Big Island, Hawaii: An Adventurer’s Guide

The Island of Hawaiʻi, often called the Big Island, lives up to its name in every sense. It’s the largest in the Hawaiian chain, and the most diverse, with landscapes ranging from molten lava fields to lush rainforest, from snow-dusted summits to black and green sand beaches. Life here moves at a slower rhythm, giving travelers the space to explore, absorb, and truly connect with the raw beauty of the land.

Whether you’re trekking across a volcanic crater, watching manta rays swirl under the moonlight, or savoring poke with your toes in the sand, every moment on the Big Island feels like a memory in the making.

1. Getting to the Big Island

Most visitors arrive at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the western side of the island. Others choose to land in Hilo International Airport on the east, especially if their itinerary begins with volcano exploration. Since the Big Island spans nearly 4,030 square miles, many savvy travelers fly into one side and depart from the other, taking a scenic road trip across the island along the way.

Pro Tip: Check with your car rental provider about drop-off charges if you plan to return the vehicle to a different airport.