You can also enjoy a private beach and rent paddle boards to discover the bay area. Do a tour of a local farm choose from chocolate, coffee, nuts or vanilla. Spectacular Oceanview Condo is one of our favourites in Big Island but theyre not taking guests right now. Puna - the best town to see volcanoes and black sand beaches 5. There is a huge problem with housing affordability and availability throughout the islands which is mainly due to neighborhoods being bought out by foreign buyers leaving completely empty neighborhoods and rising housing costs. Complete with the quintessential Hawaiian beaches, spend your days relaxing, or head out on the water for some wildlife-watching, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Kohala Coast is located in the northwestern part of the island just above Kona and is known for its white-sand beaches and resorts in nature. For lunch and dinner affairs, some of the best places to eat Big Island food are Da Poke Shack for a fresh, delicious poke bowl, the 'Ulu Ocean Grill (which is the perfect romantic dining spot for a Big Island honeymoon), and Kaaloa's Super J's for authentic Hawaiian fare. You can sip your tropical cocktails on the private beach and have delicious meals at onsite restaurants inside the lush gardens. And while the waterfall draws plenty of hikers, with 12 miles of trails to explore, you'll easily find solitude and silence at Los Peasquitos. If youre up for shared accommodations, you can stay in this stunning. Waikoloa Village is also popular for its golf clubs so if you want to have some adult time while playing a round, you are in the right place! (843)722-7229. Head to the South of Kailua-Kona for long-term vacation rentals on the Big Island. I am a beach baby so I tend to stay more on the west side, occasionally venturing to the north or south shores but there truly is something different for each traveler no matter where you venture. Drive to the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can spend time. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Dreamy tropical treehouse near Volcano National Park. This family-run hotel is all about celebrating the local culture so expect to find locally sourced goods and Hawaii-centric decor and art around every corner. Plus, the island is home to postcard-perfect black, white, and even green sand beaches where you can work on your tan or surf the oceans massive waves. Do a little research to make sure the owner is legitimate or stay at an eco-friendly hotel instead. Wake up in the mornings to a lavish gourmet breakfast prepared with estate-grown ingredients and served with award-winning estate-grown Kona coffee! Planning a trip to Big Island, Hawaii? 10. This side is a little more casual and suits a younger more adventurous crowd as its primary accommodation offerings are mid-range hotels and hostels. Beautiful bed + breakfast that overlooks Waipio valley, welcoming guests for a retreat or to host events + weddings. Maui Area Guide. Luxurious and welcoming with a beautiful golf course! Rather than doing a day trip from Kona, choose to stay in Puna or Kua for the ultimate volcano experience. Fairmont Orchid Resort with its stunning white sand beaches and 32 acres of coastline on the west coast is incredible! Hawaii Tourism Authority doesn't differentiate between Hilo and Kona in their data, but you can expect to pay the following hotel rates as of January 2020. What's the best place to stay on Big Island: Hilo, Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa? Or maybe "glamping" in a well-appointed cabin tent is more your style. Airbnbs where the owners live in Hawaii and are paying taxes here. Located on the east coast Waikoloa Town offers the best hotels for families. Is your phone eSIM ready? And, to help you figure out exactly where to stay on The Big Island, weve gone ahead and listed the very best neighbourhoods on offer. What's unique about Big Tiny's tiny houses? The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort 4. Wander around the grounds and youll find an incredible open-air lobby, a palm-tree studded pool deck, and a fully outfitted gym with Peloton bikes. Its eye level to one of Hawaiis most beautiful waterfalls and is flanked by both the Wailuku River and rainforest. I also highly recommend you to rent a carin advance too, to get around easily on the Big Island of Hawaii and see all those incredible day trips! The city is the largest on the Big Island, but remains a true Hawaiian community through and through with small eateries, gorgeous . Kohala - the best beaches and couple friendly resorts 4. How about a stay in an authentic teepee? Confusing, right? Puna. Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente. At 3,000 feet, it's the highest-elevated campground, so it also offers the best views. Hawaii's Big Island towns and resorts each carry their perks for enjoying the variety of features and views of the largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? After spending time snorkeling and chilling on the powdery sand of Kona, discover the historical sites and beautiful landscapes at the historic Kaloko-Honokhau National Park. Shall we start to discover the Big Island? An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Kau. This Beachfront Hotel is the best luxury hotel on the north side of the island in Kohala. The casual restaurant specializes in locally sourced, beach-to-table cuisine. Kona is probably the most well-rounded region with family-friendly hotels, backpackers hostels, and resorts plus restaurants and activities to suit everyone. I also hope to have given you enough travel tips about the activities you can do there. Hilton Waikoloa Village 6. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); About | Privacy Policy | Contact Copyright 2023 Wandering Wheatleys. If youve ever wanted to stay in a remodelled A-frame house nestled in the Hawaiian forest, this Hawaii Airbnb is perfect for you! As the name implies, Aston Kona by the Sea is perched directly on a wild and rugged stretch of black sand beach in Kailua-Kona. Youll love preparing family meals in the deluxe kitchen, having movie and game nights in the living room, and luxuriating in the ensuites extra-deep soaking tub. Find out! After visiting the breathtaking black sand of Kaimu beach, enjoy some vivacious live music and food at Uncle Roberts. Puna is a great choice for the budget-savvy traveller because it has plenty of modest accommodation for great prices meaning you can spend more on your activities. When youre not adventuring around town, youll love lounging around the tropical hotel. Known as the residential resort for billionaires, expect nothing but the best! SCP Hilo hotel features spacious rooms, a lush swimming pool where you can enjoy getting a suntan on sunny days, a bar with a great selection of tropical cocktails, and a fitness center. Some of the main landmarks you should not miss on the Big Islands are Volcano village, Rainbow Waterfalls, Hamakua Coast, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, and Hapuna Beach. I know Ive already given tons of hotel options but for those who cannot decide among many places, here are the best resorts where to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii. If you do want to explore the sister property, just hop on the complimentary shuttle. Luxury bed and breakfast on a 30 acre coffee estate in the artist village of Holualoa. If youre planning a trip to Hawaii anytime soon, spending some time in one of The Big Island neighbourhoods is a must do. Mauna Lani 9. You might even feel a small earthquake while youre there if youre lucky! View on Airbnb. 2481 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA, 92672. If its your first time on the island, its easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which accommodation to choose. Tucked away on a coffee and fruit orchard on the west coast, this is arguably one of the most unique hotels on the Big Island. If youre looking for an ultra-relaxing beach vacation, the Big Island has got you covered. Here are the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii from luxury to budget. as soon as your ideal client opens it is HUGE and Flodesk makes this very easy. Spend some time exploring Punaluu Beach where you may even be lucky enough to spot one of Hawaiis famous Green Sea Turtles sunbaking on the black sand! Once youve gotten your feel for the island in Kona, pack up the kids and head to beautiful Hilo! Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a modern three-star hotel and a great option for where to stay in Maui with kids. Its quieter than staying right in the heart of town and there are incredible views from the property! Check out the real life Hawaiian cowboys in Waimea town, where you can even see a rodeo! So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. One of the most interesting things to see in the Hawaiian Islands is for sure the incredible volcanoes and lava fields. Its eye level to one of Hawaiis most beautiful waterfalls and is flanked by both the Wailuku River and rainforest. Finally, Hilo is the lush and rainy cousin to Kona on the eastern side of the island. In order to make your work easy, Ive already picked the best ones but make sure to book your place in advance as these hotels are selling too fast! They all have great reviews and ideal locations close to beaches! From stunning black sand beaches to lava-spewing volcanoes, theres a lot to love about Hawaiis Big Island. Special places to stay, glamping . You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! Hilo has a more local vibe and is a bit less touristy compared to the other parts of the island. 