USA · North America

Hawaii

Lava, rainforest and beach on a single island: Big Island is Hawaii in its purest form – and a long way from everything.

Best time to visitApril to October (dry); 25–30 degrees all year round
Empfohlene Dauer10–14 days (lange Anreise)
Price levelhigh

Photo: Karsten Winegeart (Unsplash)

Why Hawaii?

Hawaii is a long way off: from Zurich it's 20 hours of travel with a change in Los Angeles or San Francisco. That's why it's only worth it with two weeks – and it's ideal as an extension to a California trip. I went to Big Island, the largest and youngest island, and I'd choose it again for a first visit.

Big Island has everything: the dry Kona Coast in the west with the resorts of Waikoloa, the active Kilauea volcano in the south-east, rainforest and waterfalls near Hilo, snow on Mauna Kea. We stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village – a resort with a lagoon, dolphins and its own tram; the hotel page describes it.

A hire car is a must; driving round the island takes a long day. If you have more time, combine it with Maui (beaches, Road to Hana) or Oahu (Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor) – the inter-island flights are short and cheap.

My tips for Hawaii

  • Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon: once it's dark the crater glows, if it's active.
  • Mauna Kea summit: only with a 4x4 or on a tour; the observatories are at 4,200 m, so take warm clothing.
  • Taste and buy Kona coffee straight from the farms above Kailua-Kona.

Book excursions

Tours & TicketsViator – guided tours, day trips and admission tickets in Hawaii; usually free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Car HireDiscover Cars – compare every rental company, fully comprehensive cover with no excess available as an add-on.

Where to stay?

Kona Coast (Waikoloa, Kailua-Kona) for beach and sunshine; Volcano Village for a night by the volcano; Hilo is cheap but rainy.

Hotels I know personally and describe on their own pages: Hilton Waikoloa Village, Big Island.

Find accommodation in Hawaii

I almost always compare hotels, apartments and guesthouses on Booking.com – with genuine reviews and usually free cancellation.

View accommodation in Hawaii Compare on Hotels.com Holiday rental on Vrbo
Affiliate links: if you book I earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you, and sometimes you even get an extra discount. Hotels.com is worth it for comparing prices and for the loyalty programme (every tenth night free), Vrbo for holiday homes and apartments.
← All destinations