Island of Hawaiʻi
Island of Hawaiʻi Highlights & Travel Tips
Plan your ultimate vacation on Hawaiʻi Island, where adventure meets serenity. Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, one of five National Park Service sites on the island, swim in the turquoise waters of Hāpuna State Recreation Area and take in Waipiʻo Valley from the lookout. Discover trails through the state's Nā Ala Hele program to help plan epic hikes. From agricultural tours to ocean adventures, the island's sheer size and diversity of climates set it apart.
Popular Places of Hawaiʻi Island
Kona
Find a scenic paradise with highlights that include Kona Sea Salt Farm, Historic Kailua Village, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and quaint coffee plantations open for tours.
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Kohala
Learn local history at the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site and Puakō Petroglyph Archeological Preserve or hike a portion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.
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Hāmākua Coast
Head just north of Hilo for beautiful scenery along the ocean, panoramas from the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout and cute shops in the small town of Honokaʻa.
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Hilo
Explore lush rainforests, the stunning ʻAkaka Falls State Park and scenic Rainbow Falls. Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island’s largest city, is filled with dining, shopping and attractions.
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Puna
Travel to the easternmost region of the island for attractions like Lava Tree State Monument, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center and the main entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes.
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Kaʻū
The island’s southernmost region is mostly rural and remote but includes the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Kaʻū Coffee Mill Visitors Center.
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Special People, Special Offers Plan Your Visit to Hawai‘i Today
Island of Hawaiʻi Travel Tips
Mele Kaʻapuni no Keawe Kū i ka Moku
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the island of Hawaiʻi known for?
The island of Hawaiʻi is famous for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, diverse beaches, manta ray night snorkeling, quaint towns, cultural celebrations and stunning shorelines.
What are the best things to do on the island of Hawaiʻi?
The best things to do on the island of Hawaiʻi include exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and relaxing on Hāpuna Beach.
Where should I stay on the island of Hawaiʻi?
Visitors to the island of Hawaiʻi can choose from beachfront hotels in Kona, luxury resorts along the Kona-Kohala Coast, oceanfront stays in Hilo, and charming accommodations in the Volcano area.
When is the best time to visit the island of Hawaiʻi?
For ideal weather and fewer tourists, visit the island of Hawaiʻi from January to May or September to November to enjoy Hāpuna Beach and lush Hilo waterfalls without the crowds.
How do I get to the island of Hawaiʻi?
To get to the island of Hawaiʻi, travelers typically fly into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) or Hilo International Airport (ITO). Both airports provide multiple options for travel to other Hawaiian islands.
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