The vastness of Hawai‘i Island has always felt like uncharted territory to me. It’s the Big Island, after all, nearly twice as large as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. I’ve traveled there numerous times, visiting Kailua-Kona on the west side, Waimea up north and Hilo on the east side. But I’ve never ventured far beyond those towns. In the last few […]
Waimea is widely talked about for its paniolo culture, but its neighbor in the east, Honoka‘a, deserves attention, too. The historic town is situated on the Hāmākua Coast and shares some of its neighbor’s rugged charm while boasting its own distinct and endearing qualities. Throughout town are relics showcasing the lasting contributions of immigrants who
Hawaiʻi Island isn’t my usual go-to for island hopping, but when a friend who once called it home invited me along, I couldn’t resist the chance to see the place through his local perspective. Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or a quick staycation, here’s how to experience the best of the Big Island
*This story was originally published on Jan. 22, 2019, and updated in September 2025. It’s early on a Thursday morning, the sun is just beginning to rise over North Kohala and I’m staring up at the king himself. Standing regally with his right arm outstretched, the King Kamehameha statue looks out over the small
*This story was originally published on Dec. 11, 2019, and updated on Sept. 1, 2025. It’s pretty hard to have a proper road trip in Hawaiʻi. Driving from Oʻahu’s central city of Honolulu to the North Shore, for example, takes less than an hour (without traffic). This is not the case on Hawaiʻi Island, which
From witnessing the fiery eruption at Kīlauea to hiking through tropical forests, nature lovers have plenty to do on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island. And the charming town of Hilo is the perfect home base for them and other adventurous travelers. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is just a 45-minute drive south of Hilo International
The light rain, the cozy gray mornings, the old buildings and shops that haven’t changed in decades. Everything in Hilo is a little slower, a little quieter, a little more relaxed. The sleepy town on Hawai‘i Island’s east side isn’t on the top of most travel itineraries, with visitors only flying in for the hourlong
If you’re like me, you’re already looking for cheap flights and hotel rooms on Hawaiʻi Island. News about the most recent eruption at Kīlauea—which started on Sept. 10 and continues to amaze with fountaining lava within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater—has sent visitors flocking to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park this week. Hilo is one of my favorite towns
Stretching across a massive 4,028 square miles, Hawaiʻi Island is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian archipelago. It boasts a diverse and awe-inspiring landscape, from active volcanoes to cascading waterfalls, from black-sand beaches to lush valleys. But despite its size and diversity, it’s an island often overlooked by travelers to the Islands—and it’s an
On Hawaiʻi Island, Kailua-Kona—often referred to as Kona—is one of the island’s best towns to visit for travelers and neighboring island locals looking to get away. Things to do in Kailua-Kona are endless, from visiting world-class coffee farms to hiking in forested nature trails and learning more about Hawaiian history. 1. Check Out Kailua Beach
For weeks, the largest active volcano on the planet has been rumbling, sparking a series of mini earthquakes. Since September, geologists have reported an increase in seismic activity and on Nov. 15, 50 small-magnitude earthquakes rattled Mauna Loa on Hawaiʻi Island. Then on Nov. 27, at around 11:30 p.m. a fissure opened on the floor
Don’t get confused: Hawaiʻi Island is not where Honolulu is. (That’s Oʻahu.) But this is the island that’s home to an active volcano—Kīlauea—and the world’s tallest mountain (from base to peak)—Mauna Kea. It’s often referred to as the Big Island, and for good reason. Spanning 10,931 square miles, Hawaiʻi Island is nearly twice as big