10.69 mi from Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. Can't resist a colourful shirt, and ideally one with zero buttons. In California, you can stay in everything from a boat to a wigwam to a converted historic spot. Soak in your own private hot tub while being serenaded by the sweet chirping of Coqui frogs. If its your first time on The Big Island and you need a bed pronto the My Hawaii Hostel is just the ticket! With options for every style of traveller, youll be hard-pressed not to find the perfect place to stay on your epic Hawaiian holiday! The intimate hotel boasts four adorable cottages nestled right on the shores of popular. Oceanview Hilltop House is one of our favourites in Big Island but theyre not taking guests right now. Youll get excellent perks, including breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors doeuvres. I guess white sand beaches, rainforest, lava fields, and lush palm trees are more than enough to explain how unique this island is! These hosts have three tiny houses and are located above Kona and just below the Kaloko Cloud Forest on three beautiful acres. The spacious 2-bedroom suites are an ideal option for families who want more privacy than a traditional hotel room gives. Ali'i Kai, Holualoa, White Sands, and Kuakini Heights are nearby neighborhoods where you can find Kona Airbnbs and VRBO houses. which side of the Big Island is best to stay on? They offer elegant accommodations in harmony with nature. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Kona is the dry side of the island and better known for beaches. The Kulaniapia experience is phenomenal, just minutes from town, but completely secluded. Its simply one of the most unique hostels in the world wouldnt you want to say youd slept on a lava rock? By doing so, you will alleviate a lot of extra driving and still be able to experience both sides of the island. The best way to learn about that history is with a visit to the South Gate Civic Center Museum. Up for trying out tiny living while on vacation? residing along the beautiful Kohala Coast where all of the most beautiful, big beaches are located. A stay in this superbly rated hostel in Hawaii is an awesome experience in itself! in paradise. Thanks for reading! In this blog post, I will talk about the 5 best areas where to stay on the Big Island with hotels from luxury to budget plus Airbnbs. With 11 of the worlds 13 climate zones in one place, there is so much to explore and experience from lush jungles and waterfalls, to dry desert land and beaches, to vast expanses of lava rock. With eight bars and restaurants and endless things to keep you entertained, you can easily spend a week or two here without ever leaving the premises. Dont forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels on Hawaiis Big Island. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. A beautiful, tucked away eco-boutique hotel and wellness spa on the north Kohala coast. European Farmhouse Inspired Kitchen Renovation, Sourcing Sustainable Hardwood Flooring For Your Home, Earth-Inspired Bathroom Renovation Reveal. $133. We still get rain, especially up on the mountain (up mauka), but youll find a more arid landscape on this side of the Big Island. No matter your party size, if youre looking for a luxurious holiday, this is the place for you. Sourcing Sustainable Hardwood Flooring For Your Ho. ) Again, thank you! This 3,700-acre preserve is crisscrossed by trails running along a creek shaded by sycamore and oak trees. Puna is the closest town to visit the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Parkand the Volcano Village. All rights reserved. So, if you are a budget traveler there is no better place than Hilo! Rent a single home or all three for large gatherings! Theres also a kids club, an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace and a beauty centre. Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina, Maui. Belong anywhere with Airbnb. Moderately priced and suitable for a family or group of four, the cosy Crater Rim Cabin comes with a fully stocked and functional kitchen and is surrounded by lush gardens and forestry. Orxy/Shutterstock. Fairmont Orchid Resort is the best luxury hotel on the west side of the island and here you will be able to enjoy one of the best beaches on Big Island. You may enjoy the amenities of the larger resorts like the King Kam Marriott, Royal Kona Resort, or the Sheraton. In fact, this island is unique among the Hawaiian islands for being the only one with active volcanoes: Mauna Loa (the largest volcano in the world) and Kilauea (the most active volcano in the world). Waikoloa offers a great selection of hotels with family-friendly facilities such as kids clubs and pools. This gorgeous hotel has an amazing powdery private beach that you will want to spend hours on, family-friendly rooms, swimming pools, an upscale spa, and a fabulous fitness center. This hotel offers bungalow rooms with a lush garden, a spa, a dining area where you can make BBQ, and a sun terrace surrounded by trees. Hang out with locals at Hana Hou Restaurant and sample some traditional Hawaiian dishes. Choose Kua if you have a little more cash to spare and want to stay far away from big hotels and hordes of tourists. If you feel like shopping, head to the main street of Kona, Alii Drive to check out some cool boutiques and have a beer in one of the many local bars. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Theres a customary fresh flower lei on arrival, and rooms offer gorgeous ocean or golf course views. