55 Hawaii Travel Tips and Tricks! {BEST of the Big Island}

Before you head to the Big Island, be sure to check out these best Big Island Hawaii Travel Tips and Tricks!

Planning a trip to The Big Island of Hawaii??  Then I’ve got just what you need!

Get ready for your amazing Hawaiian vacation with these Big Island Hawaii Travel Tips and Tricks!  From massive volcanoes to rugged tropical beauty, the Big Island is like no other!

It’s time to get ready for your amazing trip to a volcanic tropical paradise!!

Let’s get planning your ultimate Hawaiian vacation!  Read on for my top Big Island Things to Do + what to know BEFORE you go…

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• How to Travel for Free or Cheap {20 Budget Travel Hacks}

Best Hawaii Travel Tips and Tricks

Hawaii Travel Tips Big Island

Now it’s time to start planning your itinerary!  Check out the top tips below…

Stop at the Walmart by the Airport.  After flying into the Airport, you’ll want to make your first stop a Walmart.  Oh, I realize it’s not the most exciting first stop on your Hawaiian vacation, but it will definitely save you LOADS of money!  Before heading to your hotel or condo {and the more expensive shops in those areas}, you’ll first want to load up on full-size sunscreen, food and snacks, and beach gear at Walmart {like buckets and shovels for the kids, etc}.

Chandra writes: “Get your souvenirs at the Walmart. It’s the same stuff vendors are selling, but you’ll pay less.”

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Jackie writes: “I have been to the Big Island twice. So less populated and the largest of the islands. You can drive around the island in one day.”

Barbara writes: “My favorite place in the world! Kilauea Volcano is awesome and the Green Sand Beach (olivine) at the southern tip is beautiful and rare! Watch the sunset from the Observatory on Mauna Kea.”

SuzAnne writes: “Visit the black sand beaches!”

Michele writes: “There’s a place where the lava had hardened and you can walk out to the edge and watch the active lava flow down the side of Kilauea into the ocean. It’s amazing! Know that you’ll need tennis shoes and a flashlight of some sort.”

Cheryl writes: “Fluming the ditch is so fun!”

Tina writes: “So many places, where to start: Champagne Ponds, Volcano Park, the numerous waterfalls, Place of Refuge, and Black Sand Beach to name just a few.”

Casie writes: “Akaka falls is incredible!!!”

Leslie writes: “Do the kohala zip line at the north part of the island… it’s a canopy tour – so fun! And bike the volcano.”

Ashley writes: “Get the Shaka App and drive around the island and stop at your own pace, volcano is a must before sunrise!”

Sandy writes: “Go snorkeling at 2 step or take a snorkel cruise out to Captain Cook Memorial. A pod of dolphins came and visited us while we were there. For waterfalls go to Akaka falls and rainbow falls in Hilo area. There is also a lava tube there that my boys loved. There are a lot of small off the beaten path beaches that are beautiful, our favorite is one the locals call beach 69 because it’s by milepost 69. Go to black sand beach and green sand beach. Definite adventure. So many things and different environments to explore.”

Brad writes: “We only went to Hilo to visit the volcano. The National Park is nice and amazing to see the lava fields. You can also drive up the shore from Hilo which is beautiful.”

Natalie writes: “Waipi’o valley, snorkeling with manta rays, volcanoes, eating malasadas”

Teresa writes: “We went to a luau and went on a submarine, over 100 feet under water.  So cool.”

Krista writes: “Lava Tunnels, Volcanoes”

Marisca writes: “On the Kona side, visit a coffee plantation and take the tour to see how coffee is grown and roasted. We saw a chameleon and had fresh brewed Kona coffee- YUMMY”

Pamela writes: “Go snorkeling & tour the outdoor museum of culture!”

Tiffany writes: “We did a tour of the big island and saw the Kona coffee factory, Volcano Park and a few other places. We did stay on Oahu and did the day trip to the Big Island.”

Lauren writes: “Manta Ray Dive & Volcano Park at sunset.”

Danielle writes: “You totally need to go to Waipi’o Valley.  And walk in… despite the mile+ hike at a 24% grade.  It is well worth it for the amazing view!”

Jaclyn writes: “We took a day and drove around the perimeter. Saw all the climates, it was amazing!”

Patricia writes: “Hilo Farmers Market, Place of Refuge & Manta Ray night snorkel.”

Kelli writes: “We did a helicopter tour over the active lava flow last week. If it’s in the budget, I highly recommend that. Volcanoes National Park. Punalu’lu Beach (black sand – can park next to beach). Green Sand Beach (quite a walk, but worth it). Pololu Valley hike to black sand beach. We stay in Waikoloa. There are beaches close, manta ray tours, and petroglyphs.”

Cheryl writes: “Swim with the dolphins.”

Wendy writes: “Stay on Kona side. Visit black sand beach and volcano national park. Walk the lava flows. Walk through a lava tube. The big island is our favorite. Take a snorkel cruise on Kona side.”

