalapana which was once partially destroyed by lava! If youre looking for a resort that has absolutely everything you need, look no further than the Hilton Waikoloa Village. If you want a traditional vacation of staying at a resort, going out to eat, etc. Kona - Best Place to Stay on The Big Island For Your First Time 2. The resort also happens to boast some of the best restaurants in the area. There are several unique places to stay in Hilo, Hawaii. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Hilo - the best place to stay on the Big Island on a budget 3. And, to help you figure out exactly where to stay on The Big Island, weve gone ahead and listed the very best neighbourhoods on offer. Rather than doing a day trip from Kona, choose to stay in Puna or Kua for the ultimate volcano experience. If exploring Hawaii National Volcanoes Park is on your to-do list, SCP Hilo Hotel is a great place to base yourself.