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Big Island on a Budget: How to Save on Lodging

Locating budget accommodations can help make your trip to the Big Island more affordable and free up funds for fun activities and dining.

Kona Coffee and Tea Interior and Counter
  • KONA
  • CASUAL DINING
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  • COFFEE SHOPS
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Kona Coffee And Tea

One of the finest places to buy and enjoy the world-famous Kona Coffee, Kona Coffee and Tea is a perfect cafe for a relaxing cup of joe.

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Fairmont Orchid Hawaii Resort

An expansive luxury resort on the Kohala Coast, the Fairmont Orchid is routinely ranked among the islands very best hotels and resorts.

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The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Overlooking a world-famous white sand beach, this newly remodeled Westin resort is the ideal location to enjoy the best of Hawaii vacations and beach time.

Kona Old Airport Beach Park
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Old Kona Airport Beach Park

Old Kona Airport Beach Park is a comprehensive recreational area with outstanding beach access, plenty of parking and covered picnic tables with incredible sunset views.

aerial view of Pololu Valley Shoreline
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Pololu Valley Hike and Black Sand Beach

The breathtaking Pololu Valley features a steep hike to a memorable black sand beach that’s perfect for photography, exploring and relaxing.

Big ISland Wedding Venues from beaches to mountains
  • WEDDINGS
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6 Enchanting Big Island Wedding Venues

From scenic beachside backdrops to luxury resort venues, there’s no shortage of possibilities for your Big Island wedding. These venues won’t disappoint.

  • WEDDINGS
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What You Need to Know to Plan a Hawaii Wedding

There’s a lot of planning to undertake when hosting a Hawaii wedding, our guide can get you started in the right direction.

  • WEDDINGS
  • ARTICLE
  • ACCOMMODATIONS

Make Your Dream Hawaii Wedding a Reality

To ensure your event goes off without a hitch, opting for an inclusive resort-based wedding ceremony and reception will give a lower stress wedding experience.

  • ARTICLE
  • DESTINATIONS

Getting Around the Big Island – Renting A Car

An essential element to making the most of your Big Island vacation, renting a vehicle is highly recommended for the adventurous Hawaiian traveler.

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Uncle’s Awa Club and Hoolaulea Farmers Market

Puna is the perfect place to explore off the beaten path and experience a nice flavor of local life at the Ho’olaule’a Farmers Market.

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Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Positioned within beautiful and historic Hilo, the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel offers great views and easy access to the Big Island’s eastern side.

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Papa Kona Restaurant

Papa Kona Restaurant (formerly Daylight Mind Cafe) is a cozy eatery with an incredible view on the Big Island.

  • CASUAL DINING
  • FINE DINING
  • ARTICLE
  • HILO
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Hula Hulas Restaurant

Hula Hulas is a classy, fun and enjoyable eatery located in in beautiful Grand Naliloa Hotel in Hilo. It offers great food, a wonderful atmosphere, and delicious drinks.

  • HOTELS
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  • HILO
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Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – DoubleTree by Hilton

A well-established destination for visitors and events alike, the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo offers all the comforts of a hotel in a tropical setting.

Akaka Falls on the Big Island of Hawaii
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Visit these Breathtaking Big Island Waterfalls

Home to gorgeous valleys, exotic plants, and the heart of waterfall country, the Hamakua Coast is a breathtaking adventure waiting to happen.

Puuhonua o honaunau is among the most popular Kona area national and state parks
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Guide to Kona Area National and State Parks

If you’re visiting the Kona Area, here are the state and national parks you should see to gain a taste of Hawaii’s culture and unique natural wonders.

Snorkeling on the Big Island
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5 Spots with the Best Snorkeling on the Big Island

With their incredible marine life, amazing coral, and crystal clear water, you’ll love these snorkeling spots around the Big Island.

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Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill

The flagship establishment for this small local chain, Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill offers fantastic seafood and American cuisine at an affordable rate.

Keahou Shopping Center Central Courtyard
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Keauhou Shopping Center

Keauhou Shopping Center overlooking the Big Island’s Kailua-Kona Coast makes for a relaxed shopping experience that has something for everyone to enjoy.

Dining Area at Tropics Tap House in Keauhou
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Tropics Tap House in Kona

Comfort food and local brews abound at Tropics Tap House in Kona, making for the perfect vacation lunch or dinner with good friends.

