Big Island Stays Blog

Looking for a Big Island vacation that combines beautiful beaches, incredible dining, shopping, and a relaxed island atmosphere? Mauna Lani is hard to beat. Located along the sunny Kohala Coast, this beloved resort community offers everything you need for an unforgettable Hawaii getaway—without feeling like you have to choose between relaxation and adventure. One of Mauna Lani’s many highlights is the Mauna Lani Beach Club. Tucked along a protected cove, the Beach Club...

There’s much more to Hawaiʻi Island than beautiful beaches, dramatic volcanoes, and unforgettable sunsets. The island is also home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from ancient sea turtles and playful dolphins to majestic humpback whales and rare native birds. One of the best parts of exploring the Big Island is that many wildlife encounters happen naturally. You don’t necessarily need to visit a zoo or wildlife park. A drive...

Aloha, travelers! Have a Big Island vacation planned for late August, September, or October? Keep those bags packed! While tropical storms and hurricanes may be a natural part of life in the Pacific, significant impacts to Hawaiʻi are relatively uncommon. For most visitors, these months offer exactly what they came to Hawaii for—beautiful beaches, warm ocean water, sunny days, outdoor adventures, and plenty of aloha. And even when a tropical system...

Thinking about traveling to Hawaii during Ironman? Whether you’re competing, supporting a racer, traveling with family, or simply looking for an unforgettable time to visit the Big Island, Ironman week offers a truly unique way to experience Kona. Kona takes on a completely different feel during race week. Athletes from around the world arrive alongside their families, friends, and supporters, creating an energy you won’t experience at any other time...

Planning a Big Island getaway for 2026 and beyond? There’s more to booking a vacation rental than finding the right view, the perfect beach, or the best price. Where and how you book your stay can make a big difference in your overall experience. With so many ways to reserve a vacation rental, it can be difficult to know which option offers the best combination of value, support, and peace of...

Let’s be honest — every Hawaiian island is gorgeous. But if you’re trying to pick just one, the Big Island makes it kind of unfair for the others. Oʻahu gives you a city. Maui gives you a resort. Kauaʻi gives you a garden. The Big Island? It gives you all of it — a snow-capped summit, an active volcano, a rainforest, a desert, and a coral reef, sometimes in the...

Ask anyone who lives here and you’ll hear the same thing: fall is when the Kona Coast is at its best. The summer rush eases, Aliʻi Drive settles into a slower rhythm, and the ocean stays warm and glassy long after the mainland has traded shorts for sweaters. Mornings are made for coffee on the lanai and a quiet snorkel before the crowds arrive. Evenings belong to those long, golden...

Aloha, angler! There’s something special about the water here in Kona — calm, clear, and generous with what it offers. Thanks to a steep drop-off just offshore, you can be trolling for marlin in 100 fathoms within minutes of leaving the harbor. Below you’ll find our top-rated charter picks, favorite shore spots, and what to know before you try spearfishing. Book a Charter If you want the classic big-game experience...

Summer on Hawai’i Island isn’t like summer anywhere else. There’s no “rainy season” to dodge, no off-season lull to hide from — just longer days, warmer water, and a steady stream of visitors chasing the same golden light you are. The good news? With a little local know-how, you can skip the crowds, dodge the worst of the sun, and actually relax into the slower rhythm this island is famous...

Aloha Friends! With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to experience one of the Big Island’s greatest treasures—its incredible underwater world. July is one of the best months to snorkel, as the ocean is typically at its calmest, especially along the Kona Coast. The combination of warm, crystal-clear water and gentle morning conditions creates ideal visibility, making it easier than ever to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter...