Planning Your Stay
Featured Partners
Self-guided Big Island Tour
Explore the island on your own with the Shaka Guide. This is a driving app that you download to your Apple or Google device. It uses the smartphone's GPS to start off the description where you are driving.
Hiking Hawaii Islands
This site is dedicated to human-powered recreation on public lands. This is not a guiding service. Big Island Hikes is an information resource for hiking and adventure travel on the Big Island of Hawai'i with a focus on authentic wilderness experiences.
Kona Web Webcam
What is the weather like in Kona right now! See what Ali'i Drive looks like from the Fish Hopper restaurant.
Volcano National Park Webcam
Witnessing the crust of an active lava lake being dragged into seething fountains is unforgettable. While an eruption is an exciting experience, keep in mind you are observing a sacred event.
Plan to leave your sunscreen at home
If you plan to hit the beach, the typical sunscreen purchased at your local store may contain chemicals that can damage the reefs in the oceans around Hawaii. Hawaii based Walmart or Target sells national brand versions of "reef friendly" or based mineral sunscreens. They do not include the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Also, consider products that are sprayed versus spread. Sprayed products have smaller paraticles that coral can digest and hurt them.
And at the time when this was written, the Big Island is considering a law similar to Maui. In their law, they have a ban on the sale and distribution of non-reef friendly sunscreens. You can start by doing your part to enjoy the Islands, protect your own skin and the living environment of the Hawaiian Islands.
Things to think about
Beaches near Kona
These are five popular beaches north of Kona. There are many more, but you can start here:
-Kikaua Point Beach Park
-Manini’owalu Beach at Kua Bay
-‘Alula Beach / part of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
-Mahai’ula Beach
-Makalawena Beach
Snorkeling near Kona
While one can snorkel at a beach, the following are popular spots:
-Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook)
-Two-Step, Honaunau Bay
-Kahalu'u Beach Park
-La'aloa Beach (Magic Sands)
I need to get around...
Many restaurants, shops and a beach are walking distance from Kona Mansions #123
Bike Works cycle shop. Rent "Town Bicycles" to world class triathlon cycles. Take the trolly to Stop C.
Big Island Buggy Have fun getting around.
Hele-On Bus Trolly is a great way to to get around in the immediate area.
Turo is a popular service to rent from the residents of Kona.
Big Island Jeep Rental True 4WD rental.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental
While Hilo is only 80 miles from Kona, please plan to drive 2 hours along the shortest path. If you plan to visit the south area of the island, the drive is about 125 miles between the two cities. If you do travel to the other side, please consider reserving a hotel room for one night.
It's raining.
Hawai'i is a tropical island and is drier on the Kona side versus the Hilo side. But on both sides, please plan for passing rain at any given time for a few minutes - even if the weather report doesn't say anything about it.
It does snow on the Big Island.
If your plans include visiting Maunakea Observatory, yes, bring a jacket. Some tours may have a jacket for you.
Can I see whales from Kona/Kohala?
The Kohala Coast is frequently known as the best area of Hawaii for whale watching. North Pacific Humpback Whales (Kohola) arrive in Hawaii after their journey from Alaska sometime from November to May, with most sightings January to March, making February the peak time. An example of a tour can be found on Viator Tours
When do I use Aloha and Mahalo?
You can never have too much Aloha or Mahalo. If in doubt, always Aloha! And Mahalo!
Volunteer Opportunities on the Big Island
The Sanctuary Ocean Count Project
The Sanctuary Ocean Count is an outreach and citizen science project created to promote public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii Volcano National Park
At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, there are numerous and diverse volunteer opportunities.
More to come!
Plan your stay here with Vacasa
Marriott Homes and Villas:
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