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the only hotel on the Big Island that belongs to the Historic Hotels of America. This area of The Big Island is home to Hawaiian Volcano Park and is where avid travellers will find their zen. For those who are curious about the other Hawaiian Islands, check out my complete guide to the best areas to stay in Hawaii! I'm a photographer, writer & environmental advocate excited to be sharing regenerative solutions, ideas & concepts for our lives & businesses with you. that overlooks Waipio valley, welcoming guests for a retreat or to host events + weddings. Just a short drive outside of Hilo proper, this private Big Island vacation rental boasts ocean views, a secure, gated pool and a furo tub. Photo credit: Mauna Lani All rooms have a private lanai so its well worth booking a room with an ocean view! Visitors flock to Hawaiis largest island year after year to explore the unreal landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the incredible vistas in Waipio Valley. If youre looking for a resort that has absolutely everything you need, look no further than the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Alternatively, you may rather choose to take a soak in the outdoor hot tub or treat yourselves to a massage. When I was in my twenties, I backpacked through Europe for six weeks. The views from your private balcony will take your breath away, and if youve had enough relaxing on the lanai, the superb location means youre just a stones throw from the beach and other local establishments! Lava Lava Beach Club 7. Many campsites book out in advance and have kind of wonky schedules so keep that in mind. Plus, kids will be endlessly entertained by the PlayStations in each room! But the hotels real standout is the Mediterranean restaurant, Meridia. And CanoeHouse is the perfect pick for oceanfront sunset dinners. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. I have carefully selected the best of the best accommodations for all budgets but you have to be quick and make a reservation in advance if you dont want to miss them. Of course, the best place for you to base yourself in Hawaii depends on what you want out of your trip! Anaehoomalu (A-Bay)! If big hotel chains arent your thing, Holualoa Inn might just be the perfect pick. There are surprises along the way, including a waterfall and a historic adobe. Here are some of our favourite accommodation picks. A large pool overlooks the ocean, and palm trees sway in the breeze what more could you ask for? 11 of the worlds 13 climate zones in one place, there is. If you prefer a more adventurous kind of holiday, then Kau is for you. Youll love relaxing in the contemporary rooms. They have a gorgeous community area for bonfires and BBQs. You wont have difficulty picking a place in Kohala as you will find the most delightful resorts by the white sand beaches here. With its natural and intimate setting, this charming bed and breakfast is a great alternative to the Big Islands massive resorts. You can shop for supplies and whip up gourmet meals in the fully outfitted kitchen, get cozy and have a movie night in the modern living room, or pour a glass of wine and watch the sunset from your private lanai. This rental will be the perfect place to relax and unwind after a big day of exploring, or simply sit back and relax by the pool while you enjoy the sound of the ocean nearby. However, you will be sure to have the most memorable stay in one of the many unique homestay options available. There are resorts on the windward north and east sides as well as the leeward south and west. Hop in the car and go for a drive up Highway 270 where you cant miss the breathtaking Polulu Valley Overlook. Want to be featured in our list? Each cottage is exactly the same and boasts beach-chic decor, ultra-comfy beds, and kitchenettes with microwaves, refrigerators, and dishware. With room left over! This resort features an epic swimming pool overlooking the ocean, spacious rooms with scenic views, a nice spa, and a very good breakfast. So youre going to Hawaiiyou lucky thing! This is one of the most incredible things to do on The Big Island and will give you major bragging rights at home! Hilo offers the best of both worlds, boasting an exciting town centre, miles of beautiful landscapes, and heaps of fun activities to take part in. The area boasts some of the islands best beaches as well as a wide range of luxury resorts, excellent eateries, and Kona coffee farms. Youll be in the perfect spot for exploring the black sand beaches and other natural wonders formed by volcanic activity. experience is phenomenal, just minutes from town, but completely secluded. You will enter this unique home by a stone bridge over the koi pond before enjoying a beautiful pool, ocean views from the lanai, and laid back Hawaii living. In 1888, America's wealthiest families opened the most exclusive resort in the world - Jekyll Island, Georgia. Located on the Kohala Coast, this is definitely one of the best hotels on the Big Island. