Hawaii Travel Guide 2024: Do This, Not That on the Big Island

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Explore our FREE Big Island Travel Guide to plan your trip to the Island of Hawai'i: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-big-island-travel-guide/ Thanks for watching!

[@TheGabbyBaker]

I loved that they clarified that depends on what you go to the Big Island for. I love staying in Hilo vacation rentals. I love the rain, the coqui frogs, the farmers market, the thrift store shopping…. I just love it! And how luscious it is. I like that it’s like a good cheap option if Kauai is expensive for you (Kauai stays can get really pricey even the ‘cheap ones’)

[@DaleDirt]

Good information guys , I'm a resident for over 30 years. One thing to ad , respect and appreciate the local people t, his is there home , if you treat them with respect they are the best people on the planet .

[@allison_elle]

Flying back home tonight! Not ready to leave! Will be back for sure! Thanks again!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Glad to here you had a great time! no surprise! Travel safely and be back soon

[@allison_elle]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide it was amazing!!! Do you guys know when the best time of year to visit volcanos national park? We didn’t get to see much of the park this time around due to weather. But definitely want to plan next trip around best time to visit volcanos!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Any time of year is good but I assume it would be warmer in the summer. The park is around 4,000 ft elevation so it can get cold. Best time is when the volcano is erupting! Hopefully a safe eruption starts again.

[@dayb4valentines213]

Love this energy…I’m going to sit here for a while 🩵

[@richardmyracle6198]

This year will be the 5th year in a row visiting the big island. My number 1 recommendation is Manta Dive unless there is an active lava flow.

[@Michaela243]

Thank you for another fantastic video! It brought back many fond memories of being on the big island with my wife and daughter. Your family is beautiful and I appreciate that you take your children with you. Your cousin in eastern NC, Mike

[@nickschultz6274]

Staying in a tree house on the big island at the end of the month! You guys have been a huge help in planning! Thank you!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

very cool! Have a great time in the tree house and I'm glad we could help with your trip.

[@Tgekiwbx]

I drove to the top of Mauna Kea for sunset in 2013. It was awesome!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

It does feel like a bucket list thing! It is an early morning but totally worth it. I'm glad you got to do it!

[@TheNeitzelFam]

We love visiting the Big Island! We’re east side rental fans, it is still a great jumping off from point. Love the rain and the rainforest climate. Your videos help us discover something new each trip. Thank you!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We had a great time during our last stay in Hilo as there is more to do over there now. More farm tours and other things. Have you been to the Hawaiian Vanilla Co yet? Worth it, they are a great group. thehawaiivacationguide.com/activities/hawaiian-vanilla-tour/

[@vickimarsh4107]

Most relaxing no stressful vacation ever!! Just got back couple weeks ago. Loved every minute!! We will be back ❤️

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Waikoloa is great for that! Glad to hear you will be going back.

[@fwootamala]

Vanilla farm and Big Island Bees tours were awesome! Your Big Island itinerary was our best source for day planning, so thanks! Except for the weather predictions. We stayed in Hilo for a week in October, where it didn't rain at all, but we did get rained on twice while visiting the leeward side. We should'a bought a lotto ticket that week, I guess.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

haha, that is goofy weather! I'm glad the leeward side got some rain though. Thanks for grabbing our itinerary. When the weather is sunny in East Hawaii, it is amazing to be in the rainforest and on the waterfall hikes.

[@LanNguyen-sw7em]

Love watching your videos! So helpful!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I'm glad we can help, have a great trip!

[@cjcab3158]

Going to the Big Island for the second time in May. This time I'm taking my God kids and I'm super excited to show them around. We're staying at the Marriot Waikoloa. Thanks for the guide!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

have a wonderful trip in May with the kids! Check out our article for more: thehawaiivacationguide.com/things-to-do-in-waikoloa/

[@bleaflet]

You have GREAT content!! Love all your videos and website!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for going to our website! That is where the magic is

[@brewcitykid19]

Papakolea Beach was absolutely majestic and Captain Cook and 2 Steps are amazing snorkeling spots.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

It sounds like you did it right!

[@brewcitykid19]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Thank you for your videos it really helped when we visited Hawaii.

[@clintjorgenson5261]

Talk to anyone on Oahu or Maui and they will tell you Kona is their happy place! Kona Boy forever! 🤙

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I can see that! Kona is a chill place. I am sure it will stay that way.

