Hawaii - Big Island Travel & Vacation Guide

Akaka Falls State Park is nestled along the northeastern Hamakua Coast. The two mellifluous waterfalls are seen on only one short hike. A pleasant half a mile trek will take you through a lush rainforest of wild orchids, bamboo groves and coquettish ferns. You'll pinch yourself to find this is all indeed real, especially with the 100-foot Kahuna Falls and the towering Akaka Falls, which plummet down 442 feet.

This thin strip of white-sand beach is flanked by the Anaehoomalu Bay on one side and two ancient Hawaiian fishponds, Kuualii and Kahapapa, on the other. Located near the Waikoloa Marriott, it is a favorite spot for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling and other water activities.

The Hamakua Heritage Corridor takes you on a scenic day trip along the Hamakua Coast. Drive 45 miles along sea cliffs, through lush valleys and tropical rainforests with ample opportunities to explore old plantation towns, see amazing waterfalls and take scenic detours.

This beautiful garden showcases some of Hawaii's rich variety of plant life, with a great selection of orchids as the standout feature. A walk through the garden takes visitors down to the shoreline and back up again, providing some great views of the ocean.

You have the unique opportunity to watch one of nature's most powerful, beautiful processes as the earth unfurls to release its magma from the volcanoes. As one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, Kīlauea volcano is consistently one of Big Island's biggest attractions. Its reputation precedes it as a sacred place for Native Hawaiians as well. Marvel at the active Mauna Loa, learn about volcanology at the Jaggar Museum, take a selfie at the viewpoint overlooking the Halema'uma'u Crater. The long, underground cave formed by ancient flowing lava called the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) is another must-see.

Hilo is a region of Hawaii known for its dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests, blooming gardens and its geographic inverse of the volcanic Kohala Coast. Hilo is also the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located 45 minutes south. You'll find plenty to do with a collection of renowned museums, art galleries, unique shops and everlasting favorites like the Hilo Farmers Market.

Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a vivacious seaside town in the heart of the sunny Kona Coast. When the sun sets, Kailua Village puts forth a lively nightlife with live music, great local food and ocean vistas. During the day, find a variety of shops, cafes, historical sites, and more.

One of only three royal palaces in the entire United States, this former residence dates back to 1838, and once served as King David Kalakaua's summer palace. The elegant gardens, the vintage koa furniture, the Hawaiian quilts, and the whole of the decor are a page out of Hawaiian history.

This lively little community theater hosts plays, concerts and even independent film nights. Another great place to catch a show by a local cast and crew and enjoy another side of Hawaii's performance art scene.

The picturesque Beach Tree Bar and Lounge is located at the Four Seasons Hualalai. Enjoy cocktails beneath the sunset while sitting beachside. Local favorites for fare include the warm artichoke and crab dip, tomato and basil bruschetta, and the rainbow sushi rolls.

Blue Dragon Tavern & Cosmic Musiquarium was given the titles of "Best Live Music and Best Night Life" in 2009 as well as "Best Dining Atmosphere," "Best Family Entertainment," and "Best Bartender" in 2010 by readers of North Hawaii News. Outdoor dining, live music, dancing and delicious drinks await at the Blue Dragon.

A favorite among local sports fans, Cronie's is the perfect place to have a burger and a beer while watching the big game. The bar gets pretty packed at night, so be ready to deal with a crowd.

Visitors to Don's never fail to comment on the wonderful sunsets that can be admired from this outdoor bar, but the 10 varieties of mai tai also attract the crowds (be sure not to miss Don's Mai Tai festival in August). On Sundays there is live music on the xylophone, as well.

Hawaii Calls, also known as Clipper Lounge, invites you to partake in poolside tropical drinks during lunch hour, or Aloha Hour for special offers on drinks and platters. There are other specials running throughout the week, so check the website for details.

This friendly neighborhood brewery in Hilo doesn't require an appointment. Just show up at any time and get the chance to try free samples of the different varieties available on tap while learning all about the brewery and the island from the warm and welcoming staff, and even take some local brews home with them.

The crowds at this popular dive bar regularly comprise college students and workers, locals and tourists, regulars and first-time visitor. The Tavern hosts live music most night, and also offers open mic nights, a pool table and game room, and a fresh open-air porch area.

