The Island of Hawaiʻi is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is known for its unique outdoor adventure offerings. It’s almost twice as big as if each of the other Hawaiian Islands were combined — which is why it’s nicknamed “The Big Island.” It’s the youngest of the islands and is home to four active volcanoes, including Mauna Loa — which is said to be the largest volcano on Earth. A visit to Big Island hotels is a special experience, as it offers travelers opportunities to explore a vast array of varying climate zones in a very short period since it features such a diverse range of terrain.
Photo: Expedia
These Hotels on Hawaii's Big Island Showcase the State's Best Beaches
On the same day, you can explore the snow-capped heights of Mauna Kea and the Lava fields of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Or, you can tour some lush coffee fields up on the foggy hillside on a local coffee farm before returning to your hotel and soaking up the sun on a white sand beach. Here are some of the coolest hotels on The Big Island to relax and rejuvenate in between embarking on these outdoor adventures.
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- Cool hotels in Hilo
- Cool hotels in Kona
- Cool hotels near Waimea and unique beaches
- What is the Big Island of Hawaii called?
- How many volcanoes are on the Big Island of Hawaii?
Cool hotels in Hilo
SCP Hilo Hotel
SCP Hilo Hotel is a small boutique property set in a fantastic location for exploring the eastern side of The Big Island. It’s a great spot to set as a home base if you’re an adventure-focused traveler or someone seeking to build a genuine connection with the destination’s culture — as the team strongly emphasizes using locally sourced goods with a genuine sense of Hawaiian Hospitality.
The 128 guest rooms feature a modern, minimalist style and use sustainable, regionally-sourced materials. You can easily visit landmarks like the authentic Hilo Farmers Market, Rainbow Falls, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, or Mauna Kea. There are also a variety of local workshops to experience, like sustainable farm tours, lei-making, and coconut tastings. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment with your visit – your stay at SCP Hilo restores the seaside by removing more than two pounds of trash from the beaches of Hawaii through Hawaii Wildlife Fund.
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel has welcomed guests for more than half a century in Keaukaha, a central and quiet location in a neighborhood in Hilo. The property features a serene, scenic bayfront setting with opportunities to kayak near or embark on a hiking or biking adventure. There are 286 hotel rooms and suites on-site, and three meeting rooms with a capacity for up to 350 people to host functions. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner, as this property is also home to Hilo’s only steakhouse, WSW The Steakhouse (which stands for Whisky. Steak. Wine).
Cool hotels in Kona
Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel features 452 guest rooms and suites, each adorned with island-inspired décor, modern amenities, spacious lanais (patios), and scenic ocean sights. Reserve a private cabana and lounge next to the infinity pool, or rent a kayak and paddle out into the ocean bay. Embark on a shopping excursion nearby as this property is in a fantastic location for exploring the waterfront area of Kona — and dine at one of the dozens of restaurants and attractions just a short walk away. Be sure to sign up for the Island Breeze Luau on-site — it’s a classic, authentic, torch-lit evening serving tasty Hawaiian cuisine and drinks with Polynesian activities and impressive, authentic entertainment. This property is also a museum of dozens of historical artifacts like portraits and paintings of Hawaiian royalty.
Royal Kona Resort
You can listen to the ocean waves crashing against the shore while breathing in the refreshing sea breeze or wander amongst the lush gardens bursting with tropical color and vibrance at the Royal Kona Resort. Dive into delectable cuisine from the resort’s award-winning restaurant, sip on a hand-crafted cocktail in the shade, or sign up for treatment at the spa. Book an immersive Hawaiian cultural experience at the “Voyagers of the Pacific Luau,” or explore the nearby village of Kailua-Kona for some shopping or a seaside stroll.
Cool hotels near Waimea and unique beaches
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has stood the test of time, hosting generations of guests for more than five decades on the Island of Hawai‘i. This property was first developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in the 60s and was the very first resort hotel on the island. Today, you can enjoy the property’s oceanfront setting along the soft, white sand beach of Kauna’oa Bay or embrace the serenity and indulge in this resort’s luxuries — including championship golf, award-winning tennis, delicious cuisine, a sparkling pool, spa pampering services — and much more.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers you the best of both worlds for outdoor exploration as it’s surrounded by those classic soft, white sand beaches as well as those quintessential Big Island black-lava landscapes The Big Island is known for. You can relax in one of the 240+ spacious guest rooms — including intimate, two-story bungalows, chic guestrooms, and suites with patios or balconies — or lounge at one of the several pools on-site. There are also tennis courts, a spa with more than a dozen treatment rooms, and a cultural center, which features a rotating lineup of classes and activities that highlight Hawaiian culture. You’ll feel good about what you’re eating at the multiple diverse dining options since the chefs are partnered with more than 160 local farms, and more than 75% of the food served on-site is from Hawaii Island.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa has been proudly known as the Kohala Coast’s “Gathering Place” for centuries — in fact, it’s said that remnants of the once-thriving village next to the fishponds fronting ’Anaeho’omalu Bay date back to before Captain James Cook arrived in 1778. At the modern-day 62-acre, 1,113 Waikoloa Beach Resort, you can lounge in the sun and enjoy oceanfront accommodations, including a 4-acre ocean-fed saltwater lagoon with sea turtles, tropical fish, and waterslides. Getting between guest rooms is a unique experience as you might be riding in canal boats and air-conditioned trams instead of just walking. There’s a broad selection of on-site activities, including music and dance performances, shopping, water sports, a golf course, and more.
Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant
This boutique, 16-room property is located near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — meaning guests can easily access landmarks like the national park or just settle in and relax on-site in the property’s beautiful garden, library, or restaurant. Sink into the hot tub or cozy by the lobby fireplace. All 16 rooms boast added amenities like comfy bathrobes to make for an especially rejuvenating escape.
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, sits on the Kohala Coast on a private bay boasting 540 guest rooms, suites, and even the exclusive “Fairmont Gold concierge floor.” Immerse yourself into the 32 acres of oceanfront acres of space — including gardens and a shoreline. Spend time relaxing at the spa, at the 10,000-square-foot oceanfront pool, or at the Hui Holokai Beach Club, which regularly hosts cultural activities. There are multiple restaurants to choose from on-site, and sports enthusiasts can play a game of world-class golf or get competitive at the expansive tennis pavilion.
What is the Big Island of Hawaii called?
The Big Island of Hawaii is formally known as the Island of Hawaiʻi, and is often referred to by its Hawaiian name when referring to it as a geographic location. It is also commonly called simply “the Big Island” or its official nickname, “The Orchid Isle”.
How many volcanoes are on the Big Island of Hawaii?
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to five volcanoes, all located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These include Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Mauna Kea and Kohala volcano. Kilauea is the most active volcano on the island and has been erupting continuously since 1983. 