Are you planning a trip to the Big Island and you are not sure if it is worth it or if it is an overrated place? Your research for the place and keep getting pictures of stereotypical sandy beaches, palm trees, black lava fields and crystal clear oceans?
Yes! this is what the Big Island looks like!
It is the place where you will most likely see the best sunsets in the world, you will hike through thick and lush forests and will spot the most iconic volcanoes on earth with their summit covered in pearl-white snow. The landscape of the Big Island is simply astonishing.
Named the Big Island, it is socially worldwide known as Hawaii. Most people tend to immediately think of the Hawaiian dream as visiting Waikiki Beach and other hot touristic spots. However, not falling into these so-called tourist traps is crucial to realise that Hawaii is so much more than that there is so much to see and do on the Big Island that a whole year staying there wouldn’t be enough to fully grasp the beauty of the island!
From the first instance of arriving on the Big Island, the tropical vibe just traps you and the ocean breeze involves your soul like nowhere else.
The Big Island is home to the most stunning beaches in the world, unique active volcanoes, more than a dozen of waterfalls, thick rainforests and an endless plethora of activities to do.
The Big Island is the ultimate place to experience the true pacific culture and island scenery. Hawaiian people are very welcoming, accommodating and super friendly. If seeking to experience the Hawaiian adventure, relax under the sun, snorkelling on the best beaches in the world, surf the best waves, thrive on amazing food and be mind-blown by the outstanding landscape, then, the Big Island will be worth visiting and a perfect destination for you.
It is not uncommon to hear that a trip to the Big Island is overrated and we get asked constantly Is The Big Island, Hawaii worth the hype? Is The Big Island, Hawaii worth the visit?
Yes! The Big Island is worth visiting! It has a diverse, dramatic and unique landscape where travellers can always find something to do whether they are after relaxing in the tropical-paradisiac beaches, snorkelling in nature reserves like Hāpuna Beach, scuba diving at night to spot once-in-a-lifetime wildlife, self-encountering experiences by the natural essence of this Polynesian land, or whether you seek the most incredible hikes around the thick and green rainforest, striking waterfalls like the Akaka Falls and lava erupting volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kilauea. It is a place like no other, where a traveller will never be bored.
Why is the Big island worth the visit? Top 21 reasons why the Big Island is worth visiting.
Everyone is different and of course, travelling is all about preferences, however, generally speaking, The Big Island, of Hawaii offers such a unique authentic Polynesian and tropical experience that cannot be found or compared to anything else.
Whether you are after some relaxation, seeking fun, ocean action or land adventures, the Big Island has something for all travellers.
Here are our top reasons why it is worth visiting the Big Island and why you too should go:
- The weather is amazing all year round. There is a microclimate where the temperature stays more or less constant throughout the year at 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a perfect place for those who want to escape more extreme conditions and relax with the vibes of the tropics.
- Although an island has a consistent average temperature throughout the year, the Big Island holds 11 different climate zones that can be experienced in a single trip depending on where you move around the island.
- The Big Island is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see lava erupting from active volcanoes like the Kilauea, as one of the few places in the world. The Big Island is formed by 6 different volcanoes, making this island a unique place on the planet. These volcanoes are Mahukona, Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea, from which the last three are still active!
- Not many places in the world are home to black sand beaches coming from their volcanoes. Punaluu Beach, on the Big Island, is a unique place on Earth for this purpose, it is simply, stunning.
- Great places to eat. From food trucks to fine dining restaurants. The Big Island is famous for its fresh fruit from local farmers that can make your trip an incredible experience, particularly after water activities. The variety of fresh products available on the island is simply fascinating.
- Hawaiians are friendly, welcoming and helpful people. Polynesians and pacific islanders are very family oriented and they have a strong sense of community for which it is in their nature to be polite, approachable and warm towards others.
- The Big Island is way less crowded than other islands in the archipelago like Oahu, which is great to enjoy the island culture. Particularly if you get up early and go to secluded beaches, you will be by yourself.
- Manta Ray night snorkelling or diving is a unique activity that can be done on the Big Island. This phenomenon only occurs on this island. This activity can be done all year round with beyond a 90% success rate in your spotting tour as these manta species do not migrate like other species. Incredible!
- Humpback whales watching which migrate to the Big Island where they mate, feed and give birth you can see them so close to the shore, it is fascinating. The only thing to keep in mind here is to keep in mind that the season for this activity is from December 15-April 15.Even in early December, you can start spotting the first whales playing on the horizon.
- Diverse wildlife can be found in the unbeatable scenery that the Big Island owns. Sea life is so prevalent on the island that it is hard not to spot dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, more than 250 kinds of colourful reef fish, tuna, marlin and manta rays! Not only sea life is impressive but also land wildlife. The Big Island is home to big clusters of wild horses, lizards and colourful geckos.
- For those travellers who prefer to plan their trip with guided tours (or those who come with families), the Big Island holds the best tour companies in the US. They are quite affordable and they ensure travellers enjoy the island’s top destinations and experiences.