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. In Puna, you wont be able to find big resorts like other parts of the island but there are nice accommodations where you can enjoy spending time in nature. Theres a full kitchen and BBQ for cooking home-cooked meals, and a literal binder full of things to see and do! Email[emailprotected]to find out how. There are loads of kids activities on offer here, as well as numerous tennis courts and an on-site pool! The Inn sits on twenty two acres of lush land, surrounding Hawaiis largest privately accessible waterfall. The resort was given a $200 million makeover and reopened its doors in 2020 so expect everything to be new and top of the line. With so much to explore, its important you base yourself in the area of The Big Island best suited to your travel style, itinerary, and budget. Waikoloa Beach Marriott offers a lush swimming pool area where you can enjoy sunny days with tropical cocktails, a good fitness center, and a spa to pamper yourself after a great breakfast. 17 Super Awesome Airbnbs to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii, 5 Amazing Islands & Best Hotels in Hawaii, Find Your Perfect Rental In These 14 Los Cabos Airbnbs, Your Ultimate Guide for Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta, The Best 5 Neighborhoods with Great Hotels in Santa Ba, Visit the historic Kaloko-Honokhau National Park, Swim in the crystal clear water at white sand beaches like Kamakahonu Beach, Two Step, and Kua Bay. You can check out this site to see if any of the camping sites are available for your stay! 15 Best Sustainable Bedding Brands of 2022 , Why We Need To Be Wearing Non-Toxic, Reef Safe Sunscreen. Suited to a younger crowd or couples, the accommodation offerings here are mostly hostels, guesthouses, and inns because the focus is on adventure and exploration instead of hanging out at your hotel all day! 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Waikoloa best family-friendly resort town to stay on the Big Island, Frequently asked questions about the Big Island, 2. Or if you want to spend your days at the hotel you can splash around in the pool, host a barbeque meal at the communal grill stations, or watch the little ones play on the playground. If you want to relax after the end of a long day, go for a soak in the outdoor hot tub! With a gorgeous airy bedroom and swinging outdoor lounge area, this is a very unique stay in the middle of the Hawaiian forest. Let the tropical vibe load! With SO many different areas - from mountain to beach, and desert to forest - you can find a little bit of everything in this big beautiful state. Best Unique Places to Stay in Maui for Couples: Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux Best Boutique Hotel + Bungalows: Paia Inn Unique Place to Stay in Maui on a Budget: Plantation Inn Best Unique places to stay in Maui for Families: Montage Kapalua Bay Most Adventurous Resort in Maui: Hana-Maui Resort Unique Places to Stay in Maui on the Big Island of Hawaii offering 4 beautifully restored plantation era cottages. Puna Best Place to Stay on The Big Island on a Budget, 3. Depending on the length of your stay, you might want to split your stay on both the Kona side (west side) and Hilo (or Volcano) on the east side during your trip. If you want to go out and explore the area, the hotel offers complimentary bicycle and SUP rentals. The hotel is located one mile from Waiulua Bay and Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast. Be sure to have at least one family dinner at Nui Italian, which serves up classic Italian fare with a Hawaiian twist. to explore and experience on the Big Island. The Big Island's Top 5 Areas to Stay in 1. Here another impressive landmark you shouldnt miss is the Waikloa Dry Forest Initiative. Hi Im Yulia! #2 Wailuku - Best Places to Stay in Maui on a Budget. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. If you want a traditional vacation of staying at a resort, going out to eat, etc. For those that love a little adventure, try this unique, off-grid tiny home at the foot of the worlds most active volcano. Sample the restaurants excellent locally sourced dishes, including Big Island wild boar ragu and wild ahi crudo. 20 Best Island Vacations in the World. Required fields are marked *. Update Your Online Presence with New Photos , Where you'll find advice, freebies, and tools to help you chart new waters in life & business. Located on the western side of the island, this sprawling 825-acre resort has so many cool amenities you wont have to leave the hotel if you dont want to. Unique places to stay on the Big Island: Waikui right in the West-North coast is a fantastic area to stay. Theres a shop with ocean sports rentals if you want to go kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay. Kona accommodations are offered in a range of prices making your stay on the Big Island customizable and memorable. This incredible third-floor condominium rental has everything you could possibly need to make your Kona stay unforgettable. When staying on the Big Island, for those who are budget conscious, we recommend staying in a small inn or vacation rental. They