Planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Hawaii Island is much bigger and more diverse than many first-time visitors expect. You can go from sunny beaches and palm trees to cool mountain roads, lush rainforests, black lava fields, and an active volcano—all in the same day.
After helping guests experience the Kona Coast, we've noticed that some of the same mistakes come up again and again.
The good news? They're easy to avoid.
If you're planning a Big Island vacation, here are 10 things we recommend knowing before you arrive.
1. Underestimating How Big the Big Island Really Is
This is probably the number-one mistake first-time visitors make.
The Big Island is, well, big. It takes time to get from one side of the island to the other, and many of the places travelers want to visit are spread out across Hawaii Island.
That means you probably don't want to plan a morning snorkeling in Kona, lunch in Hilo, a waterfall hike, and sunset back on the Kona Coast all in one day.
Instead, group your activities by area.
If you're staying in Kailua-Kona or Keauhou, you have an excellent home base for exploring the west and south sides of the island while still being able to make day trips to other areas.
And don't forget to leave some time to simply enjoy where you're staying. You're in Hawaii!
2. Trying to See Everything in One Trip
We understand the temptation.
You start researching things to do on the Big Island and suddenly your list includes beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, coffee farms, snorkeling, manta rays, hiking, horseback riding, botanical gardens, national parks, scenic drives and more.
It can become exhausting.
Instead of checking off every attraction, choose a few experiences that really matter to you and leave some unplanned time.
One of the best things about a Hawaii vacation is having a slow morning, making coffee, sitting on the lanai, and watching the ocean before deciding what the day will bring.
Sometimes those are the moments you remember most.
3. Staying Somewhere Without Thinking About Location
Where you stay can make a huge difference in your Big Island vacation.
The island has several distinct areas, and they're not interchangeable.
The Kona Coast is known for sunshine, beautiful ocean views, beaches, snorkeling, restaurants, sunsets, and easy access to many popular activities.
That's one reason we love our locations on Aliʻi Drive and in Keauhou.
You're close to the ocean and many of the activities our guests come here to enjoy, while still having a comfortable place to come home to after a day of exploring.
If you're trying to decide where to stay on the Big Island, think about the activities you want to do most—and then choose your home base accordingly.
4. Assuming Every Beach Is Safe for Swimming Every Day
Hawaii's beaches are gorgeous, but the ocean deserves respect.
Conditions can change quickly, and a beach that looks calm one day can have much stronger waves or currents another day.
Don't assume that because you see other people in the water, conditions are safe for everyone.
Pay attention to posted signs, lifeguard recommendations, ocean conditions, and local advice. If you're traveling with children, this is especially important.
And remember: some beaches are better for snorkeling, some for swimming, and some are best enjoyed from the sand.
When in doubt, ask us.
5. Getting Too Close to Sea Turtles
Seeing a Hawaiian green sea turtle in the wild is one of those magical Big Island experiences.
You may spot them while snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on the beach.
But please give them plenty of space.
Hawaiian green sea turtles are protected, and visitors should never touch, chase, feed, or surround them. Watching a turtle peacefully swimming through the water is much more rewarding than trying to get the perfect selfie.
Give them room, keep your distance, and let them be wild.
6. Forgetting That Hawaii Has Completely Different Microclimates
One of the coolest things about the Big Island is how dramatically the weather can change.
You might leave sunny Kailua-Kona in shorts and arrive somewhere completely different a couple of hours later.
Hilo and the east side of the island are much wetter and greener. Higher elevations can be surprisingly cold. Volcano areas can be chilly, especially in the evening.
Our advice?
Pack layers.
Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen and sandals—but also bring a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and something warmer if you're planning to visit higher elevations.
You may be very glad you did.
7. Forgetting Sunscreen, Water and Good Shoes
It's easy to underestimate how much sun and walking you'll experience on a Big Island vacation.
Between beaches, lava trails, snorkeling spots, parks and sightseeing, you'll probably spend more time outside than you expect.
Keep these things with you:
- Reef-conscious sunscreen
- Reusable water bottles
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Beach towels
- A light layer or jacket
And don't forget to stay hydrated.
The Hawaiian sun can be stronger than visitors realize.
8. Only Visiting the Famous Places
There's nothing wrong with visiting the popular attractions. They're popular for a reason.
But don't be afraid to slow down and explore beyond the biggest tourist stops.
Stop at a local farmers market. Visit a small Kona coffee farm. Grab lunch from a local restaurant. Take a scenic drive. Wander through a historic Hawaiian site. Find a quiet place to watch the sunset.
Some of our guests' favorite Big Island memories come from the places they didn't have on their original itinerary.
That's part of the magic of Hawaii.
9. Forgetting to Leave Time for Kona
It's easy to spend your entire vacation driving around the island and forget to enjoy the place where you're actually staying.
Don't make that mistake.
Spend an afternoon walking along Aliʻi Drive, enjoying the oceanfront scenery, shopping, grabbing something delicious to eat, or simply watching the sunset.
Explore Keauhou, visit the coastline, enjoy the nearby beaches, and take advantage of the restaurants and conveniences close to your vacation rental.
You don't have to drive two hours every day to have an amazing Big Island vacation.
Sometimes your best day is the one where you don't go very far.
10. Booking a Vacation Rental and Never Actually Enjoying It
This one might sound funny coming from a vacation rental owner—but it's true!
We sometimes hear from guests who packed their trip so full that they barely had time to enjoy their accommodations.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in a vacation rental is having space to relax.
Make breakfast together. Have coffee while watching the ocean. Take a swim. Enjoy the pool. Sit outside at sunset. Cook dinner together instead of going out every night.
Those little moments are part of your Hawaii vacation too.
That's one reason we put so much thought into creating comfortable places for guests to come home to after exploring the island.
One More Big Island Tip: Don't Rush
If we could give first-time visitors just one piece of advice, it would be this:
Slow down.
The Big Island isn't a place you need to conquer.
You don't have to see every beach, hike every trail, or visit every attraction.
Leave room for the unexpected.
Maybe you'll find a beautiful lookout you didn't know existed. Maybe you'll spend an hour watching sea turtles. Maybe you'll discover your favorite little restaurant. Maybe you'll sit on the lanai at sunset and realize you don't need to go anywhere at all.
That's Hawaii.
Make Kona Your Home Base
Our Kona Ocean Views vacation rentals on Aliʻi Drive and in Keauhou are designed to give you a comfortable home base while you explore Hawaii Island.
From beaches and snorkeling to restaurants, shopping, coffee farms, historic sites and unforgettable sunsets, the Kona Coast puts you close to so many of the experiences that bring visitors to the Big Island.
And when you're finished exploring for the day, you can come back, put your feet up, and enjoy the view.
Because the best Big Island vacation isn't necessarily the one where you do the most.
It's the one where you have the time to enjoy where you are.
Aloha, and we hope to welcome you to the Big Island soon!