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Where to Stay on the Big Island, Hawaii

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:33:35 GMT

Where to Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii (Best Areas for Every Traveler)

The Big Island of Hawaii is an island of incredible diversity, with landscapes that range from sun-drenched beaches and lush rainforests to stark volcanic deserts and snow-capped mountains. With so much to see and do, choosing where to stay on the Big Island can feel like a monumental decision. Each region offers a unique experience, catering to different travel styles and preferences.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor seeking sandy shores, a luxury traveler in search of five-star resorts, or an adventurer eager to explore the island’s natural wonders, this guide will help you find the perfect home base for your Hawaiian getaway. From luxury resorts on the Kohala Coast to boutique oceanfront stays in Papaikou , we’ll break down the best areas to stay on the Big Island, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying everything this magical island has to offer.

Kona: Best for Beaches, Resorts & First-Time Visitors

For many first-time visitors, the Kona district on the west side of the island is the ideal place to stay. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere, Kona offers a classic Hawaiian vacation experience. The main town, Kailua-Kona, is a bustling hub of activity with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and historical sites.

The Kona coast is lined with resorts and hotels catering to every budget, making it a popular choice for families and couples alike. It’s also a fantastic spot for water activities, with world-class snorkeling, diving, and surfing opportunities. If you’re wondering where to stay in Kona , you’ll find everything from large-scale resorts to charming boutique hotels.

Kohala Coast: Luxury Resorts & Relaxation

Just north of Kona lies the Kohala Coast, the sunniest and driest region of the Big Island. This area is synonymous with luxury, home to some of the most exclusive luxury resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii . If your idea of a perfect vacation involves championship golf courses, world-class spas, and high-end dining, the Kohala Coast is the place for you.

The resorts here are destinations in themselves, with pristine beaches, stunning swimming pools, and impeccable service. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, a relaxing retreat, or a truly indulgent family vacation.

Hilo: Lush Rainforests & Local Hawaiian Culture

On the eastern side of the island, Hilo offers a completely different experience. This is the rainiest city in the United States, and all that moisture creates a landscape of breathtaking beauty, with lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant botanical gardens. Hilo has a more local, laid-back vibe than Kona, with a charming historic downtown and a strong sense of community.

Hilo is also the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, making it an excellent base for exploring the island’s volcanic wonders. The climate is cooler and more humid than the west side, providing a refreshing escape from the sun.

Papaikou: A Hidden Gem on the Hamakua Coast

For those seeking a truly unique and tranquil experience, the small town of Papaikou on the Hamakua Coast is a hidden gem. Located just 15 minutes north of Hilo, Papaikou, Hawaii offers the perfect blend of convenience and seclusion. This area is known for its stunning oceanfront tranquility, lush botanical gardens, and the privacy it affords away from the resort crowds.

Here, you can find boutique accommodations that offer a more intimate and authentic experience. For example, Koili Point provides an experience of boutique luxury, with private, eco-luxe homes that offer stunning ocean views and a deep connection to the land. It’s the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of the Hamakua Coast in a peaceful and luxurious setting.

South Big Island (Volcano Area): Adventure & National Park Access

For the ultimate adventure, consider staying in or near the town of Volcano, right at the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This area is all about exploring the raw, primal beauty of the island’s active volcanoes. Accommodations here are more rustic, with charming inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals tucked away in the rainforest.

Staying in the Volcano area allows you to beat the crowds and explore the park at your own pace, from hiking across crater floors to watching lava glow at night. It’s an unforgettable experience for any nature lover or adventure seeker.

Quick Comparison: Where to Stay on the Big Island by Travel Style

A Visitor’s Guide to Papaikou, Hawaii (Big Island)

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:33:22 GMT

A Visitor’s Guide to Papaikou, HI

Nestled along the lush, verdant Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, the charming town of Papaikou, Hawaii, offers a serene escape from the bustling tourist hubs. This hidden gem, with its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, provides an authentic Hawaiian experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. Whether you're drawn to its tranquil atmosphere, scenic landscapes, or proximity to some of the island's most stunning attractions, a visit to Papaikou is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit to Papaikou, from its unique attractions to the best place to stay for an unforgettable oceanfront experience. Whether you're interested in exploring the Hamakua Coast sites , joining a farm tour , or booking a vacation rental , discover why this quaint town is the perfect base for your Big Island adventure.

