Things to Know Before Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii

The Hawaii Island, better known as the Big Island, is unlike any other Hawaiian island. It’s larger, more rugged, less resort-heavy, and packed with everything from active volcanoes to black sand beaches and snowy mountain summits.

But here’s the thing most first-time visitors don’t realize: visiting the Big Island takes a little more planning than places like Maui or Oahu.

Before you go, here are the biggest things to know that will make your trip smoother, less stressful, and way more enjoyable. And then I am willing to bet that it may turn into your favorite island (it’s mine!)

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13 Things to Know Before Your First Trip to the Big Island of Hawaii

1. The Big Island Is REALLY Big

The nickname is not an exaggeration. The Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, and driving times are much longer than most visitors expect.

For example:

• Kona to Hilo: about 1.5–2.5 hours
• Kona to Volcanoes National Park: about 2–2.5 hours
• Hilo to the best Kona beaches: around 2 hours
• Hilo to Volcanoes National Park: 42 minutes
• Hilo to Mauna Kea: 1 hour

You’ll spend a decent amount of time in the car, so don’t overload your itinerary.

2. Fly Into One Airport and Out of the Other

One of the BEST Big Island travel hacks is booking a multi-city flight.

Instead of flying into Kona and back out of Kona. Consider flying into Hilo and out of Kona. Or vice versa.

This saves you from backtracking across the island at the end of your trip and can easily cut several hours of driving from your itinerary.

3. Kona and Hilo Feel Like Completely Different Islands

The island has two very different personalities. The Kona side (west side) is sunny, dry, resort-focused and best for beaches and snorkeling. This is where you’ll find luxury resorts, white sand beaches, coffee farms, and the famous manta ray snorkeling tours.

The Hilo Side (East side) is much more tropical, lush, and RAINY. It’s actually the rainiest city in the entire United States. Here, you’ll find waterfalls, rainforests, and volcanoes.

A lot of travelers split their stay between both sides of the island, and honestly, that’s usually the best move. That’s exactly what we need in our 3-day trip!

4. You Absolutely Need a Rental Car

The Big Island is not the kind of destination where you can rely on Uber or public transportation. It was super simple to rent a car from one airport and return it to another. The biggest challenge driving here was the heavy rain we had during our trip.

5. Pack for Multiple Climates

One of the weirdest things about the Big Island is that you can experience several climates in one day. You may go from 85 degrees in Kona to chilly, windy volcano weather in the national park.

Be sure to pack swimsuits, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, and plenty of layers. And, if you’re visiting Mauna Kea at sunset or for stargazing, you’ll definitely want warm clothes.

6. Volcanoes National Park Is Bigger Than People Expect

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park deserves WAY more than a quick stop. The park includes lava fields, craters, steam vents, hiking trails, lava tubes, and scenic drives. And because conditions change constantly, every visit is different.

We spent an entire day exploring this park and definitely made the most of it. You can check out my itinerary here!

Also important:

• It’s cooler and rainier than the coast
• Cell service can be limited
• You may or may not see active lava depending on volcanic activity. You can check the live webcam before your visit. But even if there isn’t active lava, it’s still worth a visit.

7. Snorkeling Is Better in the Morning (except for Manta Rays)

If snorkeling is high on your list, schedule it early. Morning conditions in Kona are usually calmer, clearer and less windy. Afternoons tend to bring rougher water and lower visibility.

Exception: If you are hoping to snorkel with the famous Manta Rays, this happens at sunset and after dark, so just be prepared for a little choppy water.

8. Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Is Worth the Hype

If you only splurge on ONE excursion, make it the manta ray night snorkel. Floating in the ocean while giant manta rays glide beneath you honestly feels unreal.

Even travelers who are “not snorkeling people” tend to say this becomes the highlight of their trip. It’s a little bit creepy jumping into the ocean at night, but you are holding on to a lighted raft and will be surrounded by quite a few people.

9. Not All Beaches Are Soft Sand

Some Big Island beaches are rocky lava coastlines instead of soft sand. Water shoes are incredibly helpful. I bring my keen sandals along on every trip!

10. Respect the Island and Local Culture

The Big Island has deep cultural and spiritual significance.

A few important things to remember:

• Don’t take lava rocks home
• Don’t stack rocks
• Respect sacred sites
• Stay away from sea turtles and monk seals

Using reef-safe sunscreen is also strongly encouraged to help protect coral reefs and marine life.

11. Restaurant Hours Can Be Limited

Outside of resort areas, many restaurants close surprisingly early. We ran into this issue our first night in Volcanoes National Park. But, thankfully, we found a lone small market open to grab some dinner to bring back to our Airbnb.

Ps Our Airbnb near Volcanoes National Park WAS PERFECT!

12. The Big Island Is Perfect for Adventure Travelers

The Big Island feels more rugged and adventurous than many other Hawaiian islands. This island is perfect for people who want waterfalls, volcanoes, hiking, snorkeling, scenic drives, with a side of beach days.

13. Bonus! Take Advantage of Inter-Island Flights

Taking advantage of inter-island flights is the best tip I can give to fellow travelers who are short on PTO. The flight from the continental US to Hawaii is LONG, however, once you are there, you can grab very short and affordable flights between the islands.

You can pair 3 days on the Big Island with a weekend on Maui, Oahu, and/or Kauai, all in a week’s work!