Surfers at Kohanaiki
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Kohanaiki Beach Park (Pine Trees)

Kohanaiki Beach Park, also known as Pine Trees, is a popular beach among the local surfing community.

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The 5 Best Scenic Drives on the Big Island

As you cruise around the Big Island taking in the sights, consider taking one of these incredible scenic drives.

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  • KOHALA
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Kukio Beach

On the Kohala coast you will find the white sands of Kukio Beach where travelers can enjoy sun, sand and waves and likely spot Green Sea Turtles.

  • ARTICLE
  • MAUNA KEA
  • ART & CULTURE
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Hawaiian Culture and Connection to Mauna Kea

Also known as Mauna O Wakea, or Mountain of the Sky Father, Mauna Kea, the White Mountain is an important cultural site.

  • ARTICLE
  • ADVENTURE
  • SIGHTSEEING
  • VOLCANOES
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Great Hikes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Easily accessible and with plenty of scenic lookouts, you’ll want to check out these amazing hiking and walking trails in Volcanoes National Park.

Pu'uhonua O' Honaunau is on of the most popular Big Island Historical Sites
  • ARTICLE
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  • ART & CULTURE
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The Most Intriguing Big Island Historical Sites

For history buffs and those fascinated by Hawaiian culture, the Big Island has many fascinating attractions to visit.

Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill is one of Kona's Local Favorites
  • KONA
  • CASUAL DINING
  • ARTICLE
  • DINING
  • LOCAL FAVORITES

Umekes Fishmarket Bar and Grill in Kona

Whether you’re craving local seafood, poke or simply a delicious fish taco, Umeke’s is the ideal local style dining destination in Kona.

  • BEACHES
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Please Use Reef Safe Sunscreen in Hawaii

Please use reef safe sunscreen products and practices when you’re visiting Hawaii, our reefs, fish and community will thank you!

Mokuaikaua Church a Kona Historical Site
  • KONA
  • ARTICLE
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Visit the Kona Historical Sites in Downtown Kailua-Kona

The cultural and historical significance of the Kailua-Kona area simply can’t be missed. Make sure to see these historical sites on your stroll through town.

Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery Print
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Studio 7 Fine Arts

This contemporary fine art gallery is a wonderland of sculpture, block prints, paintings and ceramics that you must journey through to fully experience all it offers.

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Truck
  • CASUAL DINING
  • ARTICLE
  • DINING
  • VOLCANOES

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Truck

A parkside eatery that’s as fast as it is delicious, Tuk Tuk Thai Food makes for a perfect meal wherever you’re headed.

  • ARTICLE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • ACTIVITIES

8 Must See Places Around the Big Island

From the largest white sand beach to the Kilauea Volcano, experience the best of the Big Island.

open, packed suitcase with a hat on top of it
  • ARTICLE
  • DESTINATIONS

Big Island Hawaii Packing Guide

Filled with plenty of exciting activities across numerous different micro-climates, packing for the Big Island requires a little planning.

  • ARTICLE
  • ADVENTURE
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  • HAMAKUA
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Ziplining on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island

Zipline tours are a family-friendly activity that doubles as an excellent way to see the Big Island from the air.

  • ARTICLE
  • PUNA
  • DESTINATIONS

An Overview of the District of Puna on the Big Island

The District of Puna along the eastern tip of the Big Island offers a dramatic landscape, volcanic activity, stunning sightseeing, a unique local vibe, and endless adventure.

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Kilauea glow . . . . . #hawaii #hawaiilife #hi #a Kilauea glow
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#hawaii #hawaiilife #hi #aloha #nationalpark #findyourpark #nakedhawaii #discoverhawaii #visithawaii #luckywelivehawaii #hawaiiisland #explorehawaii #alohaoutdoors #hawaiiunchained #venturehawaii #nature #naturephotography #wanderlust #travel #bigisland #thebigisland #bigislandguide #volcano #kilauea
Lovin the Dragonfruit Lychee Cider at Ola Brew 😍 Lovin the Dragonfruit Lychee Cider at Ola Brew 😍 

