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Where to Stay in Big Island

Where to Stay in Big Island

Big Island Hawaii, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

General Lodging

  • Hostels

    Dormitory-style beds and private rooms, found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. A budget-friendly option with shared facilities.

  • Cheap Accommodations/Motels

    Basic amenities available in Hilo and Kailua-Kona, for cost-conscious travelers.

  • Mid-Range Hotels/Resorts

    Scattered across the island, with more services like pools and dining. A balance of comfort and value.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    Concentrated on the Kohala Coast, offering extensive amenities, golf clubs, spas, and fine dining.

Unique & Outdoor Stays

  • Vacation Rentals (Condos, Homes)

    Popular across the island, found on platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo. Offer kitchens and privacy for families or groups.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Charming, owner-operated establishments with personalized service in zones like Volcano Village, Hilo, and Waimea.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, uniquely themed properties emphasizing design and personal service.

  • Camping & Glamping

    State Parks (e.g., Hapuna Beach), County Parks, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Nāmakanipaio). Permits are often required. Glamping offers comfort with an outdoor feel. Hostelworld for low-cost lodging.

Neighborhood Guide

The island's distinct regions present different characters and amenities.

Kailua-Kona West Coast

Benefits
  • Central for ocean activities.
  • Wide array of dining and shopping.
  • Close to KOA airport.
  • Consistently sunny and warm weather.
Considerations
  • Might be busy and touristy.
  • Higher prices.
  • Lacks a traditional village feel.
  • Longer drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Kohala Coast Northwest

Benefits
  • Finest beaches with white sand.
  • High-luxury facilities and dining.
  • Consistently sunshiny weather.
  • Very safe.
Considerations
  • Very expensive.
  • Less "local" feel.
  • Isolated from major towns.
  • Long drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Hilo East Coast

Benefits
  • More affordable lodging and dining.
  • Authentic local vibe.
  • Closer base for rainforests and HVNP.
  • Generally safe.
Considerations
  • Frequent rain, notably in the wintertime.
  • Fewer high-end resorts.
  • Less direct access to swimming beaches.
  • The usual precautions for a city apply.

Other Noteworthy Areas

Volcano Village:

A cool, misty rainforest community near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Excellent proximity for exploring the park, quiet, with unique B&Bs. Limited dining and distant from beaches.

Waimea (Upcountry):

Known as "Paniolo" country with rolling green hills and cooler temperatures. Offers a mix of ranching culture plus premium boutiques. No beaches nearby and may be misty.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking approaches secure the lodging you want at good rates, given the Big Island's popularity.

Advance Booking & Platforms

  • Book 6-12 months ahead for High Season (Dec-Apr, Jun-Aug). 3-6 months in order to Shoulder Season (May, Sep-early Dec).
  • Global platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Hotels.com. For renting: Airbnb, Vrbo, and local agencies.
  • Direct bookings with properties could include exclusive discounts or flexible cancellation. IHG Hotels for direct bookings.
  • Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Policies & Fluctuations

  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is not standard for hotels; some B&Bs might offer small discounts.
  • Deposits are common, with cancellation policies ranging from 24-48 hours (hotels) to 30-90 days (rentals).
  • Prices peak during major holidays (Christmas, New Year's, Spring Break) and summer months. Shoulder seasons offer a little less rates.
  • Review deposit and cancellation terms. Travel insurance can cover non-refundable deposits for covered cancellations.

Booking Considerations

Last-minute bookings:
  • Rarely yield deals on hawaii's Largest Island.
  • Prices generally climb closer to the travel date.
  • Limited selection for popular options.
  • Advisable to secure a booking at least 3 several months beforehand.
Local expertise:
  • Local property management companies offer curated selections.
  • They frequently have deep local knowledge.
  • Can help with specific arean options.
  • May provide personalized service.

Important Note on Travel Insurance

Cancellation Coverage:

Provides protection for non-refundable deposits if your journey is interrupted for covered reasons.

Medical Coverage:

Can cover unexpected medical emergencies while traveling.

Trip Interruption:

May cover costs if your trip needs to be cut short.

Accommodation Recommendations

This table compares options.

General Recommendations

Hostels

Budget: $40 - $80. Best for solo travelers, backpackers, extreme budget.

  • Social atmosphere, shared kitchen access, lowest cost.
  • Shared rooms/bathrooms, reduced privacy, limited amenities.
  • Hostelworld for options.
Mid-Range Hotels/Condos

Budget: $150 - $400. Best for families, couples, extended stays.

  • Good amenities (pool, kitchenettes), central locations.
  • Can lack unique character, not a luxury experience.
  • Check Booking.com for variety.

Specialized Stays

Bed & Breakfasts B&Bs

Budget: $100 - $250. Best for partners, those seeking local charm and quiet.

  • Personalized service, unique decor, local insights.
  • Less anonymity, fewer amenities than larger resorts.
Luxury Resorts

Budget: $450 - $1500+. Best for honeymooners, premium travelers, golf/spa seekers.

  • Extensive amenities, fine dining, prime beachfront.
  • Very expensive, may seem isolated from local culture.
  • IHG Hotels and others for direct booking.

Family-Friendly & Long-Stay

  • Family-Friendly Resorts

    Hilton Waikoloa Village with its pools and lagoon. Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection for cultural programs. Book via Booking.com.

  • Family Vacation Rentals

    Excellent for space and kitchen convenience. Search Vrbo or local rental agencies. Consider properties near family-friendly beaches.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation Rentals/Condos are most suitable with kitchens and discounts for extended visits. Limited extended stay hotels in Kona/Hilo.

Solo Travelers & Cultural Stays

  • Solo Traveler Hostels

    Easy way to meet others, social atmosphere. Hostelworld for listings.

  • Solo Traveler B&Bs

    Welcoming, safe surroundings with personalized attention from hosts.

  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

    Historic luxury a vacation spot with extensive Asian and Pacific art, blending elegance and cultural depth.

  • Volcano House

    Iconic lodge on Kīlauea caldera rim, offering direct crater views and the role it played in history.

Additional Notes on Stays

Budget Hotels for Solo Travelers

These options suit solo visitors preferring privacy without the higher costs of larger resorts.

  • Found mainly in Hilo and Kona.
  • Good for privacy.
  • More affordable than full resorts.
Hōlualoa Inn for Cultural Immersion

A historic coffee estate turned into a luxury B&B, providing a deep experience in the Kona java region.

  • Authentic coffee farm setting.
  • Luxury B&B experience.
  • Located in the heart of Kona cup of coffee country.

General Accommodation Tips

Book Early

Popular properties and locations get reserved quickly, especially during peak season.

Read Reviews

Check recent guest reviews on booking platforms for current insights.

Consider Location

Choose a location that aligns with your preferred activities and island exploration plans.

Where to Stay in Big Island. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation