People always ask me where to stay on the Big Island, Hawaii, and I’m all too happy to answer. We go to Hawaii every year, so I consider myself well-versed on where the best places are to stay on just about every island. This includes where to stay in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
The Big Island is Hawaii’s largest, yet surprisingly least populated, island. This means fewer crowds and a more laidback, locals vibe. It’s known for having all the “typical” water activities and volcanic hikes like the other islands, but with fewer tourists and less traffic.
Since this is a lesser explored island for most, it’s important to know where to stay to maximize your trip. To make sense of your options, I’m sharing a roundup of the best places to stay in Hawaii, AKA the Big Island.
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Where to Stay on the Big Island, Hawaii
It takes about 1.5 to 3 hours to drive from one side of the island to the other depending on your route, so it’s worth considering where you want to stay. In this post, I’ll break down how big the island is organized and which side of the island you should stay on so you can start planning your itinerary.
Make sure to save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll add more places to stay on the Big Island as I discover them! If you’re curious about what there is to do on Hawaii’s other islands, make sure to check out my Kauai itinerary and 5-day Maui itinerary.
Which island is the Big Island in Hawaii?
The Big Island is Hawaii’s largest and southernmost island, about a 30-40 minute flight from Maui. It’s also referred to as the island of Hawaiʻi and is best known for having active volcanoes and producing most of the state’s coffee.
How big is Big Island Hawaii?
The Big Island is over 4,000 square miles, which is more than twice as large as all of the other Hawaiian islands combined. It’s often broken down into the east and west sides.
The west side, near Kona, is known for being sunnier and drier, with more luxurious resorts. The east side, near Hilo, has more lush rainforests and rugged, uncrowded terrain. Hilo is also where the college is located, so you’ll often see younger crowds.
Which side of the Big Island is best to stay on?
Deciding where to stay on the island depends on the experience you’re looking for. Kona is more touristy, but the beaches and snorkeling options are better, whereas Hilo is where the locals and college kids hang out.
If you’re traveling with kids or want a more traditional resort feel, stay near Kona on the west side. Hilo is best iIf you’re looking to get away and go hiking or backpacking. If time allows, I suggest trying to stay on both sides!
Where to stay in Hawaii’s Big Island
Here are some of the best places I’ve found to stay on the Big Island.
Where to stay on the east side of the Big Island
SCP Hotel Hilo
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$180/nt | best for: budget-friendly resort
The SCP Hilo Hotel is a sustainable boutique hotel that I discovered on my last trip to the Big Island. It has unique amenities like standup paddle boards and bikes to encourage you to get outside. And since it’s located across from Reeds Bay Beach, you won’t be wanting for outdoor activities. There’s also an outdoor pool surrounded by gardens and a breezy indoor-outdoor vibe that fits perfectly in paradise.
Lava Rock Retreat
website | area: Hilo | price: ~$537/nt | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2.5 | sleeps: 4 | best for: lush rainforest
This picturesque vacation rental is located in a quiet Hilo neighborhood near waterfalls, ocean parks, botanical gardens, and volcanic hikes. The home offers stunning views of the tropical outdoors, plus a full kitchen, a hot tub, and a copper outdoor shower area.
Note, this is recommended for able-bodied adults and older children, as the property is built on ancient rocky lava beds.
Hilo Villa
website | area: Hilo | price: ~$907/nt | bedrooms: 6 | bathrooms: 4 | sleeps: 16 | best for: big families
If you’re visiting the Big Island with a small army of families or couples, do yourself a favor and book this massive villa with a private pool. It’s one of the largest homes on the east side and is 10 minutes from the Hilo Zoo, 30 minutes to multiple Hilo beaches, and about 45 minutes to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The latter attraction is home to Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$190/nt | best for: quiet hotel with gorgeous views
The Grand Naniloa is a DoubleTree by Hilton property within walking distance to Coconut Island Park. The rooms may not be extravagant, but the views more than make up for it. I suggest upgrading to a room with a balcony so you can sip your locally-brewed Kona coffee outside, then head out to catch the hula dancers and sip on a cocktail in the hula lounge.
Historic Estate
website | area: Hilo | price: ~$470/nt | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 2 | sleeps: 6 | best for: lush estate in a prime location
This 1930s historic estate was once on King Kamehameha’s private lands. Now it’s the perfect rental for a big family or a few couples looking to stay in Hilo while being near beaches, botanical gardens, Akaka Falls, and the Hilo Bayfront.
