Guide · 23 Places
Big Island
Big Island, Kamuela, Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Waimea, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Hilo
Before You Go
When to Visit
Year-round warm (21-29°C/70-84°F). Rainier than Kona side but lush and beautiful. April-October slightly drier.
Visa
Check requirementsUS state - no international visa needed for US citizens. International visitors need US visa/ESTA.
Getting There
TransportationBy Air: Hilo International Airport (ITO) on Big Island's east side.
By Car: Highway 19 from Kona (2 hours).
Language
CommunicationEnglish is primary. Some Hawaiian language and Pidgin spoken.
Currency
Money mattersUS Dollar (USD). Cards accepted everywhere.
Getting Around
Local transportRental Car: Essential for exploring Big Island. Public transit very limited.
Uber/Lyft: Limited availability.
From the Airport
Arrival infoRental Car: Available at airport, necessary for island exploration.
Taxi/Uber: To downtown Hilo ($15-25, 10 min).
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
2 places
Accommodations
Hawaiʻi Volcano House
Cultural and Artistic Venues
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hilo
6 places
Markets and Shopping
Hilo Farmers Market
Cultural and Artistic Venues
Lyman Museum
Coffee and Tea
Big Island Coffee Roasters
Coffee and Tea
Big Island Coffee Roasters (Hilo Cafe & Roastery)
Restaurants and Food
Hilo Bay Cafe
Cultural and Artistic Venues
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Kailua-Kona
7 places
Bars and Rooftops
Kona Brewing Co.
Cultural and Artistic Venues
Hulihe'e Palace
Coffee and Tea
Kona Coffee & Tea
Cultural and Artistic Venues
Hulihe‘e Palace
Bars and Rooftops
Kona Brewing Co. (Kona Pub)
Accommodations
Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
Bookstores and Libraries
Kona Stories
Kamuela
3 places
Restaurants and Food
Merriman’s (Waimea)
Markets and Shopping
Waimea Farmers Market
Restaurants and Food
Merriman's
Kealakekua
3 places
Cultural and Artistic Venues
Kona Historical Society
Cultural and Artistic Venues
Kona Historical Society (Greenwell Store Museum)
Markets and Shopping
Greenwell Farms
Waimea
2 places
Health and Wellness
Kōkeʻe State Park
Health and Wellness