This market, open 6 days a week, feels almost like a lush park with some stalls hidden among its numerous trees. Visitors can pick up tropical flowers and fresh produce, souvenirs and postcards, jewelry and clothing, arts and crafts, treats and much more. The outdoor garden cafe offers burgers, fish tacos, smoothies, shaved ice, and any other refreshments you might need to enjoy the market.

Probably the best-located bookstore in Hawaii, facing the beautiful Hilo Bay, Basically Books carries a great selection of Hawaiian music and an impressive array of maps. But books are the main focus at this family-owned independent store, and there is plenty of Hawaiian literature to choose from.

Locally owned and operated, Bentleys Home Collection offers gifts and souvenirs for all. Since the shops opening over 24 years ago, Bentleys has become somewhat of a landmark business in upcountry Waimea Town, fitting into it's niche perfectly.

Big Island Bees offers guests the opportunity to sample or purchase all existing varietals together with other beeswax and honey products. Their honeys are distributed throughout Hawaii, and the quality has led to them being featured in national publications such as The New York Times and Food and Wine.

Big Island Candies was established in 1977 to create the finest macadamia nut chocolates and cookies in the world. Today, they are home to the famous diagonally dipped shortbread cookies, as well as an assortment of globally-acclaimed sweets that are all handmade with high-grade chocolate, island eggs and premium 100% Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays the open-air Hilo Farmers Market bustles with over 200 vendors selling their products. Local specialties, such as exotic flowers, tropical fruits and honey, are sold alongside market staples, like cheeses, fresh produce and freshly baked pastries. The rest of the week a smaller market of about 30 vendors can be found.

The unique bronze hula lamps on display at this shop are steeped in tradition and based on the vintage topless retro hula lamps of the 1930s, and they surprise both with their variety and their quality. The novelty lamps have become highly sought after by visitors to the island in search of a unique memory or gift to take with them. They can also be mixed and matched with a selection of hand-painted lamp shades.

Musicians (aspiring and established) can find fine handcrafted ukuleles to suit all needs, from budget starter options to professional models made from the finest woods. Of course, the store also carries all kinds of accessories, from books and cases to t-shirts and memorabilia.

The months from June to September are known for their warm weather and pleasant water temperatures. Rainfall is at its lowest during this time. If you are looking for more affordable flights and accommodation rates, you should visit Hawaii in September, October or November. Whale watching season also starts in November.

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is one of two major airports on Hawaii Island. Most flights to the airport are from Honolulu International Airport. Hilo International serves most of East Hawaii, including the districts of Hilo and Puna, as well as portions of the districts of Hāmākua and Kaʻū. Hilo International Airport is accessible by car and taxi. Public transit, Hele-On Bus, is also offered by Hawaii County.

Kona International Airport (KOA) is the busier of the two airports on the Island of Hawaii. Located near the town of Kailua-Kona, the airport serves western Hawaii island, including the resorts of the North Kona and South Kohala districts. The airport is located seven miles from Kailua, and about 25 miles from Waikoloa. It is accessible by car, taxi and shuttle bus. The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency Hele-On bus operates a very limited service between the airport and Kailua-Kona town.

The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency provides public transportation around Big Island on the Hele-On buses. Additionally, the Transit Agency offers a Shared Ride Taxi program which provides door-to-door transportation within the urbanized area of Hilo.

Uber and Lyft are available on the Big Island. Both companies have designated pick-up/drop-off areas in Kona and Hilo airports. Most taxis on the island are in and around Kona. Flagging a car on the street can be difficult — try and order your ride by phone. The following cab companies serve Big Island: Kona Taxicab LLC (+1 808 324 4444), Global Rider (+1 808 631 9196), Dakine Taxi (+1 808 329 4446).

All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.

Chain pharmacies — CVS Pharmacy, Safeway, Walmart, Costco, Longs etc. — as well as smaller neighborhood stores operate on the Big Island, and while working hours may greatly vary, a few are open 24/7. Pharmacy signs are often in red and white, and they are often located inside department stores. Most of the pharmacies sell both prescription as well as over the counter medicine.