[@jonathanmietzner8003]

Excellent video with a good amount of information for new visitors and veterans. Mahalo

[@makeshiftvirus6494]

Just booked a trip to the big island can’t wait to try the food and see papakolea green sand beach (mahana beach)

[@Cruisingfoodies]

As always, great info. Agree, we like kona side to stay, Hilo to visit. N yes, it does get cold at the volcanoes lol. Love the whales too! Awesome job guys

[@DFerg-gn8lu]

Thanks for another great video. Love every one of them. Visited in October and checked out Mountain Thunder Coffee and totally enjoyed it --- first time ever drinking coffee and was great! It was noticeably cooler temp.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Glad you liked it! They will be in an upcoming video. That cloud forest area is beautiful. Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@AnnKEmery]

I've watched a dozen of your videos so far, and this is honestly my favorite. I really appreciate your personal opinions on what's worth doing and what's not. Otherwise, it's easy for me to want to try to do all the things and not know how to narrow it down. Thank you!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for the feedback! It is a fun format and I'm glad it helps! Thank you!

[@kevinhawes5849]

Great video! Love the Big Island! New bar is open at Napua - Mauna Lani - fabulous! Miller and Lux also a fantastic new restaurant on the Island!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

They finally opened! Good for them as it’s a great location. Thanks for sharing!

[@jennsadventures84]

I visit 2 times a year. And it can be affordable.Just have to decide what you like. We've been there enough. That we just love a nice quiet day swimming either in the condo pool. Or one of the Kona side beaches. We alwa6eat breakfast and lunch from the condo. And try to hit happy hour. But the best sunsets are at either Papa Konas or Don the Beach Comber.

[@dckyle]

Love the Big Island so much! (and all the islands of course!) Staying in Waikoloa in the various condos that feel luxury for a little cheaper price is lovely, and being able to walk to 49 Black Sand Beach given the mostly volcanic rock coastline there is a real treat. It's a wonderful black sand beach that isn't too crowded. It has a slightly rough shore break but incredible underwater topography if you swim out just a little ways.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for sharing! We visited Beach 49 on our last trip. It made it into our Waikoloa Things to Do video. I will have to snorkel there next time, if the conditions are good.

[@dckyle]

Y'all cover it all,@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide ! Just re-watched that video from a few months ago and noticed the Beach 49 coverage in more detail, and the footage of it is awesome. So many great gems, and so thankful for the service y'all provide to put this beautiful place on display!

[@electriquenikki]

thank YOU for this video! I am moving to Big Island the end of the month to teach yoga and explore wellness travel in Hawaii. These tips are INCREDIBLE, thank you!

[@KMC42267]

I miss my happy place. 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙. Your past videos really helped me make both of my trips to Honolulu Hawaii the best ever❤❤❤❤

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I’m glad we could help! We hope you can come back soon.

[@larryloveless2967]

Great timing for this video to pop up for me on KZbin. We are leaving for our first trip to the Big Island in 3 weeks booked by a AAA Travel agent staying in Kona with plenty of excursions planned.. It looks great and this will really be something different for us.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Have a wonderful trip!!

[@karensconyersgrubbs9119]

We’re in the end stages of planning our next trip to Hawaii- Big Island only this time. Last time, we flew into Kona and out of Hilo, which worked out well since we basically stayed up north by the Waipio Valley (what a view!!), and then down in Volcano for the park visits. I’ll agree with others that a car is a must- book it early as there is a finite number of them in the island. I would also add 2 things to this list of “must-dos”- 1. If it’s your first time in Hawaii, book a luau! 2. If you live on the East Coast, be aware that you’ll spend 24hrs (on the clock) returning home. You’ll be like in a strange state of exhaustion. You need at least 1 full day to recover before attempting to go back to work. I personally take 3 days to recover. Mahalo for you videos! Erica, you have a beautiful smile!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thank you for adding the wonderful tips! We like to do an island hop to Hilo and then fly home out of Kona. We are really falling in love with the farm tours, waterfalls, and things to do in East Hawaii.

[@Star-u3t1l]

So nice that you travel with the Grandparents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

we've always enjoyed having them with us on trips!

[@AdaraDawson]

Thank you so much!!! We are last minute planning a Hawaii trip for August/Septem 2024 :)

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Enjoy the planning! See our website for more resources.

[@hoyconjessi5141]

Thank you for all the great information!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for watching!

[@Rich_Lahman]

Volcano national park was huge! We loved the Punalu'u Bake Shop in Naalehu that was just south of the park. We loved Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden in Papaikou (north of Hilo)

[@Star-u3t1l]

Wow

[@kmontagna1]

Love you guys so much!!

[@Archeaster]

Awesome video, great info

[@kmontagna1]

Damn good content. Thank you!!

[@PabloIsTocool1344]

I’m going with my kiddos only this is very helpful, we wanna go to waterfalls and beaches I rented a car so I’m excited

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

the Big Island has wonderful waterfalls on the east side. Check out this article: thehawaiivacationguide.com/the-10-best-big-island-waterfalls/

[@richardblanco9232]

I need an updated waterfall video for the big island! Headed there in a month and looking for some good waterfall swimming. Thanks for everything!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We have you covered, our article has a video on BI waterfalls: thehawaiivacationguide.com/the-10-best-big-island-waterfalls/ Have a great trip!

[@natalieroy4849]

I went to the big island with my 11 year old son and had a great time. Now my parents would like to visit with me, my husband, son and daughter. I know where we would stay but I am trying to think what to do with my mom since her mobility is limited. She's not in a wheelchair but she can't walk long distances. Any suggestions?

[@leadwithjim]

This brings up a couple questions (You may have a blog on) 1. Where do you recommend to stay if we want to explore the Volcanos? 2. Have you done anything that talks about gluten free eats? I have Celiac. ... I am going to grab the Big Island and Oahu itineraries! Thank you for all you guys do.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We have a lot of articles on where to stay. See this one with a video: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hilo-or-kona/ Hilo or the Volcano area is the closest place to stay to the park. You can do a day trip from Kona which is in our itinerary. We share GF restaurants in the quick hits section of the itinerary. It may not be perfect for celiacs but we try.

[@DarthDaddy-cg6ro]

Thanks.

[@maribelsanchez7726]

Is there a tour company you recommend to visit the volcano national park.?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for asking. This is a great tour company with knowledgeable guides, good vans, and will show you parts of the park that most folks don't visit: thehawaiivacationguide.com/activities/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-guided-tour-volcanoes-unveiled/

[@allison_elle]

Rent a car- you’ll waste too much time waiting on rides. Take advantage of every moment you have!

[@kmontagna1]

Thank you allison 🐢❤

[@allison_elle]

@@kmontagna1 check out a whale watching cruise if you’re able to catch that timing! I had a mom and baby breach 30 ft from our boat and we even got to hear a male’s song reverberating through the vessel! It was incredible!

[@dorisevans129]

Only went to Oahu but I loved it.

[@stephanieschmidt3987]

Any suggestions for condos to rent?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We have some in our where to stay directory thehawaiivacationguide.com/stay/

[@susanwhite5825]

Where did you book for star gazing?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We did this one. Easy to get to and very nice people leading it. thehawaiivacationguide.com/activities/stargazing-kona/

[@beckyfish1427]

Hi. I have a question one the Hawaii discount rental car company work. How can they be cheaper than the real place?? Love your videos so informative. Thanks Becky

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Great question! And I don't know. I assume they have a negotiated rate or pass their commission on to the customer. Same with Costco, how do they do it? We always price shop.

[@lorrainefrischolz5524]

I’m from Florida do you have any travel tours you recommend?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for asking, we share our favorite tours and activities here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/activities/

[@ssundarm]

How many minimum days do you suggest to visit big island?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

A week is what we say. 8.13 days is the average. Here are the details! thehawaiivacationguide.com/how-many-days-should-you-spend-on-the-big-island/

[@mdbrooks31]

I’m going for a week, so I need a national park pass to see everything once while there?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

a park pass is great if you're going to visit 3 parks this year, the senior pass is a really good deal. You can also buy the $30 day pass when you arrive at the gate.

[@anitaklara7428]

Hi guys, we are coming to the Big Island in less then to weeks and are watching all your great videos and website on the Big Island! Thanks! Can you please to advise us is it better to book a manta tour at 6pm or 9pm? We followed your recommendation and booked Sea Paradise at 6pm but we wonder if we will see any mantas at the early tour… We’ve heard that at 9pm you’ll see many more of them but since we are staying at Westin Hapuna resort we still have a 1h drive back … We just would like to ask you if 6pm tour is good enough to have a good experience and see some manta rays or it’s better to stay up late for a 9pm.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

The tour guides tell us every time that it doesn't matter what time you go out. Do the 6pm tour, parking is a little easier and you won't get back so late. I did the 9pm tour and it was a long drive back to Mauna Lani. Have a great time!