Mel writes: “Volcano National Park has so many waterfalls and hikes”

Betsy writes: “The green beach, which is close to the southwestern most point of the US, was interesting. Volcanoes NP was really cool, or hot 🙂 “

Jessica writes: “Take a horseback ride in the northern valley :)”

Liz writes: “Visit Mrs. Fields Macadamia Nut Farm.”

Where to Eat on the Big Island:

Jan writes: “I live in Hilo so for some local recommendations: Ice shave from Wilson’s by the Bay.  Get a loco moco from Cafe 100 or grab some okazuya from Asami’s Kitchen for lunch (must go to Asami’s early as they run out and must get the fried chicken if you do go).  Stop at Hirano Store on the way to Volcanoes National Park for a bowl of their famous Chili.”

Sharon writes: “Get Mrs Berry’s Cookies in Kona.”

Sheila writes: “Hawaiian Vanilla Company was one of our favorite stops! We had lunch there and the food was exquisite!”

Mary writes: “Go to Matsumoto’s for shaved ice! Heavenly!”

Alana writes: “Go to Tex’s on the north shore. Out of the way but the best malasadas I’ve ever had.”

Leslie writes: “Go to the Pine Tree Cafe – good food & relatively inexpensive”

Casie writes: “Highly recommend Lava Lava Beach Club. Great apps and food by the water in waikolola. Make sure to grab shaved ice with ice cream in the middle.”

Pamela writes: “Loved the Lava Lava Beach club!  Swam there and then had appetizers and drinks!”

Stephanie writes: “Love the cheesecake at Pineapple’s restaurant in Hilo.”

Susan writes: “There are so many cultures there. We tried to visit a different type of restaurant every day, no chains. We asked locals where their favorite places were. We ate Vietnamese, Greek, Thai, Hawaiian, seafood, luau. We also cooked at our condo. Farmers market was great. Produce and flowers were great.”

Rose writes: “Eat at Quinn’s Almost By The Sea”

Betsy writes: “Check out the Mango Hotel and Restaurant, the oldest restaurant on Hawaii. Kind of fun and definitely inexpensive! I went by myself and ordered the pork chop, came as a Hawaiian plate meal, so lots of sides AND two huge pork chops. Thank goodness I was staying in a condo and could cook, I think I had three more meals from all the leftovers!”

Jim writes: “Look on Diners Drive-ins & Dives map for great spots to eat!”

Ashley writes: “Southern most point Bakery is the best place to visit.”

Renee writes: “We usually buy food from the grocery store for breakfast and lunches… fruit, bread, lunch meat and cheeses… then ONLY eat out for dinner.  Saves so much!!!”

Hawaii On A Budget:

To keep your Hawaiian vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to do some planning ahead, and one of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your  ‘Hawaii Trip Fund’.  Need to increase your travel fund stash?  One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here’s my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…

25+ Side Hustles Ideas

Where to Stay on the Big Island:

Teresa writes: “We stayed in Hilo.  We loved that side of the Island as most of the gardens are on that side.  It’s much more tropical.  Cost wise Hilo was less expensive than the other side.  The other side has a lot of bigger homes and hotels.  The volcanos are about the same distance from each side.  You have to either go to the top or the bottom of the island to get to the other side (about 90 minutes), you can’t cut across the middle.  The north part of the island has cattle ranches and cacti.”

Alana writes: “We prefer Hilo. Less touristy.”

How to Save on Lodging on the Big Island:

Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next beach vacation?  It’s so much easier than you think!  Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…

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In addition to hotels, I also recommend staying at a VRBO on the Big Island to save BIG on your trip.  They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner all of the island, and they’re such a great way to find nice lodging that can be way less expensive than the resorts.  I’ve personally stayed at multiple lovely condo complexes in Hawaii through VRBO.  Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and an in-room kitchen.  One even had in-room laundry!  These amenities alone saved us SO much money!  Plus… as a bonus there was free parking, no resort fees, gorgeous pools and hot tubs, and excellent customer service!  Such a perfect home away from home!

Moriah said: “Try a condo with a full kitchen.  Eat breakfast and lunch (or some meals) in instead of out!”

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

How to Get Cheap Flights to Hawaii:

Wondering how to get cheap flights?  My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare!  I’ve scored so many free flights this way!  Are you ready to start earning your free airlines miles and gift cards?  Here’s what you need to do…

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More Frugal Hawaii Travel Tips…

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Big Island of Hawaii Packing List:

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Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!  {The ABC stores are a fun spot to hit for budget-friendly souvenirs}

Want a frugal souvenir idea?  Here’s a fun and frugal way to capture some of your favorite beach memories…

Beach Memory Jar! {DIY Vacation Souvenir}

Planning on visiting more than one Hawaiian Island?  Get even more Hawaii Travel Tips with these Frugal Travel Tips below…

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So… have YOU every been to the Big Island of Hawaii before?

What are some of your favorite Hawaii Travel Tips f or places to see, things to do, beaches to visit, etc?

Leave a comment & share!