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Kīlauea crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

No. 12 25 Great Islands to Visit 2026

Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island)

Hawaii, United States

Active volcanoes, black-sand beaches and stargazing from Maunakea.

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Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Hawaiʻi Island, often called the Big Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It has active volcanoes, snow-capped summits in winter, rainforests and lava deserts.

The two main towns are Kailua-Kona on the dry west side and Hilo on the wetter east side. Distances are long, so plan a few bases.

Dragonfly Ranch, Big Island, Hawai’i
Dragonfly Ranch, Big Island, Hawai’i. Photo: lamblukas, CC BY 2.0, source
Hike to the Captain Cook Monument, Big Island of Hawai’i
Hike to the Captain Cook Monument, Big Island of Hawai’i. Photo: lamblukas, CC BY 2.0, source
Manini Beach, Big Island of Hawai’i
Manini Beach, Big Island of Hawai’i. Photo: lamblukas, CC BY 2.0, source

Best time to visit

All year. The west side is sunnier; the east side is wetter. Whale season runs roughly December to April.

Highlights

  • 1

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, craters and lava fields; check current conditions.

  • 2

    Maunakea

    Summit observatories and a visitor centre for stargazing; the summit road needs a 4WD.

  • 3

    Punaluʻu Beach

    Black sand where green sea turtles often rest; keep your distance.

  • 4

    Kealakekua Bay

    Snorkelling in a marine sanctuary.

  • 5

    Waipiʻo Valley lookout

    A view into a steep, green valley.

Getting there

Kona (KOA) and Hilo (ITO) airports have flights from Honolulu and the US mainland. A car is essential.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
Five days to a week.

Official information: Go Hawaii: Island of Hawaiʻi. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

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