Hey folks, I hope you’re enjoying your travels and discovering new destinations. If you’re a regular reader, you already know the kind of posts we usually share each week. But this time, we’re taking you far beyond any local or nearby destination in India. We’re heading to an extraordinary, offbeat place—nearly 4,500 miles away. And trust me, every mile is worth it. So, without further a do, let’s hop on a flight to today’s destination: Hawaii Big Island.
This place holds a special spot in my heart. I’ve dreamed of visiting ever since watching Suneo brag about it in Doraemon. Just like Nobita, I remember feeling that same twinge of jealousy seeing Suneo on his dad’s boat in Hawaii. Haha, now let’s dive right in!
Is Big Island of Hawaii worth visiting?
Image Courtesy: Tanya Khanijow (YouTube)
Before we dive into the beauty of this island, let’s quickly address something important. Not everyone enjoys visiting beaches or crowded tourist spots, and that’s perfectly fine. There are many reasons for this—some of us aren’t comfortable wearing swimsuits or beachwear, while others simply prefer to avoid crowds. We all have our personal boundaries, and they deserve respect.
As an Indian, I understand that many of us, especially our parents, may not feel entirely comfortable in such environments. We love exploring new places and cultures, but we also seek comfort in surroundings that align with our values and mindset.
Hawaii is a well-known, frequently visited island in the U.S., and if you’ve enjoyed other beach destinations or island life, then this is definitely a place for you to explore. The Big Island offers a perfect mix of laid-back beach vibes and exciting adventures, like snorkeling at Two Step Beach or exploring Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. If you appreciate historical landmarks, natural beauty, and wildlife—like the iconic Hawaiian turtles—Hawaii will leave you with unforgettable memories.
But if beaches and island vibes aren’t your thing, that’s totally okay too. You’re not wrong, just different. Embrace what makes you comfortable and check out our other posts for destinations that might suit your vibe. Enjoy!
How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii’s Big Island Really Cost?
Image Courtesy: Tanya Khanijow (YouTube)
Ah, the trickiest part of any trip—budgeting. I get it, folks, it can feel overwhelming. Money always seems to limit how far we can go and how much we can explore. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down quickly and clearly.
Hawaii is a luxury destination and is considered one of the most expensive islands in the world. What makes it so costly? It’s the lifestyle you get to experience here. You can do all the things you’ve ever dreamed of at the beach—snorkeling, scuba diving, cliff jumping, renting a private yacht, or even staying in a private luxury villa. That’s just the start.
Of course, you don’t have to do everything at once. Prioritizing what’s most important to you is key, and we’ve put together the ultimate list to help with that—plus, we’ll make sure your money is well spent.
If you want to experience Hawaii Island with all the luxury and activities it offers, here’s a detailed overview of the budget you’ll need to turn that dream into reality.
- Flights: Depending on where you’re flying from, airfare could range from $400 to $1,000+ round trip.
- Accommodation: If you’re staying at high-end properties like Halii Kai Waikoloa, expect prices around $300-$500 per night. On the more affordable side, local inns and vacation rentals can start around $100 per night.
- Transportation: Renting a car is essential to explore the island comfortably. Rental prices range from $40-$70 per day. Booking through one car agency might also help save costs.
- Food: Breakfast at local favorites like Lava Java in Kailua Kona or grabbing coffee at The Coffee Shack in Captain Cook will cost around $15-$25 per person. Fine dining and dinners can be $50+ per person.
- Activities: Entry fees to attractions like Punahou o Honaunau National Park are minimal ($20 per vehicle), and snorkeling is often free if you have your gear (or you can rent for $10-$20). If you opt for guided tours, they may cost anywhere from $50-$150 per person.
- We’ve made it more easy for your trip. Check out Guided Tours on Hawaii’s Big Island in your budget!
Overall, budgeting $150-$250 per day per person would give you a comfortable experience on the Big Island.
What to Know Before Visiting Hawaii’s Big Island:
Image Courtesy: Tanya Khanijow (YouTube)
Now its time to know essential and fun things to know about Hawaii Island. I am sure that these will help you to plan your Hawaii trip easy and effectively.
Island Size: The Big Island is massive—it’s approximately the same size as the Indian state of Tripura. You won’t be able to see everything in one trip, so plan which side of the island you want to stay on (Kona or Hilo). As we discussed, the main island to explore here is Big Island
Car Rental: Renting a car is highly recommended, as public transportation is limited. Deciding where you will stay (Waikoloa Village, for example) can help plan your car needs.
Cultural Etiquette: Hawaiians are proud of their culture and traditions. Be respectful of local customs, particularly at sacred sites and in national parks.
Sun Protection: The Hawaiian sun can be intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing to protect yourself while enjoying outdoor activities.
Top Things to Do on Hawaii’s Big Island
Image Courtesy: Tanya Khanijow (YouTube)
There are tons of things to do at Big Island, which is the main part of Island for the tourists to explore the utmost luxury of the place. I’ve handpicked some of the must do activities at Big Island including best dinning options.
- Snorkeling: Head to Two Step Beach, which offers incredible underwater visibility. You might even spot a Hawaiian turtle while snorkeling in these clear waters.
- Historical Sites: Visit Punahou o Honaunau Historical National Park to learn about ancient Hawaiian culture and see sacred temples.
- Volcano Exploration: Check out the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike around Mauna Loa and Kilauea, two of the world’s most active volcanoes.
- Beach Days: Spend a day relaxing at one of the island’s beautiful beaches. Waikoloa Village is a great base for beach hopping.
- Dining: Enjoy breakfast at Lava Java in Kailua Kona for a relaxed start to the day or sip on coffee at The Coffee Shack in Captain Cook, which offers stunning views.
- Shopping: Explore local markets or the shops in Waikoloa
- This is the glimpse of activities and fun you can do at the Island. Trust me, there are lot more to do and you need time to experience the slow pace life at Hawaii Island.
What is the Best Month to Visit Hawaii’s Big Island: Weather, Crowds & Prices
Image Courtesy: Tanya Khanijow (YouTube)
Once you’re done with deciding and finalizing the budget, choosing the right time and season is also a tricky part and you’ve to be very specific to get really great experience. You can visit Hawaii Island anytime as it’s an year round destination. However, here are my recommendations for different preferences.
- For Ideal Weather: April to October is warm and dry, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling.
- For Fewer Crowds: November to March offers cooler temperatures, with fewer tourists, though it’s the wet season.
- For Whale Watching: December through April is ideal for spotting humpback whales.
Conclusion
So, folks, that’s a wrap on one of the most beautiful islands in the world—Hawaii. From snorkeling and witnessing active volcanoes to taking a helicopter safari and more, there’s so much to experience here. Let me know when you’re planning your trip to Hawaii and what you enjoyed the most. For me, it was catching sight of Hawaiian turtles and whales—I absolutely love the marine life. Have an amazing trip, and I’ll see you next time!
