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…
Related: How To Make Money On The Road While You Travel!
Best Hawaii Travel Tips and Tricks
So you’re planning a trip to Hawaii?
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 trick for ramping up the vacation budget…
Top Survey Sites to Make Money Online
How to Save on Lodging on the Big Island:
Instead of hotels, I 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 is way less expensive than the resorts. I’ve personally stayed at multiple lovely condo complexes in Hawaii through VRBO. Not only were they 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!
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…
Best Travel Credit Cards! {How to Get FREE Flights and Hotel Nights}
How to Get Free Travel Gift Cards for Cheap Flights to the Big Island
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 said: “Get your souvenirs at the Walmart. It’s the same stuff vendors are selling, but you’ll pay less.”
Want to sweeten the deal even more? Use your Free Walmart Gift Cards! Check this out…
How to Get Free Walmart Gift Cards
Barbara said: “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 said: “The black sand beaches!”
Tina said: “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.”
Krista said: “Lava Tunnels, Volcanoes, black sand beaches.”
Lauren said: “Manta Ray Dive & Volcano Park at sunset.”
Danielle said: “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!”
Patricia said: “Hilo Farmers Market, Place of Refuge & Manta Ray night snorkel.”
Cheryl said: “Swim with the dolphins.”
Jessica said: “A horseback ride in the northern valley :)”
Liz said: “Mrs. Fields Macadamia Nut Farm.”
Frugal Big Island Tip: Don’t forget to cash in your Swagbucks for Free Gas Cards, Free Hotels, and Free Airfare, too!
How to Travel for Free or Cheap {Budget Travel Hacks}
More Frugal Travel Tips…
Moriah said: “Try an Air BNB with a full kitchen. Eat breakfast and lunch (or some meals) in instead of out!”
Renee said: “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 Packing List:
Best Baby Travel Gear
Traveling with Baby? Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials! I’ve taken my babies on the long flights to Hawaii, and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!
Suitcases
Are you ready to get packing for the Big Island? Make sure you’ve got some good sturdy luggage with wheels to take along! Fun and unique prints on luggage are always great, because it always seems like every suitcase at the airport or hotel is black, right? Someone will be a lot less likely to walk off with your luggage when it’s got a unique color or print!
Large Travel Purse
Every great trip starts with a large purse, right? I have one large purse I save just for trips, and it’s perfect for storing my Kindle, Maps, Snacks, and even my Camera! I never leave on a trip without it, and am always grateful for that extra space!
Travel Pillow
Make sleeping on those long flights a whole lot easier when you pack a comfy travel pillow!
Don’t board your plane without these 11 Carry On Must Haves! They’re a lifesaver on long flights!
Bring along an Underwater Camera to capture the incredible fish and sea turtles you’ll see when snorkeling!
Don’t be caught without these 12 Beach Bag Essentials
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}
Planning on visiting more than one Hawaiian Island? Get even more Hawaii Travel Tips with these Frugal Travel Tips below…
Maui Travel Tips
Oahu Travel Tips
Kauai Travel Tips
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19 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars! {Frugal Vacation Ideas}
How To Make Money On The Road While You Travel
Don’t Miss Anything!! Check out all the latest Frugal Girls Travel Tips, Recipes + More…
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!
Debb says
I plan on visiting the Big Island this fall. I am a celiac( gluten free) I need recommendations for places to eat..I have been watching your posts on all the fun activities so looking forward to this visit.
The Hawaiian Home says
My kids also like the Luapahoehoe train museum. It’s just a short stop in while driving around the norther part of the island and affordable too. http://www.thetrainmuseum.com/
Anna says
I used to live there and it’s the most scenic island! Go see Hapuna Beach on Kona side. Visit the Hilo Farmers Market. Go get some shaved ice (the real stuff!!) at Wilson’s (located in downtown Hilo, near the Farmers Market). Go to Cafe 100 and get a loco moco (on Hilo side). Yes, visit Kilauea Volcano! Go to Waipio Valley and get some malasadas (Portuguese donuts) on the way there at Tex’s Drive In. Go to the macadamia nut farm too.