Hawaii Big Island: Worth It or Overrated? The Honest Verdict

Hawaii's Big Island: The Most Extraordinary Island in the Pacific

Most people who visit Hawaii go to Maui or Oahu. The Big Island is the one that serious travellers choose. It is the youngest island in the chain, still being built by active volcanoes, and it contains more climatic zones than any other place on earth: tropical rainforest, alpine desert, snow-capped peaks, black sand beaches, and lava fields that look like the surface of the moon.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes on earth and has been erupting almost continuously since 1983. The Crater Rim Drive circles the summit caldera — a vast depression that glows red at night when the lava lake is active.

The best experience is to arrive at the park at dusk and stay until dark: the glow of the lava lake against the night sky is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on earth.

Helicopter tours from Hilo offer the most dramatic perspective: flying over the caldera at night, with the lava glowing beneath you, is an experience that is impossible to forget.

The Kohala Coast: World-Class Resorts

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the finest hotel on the island: a collection of bungalows and villas around a series of pools, with a private beach, a world-class spa, and a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The snorkelling in the King's Pond — a natural lava pool connected to the ocean — is extraordinary.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the classic choice: opened in 1965 by Laurance Rockefeller, it remains one of the great Pacific resort hotels, with a white sand beach that is among the finest in Hawaii.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

The manta ray night snorkel off the Kohala Coast is one of the great wildlife experiences in Hawaii. Mantas — with wingspans of up to four metres — are attracted to the lights of the boats. You float on the surface, and the mantas circle beneath you, performing barrel rolls through the plankton clouds.

It is completely safe, completely extraordinary, and available every night of the year.

Mauna Kea: The World's Tallest Mountain

Mauna Kea rises 4,205 metres above sea level, but measured from its base on the ocean floor it is the tallest mountain on earth — taller than Everest by over a kilometre. The summit is above 40% of the earth's atmosphere, making it one of the finest astronomical observatories in the world.

Black Sand Beaches

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is the most accessible and the most beautiful: a crescent of jet-black sand with green sea turtles resting on the shore. You can snorkel alongside them in the water, where they are completely indifferent to human presence.

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January - February: Ideal for whale watching, with humpbacks migrating through the waters. Expect cooler temperatures (20-25°C) and moderate crowds. Prices can range from €150-300/night for hotels.

March - April: Pleasant weather continues, with temperatures rising to 22-27°C. Spring break brings larger crowds, especially around Easter. Expect hotel prices to hover around €175-350/night.

May: A sweet spot for fewer crowds and pleasant weather (23-28°C). Prices start to drop, averaging €125-250/night.

June - August: Summer brings the hottest weather (25-30°C) and the highest visitor numbers. Expect prices to peak at €200-400/night.

September - October: Ideal time for lower rates and moderate temperatures (24-29°C). Prices can drop to €150-300/night.

November - December: Crowds return with the holiday season, and temperatures cool down (21-26°C). Prices can range from €175-350/night.

Where to Stay

Budget (€50-100/night)

Mid-Range (€100-250)

Luxury (€250+)

Getting There & Around

Flights

Local Transport

Journey Times

What to Eat & Drink

1. Poke: Fresh cubed fish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and onions. Try it at Da Poke Shack in Kailua-Kona; prices range from €10-20.

2. Loco Moco: A Hawaiian comfort dish featuring rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. Visit Ken's House of Pancakes in Hilo; expect to pay around €15.

3. Kalua Pig: Slow-cooked pork seasoned with Hawaiian salt and wrapped in banana leaves. Sample it at Huli Huli Chicken at the farmers' markets, prices around €10.

4. Shave Ice: A refreshing treat made from finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups. Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa is a must-visit; prices start at €5.

5. Malasadas: Portuguese-style doughnuts, fluffy and coated in sugar. Leonard’s Bakery is famous for these; expect to pay €1-2 each.

6. Hawaiian Coffee: Grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa, it's rich and flavorful. Greenwell Farms offers tours and tastings; coffee prices start at €20/package.

7. Beer from Kona Brewing Company: Enjoy a cold pint of their local brews at the brewery in Kailua-Kona; pints are around €6.

8. Tropical Fruits: Don’t miss fresh papayas, passion fruits, and coconuts from local markets; prices vary but generally range from €1-3.

Insider Tips

1. Plan Your Visit to Volcanoes National Park: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially for the Kīlauea summit. Check the National Park Service website for real-time updates on volcanic activity.

2. Explore Beyond the Coast: Don’t miss the lush waterfalls of Akaka Falls State Park and the scenic vistas of the Hamakua Coast, both offering a different side of the island.

3. Use Locals for Tours: Opt for locally-owned tour companies for activities like snorkeling or hiking. They often provide more authentic experiences than larger operators.

4. Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected: The Big Island can be deceptively hot. Always carry water and wear reef-safe sunscreen when exploring.

5. Respect Local Culture: Embrace the 'Aloha Spirit' by being courteous and respectful to locals and their customs, especially when visiting sacred sites.

Conclusion

The Big Island of Hawaii is a land of contrasts and extraordinary beauty, offering experiences that are as varied as its landscapes. From the fiery glow of Kīlauea to the tranquil blue of its beaches, it is a destination that captivates the senses. For those willing to venture beyond the more commercialized islands, the Big Island promises an adventure filled with awe and wonder. Whether you're drawn by its natural wonders, rich culture, or luxurious resorts, the Big Island is undeniably worth the trip.