Where to Stay on the Big Island, Hawaii: The 4 Best Towns!

Last updated on May 25th, 2026

When we visited the Big Island of Hawaii for 7 days, we made it our mission to explore as much of the island as possible. From charming seaside towns to lush jungles to explore and volcanic landscapes that feel like another planet, every corner of the island has its own unique vibe.

However, as the name implies, the island is big and figuring out where to stay can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you want to experience it all.

But we’re here to help! Throughout our trip we discovered the best places to base yourself depending on what kind of trip you want. Whether that’s soaking up sunshine on the Kona coast, chasing waterfalls in Hilo, or enjoying small-town charm in spots like Waikoloa Village and Puna. 

In this post, we’ll share the towns we stayed in (and a few others we considered!), along with tips on what makes each area special so you can pick the perfect home base for your Big Island adventure.

Map of Where to Stay on the Big Island

Want to Learn More as you explore?

We highly suggest downloading the Guide Along – Big Island (totally worth the cost!!) audio tours to navigate you on the road. Even when you don’t have service it knows where you are and provides commentary and history about the area. As well as alerts you when to stop for specific sights. These guides are fun to listen to and the narrator feels like a fun friend in the car with you! They also offer a larger Hawaii Bundle which is great if you’re visiting multiple islands!

Which part of the Big Island is best to stay?

Kona vs. Hilo

The two main areas to stay on the Big Island are Kona and Hilo, with Kona being the more popular option. 

While you could stay in Kona the entire time, the distance between Kona and Hilo is about 1.5 hours, so traveling back and forth to those areas everyday can get a bit lengthy. So we suggest splitting your time between the two areas, which is what we personally did!

Both areas have completely different vibes and are convenient to different beaches and other top sights. You’ll get the perfect mix of sunshine and beaches in Kona, plus the rainforest beauty and volcano adventures of Hilo without having to spend hours driving back and forth across the island. 

While having to change rentals midway through the trip wasn’t 100% ideal, it was totally worth it to maximize our adventure time and not have to drive hours everyday! Here’s some details about the two and some great places we recommend staying for a few nights.

Kona

Kona is the perfect place to spend a few nights on the Big Island! This sunny side of the island is famous for its white sand beaches, incredible snorkeling, and, of course, world-renowned Kona coffee. The town itself has a fun, waterfront lined with shops, restaurants, and spots to grab shave ice while watching the sunset. And it’s close to the main airport!

The cons of this area are that it can be pretty touristy in some areas, and it’s not super walkable. But if you’re looking for that classic Hawaiian vacation vibe, Kona is where you’ll find it!

Hilo

Hilo is such a great place to spend a few nights if you want to see the Big Island’s more authentic, laid-back side. It’s a super walkable town with lots of character. There are local boutiques, farmer’s markets, and little cafes that feel very different from the resort vibe on the west side.

Plus the lush, green landscape here is breathtaking, and you’ll be close to some of the island’s best waterfalls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Just know that Hilo doesn’t have white sand beaches or big resorts, and some areas lean more industrial. But that’s exactly what makes it feel less touristy and more real.

Other areas to consider

While Kona and Hilo are the most popular places to stay on the Big Island, here are two other spots we think you might want to consider! These could both be great options depending on what you plan to do when you’re on your vacation to the Big Island.

Waikoloa Village

Waikoloa Village is a great option if you want resort amenities without being right in the middle of Kona. Located on the sunny Kohala Coast, this area is home to big-name resorts, golf courses, and some of the island’s most beautiful beaches (like Hapuna Beach and Anaehoʻomalu Bay).

It’s a perfect spot if you’re looking for a more relaxing, vacation-style stay with easy access to pools, spas, and beach clubs. While it doesn’t have the same local charm as Kona or Hilo, Waikoloa Village makes up for it with convenience, sunshine, and plenty of opportunities to just chill and enjoy paradise.

Puna

Unique places to stay on the Big Island

One of the coolest ways to experience the Big Island is by booking a unique accommodation instead of a standard hotel. The island is home to quite a few fun options, like treehouses tucked into the rainforest, eco-friendly yurts, tiny homes on lava fields, or jungle retreats with outdoor showers. Staying somewhere a little out of the ordinary makes your trip feel extra memorable. Plus, many of these stays are run by locals, so you’ll get insider tips and a more personal touch than you’d find at a big resort.

• Tiny home on a lava field: The title says it all! (Puna)
• Treehouse: A midrange treehouse option. (Puna)
• Treehouse 2: A higher end treehouse option. (Puna)
• Waterfall Cabin: A cabin literally sitting on a cliff over a waterfall! (Honokaa)
• Pineapple Cottage: Located on a Tropical Fruit Farm. (Hakalau)
• Yurt: A very unique and inexpensive place to stay. (Ocean View)
• A-Frame: Bonus–it comes with a hot tub! (Volcano)
• Eco Tiny Home: Located on an organic farm. (Hilo)

Top Tips for Where to Stay on the Big Island

Rent a car

Don’t underestimate how long it will take to get around the island. From one side to the other it can take 2-2.5 hours. No matter where you stay, you’ll need a rental car to get around and explore all that this beautiful island has to offer!

Stay on both coasts

As we mentioned above, we highly recommend splitting your stay between two destinations. We specifically think it’s best to stay part of the time on the east coast and part on the west coast. This means half the time in either Kona or Waikoloa Village and the other half in Hilo or Puna.

Check what amenities are included

Be sure to check the amenities that are provided at your lodging before you arrive. Not all vacation rentals will include things like spices, cooking oils, or coffee making items, so be sure to bring it with you or visit a grocery store after you arrive to pick up necessities.

Also, if having a pool or other outdoor space is important to you, make sure to look for that as well!

Not every place has A/C

It’s important to note that all accommodations on the Big Island (or in Hawaii in general) may not have air conditioning. The weather is fairly mild year round, so it’s not completely necessary. However, we do know most people have come to expect it. Be sure to look at the details before you book if that is important to you.

Book early

If you’re visiting the Big Island during high season, we highly recommend booking your stay as far out as possible. Not only can prices fluctuate and increase as the date approaches, you’ll also be left with very limited options as many places to book up! Winter, spring break and summer are the busiest seasons on the island.

Consider additional fees

Before you book, be sure to find out what additional fees might be added on. For many hotels that means a resort fee and parking fee. For vacation rentals that will likely mean a cleaning fee. Not all vacation rentals have parking on site, so that’s important to consider as well!

Think about proximity to airports

There are two main airports on the island, one in Kona and the other in Hilo. Kona is the most popular for tourists with the most flight options in and out. Think about this when planning your time on the island and where you want to stay.

Planning a Trip to the Big Island

Once you’ve figured out where to stay, the next step is planning how to spend your time. We put together a detailed 7 Day Big Island Itinerary that includes the island’s best beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and towns so you can see as much of the island as possible.

Whether you’re splitting your stay between Kona and Hilo or basing yourself in just one spot, our itinerary will help you hit all the best spots without feeling rushed. Be sure to check it out for a day-by-day guide to exploring this incredible island!

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About the Author

This article was written by Tori, one of our Adventures of A+K team members. Learn a bit about her below!

Hi, I’m Tori! I live in Nashville, TN with my husband and two daughters. We travel as much as possible throughout the year, around a 9-5 schedule and with babies in tow! My travel blog, Tori Pines Travels, aims to help people plan action-packed and culture-rich vacations around their busy jobs, fitting in as much exploring as possible. When I’m not working for Adam and Kathryn or entertaining my little ones, I’m writing, cooking, crafting or exploring Music City!