Explore Big Island: Your Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Paradise

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Explore Big Island: Your Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Paradise

On our second trip to Hawaii, we chose to explore Big Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It was definitely worth it, and in our travel review, we’ll share why. From stunning landscapes to rich cultural experiences, our time on Big Island was truly rewarding. Let’s dive into our travel review and uncover the wonders of this remarkable destination.

Content Teaser
Big Island Hawaii Lava field

1 Don’t Miss Out: Our Must-See Gems Within Easy Reach

2 Where We Rested

3 Plant-Based Dining Options

4 How We Got Around

5 What We Spent

6 Instaramable Spots

7 FAQ Section

Quick Peek

Fact-sheet about our Big Island Hawaii trip for our busy travelers.

Travel Time

April

Travel Mode

Short trip (4 days)

Our Must-Sees

Mauna Kea, Island Tour

Where to stay

AirBnB

Plant-Based Food

Vibe Café, Basic Acai

Mobility

Rental car Alamo
Jeep Wrangler

Travel Budget

around €1.690 / $1.847
without air fare

Unveiling Big Island: Our Must-See Destinations

Our exploration of Big Island was filled with remarkable sights and memorable experiences. Here, we share the standout destinations that truly captivated us:

Kona

On the west side of Big Island, Kona surprised us with its pretty scenery and relaxed Hawaiian vibe. We enjoyed walking around its small streets, where we found lots of local culture and nice people. Kona is a great place if you like being in the water or doing outdoor stuff. One thing to watch out for before booking: Kona is known for hosting the Iron Man Triathlon World Cup, and during that time, the prices can be by far beyond what you might expect. 

Big Island Hawaii Kona
Big Island Hawaii Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a hidden gem nestled on the northern side of Big Island. Accessible only by foot or by driving a special type of vehicle, it offers a secluded retreat into nature. However, it’s important to note that the valley is occasionally closed to visitors for safety reasons. Even if you can’t venture into the valley itself, the viewpoint offers stunning vistas that are well worth a visit.

Onomea Bay

Onomea Bay is located along the picturesque Hamakua Coast of Big Island. It’s a serene spot adorned with lush greenery and towering cliffs. The water here is crystal-clear and inviting, perfect for swimming, kayaking or simply admiring. Additionally, there’s a pathway leading to a botanical garden; however, please note that there’s an entry fee. Nonetheless, we’d suggest exploring the island’s natural wonders for free, as beauty can be found everywhere on Big Island.

Big Island Hawaii Onomea Bay
Big Island Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on Big Island Hawaii. It’s super high, so going to the very top needs a lot of planning. But even if you don’t go all the way up, driving part of the way gives you amazing views. It’s famous for stargazing, which means looking at the stars, because it’s so high up. Just remember to be careful about the air being thinner as you go higher.

Isaac Hale Park

Isaac Hale Park served as an excellent starting point for our adventure, and we were pleasantly surprised by what we found. The valley boasts immense cliffs, lush forests, and a striking black sand beach, creating a truly remarkable setting. It feels like a secluded paradise, where time seems to slow down, and a sense of tranquility permeates the air. This hidden gem likely went unnoticed by many, but we stumbled upon it because we chose to stay there overnight. It’s a place where tourists are few, and untouched nature abounds, making it all the more special.

Big Island Isaac Hale Beach Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This park holds a unique charm due to its abundance of volcanoes and fascinating volcanic formations. We encountered towering peaks such as Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and ventured into expansive lava tubes formed by ancient eruptions. With numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, there’s no shortage of opportunities to witness breathtaking landscapes. Exploring this park offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s volcanic history, showcasing how its remarkable features were shaped over time.

Island Tour

We explored the entire island in a day, taking in a variety of landscapes from beautiful beaches to lush valleys. While we managed to see a lot in one day, we suggest allocating more time or dividing the tour into multiple days, as there are numerous places to visit. Whether you prefer walking, driving, or joining a guided tour, Big Island offers countless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

Rest and Recharge: A Peek into Our Staycation on Big Island

Booking accommodations on Big Island came as a bit of a shock when we saw the prices per night. While we were familiar with the pricing situation in Hawaii, this was a whole new level. To avoid blowing our travel budget and ending up in a disappointing, run-down motel or hotel, we decided to take a leap of faith and try something new. We booked a secluded Airbnb nestled amidst the lava fields, adjacent to a horse ranch. At the time of booking, we convinced ourselves that the kids would be thrilled with the location. The journey there was truly unique and remains a cherished memory to this day. Admittedly, it was a bit of an adjustment to sleep without real windows, and to have an outdoor toilet and kitchen. Long story short – we survived, and we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. The space was wonderfully cozy, though it required a level of comfort with geckos and, occasionally, cockroaches.

Sustainable Eats: Exploring Plant-Based Cuisine on Big Island

One of the reasons we always look forward to visiting Hawaii is not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its unique vibe, which includes the famous poke bowl. On Big Island, we discovered some fantastic plant-based dining options that we’d love to share with you.

In Hilo, on the eastern part of the island, we found ourselves drawn to the Vegan Vibe Cafe and Cafe Ono near the Volcano National Park. Both establishments offered delicious plant-based meals that satisfied our cravings while also supporting sustainable eating practices.

On the other side of the island, in Kona, we stumbled upon Basik Acai, a delightful spot serving up refreshing acai bowls and other vegan treats. It was the perfect spot to refuel after a day of exploring.

However, when it came to self-catering, we found that locating vegan products in supermarkets required some effort. And even if we found them, they often came with a hefty price tag. Despite the challenges, we appreciated the opportunity to support local businesses and indulge in plant-based fare while exploring the beautiful Big Island.

 

Navigating Big Island Hawaii: Our Guide to Getting Around Hassle-Free

Exploring Big Island without a rental car is virtually impossible. While it’s possible to arrive in Kona or Hilo, stay overnight, and join organized tours, that’s not our preferred style of travel. When it comes to renting a car in Hawaii, there’s really only one choice, right? You guessed it: a Jeep Wrangler. At Alamo, we were able to select one from the lineup as usual and opted for an olive green one this time. The sense of freedom was immediate as we rolled back the convertible top. With the radio on and Hawaiian vibes filling the air, we hit the road.

Driving on the island’s roads is incredibly relaxed – we never encountered traffic jams, and parking is usually free in most places. However, we started noticing that some tourist attractions were charging hefty parking fees. It’s important not to underestimate the distances between destinations, as travel times can add up quickly.

Money Matters: Budgeting Wisely for Your Big Island Hawaii Getaway
Here’s a quick look at our budget for our Big Island adventure, providing a straightforward overview of what to keep in mind.
Accomodation

AirBnB per night €175 / $191
€700 / $765

Food & Dining

Around €100 / $109 per day
Total €400 / $437

Mobility

Rental car Jeep Wrangler
€85 ($92) per day
Fuel / Parking around €180 / €197

Activities

Volcano National Park €30 / $33
Rest for free!

Total Spent

around €1.690 / $1.847
without air fare

Snap, Share, Repeat: Finding Picture-Perfect Views on Big Island
Curious About Big Island? Here Are the Answers to Your FAQs