Traditional Hawai’i Home
website | area: Hilo | price: ~$486/nt | bedrooms: 4 | bathrooms: 3 | sleeps: 10 | best for: multiple families under one roof
If I were planning a group trip, this is where I’d want to stay. This 1940s plantation-era home is entirely solar-powered, and the second floor lanai offers sweeping views of Hilo and Mauna Kea peeking above the treetops. Plus, you’re minutes from Hilo’s iconic destinations like Rainbow Falls, Pe’epe’e Falls, the Boiling Pots rapids, and Kaumana Cave.
Where to stay on the west side of Big Island
Fairmont Orchid
website | area: Waimea (get directions) | price: ~$540/nt | best for: all-in-one resort
The Fairmont is always a reliable choice, and their Big Island hotel is no exception. The hotel is on a private white sand beach with cabanas, and there’s a beach bar, golf course, and a highly-rated restaurant within walking distance of your room. They also have on-site activities like snorkeling, whale watching, and parasailing, so you never have to leave the resort if you don’t want to.
Holualoa Inn
website | area: Holualoa (get directions) | price: ~$670/nt | best for: romantic B&B
The Holualoa Inn is a Polynesian-themed bed and breakfast located on a 30-acre coffee farm. Staying here puts you 2 miles from historic Holualoa and under 5 miles from White Sands Beach Park. Rooms include an ocean or garden view, and many of the rooms include private balconies and hot tubs. They even have a rooftop gazebo with a telescope for stargazing!
Kahalu’u Bay Villas
website | area: Kona | price: ~$181/nt | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | sleeps: 3 | best for: conveniently located condo
This villa is on the first floor of a boutique condo complex across the street from Kona’s best snorkeling beach, Kahalu’u, and the rooms include snorkeling gear. The condo includes a balcony, a full kitchen, and rooms overlooking the pool and the ocean. The owners even offer complimentary concierge services for booking restaurants and or activities.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
website | area: Kona (get directions) | price: ~$1,540/nt | best for: luxury resort
If you were ever going to splurge and book the Four Seasons, let this be it. The beach front resort includes 7 pools, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars, plus there’s a golf course, full-service spa, and tennis courts. You’re only 4 miles from Kekaha Kai State Park, though you’d have a hard time peeling me away from the Four Seasons’ romantic grounds.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
website | area: Kona (get directions) | price: ~$1,550/nt | best for: sustainably-driven resort
Formerly an ancient fishing village, the Kona Village has been transformed into modern and meticulously manicured grounds. Each accommodation includes a unique view, and the dining options are some of the best in Kona. There’s even an on-site farm you can tour to learn more about the resort’s commitment to locality and sustainability.
Royal Kona Resort
website | area: Kona (get directions) | price: ~$200/nt | best for: casual resort
The Royal Kona Resort is very reasonably priced given its amenities and premier location. Staying here puts you only 10 minutes from the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, though to be honest, I could spend most of my vacation sipping cocktails at the hotels saltwater lagoon overlooking the lava rock shores.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
website | area: Waimea (get directions) | price: ~$1,000/nt | best for: family-friendly, high-end resort
Mauna Lani is one of the most luxurious resorts on the Big Island. It’s on the Kohala Coast and spans almost half a mile of coastline and historic ponds. The Great Lawn connects its multiple pools to the private white sand beach. Guests can also access the private Mauna Lani Beach Club, an all-day venue for food, drinks, music, and activities for a carefree afternoon.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
website | area: Waimea (get directions) | price: ~$650/nt | best for: more affordable luxury resort
Marriott’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers a quintessential Hawaiian resort feel. It’s not as expensive as some other resorts near Kona, but it has luxury amenities and top-notch service you’d expect from a Marriott. The rooms offer impressive views of the iconic Kaunaʻoa Bay, and you’ll have access to the sparkling pool, private spa, and multiple golf courses.
King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
website | area: Kona (get directions) | price: ~$325/nt | best for: reasonably priced hotel with great amenities
This is another Marriott property, though it’s even more budget-friendly than the Mauna Kea. Does this mean fewer luxury amenities? Perhaps, but there are plenty of reasons to love this beach hotel. You’ll still have access to multiple restaurants, pools, a beach, and nightly luaus.
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa
website | area: Kona (get directions) | price: ~$325/nt | best for: iconic Hawaii island views
OUTRIGGER is located near Keauhou Bay Beach and features multiple pools, cabanas for rent, golf, luaus, and of course, sweeping views of the Hawaiian coastline. There are multiple bars and restaurants, plus a kids’ play area to buy you some time for a romantic cocktail on your private balcony.
More to do in Hawaii
After you plan where to stay on the Big Island, Hawaii, check out my other guides for exploring this gem of a state. Maui is my favorite island, so if you can fit in a trip there, I highly recommend it!
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