Home › Big Island › Where to stay
Where to stay in Big Island
The Big Island is vast, requiring a rental car to connect its diverse microclimates. Choosing a base depends on your priority: the Kona side offers predictable sunshine, sandy beaches, and resorts, while the Hilo side provides lush rainforests, proximity to Volcanoes National Park, and a slower, local pace. Distances are significant, so focus your accommodation near your primary activities to avoid spending your entire trip driving across lava fields.
Rent a car in Big Island
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in Big IslandKailua-Kona
This is the island’s tourism engine. The town is centered along Ali'i Drive, a walkable stretch featuring Hulihe'e Palace and various seaside cafes. You are within minutes of snorkeling spots like Kahalu’u Beach Park. The atmosphere is vibrant and commercial, perfect if you want sunset cocktails and easy access to boat charters without long drives.
Kohala Coast
This region is defined by luxury retreats built atop stark, ancient lava flows. It feels polished, private, and quiet. While not walkable between resorts, once you are on a property, you can stroll between beach clubs and lagoons. Landmarks include Hapuna Beach, consistently ranked among the best in the world for swimming.
Hilo
Hilo feels authentic, rainy, and lush. Walking through the historic downtown area, you will find locally-owned storefronts, farmers markets, and the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. It serves as the primary gateway to the island’s dramatic waterfalls, like Rainbow Falls, and provides a stark, moody contrast to the arid volcanic plains of the western coast.
One thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation in Waikoloa Village if you assume it is beachfront; it is actually located several miles inland from the coast. You will need to drive through a long, desert-like stretch to reach the actual resorts or the ocean for every single excursion.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Big Island are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities
Common questions
Do I really need a rental car for the entire trip?
Yes. The Big Island lacks a reliable public transit system for tourists. Without a car, you will be effectively stranded at your resort. Taxis are expensive, limited, and often require booking hours in advance, making a rental vehicle the only viable way to reach trailheads, remote beaches, and different climate zones.
Which side of the island is better for a first-time visitor?
Most first-time visitors prefer the Kona side. It receives significantly more sun, offers more swimmable beaches, and provides a wider variety of dining and shopping options. Hilo is culturally rich and beautiful but experiences high rainfall and lacks the typical white-sand resort environment that many travelers expect from a Hawaiian vacation.
How much time should I spend at Volcanoes National Park?
Allocate at least two full days. The park is vast, with diverse trails ranging from crater rims to solidified lava tubes. Trying to cram it into a single day from a Kona base involves four hours of round-trip driving, leaving you exhausted. Staying in or near Hilo or Volcano Village allows for multiple entries without the rush.
Hotel links go to Booking.com.