A Place to Call Home: Where to Stay
Find your perfect accommodation across the island's diverse regions
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerChapter 4: A Place to Call Home: Where to Stay
Where you stay on the Big Island defines your daily reality. Waking up to the sound of crashing waves at a Kohala resort is a completely different world from waking up to the call of native birds in a Volcano rainforest cottage.
Your choice of lodging is an extension of your itinerary. For a first trip, I always recommend splitting your time: get your dose of sun and luxury in the west, then move east to a cozy B&B to be close to the volcano's power. You'll get the full experience that way.
The Kohala Coast: The "Gold Coast" of Luxury
Atmosphere
This is the pinnacle of Hawaiian luxury. The sun-drenched northwestern coast is home to sprawling, perfectly manicured resorts, world-class golf courses, and some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches on the planet. The vibe is exclusive, relaxing, and high-end.
Lodging Types
This area is almost exclusively composed of large, self-contained luxury resorts and high-end vacation villas.
Examples
Iconic properties like the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the Fairmont Orchid, the family-friendly Hilton Waikoloa Village, and the elegant Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection define this coastline.
🏖️ Beach Access
Direct access to pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
⛳ World-Class Golf
Championship golf courses designed by legends, offering stunning ocean views and perfect conditions.
🍽️ Fine Dining
Award-winning restaurants featuring fresh local ingredients and innovative Pacific Rim cuisine.
💆 Luxury Spas
World-renowned spas offering traditional Hawaiian treatments and modern wellness experiences.
Kailua-Kona and the Keauhou Coast: The Lively West Side Hub
Atmosphere
This is the bustling heart of the west side. The town of Kailua-Kona and the coast stretching south to Keauhou offer a lively mix of convenience, activity, and accessibility. It's less secluded than the Kohala Coast but puts you right in the middle of the action.
Lodging Types
This region offers the widest variety of accommodations on the island. You'll find large hotels, an abundance of condominiums perfect for families, and plenty of vacation rentals, catering to a broad range of budgets.
Examples
Popular choices include the centrally located Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, the classic Royal Kona Resort with its famous Mai Tai bar, and the sprawling OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou.
Hilo and the Hāmākua Coast: Authentic Rainforest Living
Atmosphere
This is the anti-resort experience. The Hilo side is authentic, lush, and deeply connected to the way life works here. Accommodations here are about immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the windward coast.
Lodging Types
While Hilo's Banyan Drive has a few larger, older hotels, the real magic of the east side is found in its smaller lodgings. The area is rich with charming Bed & Breakfasts, historic inns, and vacation rentals tucked away in the rainforest or along the scenic coast.
Examples
The main hotels in Hilo are the Grand Naniloa Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton and the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. For a more intimate experience, look for B&Bs like the Dolphin Bay Hotel or unique vacation rentals along the Hāmākua Coast.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Kohala: Luxury
- Kona: Variety
- Hilo: Authentic
- Volcano: Rustic
💰 Budget Guide
- Budget $80-150
- Mid-Range $150-300
- Upscale $300-500
- Luxury $500+
🗺️ Travel Guide
Volcano Village: A Cool, Misty Mountain Retreat
Atmosphere
At an elevation of 4,000 feet, Volcano Village is a world away from the sunny coasts. It's a tiny, artsy community nestled in a cool, misty fern and ʻōhiʻa tree rainforest on the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The air is crisp, the nights are quiet, and the feeling is magical and serene.
Lodging Types
There are no resorts or large hotels here (with one notable exception). The area is dominated by rustic lodges, cozy cottages, artist studios, and intimate Bed & Breakfasts. It's the essential home base for anyone wanting to explore the national park at sunrise or see the lava glow after dark.
Examples
The Volcano House is the only hotel located inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, perched directly on the rim of Kīlauea caldera—a truly iconic stay. In the village itself, beloved options include the historic Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant, the secluded Volcano Village Lodge, and numerous unique rental cottages.
Park Access
Just minutes from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park entrance, perfect for sunrise visits and evening lava viewing.
Cool Climate
Refreshingly cool temperatures at 4,000 feet elevation—bring a jacket and enjoy cozy evenings by the fire.
Unique Character
Artsy, intimate community with local galleries, farm-to-table dining, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality.
My Recommendation for Your First Trip:
Book 4 nights at a Kohala or Kona resort to enjoy the beaches, sun, and luxury amenities. Then spend 3 nights in Volcano Village or Hilo to explore the national park and experience the lush, authentic side of the island. This split-stay approach gives you the complete Big Island experience.