Big Island of Hawaii
Visitor information on Where to Stay, Best Things to Do, and more...
Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Big Island of Hawaii Travel Guide
Visitor Info & Top Things to Do on the Big Island
Essential tips for the Ultimate Big Island Vacation Experience
The Big Island of Hawaii seems determined to break the norm; the stereotype of the average tropical island, that is. Here you'll find the ongoing battle between green forests, black lava fields, the ocean, and the rain almost incomprehensible; the diversity is simply stunning. You may find yourself wondering, "Is this an ancient landscape or a future one?"
We say the Big Island is ‘big’ - and we mean it! It is an island of such proportions that all of the other islands in the main Hawaiian chain could fit inside it nearly twice! Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the landmass of the Big Island is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, about 4,050 square miles, and is still growing regularly thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the eastern coast of the island.
FREE 2025 DOWNLOADS
Big Island Intro Visitor Guide
+ Our Summary Guidesheet!
Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, a monthly weather & visitor summary, and our tips on how to save when booking your car rental, tours, and activities. Plus, grab our free Big Island Summary Guidesheets.
On the Big Island, it's always best to expect the unexpected. Even the beaches don't follow the rules here. It's almost easier to find a black sand beach than a white one, and if you're adventurous enough, you can even sink your toes into one of the world's few green sand beaches.
Snorkeling with Manta Rays in the Kona area and touring the island's volcanoes are just a few of the top things you should look into while visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. Ultimately, we'll help you discover all the Big Island of Hawaii offers.
Everything you need to know about the Big Island of Hawaii is here in one convenient place:
- Determine the best time to visit the Big Island
- Discover the perfect Hawaii accommodations or explore our variety of Big Island tours
- Read our Big Island travel tips & advice
- Explore all of the Big Island attractions
Big Island Visitor Information
Travel Tips for Hawaii's Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is the third most popular Hawaiian island among visitors, hosting over 1.5 to 1.7 million travelers annually. Often called the "Big Island" to help distinguish it from the 1,500-mile-long archipelago with which it shares its name, Hawaii, the Big Island has certainly earned its nickname.
Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the landmass of the Big Island is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, about 4,050 sq. miles, and still growing regularly thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the island's eastern coast.
Composed of five major volcanoes, the island is the youngest in the Hawaiian chain, with origins dating back some 800,000 years to the present day.
Big Island Transportation
Transportation on the Big Island varies widely due to its large size and diverse landscapes. Choosing the right option depends on your itinerary and travel style.
- Car Rentals: Renting a car is highly recommended (we suggest Discount Hawaii Car Rental) since the Big Island is vast, and many top attractions, like Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea, are spread out. A 4WD vehicle may be necessary for certain areas.
- Public Buses: The Hele-On Bus provides public transportation across the island, but routes and schedules are limited, making it less convenient for visitors with packed itineraries.
- Shuttle Services: Some hotels and resorts offer shuttle services to nearby attractions, shopping centers, or airports, though availability varies.
- Taxis and Ride-Shares: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services operate in more populated areas like Kona and Hilo but may be harder to find in remote regions.
- Bicycling: While biking can be enjoyable in some coastal areas, the island’s size, steep terrain, and limited bike lanes make it less practical for long-distance travel.
- Walking: In towns like Kailua-Kona and Hilo, walking is an option for exploring shops, restaurants, and attractions within a small radius.
Due to the Big Island’s size, visitors should carefully consider transportation options. Renting a car is often the most practical way to explore its stunning landscapes and diverse attractions.
Big Island Visitor Data
Big Island 2024 vs 2019 Visitor Numbers
Big Island 2024 Hotel vs Vacation Rental Rates
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from some travel partners (like Amazon or Expedia) which helps us maintain this site. These links are at no extra cost to you and don't impact our honest & unbiased recommendations. Remove all the ads →
