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

Welcome to our 2024 Big Island Travel Guide. We want you to have a wonderful trip to the Big Island with these 11 Do This, Not That words of advice. See below for the free resources we mentioned!
Below are the resources, articles, videos, and tours we mentioned in the video. They are listed in the order we mentioned them! Thanks for checking out our website!
BIG ISLAND WAYFINDER ITINERARY: LEARN MORE HERE
thehawaiivacationguide.com/be...
FREE BIG ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE: thehawaiivacationguide.com/ha...
Kileaua USGS Eruption Status: www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilaue...
Big Island Farm Tours: thehawaiivacationguide.com/be...
Hawaiian Vanilla Farm Tour, Tasting, Lunch: thehawaiivacationguide.com/ac...
BEST MANTA RAY SNORKELING TOURS: thehawaiivacationguide.com/be...
Mauna Kea Summit DIY: thehawaiivacationguide.com/ma...
Big Island Jeep Rental (local rental company): thehawaiivacationguide.com/re...
Whale Watching Tours (Dec-March): thehawaiivacationguide.com/bi...
Big Island Travel Guide: Do This, Don’t Do That
00:00 Intro
01:16 Where to Stay
03:02 Treat Yourself
04:10 Volcanoes
06:15 Culture
07:09 Unique Things to Do
08:04 Book Early
08:38 Rental Car
09:16 Kilauea Eruption
10:11 Kailua-Kona
10:42 Avoid Rush Hour
11:38 Best Tours
12:13 Experiences
DISCOUNT CAR RENTALS: LOCAL AND NATIONAL CARRIERS ARE HERE
thehawaiivacationguide.com/re...
FREE HAWAIIAN ISLAND CHEAT SHEETS:
thehawaiivacationguide.com/ha...
OUR FAVORITE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES BY ISLAND:
thehawaiivacationguide.com/ac...
HAWAII ITINERARIES! We love them and so do thousands of other Hawaii vacationers. Learn more here:
thehawaiivacationguide.com/be...
Discount Codes for Popular Tour:
thehawaiivacationguide.com/ha...
Click Subscribe for more of our adventures and tips on traveling to Hawaii (plus subscribing helps us out!).
#hawaii #bigisland #kona
Credits:
Editing was done by the amazing Iliya Lipkovich, you can find him on Instagram @ilya_lipkovich
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[@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!

[@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 .

[@Qqquitsv]

“The best people on the planet” sounds rather self-congratulatory.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@paulettefloresjaimes6718]

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/

[@dayb4valentines213]

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

[@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/

[@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’)

[@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.

[@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.

[@trendingwwwandw]

Like your channel NEW Subscriber 👍

[@ralph8073]

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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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/

[@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.

[@bleaflet]

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

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

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

[@LanNguyen-sw7em]

Love watching your videos! So helpful!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

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

[@makeshiftvirus6494]

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

[@jonathanmietzner8003]

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

[@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.

[@kmontagna1]

Love you guys so much!!

[@Archeaster]

Awesome video, great info

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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

[@hoyconjessi5141]

Thank you for all the great information!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for watching!

[@destinationawaken]

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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@kmontagna1]

Damn good content. Thank you!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@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/

[@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/

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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/

[@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.

[@stephanieschmidt3987]

Any suggestions for condos to rent?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

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

[@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.

[@Ivankonermann]

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

[@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)!!!