#cider #kona #bigisland #hawaii
Great view from the top of Pu'u Ku'ili at Kekaha K Great view from the top of Pu'u Ku'ili at Kekaha Kai State Park. Fun little hike and close to Kua Bay so you can take a dip in the ocean when you’re done!
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#kona #bigisland #bigislandguide #visithawaii #hawaii #hawaiiisland  #discoverhawaii #lifeofadventure #adventure #welivetoexplore #wanderlust #paradise #travel #instatravel #traveladdict #travelblog #vacation #bestvacations #traveldeeper #travelstoke #roamtheplanet #optoutside #exploremore #tourtheplanet
Aloha, we’re happy to be welcoming back visitors t Aloha, we’re happy to be welcoming back visitors to Hawaii today! Stay safe and enjoy your visit. 🌴🌈
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#hawaii #lifeofadventure #adventure #welivetoexplore #wanderlust #paradise #travel #instatravel #traveladdict #travelblog #vacation #bestvacations #traveldeeper #travelstoke #roamtheplanet #optoutside #exploremore #tourtheplanet #bigisland  #bigislandguide #beach #beachlife #beachvibes #vitaminsea #ocean
#sunset #hawaiisunset #sunsetbeach
It doesn’t take long for nature to start reclaimin It doesn’t take long for nature to start reclaiming things. Across from Kahalu’u bay are the stone ruins of the Helani Church. It was built in 1861 by Reverend John D. Paris. The builders used a kiln to bake coral and turn it into lime mortar. This church was one of the first to have a native Hawaiian pastor.

#kona #kailuakona #bigisland #bigislandguide #nakedhawaii #visithawaii #hawaii #hawaiiisland #explorehawaii #discoverhawaii #wanderlust #travel #instatravel #traveldeeper #lifeofadventure #adventure #traveladdict #travelblog #exploremore #history #historicbuildings #church #historicchurch #abandonedplaces
The Waikōloa Anchialine ponds are a pretty preserv The Waikōloa Anchialine ponds are a pretty preservation area. The short walking path leads to a coral filled beach front. It’s a nice spot for a peaceful stroll and bird watching.

#waikoloa #bigisland #bigislandguide #aloha #nakedhawaii #visithawaii #hawaii #luckywelivehawaii #hawaiiisland #explorehawaii #alohaoutdoors #discoverhawaii #nature #wanderlust #travel #instatravel #traveldeeper #optoutside #lifeofadventure #adventure #travelblog #exploremore #birdwatching
Tidal pool reflections . . . . . #sunset #hawaiis Tidal pool reflections .
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#sunset #hawaiisunset #bigisland
#bigislandguide #aloha #visithawaii #hawaii #luckywelivehawaii #hawaiiisland  #alohaoutdoors #discoverhawaii #nature #wanderlust #travel #optoutside #beach #vitaminsea #ocean #lifeofadventure #adventure #traveladdict #exploremore #tidepools
Beautiful Kauna’oa Beach (Mauna Kea) we hiked over Beautiful Kauna’oa Beach (Mauna Kea) we hiked over from Hapuna along a small section of the Ala Kahakai Trail. This historic trail runs over 175 miles from near the Upolu Airport on the northern tip of the Big Island, down the west coast, through Kailua-Kona, around South Point and through Volcanoes National Park. If you do any exploring along the coast on Hawaii Island, you will likely spend some time on this trail. Always something interesting to explore and great views!
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#hawaii #bigislandhawaii #bigislandguide #maunakea #beach #vitaminsea #travel #traveldeeper #hike #hawaiilife #luckywelivehawaii #lifeofadventure #adventure #wanderlust #paradise #roamtheplanet #optoutside #exploremore
Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks to all the moms, always Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks to all the moms, always teaching us the important lessons in life... spend time with your family, watch the sunset, hold hands, be grateful for what you have, and so many more... thanks mom! 🥰
Happy Lei Day! 🌺 Did you know that each island has Happy Lei Day! 🌺 Did you know that each island has a special color and flower that represents it? ❤️The Big Island has the red Lehua flower, 🌸Maui's flower is the pink Lokelani Rose, 🧡Oahu's flower is the golden Ilima, 💚Molokai has the green flower of the Kukui tree, 💛Lanai has a vibrant yellow vine called Kauna'oa, 💜Kauai uses the green berry of the Mokihana but their color is actually purple, 🤍Kahoolawe has the silver-gray Hinahina, and 🐚 Niihau is represented by white Pupu shells. Whichever flower is used, the leis of Hawaii are always stunning and so fun to give and receive! .
#leiday #hawaii #tropicalplants #lei #bigisland #bigislandguide #maui #oahu #kauai #lehua #mayday #molokai
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