Where Is Papaikou on the Big Island?

Papaikou is located on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii, just a scenic 10-minute drive north of Hilo. Situated along the iconic Hamakua Coast, the area is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests, and stunning ocean views. This rural community offers a peaceful, residential feel, providing a quiet retreat while still being conveniently close to the amenities and attractions of Hilo.

The landscape surrounding Papaikou is a testament to the island's volcanic origins, with rich soil that once supported thriving sugar plantations. Today, that same fertile ground is home to tropical gardens, fruit orchards, and the serene, natural environment that makes this part of the island so special.

Top Things to Do Near Papaikou

While Papaikou itself is a small, quiet town, its prime location on the Hamakua Coast means you're just a short drive away from some of the Big Island's most incredible sights and activities.

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden: Just a few minutes from Papaikou, this world-renowned botanical garden is a must-visit. A winding path leads you through a lush valley filled with over 2,000 species of tropical plants, cascading waterfalls, and stunning ocean vistas. It's a photographer's paradise and a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.
Explore Onomea Bay: The trail through the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden leads to the picturesque Onomea Bay, a scenic cove with a dramatic coastline. The bay is a beautiful spot for taking photos and enjoying the raw, natural beauty of the Hamakua Coast.
Scenic Coastal Drives: The Hamakua Heritage Corridor is one of the most beautiful drives in all of Hawaii. The road winds through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Take your time, stop at the scenic lookouts, and soak in the incredible scenery.
Waterfalls and Rainforest Views: The area around Papaikou is home to some of the Big Island's most famous waterfalls. Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls are both just a short drive away and offer spectacular views. The surrounding rainforests are filled with hiking trails, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

What Makes Papaikou Unique?

Papaikou offers a unique glimpse into a different side of Hawaiian life, away from the large resorts and crowded tourist areas. Its charm lies in its authenticity and its deep connection to the land and its history.

The town's small population and quiet, residential atmosphere give it a close-knit community feel. This is a place where you can slow down, connect with nature, and experience the laid-back pace of island life. The history of the area is rooted in the sugar plantation era, and remnants of this past can still be seen in the landscape and architecture.

What truly sets Papaikou apart is its emphasis on nature and agriculture over commercial tourism. It's a place where you can wake up to the sounds of the ocean, pick fresh fruit from an orchard, and spend your days exploring the natural wonders of the Hamakua Coast. It’s an experience that feels both genuine and deeply rejuvenating.

Travel Tips for Visiting Papaikou

To make the most of your trip to Papaikou, here are a few travel tips to keep in mind:

Best Time to Visit: While the Big Island is a year-round destination, the best time to visit the Hilo and Papaikou area is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
Weather Expectations: The east side of the Big Island is known for its frequent rainfall, which is what keeps the landscape so lush and green. Be sure to pack a light rain jacket and be prepared for occasional showers, which often pass quickly.
Road Conditions: The main highways are well-maintained, but some of the smaller roads can be narrow and winding. Drive with caution, especially at night or in the rain.

Combining with a Hilo Day Trip: Papaikou's proximity to Hilo makes it easy to combine your stay with a day trip to the city. Explore Hilo's farmers market, local shops, and historic downtown before retreating to the peace and quiet of Papaikou.

Where to Stay in Papaikou for the Best Oceanfront Experience?

For a truly immersive and unforgettable stay in Papaikou, look no further than Koili Point’s vacation rentals . Our two private, eco-luxe homes, Hale Koholā and Hale Honu, offer the perfect blend of comfort, sustainability, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality. Perched on a private bluff overlooking the Pacific, our rentals provide the ultimate oceanfront experience.

At Koili Point, you can wake up to stunning sunrises, enjoy fresh fruit from our on-site orchard, and relax by the pool while listening to the sounds of the ocean. Our properties are designed to help you connect with the ‘āina (land) and experience the tranquility of the Hamakua Coast. With easy access to all the nearby attractions, Koili Point is the ideal home base for your Papaikou adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Papaikou

Explore the Depths: Lava Tube Adventures on the Big Island

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Delve into the subterranean wonders of the Big Island by exploring its fascinating lava tubes, formed by ancient volcanic activity.

