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Discover Different Parts of “The Big Island” and Find out Which One Suits Your Travel
Hawaii Island is known by locals as “Big Island” – not Oahu, where the capital, Honolulu is located. Potential confusion out of the way, it’s time to plan a visit, deciding where to stay in Hawaii. Discover what each area has in store, helping your decision-making on where to stay in Hawaii.
The island has accommodations ranging from budget to luxury, adventure travel, family options, and all the Hawaiian beauty one would expect. Yet, less visited, it will surprise you with moments of quiet and calm, maybe even feeling you have the entire beach for yourself.
Hawaii is roughly divided in to west and east side, each with its advantages and disadvantages, as well as different access to local attractions.
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Adventurous travelers may way to head south to discover South Point, the most southern point of the United States. It’s a must-see sight on the way to Papakolea green beach, guarded by mineral olivine rather than sand.
But where to stay in Hawaii? The answer is multiple. Discover the areas and properties in this list to make an informed decision.
Where to stay in Hawaii for family: The Gold Coast (Kohala Coast)
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Known as the most attractive part of the Hawaiian island, the Gold Coast has beautiful beaches and comfortable resorts – making it the perfect destination for traveling with families with different traveling preferences.
Mauna Lani and Pau`oa Beaches, with calm waters, make great options for families with young children. Meanwhile, Waikoloa Village and Anaeho`omalu Bay – although also calm-water beaches - have coarse sand.
If you don’t mind a bit of ruggedness, look no further than at Waialea, Hapuna, and Kauna Kauna`oa/Mauna Kea Beaches, the most beautiful on the Gold Coast, also home to great resorts.
Modernist in design, this resort is located within 7 acres of oceanfront vegetation. Conveniently placed on the Kona Coast, it allows for magnificent views.
The rooms are comfortable, with fully set kitchens, balconies, free Wi-Fi, and a washing machine and dryer. It also provides free parking.
On the entertainment front, guests can expect live music, lots of hula-dancing, and other Kona heritage rituals, presented with local food. The hotel’s pool with a sun terrace makes for a great after-beach relaxation option.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Hawaii, although definitely set on a high-end stay, this luxurious resort has everything a traveler can expect from a destination – and a bit more. It offers 7 swimming areas with ocean views, along with an 18-hole state-of-the-art golf course.
Guests can also enjoy a private sandy beach and a saltwater pool within the hotel.
This hotel's rooms - modern with Hawaiian decor touches, offer free toiletries and desks.
Situated at Keauhou Bay, this Kailua Kona hotel embodies local luxury, offering all sorts of activities and spa and relaxation options for guests – a sound choice for those searching for where to stay in Hawaii.
Tropical landscaping throughout encases the pool, while guests can enjoy the gym, or a massage in the full-service spa.
Volleyball and tennis are also on offer, while one of the local products – coffee – has an important place for degustation.
Whether for a pizza or more refined fresh seafood, the hotel’s restaurants cater for different styles of tourists.
Where to stay in Hawaii for couples: Kailua-Kona Town and the Kona / Kohala Coasts
Kailua-Kona town, Kona Coast, and the Kohala Coast make up the western side of Hawaii. At Kailua-Kona, travelers deciding on where to stay in Hawaii should know they will get the most urban experience in the island, with less rugged facilities, great resorts, comfortable accommodations, and easiest access to attractions.
Pu’ukohola Heiau historic site — a great visit to learn about Hawaii history and culture, is located 35 miles (56 km) north of Kailua-Kona. Waikoloa Petroglyph Field has petroglyphs from the 16th century in exhibition, and is located at only 30 minutes.
And if Kona rings a bell, you may be a coffee lover, which means the coffee tourism option should be in your lost. Kona Mountain Coffee has a great center for visitors.
Right by the ocean with an outstanding view, this hotel has comfortable rooms with flat-screen TV and balconies. It also offers in-site entertainment, such as luaus and small concerts. The rooms are modern in design with beach and nature-influenced themes, and come with coffee machines, fridges, and other amenities.