[@anitaklara7428]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you so much for your advice!

[@stabach5]

Question, do your guides give us point to point driving itineraries? Meaning first go to point A, then next along the way go to point B, etc? I find the most frustrating part of travel is figuring out timing and what's along the way in the correct order. Thanks. I'd love to purchase your guides.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Aloha, yes! The excursion days have multiple stops in sequential order with alternatives. We provide driving directions too. Check them out! Have a great trip!

[@dandiehm8414]

Hi guys - thanks for the tips! My wife and I are not going there to see how much money we can spend. We are bringing our own protein powder for breakfast every morning, we will get bulk granola bars from Costco at the beginning of our trip for lunch everyday. We will get bottled water from Costco - we won't be drinking any coffee or beer, and we will try to find a food truck for dinner. We will be staying at AirBnB's pretty much exclusively I doubt we will even see a swimming pool at any of the places we stay. We will be visiting many beaches, but just so we can walk there and enjoy the view perhaps swim a little, and possibly snorkel before moving to the next beach. We are not interested in luxury hotels or fine dining at all - way too much money. We will do the Manta Ray viewing however - that sounds neat!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Sounds like a game plan! As they say in Hawaii, the luxuries are free and the necessities are expensive! Enjoy the weather and the beach!

[@dandiehm8414]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Thanks so much for the kind reply. Your videos are excellent and have given us some great tips. Mahalo.

[@birdman5223]

You Guyz Rock🫶🏻

[@kevinGvue]

An excursion tip, if you are planning a winter Big Island trip and are planning on whale watching, don’t. I say this because you may not need to. If you are planning on doing captain cook boat snorkel tour, manta rays swimming, or anything else that requires you to get on a boat you will most likely see whales. Your experience of seeing whales will be similar to if you booked an actual whale watch tour. Now if you didn’t see any whales with the previous excursions then yes purchase a whale watch tour. This will save you tons of money. Also AirBNBs are the way to go to save and maximize on money. When I was there just a couple weeks ago I stayed at a few nice AirBNBs for less than $180 a night. Though fancy hotels and resorts are nice you will most likely not spend 80% of your day at your hotel. No need to spend large on hotels.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for sharing the tips!

[@trendingwwwandw]

Like your channel NEW Subscriber 👍

[@traciblack3242]

DO...visit the Volcano Art Center Gallery.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thats a great one! Thanks for sharing. Get some Volcano Wine while you are in town.

[@user-pb3ts3rl7o]

I feel it’s best to split your time. If resort is your thing than Kona side, but 70% of things to do are on the Hilo side. The big island is big so if your on the Kona side you’ll be doing a lot of driving.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for sharing! We do fall more in love with the Hilo side during every visit.

[@kauaiboy5o]

Unfortunately Turo on the Big Island s@ck, their rates are similar to if not more than regular car companies. Best bet is to use 3rd parties like Costco, AARP, AAA, etc. to get the best rates. I just booked through a 3rd party a car for my yearly month's stay, 2025, on the Big Island. .

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

agreed, one should always shop around for prices. Turo comes with a lot of add-on fees, like Airbnb and Vrbo.

[@marcielynn4886]

I live near Pahoa, its cheaper to buy.

[@Marinerjac]

Would be nice to see a video on horseback riding or 4x4 adventure. With minimal talking mostly a nice presentation of an adventure.

[@Ivankonermann]

Good tips, just too much plugging of email lists, guidebooks, etc.

[@Star-u3t1l]

"The best time to visit the Big Island is during a shoulder period month: April, May, September, or October but Whale watching is Dec to March." Any whales in April?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

The Big Island stops tours in March, Maui sometimes continues to do tours into April. But, most whales have gone home by then.

[@michaeleble6879]

"Make sure you stay at something above the cheap shanty King Kamehameha Marriott Property, but book a car with discount Hawaii car rental.. LOL

[@Exousia718]

Philippine Island is better than Hawaii...(Period)!!!

[@Skibidididy]

Its overpriced garbage, stay in your home.