Walk Through History: The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Fri, 30 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Step back in time by exploring the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile corridor that weaves through ancient Hawaiian settlements, sacred sites, and stunning coastal landscapes.

Experience the Magic: Manta Ray Night Dives in Kona

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Dive into an unforgettable adventure by swimming with manta rays under the starlit Kona sky. This unique experience offers a close encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Celebrate Hawaiian Culture: Upcoming Big Island Festivals

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Big Island by attending these vibrant festivals happening from May to June 2025:

Discover the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor: A Journey Through Nature

Thu, 01 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Escape the typical tourist trails and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor along which we are located.

Merrie Monarch 2025!

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Aloha! There is considerable buzz going around Hilo right now as Merrie Monarch has officially kicked off.

Mele Kalikimaka 2024!

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:00:00 GMT

Mele Kalikimaka is the modern Hawaii way of saying Merry Christmas. And while we have snow on Mauna Kea during the winter season, I'm guessing we are the only U.S. State where Santa can arrive by sleigh or by outrigger c...

Say that again! Miracle?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Aloha! If I told you there is a berry that once eaten, will make sour foods taste sweet for the next 30 minutes, would you believe me?

Going Bananas

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Aloha! We cut down a bunch of bananas a few weeks ago and hung them up in the tiki hut area to ripen and so that they are easily accessible to guests.

Drone Pictures Koili Point

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 03:00:00 GMT

Aloha! One of our recent guests took a few pictures using his drone and I thought they looked pretty cool. Love the perspective! Thanks for taking them! I've included three here to enjoy. In the background in the second ...

Coconut Harvest

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Aloha! One of the nice things I like about living on the East Side of Big Island (Hilo and Hamakua areas), is that people share when they have a bounty.

Tī not Tea

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Aloha! Around the property you will see many red, green and black tī plants. These are not the plants from which the English get the ingredients for their afternoon tea but are a plant brought to Hawaii for a variety of...

2024 Outrigger Canoe Racing Championships

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Aloha!

Honey

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:12:00 GMT

Aloha! I like honey.

Ninole morning

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Aloha! The East side of Hawaii Island has the most beautiful sunrises.

What is Soursop?

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:10:00 GMT

Aloha! When I was researching fruit trees, I didn't bother buying a young soursop tree when I first had the chance. It just sounded weird to me.

Just kicking back in the hale

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Aloha! Many of our guests that we have had the pleasure to host here at Koili Point comment that it's one of the most relaxing places they have ever been.

Richardson's Beach. Hilo Beaches

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Aloha! One of our favorite swimming beaches is at the end of Kalanianaole Avenue and it's called Richardson's Beach.

What the Heliconia

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Aloha! At Koili Point, we work daily to create a relaxing, tropical paradise and what better way to do that than with Heliconias as a backdrop.

Cacao at Koili

Wed, 29 May 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Aloha! We grow a variety of fruits on the property and one of them, for which we have great aspirations, is cacao.

The Bamboo Compromise

Wed, 15 May 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Aloha! Years back, I was having one of many discussions with my wife about bamboo and how much I liked it.

Double Rose Pikake

Wed, 01 May 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Aloha! The Double Rose Pikake is possibly the most fragrant of all the flowers we have at Koili Point.

Giant Lilikoi

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Aloha! Aka Giant Passionfruit or Giant Granadilla has one of the most intriguing flowers I have ever seen. So many different features and colors. I have no idea how this evolved but it's pretty cool to see.

Naha Stone. Best places to visit Big Island

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:33:00 GMT

Aloha! What has always amazed me is that one of the most legendary pieces of history in Hawaii sits in the open for everyone to see. If this were France, a museum would surely have been built around it.

10 Years Ago at Koili Point

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Prior to our buying the land in 2014, the property had been owned by: two private individuals, the Onomea Sugar Company, a member of the Hawaiian Royalty, and before that, King Kamehameha.

Pineapple Health Benefits

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Who knew? Sure fruits are basically good for you but did you know the following?

'Ahi Sashimi at Koili Point

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:00:00 GMT

One of the best things I like about living on the Hamakua Coast is that you get the freshest of fish all the time and there's always enough to share with friends which we did with some guests who recently stayed with us.