offer elegant accommodations in harmony with nature. The three-star SCP Hilo Hotel is a great pick for families. Glass House near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hotels are aplenty here, so youll have no shortage of great options to choose from when deciding where to take the kids! Another option is to head to the hills. The chic rooms are bathed in white and boast beautiful hardwood floors and headboards, plenty of large windows, and colorful artwork. Gorgeous oceanfront property residing along the beautiful Kohala Coast where all of the most beautiful, big beaches are located. This hotel features an outdoor pool and a 24-hour gym. Im sure you will have a great time here! Youll feel like youre living in a treehouse! Relax by the campfire after a day of zip-lining and tubing. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Although each of us is but a drop in the ocean, we can set off a ripple effect with a global impact. Who needs expensive resorts when you can have your very own condo all to yourself with the best ocean views? There are plenty of reasons visitors flock to Mauna Lani year after year. It has spacious rooms which offer comfortable accommodations for families. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is one of the best local-food . Your email address will not be published. South Gate and its surrounding areas have an interesting history. Hale Nana Kohala is one of our favourites in Big Island but theyre not taking guests right now. We frequent the beach here often and love the feel of the resort! Eyll grew up in Istanbul, Turkey, where solo women travelers are rare and work-life balance is tough. Or if you want to work on your tan, just plop down on one of the beachfront lounge chairs. We do not represent World Nomads. You will enter this unique home by a stone bridge over the koi pond before enjoying a beautiful pool, ocean views from the lanai, and laid back Hawaii living. Kohala coast has the best spots for snorkeling on the Big Island. This gem of a hotel was actually founded by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965 and was the first-ever resort on the island! #4 Paia - Coolest Place to Stay in Maui. The Rainforest Zoo and lava fields are just 15 minutes drive from the hotel. 1. True to its name, the Big Island is massive, so its best to choose where you want to stay based on what you plan to see and do during your trip. Its the size of all the Hawaiian Islands combined or roughly the size of Vermont. You will get to enjoy the dry weather and you will have also easy access to the lush North Coast, one of the greenest parts of Hawaii. Filled with over 100 of our all-time favorite island stays, restaurants, cafes, beaches, places to shop & tips for traveling this beautiful, big island this is the only guide youll need to get off the beaten path and ENJOY your time. The Big Island really does have something for everyone! In Hilo, you will find local restaurants, cafes, shops as well as affordable hotels but as the Big Island is still a popular and expensive travel destination, make sure to make your booking in advance to get better deals. Not only are all of the parks attractions just a short drive away but Hilo International Airport is just three miles down the road. The only tropical zoo in the United States the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is located right in Hilo and is one of the most family-friendly things to do on The Big Island. Our vacation rental in Kona Coffee Country in January was well priced and a great place to stay in the action. Its quieter than staying right in the heart of town and there are incredible views from. Take a break from the adventure and head to Wood Valley Temple for some quiet reflection and relaxation. For beach bums, a must-visit place is Coconut Island with its spectacular white sand beaches. At the end of an adventure-filled day, youll love unwinding in the modern rooms. This newly renovated property is a great choice if you are staying over in Hilo. We have discussed why the Kona side (west side) is by far the best place to stay on the Big Island, and these two areas provide the most options for accommodation, stores, and restaurants, and are within the closest proximity to beaches. Some of the best resorts here are Fairmont Orchid Resort and Ocean Tower Hilton. Something that a lot of people dont talk about is staying in off-the-beaten path places to stay on the Big Island. As you drive north from Kona International Airport, youll find yourself in the Kohala region, home to the islands top-tier resorts and fine dining restaurants. This is the perfect choice if you plan to tour some of Konas coffee farms. .path-1{fill:#333;}.path-2{fill:#fff;} 3. This stellar retreat is nestled in a rainforest just blocks from downtown Hilo. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! There are perhaps more unique places to stay in California than any other states combined! For a culture fix, you can attend an authentic luau or learn about local traditions at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Park.