Avoiding the Crowds
To avoid the crowds and score better deals on flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities, travel during low tourism season. Low season falls between April and June, and September through November. Here’s a few things off our top 10 things to do on the Big Island to help get the most out of your trip.
Whale Watching in Kona
Plan to spend some time on the Big Island’s west coast if you’re hoping to spot some of the gentle giants that migrate to Hawaii from Alaska each winter. Between the months of November and April, humpback whales are best spotted off the coast near Kona. Book a tour that specializes in whale sightings and knowledgeable guides will take you to the best sighting spots. Whales can also be spotted from shore along the leeward coast. Pack a pair of binoculars and head to the roadside parks along Ali‘i Drive or the cliffs near Mookini Heiau near the town of Hawi.
Choosing the Best Beach
The Big Island is known for its colorful beaches, with white and golden sand, black sand (Punaluʻu Beach), and even green sand (Papakōlea Beach). There will be no shortage of destinations for beach hopping on your Big Island vacation. While many of the island’s beaches are worth visiting for their beauty, some have dangerous swimming conditions due to large swells and strong currents. Most of the best swimming beaches are located near Kona and Kohala.
Summiting Mauna Kea
Pack some warm clothing if you plan to summit the impressive Mauna Kea. Reaching nearly 14,000 feet, this mountaintop even receives snow on occasion in winter. The Visitor Information Station (VIS) is located at 9,200 feet, and it is recommended that all visitors stop there before proceeding to the summit. The VIS offers a host of information as well as telescopes for star gazing. The five miles between the VIS and the summit are traveled on a steep-graded gravel road, and most rental car contracts prohibit the use of their cars on this portion.
Contact Us about our Big Island House Rentals
At I Love Hawaii, we have a variety of vacation rentals available on the Big Island. Whether you’re enjoying a secluded beach on the tropical northeastern coast, exploring nature at its rawest at Volcanoes National Park, snorkeling the tranquil waters of Kealakekua Bay, or enjoying the bustling towns of Hilo or Kona, we have Big Island house rentals near all of the island’s best attractions. Please contact us at (866) 634-0060 or (808) 445-9126 to make your vacation rental booking and to get started on planning your ideal Hawaiian getaway.
