Big Island Part II - Where to stay

Where to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii

As I've mentioned before, if you're coming to the Big Island, you need a rental car.  In my previous post, I also mentioned there are two airports on the big island:  Kona (KOA) and Hilo (ITO).   Let's discuss a few of the main towns where one might consider staying (if it's not on this list...)

• Kona - probably the most well known and tourist friendly town on the big island.   There is much to do and see in Kona.  Kona would probably be one of my top choices for places to stay when booking a hotel.  
• Hilo - the biggest city on the island but the hotels and other accommodations aren't the greatest.   There is also a lack of great restaurants and nightlife in Hilo.  The beaches are not the beaches you hope to visit when you think of visiting Hawaii and it rains nearly every day.  That being said - plan to visit Hilo at least once during your trip.  It's a beautiful town full of lush greenery and many traditional Hawaiian customs.  More on attractions to come. 
• Kohala (this would include Hawi) - about 1 1/2 hours from either airport, this is a great area but more of a "country" setting; there are a few small shops and restaurants that are great and it's a romantic setting but if you're looking for an exciting place to stay with lots to do, Kohala may not be the best place
• Waikoloa - about 30 - 45 minutes from Kona, Waikoloa is amazing.  There are some incredible resorts set on breath taking white sand beaches.  There are several small shopping centers and some incredible restaurants.  If I were visiting - I would definitely stay in Waikoloa (as long as money was no object).  Waikoloa can be a little more expensive than Kona but you're right on the best beaches. 

My preference - definitely stay in either Waikoloa or Kona.  If you have the opportunity to travel around the island, spend most of your time in Waikoloa and Kona, a day or two in Kohala/Hawi, and two days in Hilo (Wednesdays and Saturdays are the farmers' market so those are great days to be in Hilo).  

If money is a concern, there are plenty of ways to save while staying on the big island.  First, there are many lodges and B&Bs that offer extremely affordable rates.  Here are a few that I know of with a general idea of price as of Jan 2013:

• Kona - Uncle Billy's:  great location right on Ali'i drive; they usually have availability and the accommodations aren't bad.  There's a pool and complimentary breakfast from 06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m.   Rates are usually around $78/night but this depends on season and if there's anything special in town
• Kohala / Hawi - Kohala Club Inn:  I have not personally stayed there but several friends stay there on a regular basis when traveling around the island and say it's a nice little B&B type place.  Plus it's only around $60/night
• Hilo - Arnett's Lodge:  not far from the beaches or the airport.  Once again, I haven't stayed there but a nurse friend of mine stayed there for several weeks.  Must not be too bad.  Rates around $30/night per person.  
• Waikoloa - Hilton Waikoloa or Waikoloa Marriott:  both are very nice and you can't go wrong; you'll be staying in a luxurious resort.  Rates around $200/night

One of the Happy Campers VW vans from Hilo, HI

Don't forget to check online for deals, B&Bs and vacation rentals by owners.  There is also camping.  Hawaii is a great place to camp if you have a decent rain-proof, wind-proof tent.  Camping gear can be rented for pretty cheap.  Plus, there is a company in Hilo that rents VW vans that are RV-ish.  I see them all over the island.  I've considered renting one myself.  

Many of the best camping spots require a permit - which can be purchased online.  Here are some of my favorite camping spots:

• Ho'okena - south of Kona and close to Captain Cook / Two Step, this is a great spot to camp.  There are bathrooms, you're right on the beach, and everyone is pretty relaxed.  You often wake up in the morning and see dolphins.  You can purchase your permit online or pay the night you set up to camp.  It's usually around $6 / person.  
• Miloli'i - south of Kona;  this is the "last fishing village" and was wiped out by lava a few years ago.  It's a beautiful area but I always feel like the park is right in the middle of town and therefore never feel comfortable camping there.   Requires a permit and costs around $6 / person

Miloli'i

• Whittington Beach Park - southern part of the island; This is a pretty nice park.  I have visited but never camped there.  Does require a permit.

Whittington

• Makalawena - as I mentioned in a previous blog, Makalawena is the most beautiful beach on the island in my opinion.  You can camp (on the north side of the gate in the coral area).  It does not require a permit and is therefore free.  The only disadvantage is that unless you have a tough 4WD with high clearance, you'll have to hike around a mile with all your gear to get to there.  Makalawena is located between mile markers 88 & 89 on Hwy 19.  This is still one of my favorite camping spots and if you go during the week, you'll probably have it to yourself.  Just make sure to bring a thermarest or air mattress - you'll be sleeping on coral.  

 

Makalawena

• Pololu - located in North Kohala, this is a place where I'm not really sure if you're supposed to camp, but people do, I have, and it's never an issue.  No permit required.  Pololu is about a mile hike down a steep trail (which you'll have to hike back up in the morning) to a beautiful black sand beach.  It's secluded and amazing.  Keep your tent zipped at all times to prevent centipedes from entering and keep your shoes inside your tent.  Make sure to check in your shoes before putting them on.  Centipedes like to hide in them and those demons have nasty bites.   

• Spencer - located north of Kona, this is a popular camping area.  Requires a permit and costs around $6 / person.  It's usually pretty packed but there are nice shower facilities and in a pretty good location close to Hapuna.  
• Hapuna - I have never camped there.  Requires a permit and they have A-frames.  Clearly it's a great location though.  
• Waimanu - I am dedicating an entire blog to our trip to Waimanu but I'll just say that Waimanu is GORGEOUS but very difficult to get to.  It requires an entire day of hiking and you must be very prepared with great equipment.  You must hike through Waipio Valley to get there.  See the Waimanu blog for more information.  

If you have any questions about where to stay - just ask.  I'll try to help answer.