- Kona Coffee. The fertile volcanic soil on the slopes of Hualalai is the mecca for the world-famous Kona Coffee. A tour around trying and learning about Kona Coffee in the hinterland is a must!
- The Big Island is very rich in history being home to many historic sites. Among others, it is so interesting to see the ancient Hawaiian temples, aka, Heiau. Also, the petroglyph fields, museums and two national historical parks are hallmarks of the Big Island landscape.
- The stunning sunsets and sunrises possible on the Big Island are breathtaking. Particularly from A-Bay Beach, Kailua-Kona Waterfront, Volcano House and The Mauna Kea summit from where you can also spot the most spectacular star galaxies from the giant telescopes built there from the international station.
- The Big Island of Hawaii is called like so for a reason, it is indeed, big! Over 4,000 square miles in size and over 130 miles of coastline. Its impressive big size allows for the island to offer endless activities, and varied landscapes, including jungles, waterfalls, white, grey and black sandy beaches, snow-peaked mountains and volcanic landscapes with lava rivers flowing down the mountain.
- For those travellers who are after a low-key vacation, the Big Island is the right place to do so. There is a wide range of resorts, bars and restaurants to chill, relax and unwind. The Big Island offers a wide array of accommodation scenarios for your vacation, from a hotel full of amenities, Airbnb options and hostels to campgrounds where you can be in close contact with nature and have more freedom to roam around. Another very popular choice, particularly during the summertime or Christmas holidays, is renting an RV or camper van. This can be an amazing way to discover the Big Island.
- Although there are many other incredible places and beaches, there are top attractions on the Big Island that are a must-see and worth the hype. These are the Kilauea Volcano National Park, Hapuna Beach State Park, Waipio Valley Lookout, Mauna Kea Observatory, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach and Akaka Falls.
- Is it worth Visiting The Big Island, Hawaii s a solo traveller? It is worth visiting The Big Island, Hawaii as a solo traveller. The island is full of beautiful scenery and interesting landmarks, that can help solo travellers find their zen. It is such a genuine and authentic place that travelling as a solo female (or male) can be a self-finding experience from both the adventurous and relaxation perspectives. Also, the Big Island is quite safe, where locals are very friendly and warm, making solo travellers feel comfortable exploring by themselves. Not only, the big island is safe, but also, it is convenient and easy to get around, so that, solo travellers can explore the island at their own pace.
- Is it worth Visiting The Big Island, Hawaii as a family? The Big Island is family-friendly. This island is a great place to travel to with children, as there are many attractions fun and entertaining for kids and the whole family, like epic hikes, volcano exploring, visiting waterfalls and beach swimming. As we mentioned above, the island is big on family resorts and hotels with the appropriate amenities, babysitting services at an affordable price and surveilled swimming pools.
- Is it worth Visiting The Big Island, Hawaii as a couple? The big Island is couples friendly. The Big Island makes it one of the most romantic gateways you can think of. From outstanding sunsets and sunrises to epic snorkelling sessions, spas and once-in-a-lifetime hikes. Also, the nightlife is vibrant and lively and very popular among couples who go to celebrate big anniversaries or birthdays or simply have a romantic escape. Many of the couples who travel to the big Island choose their stay around Kona, where it is possible to find the most popular resorts, spas, and romantic eating places. Our top recommendation of great activities for couples’ fun in addition to all the activities described in this post are: Hula Kai Deluxe Kona Coast Snorkel Cruise with Lunch, Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise, Horseback Riding Tour, Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour, Kona Sunset Sail and Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing.
- Is it worth Visiting The Big Island, Hawaii on a budget? A solid yes is the answer! Whilst many of the resorts and dining options are upscale choices and can be an expensive vacation choice, there are tons of possibilities to explore the Big Island on a tight belt. Exploring the endless beautiful beaches, snorkelling opportunities (you can even organise these by yourself) and incredible hikes, among other possible activities. For meal options you can just grab some poke bowls or chicken katsu bowls to eat on the go on the beach, super cheap!
Final Thoughts.
It is worth visiting the Big Island of Hawaii! All of the compelling reasons below will convince you to add the Big Island to your travel bucket list.
It is a paradise on Earth where the weather is moderate and pretty favourable all year round to enjoy all sorts of activities both in the summer and winter time.
The Big Island is very safe for all travelling styles, whether you are travelling the island by yourself, as a couple and/ or with your family and kids. The island is easy and convenient to navigate, and the locals are very friendly and helpful making travellers and visitors feel comfortable in the unknown land.
There is a plethora of activities possible on the Big Island where all travellers can find something to do according to their preferences and desires, such as snorkelling in unique places, diving with sea wildlife like manta rays, hiking through tropical rainforest, visiting active volcanoes, you name it!
The natural essence of the island is dramatic, unique and unrepeatable combined with a genuinely warm, family-oriented and deeply land-respectful culture plus a vibrant nightlife, makes of the Big Island a place worth the visit! Travellers won't be disappointed.