A sound choice if you’re planning on where to stay in Hawaii. 1-minute by foot from the Atlantis Adventures Kona, the hotel also offers a restaurant, a poolside bar, and a tour desk, making it easy for guests to choose and book their activities.
A true gem, and a characterful choice for those wondering where to stay in Hawaii. Designed to look like an 1880s Hawaiian village, the Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort has thatch roofs and bungalows with rustic looks, as well as a lush garden of fruits, flowers and local vegetation. Guests will also enjoy this property’s proximity to Kailua-Kona Village, and the area’s bustling night scene.
Where to Stay in Hawaii on a budget: Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hilo is the Hawaiian state’s second-largest city, with a population of about 40,000 fixed residents. While travelers may experience a higher rain rate than at other parts of the island, this area has more options in affordable accommodations, and provides easy access to many of the interesting activities available on the island – ideal for active travelers.
Hilo makes a great base if you want to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the dormant Mauna Kea volcano, and the stunning Hamakua Coast, one of the most scenic views on the entire island.
A calm haven in Hilo Bay with overwhelmingly beautiful views of Mauna Kea Peak, the Castle Hilo Hotel is minutes from town in Hilo. Accommodations are spacious and modern. It’s a perfect hub for travelers seeking activities nearby, including golf. For those wanting to enjoy the scenery, walks through Liliukalani Garden are a must, as is a visit to Onekahakaha Beach.
The hotel also comes with its own gift shop, and a swimming pool for guests, while those interested in local cuisine will enjoy the hotel’s restaurant and drinks lounge.
How is this for character, if you’re wondering where to stay in Hawaii? This property was converted into an inn in the 1930s, having been a housing complex built for plantation workers in 1909. The highly-rated Wild Ginger Hotel offers free parking and Wi-Fi, while its rooms come with cable TV, a microwave, and fridges – ideal for those seeking an economic alternative to daily restaurant meals. The hotel also offers continental breakfast daily.
While the hotel is centrally located, visitors will enjoy the access to Coconut Island, only 2 miles (3.2 km) away, or Kaumana Caves – a 10-minute drive from the property.
Aaron’s cottage is located 3,5 miles (5.6 km) from the Pacific Tsunami Museum. The property, straightforward and suitable for budget travelers seeking where to stay in Hawaii, offers private parking and continental breakfast, air conditioning in the rooms, and flat-screen TVs, as well as free toiletries. For those seeking to prepare their own meals, the hotel has a shared kitchen.
FAQs about Where to Stay in Hawaii
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Where to stay in Hawaii if you’re traveling as a family?
The Gold Coast has beautiful beaches and comfortable resorts – making it the perfect destination for traveling with families with different traveling preferences.
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Where to stay in Hawaii if you’re traveling as a couple?
Kailua-Kona has both urban and resort options – ideal for couples to enjoy a romantic and active stay.
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Where to stay in Hawaii if you’re traveling on a budget?
Hilo area is ideal. While travelers may experience a higher rain rate than at other parts of the island, this area has more options in affordable accommodations and provides easy access to many of the interesting activities available on the island.
- Where to stay in Hawaii if you’re traveling as a family?
The Gold Coast has beautiful beaches and comfortable resorts – making it the perfect destination for traveling with families with different traveling preferences.
- Where to stay in Hawaii if you’re traveling as a couple?
Kailua-Kona has both urban and resort options – ideal for couples to enjoy a romantic and active stay.
- Where to stay in Hawaii if you’re traveling on a budget?
Hilo area is ideal. While travelers may experience a higher rain rate than at other parts of the island, this area has more options in affordable accommodations and provides easy access to many of the interesting activities available on the island.
Finally, Big Island Hawaii has options for all sorts of travelers. Choose your spot and discover every facet of this place.