Island of Hawaii

Aloha 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.

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Popular Places of Hawaiʻi Island

Travelers on a tour at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary on the Island of Hawaiʻi

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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Hikers on the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on the island of Hawai'i

Kohala

Get a glimpse of island 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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Women shopping local in Honokaʻa on the island of Hawaiʻi

Hāmākua

Enjoy panoramic views from the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, cute shops and historic buildings in Honokaʻa town, delicious malasadas and remnants of Hawaiʻi's sugar plantation area.

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Stunning view of ʻAkaka Falls on the island of Hawaiʻi

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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Sign to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaiʻi

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 National Park.

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Beautiful day at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach on the island of Hawaiʻi

Kaʻū

The island’s southernmost region is mostly rural and remote but includes the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Kaʻū Coffee Mill Visitors Center.

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Things to Do on the Island of Hawaiʻi

Family beach day at Hāpuna Beach on the island of Hawaiʻi
Traveler touring Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park on the island of Hawaiʻi
Pair paddleboarding in Kailua Bay, off the coast of Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaiʻi
Helicopter tour along the Kohala Coast on the island of Hawaiʻi

Beaches of Hawai‘i Island

The largest Hawaiian island offers numerous world-class shores for sunbathing, water sports and relaxation.

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Land Activities of Hawai‘i Island

Enjoy ziplining, stargazing with a permitted tour operator, legendary golfing and topnotch hiking opportunities.

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Water Activities of Hawai‘i Island

Go snorkeling with manta rays, paddle around scenic bays and sail through ocean waves.

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Air Activities of Hawaiʻi Island

Fly high above for views of tropical valleys, cascading waterfalls, lava flows and pristine beaches.

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Greenery on Maui island Hawaii

Special People, Special Offers Plan Your Visit to Hawai‘i Today

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Mele Kaʻapuni no Keawe Kū i ka Moku

Hear a Hawaiian Chant

This traveling mele (chant) takes us around the island of Hawai‘i to certain places that are special to composer, Kamaka Kukona and his kumu hula's (hula teacher) ‘ohana (family). The uahi a ka wahine (smoky ash hued sky of Pele) in the first verse takes us up to Kīlauea, a spot they frequent for hula, while the second verse onward speaks of the birth places of Kukona's kumu hula's family members from Waimea all the way back to Hilo.

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The Hawaiian Islands Weather

Kauaʻi

Poipu, Kauaʻi

Today light rain 81°F 27°C
17/09 Thu light rain 81°F27°C
18/09 Fri light rain 80°F27°C
19/09 Sat light rain 82°F28°C
20/09 Sun light rain 82°F28°C
21/09 Mon light rain 82°F28°C

Līhuʻe

Today light rain 80°F 27°C
17/09 Thu light rain 80°F27°C
18/09 Fri light rain 80°F27°C
19/09 Sat light rain 81°F27°C
20/09 Sun light rain 81°F27°C
21/09 Mon light rain 81°F27°C

Kapaʻa

Today light rain 78°F 25°C
17/09 Thu light rain 80°F27°C
18/09 Fri light rain 79°F26°C
19/09 Sat light rain 80°F26°C
20/09 Sun light rain 80°F27°C
21/09 Mon light rain 80°F27°C

Honolulu, Oʻahu

Today light rain 84°F 29°C
17/09 Thu light rain 84°F29°C
18/09 Fri light rain 82°F28°C
19/09 Sat few clouds 83°F28°C
20/09 Sun overcast clouds 82°F28°C
21/09 Mon few clouds 82°F28°C

West Side

Today light rain 75°F 24°C
17/09 Thu light rain 83°F28°C
18/09 Fri light rain 80°F27°C
19/09 Sat few clouds 83°F28°C
20/09 Sun few clouds 82°F28°C
21/09 Mon broken clouds 82°F28°C

North Shore (Turtle Bay)