Were Mai Tais involved?

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:00:00 GMT

My sister visited Koili Point a few months ago with some friends of hers. Amongst other bucket list places they wanted to see, they decided to drive around the Big Island looking for Mauna Loa -- the worlds' largest acti...

Mauna Kea Sunset

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:30:00 GMT

My family recently went up to Mauna Kea to watch the sunset and they took some pictures which I included here. It's well worth the trip.

Events near Koili Point

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 12:07:00 GMT

The east side of the Big Island has a lot of local events that you probably won't find elsewhere. The Hilo/Hamakua area is really a unique slice of Hawaii in that the east side is fairly agricultural but also boasts the ...

Koili Point Malihini Reviews

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 08:00:00 GMT

In 2015, we had started planting a couple of trees after we were able to get someone with a tractor to cut the tall elephant grass that covered the whole property.

Koili Point Guest Suggestions

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT

We are so grateful to have met so many guests from all walks of life who, for one reason or another, have chosen to stay with us at Koili Point. We know we are fortunate and just want to say mahalo nui!

Cacao on the Big Island

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 06:21:00 GMT

Aloha! This summer we have had an abundance of cacao at Koili Point. Two trees are really fruiting a lot and there are two more that will next year. Hawaii is the only U.S. State in which cacao can grow due to the clima...

Antics Pizza in Hilo

Mon, 15 May 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Our favorite pizza place in Hilo is Antics Pizza and it's about 10 min from Koili Point. They have a cool, video gamed themed restaurant with a good number of tables and they also have take away service. It's located jus...

Hawaii Plantation Museum

Wed, 10 May 2023 04:25:00 GMT

Less than a ten minute walk from Koili Point is the Hawai`i Plantation Museum. The museum is largely a private collection that shows how the sugar industry helped develop a different lifestyle in Hawaiʻi.

Mauna Kea

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 11:32:00 GMT

This past winter, we had the most snow I have seen on Mauna Kea in years and it afforded everyone on the island with some incredible views.

Merrie Monarch Festival 2023

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 11:00:00 GMT

This world renowned 'Art of Hula' event is held each year in Hilo about 12 minutes away from Koili Point. This year it will be held from April 9th to the 15th.

Koili Point Bounty March 2023

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 10:16:00 GMT

Aloha!

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:29:00 GMT

On the 4th of February, Waimea is hosting its 30th anniversary of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Starting from about 9am and going to 3pm.

Hoʻolauleʻa Music Festival

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 05:50:00 GMT

On the 29th of January, the Ho'olaule'a Music Festival returned to Hilo after a three year hiatus. Almost two dozen local bands played throughout the night. And of course if you know Hilo, you know there was an incredibl...

Maggie Herron

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Many of you have met Maggie at Koili Point. Perhaps it was late at night as she stood on the road with a flashlight to ensure you found the turnoff; or perhaps during the day as she walked you through check-in informatio...

Mauna Loa

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:37:00 GMT

It's been nearly 40 years since Mauna Loa has erupted and that is historically an anomaly. Right now, three or four fissures have opened up and lava is flowing on that volcano.

Sunrise October 2022

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 01:45:00 GMT

We have had the fortune to host some wonderful guests these past few months and one was kind enough to share this sunrise photo with us!

Bounty at Koili Point -- Aug 2022

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 10:31:00 GMT

Summer at Koili Point brings a lot of fresh fruits to our ohana. And this leads to one of the best aspects of living on the Hamakua Coast.

White Ginger

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT

We have many types of ginger at Koili Point and we continue to add more through organic growth.

'Ulu or Breadfruit

Sat, 06 Aug 2022 05:45:00 GMT

One of our goals at Koili Point is to become completely self-sustaining. For centuries, the Hawaiian islands were entirely sustainable, and only in recent history has this begun to change. From food to energy, the island...

Curry Leaves

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 03:00:00 GMT

E Komo Mai! Welcome!

One Gallery Hilo Bayfront

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 01:47:00 GMT

E Komo Mai! Welcome!

Dragon Fruit

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 05:27:00 GMT

E Komo Mai! Welcome!

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 02:50:00 GMT

E Komo Mai! Welcome!