Today light rain 83°F 28°C
17/09 Thu light rain 82°F28°C
18/09 Fri light rain 80°F27°C
19/09 Sat scattered clouds 81°F27°C
20/09 Sun overcast clouds 80°F27°C
21/09 Mon few clouds 81°F27°C

Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi

Today light rain 76°F 25°C
17/09 Thu light rain 80°F26°C
18/09 Fri light rain 79°F26°C
19/09 Sat clear sky 80°F27°C
20/09 Sun broken clouds 79°F26°C
21/09 Mon few clouds 80°F26°C

Molokaʻi Airport

Today light rain 79°F 26°C
17/09 Thu light rain 79°F26°C
18/09 Fri light rain 79°F26°C
19/09 Sat scattered clouds 80°F27°C
20/09 Sun overcast clouds 79°F26°C
21/09 Mon broken clouds 79°F26°C

Kaunakakai City

Today light rain 79°F 26°C
17/09 Thu light rain 80°F27°C
18/09 Fri light rain 81°F27°C
19/09 Sat clear sky 82°F28°C
20/09 Sun light rain 81°F27°C
21/09 Mon few clouds 81°F27°C

Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi

Today clear sky 76°F 24°C
17/09 Thu clear sky 78°F25°C
18/09 Fri light rain 77°F25°C
19/09 Sat few clouds 78°F25°C
20/09 Sun overcast clouds 77°F25°C
21/09 Mon overcast clouds 78°F25°C

Manele Bay Beach

Today light rain 87°F 30°C
17/09 Thu few clouds 87°F31°C
18/09 Fri light rain 83°F28°C
19/09 Sat light rain 84°F29°C
20/09 Sun broken clouds 85°F29°C
21/09 Mon overcast clouds 85°F30°C

Lānaʻi Airport

Today clear sky 68°F 20°C
17/09 Thu clear sky 75°F24°C
18/09 Fri light rain 77°F25°C
19/09 Sat clear sky 79°F26°C
20/09 Sun overcast clouds 78°F26°C
21/09 Mon scattered clouds 78°F26°C

Kahului Airport, Maui

Today clear sky 79°F 26°C
17/09 Thu light rain 82°F27°C
18/09 Fri light rain 82°F28°C
19/09 Sat light rain 83°F28°C
20/09 Sun overcast clouds 82°F28°C
21/09 Mon broken clouds 83°F28°C

Whalers Village in Kaʻanapali

Today clear sky 80°F 27°C
17/09 Thu light rain 82°F28°C
18/09 Fri light rain 81°F27°C
19/09 Sat clear sky 83°F28°C
20/09 Sun overcast clouds 82°F27°C
21/09 Mon scattered clouds 82°F28°C

The Shops at Wailea in Wailea

Today clear sky 83°F 28°C
17/09 Thu clear sky 85°F29°C
18/09 Fri light rain 84°F29°C
19/09 Sat light rain 84°F29°C
20/09 Sun overcast clouds 84°F29°C
21/09 Mon overcast clouds 84°F29°C

Hilo, Hawaiʻi

Today clear sky 76°F 24°C
17/09 Thu clear sky 82°F28°C
18/09 Fri moderate rain 81°F27°C
19/09 Sat light rain 81°F27°C
20/09 Sun light rain 81°F27°C
21/09 Mon light rain 81°F27°C

Kailua/Kona

Today clear sky 77°F 25°C
17/09 Thu clear sky 85°F29°C
18/09 Fri light rain 84°F29°C
19/09 Sat light rain 83°F28°C
20/09 Sun light rain 82°F28°C
21/09 Mon overcast clouds 83°F28°C

Puakō

Today light rain 86°F 30°C
17/09 Thu few clouds 87°F30°C
18/09 Fri light rain 83°F28°C
19/09 Sat light rain 84°F29°C
20/09 Sun broken clouds 85°F30°C
21/09 Mon overcast clouds 86°F30°C

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). KOA offers non-stop transPacific flights from major gateway cities and ITO will also gain non-stop transPacific service in fall 2026. Both airports provide multiple options for travel to other Hawaiian islands.