The best place to stay Big Island
Is the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort right for you?
- 'Everyone' will enjoy this magnificent resort.
- While not officially an 'All-Inclusive-Resort,' because of it's moderate pricing, private beach, endless amenities including a Sunset Luau, Spa, incredible Dining and an unbelievable location near shopping, and sight seeing access, the Marriott is among the greatest value of resorts on the Big Island.
Marriott: Waikoloa Beach Resort Sunset Luau
What should you know about the Big Island of Hawaii?
- The Big Island is roughly 4,700 miles and more than a 9 hour flight from Orlando, making connections involved with reaching this destination a certainty. Hawaii is of course one of the 50 states, and US Citizens may travel freely with either a State ID, or Drivers License.
- Tip: Direct Non-Stop Flights to the Big Island are limited, you will most likely first connect in Honolulu, O'ahu (be sure to look out and see the Pearl Harbor WWII memorial as you fly over) and then change air carriers. You will then take a short beautiful flight into the charming little airport of Kailua-Kona.
- Because everything must be shipped onto the islands from the mainland, you will find food & beverages to be understandably more expensive (say 15-20% more), however most of the major sights are either free, inexpensive or very reasonably priced, making your overall experience balance out very nicely.
- Tip: Look for 'The Green Flash.' Although rare, a phenomenon known as the 'Green Flash' is famously known to occur in Hawaii just at sunset. Scientifically, the atmosphere causes the light from the Sun to separate, or 'refract,' into different frequencies, and this will appear as brilliant flash of Green Color in the sky. That's one more reason to enjoy a romantic sunset with someone. If you drink alcoholic beverages, have Trader Vic's original Mai Tai while enjoying the sunset!
- Extra Extra Tip: Although most people will watch for the Green Flash from the beach, it is actually easier to see it occur from elevated locations, so head for the hills !
- When you think of Hawaii, anything but desert like scenery, snow and space observatories may come to your mind, however on the Big Island, that is exactly what you may find (pics below.)
- Tip: Pack some winter clothes; jacket, gloves and hat and drive to the top of Mauna Kea to visit the Space Observatory. This is a must see, but rent a small SUV for the steep (but safe) inclined drive.
Mauna Kea Space Observatory: Hawaii Big Island
What are the best beaches on Big Island?
The beaches on the Big Island are incredibly diverse, but tend to be rocky (wear water shoes) and because the water of the Pacific Ocean is deep, it also tends to be cooler in temperature.
- Best Deserted Island Vibe: Manini Beach- Located south of the Marriott near Kona, this is my absolute most favorite beach in the entire world!-although no real sand, you must wear water shoes to enjoy this black and white pebbled beach. This beach is small, but it's seclusion is idyllic for meditation and self reflection. (photo below)
- Best for Socializing: If you're looking for some shopping, and restaurants, then make a day trip and head east to Hilo, and enjoy either of the small beaches of Richardson's or Carlsmith where lifeguards are on duty during weekends and holidays.
- Best Family-Friendly Beach: While the private beach of the Marriott Beach Resort is perfect for families due to it's calmer waters, the most classically perfect beach on the island is Mauna Kea and it offers great snorkeling.
Manini Beach: Kona-Hawaii Big Island
Because the dormant mountain volcano of 'Mauna Kea' is centered on the Big Island, microclimates have formed which have an amazing range from the arid almost moonlike west side near Kailua-Kona, to lush Botanical Gardens of the North starting from the Waipi'o Valley and extending to the East Side of the Island near Hilo. On the south side of the Island you will encounter Green Sand beaches formed by the unique volcanic geology. The island has a convenient road system both crossing and encircling it, allowing visitors to safely commute it's beautiful but very difficult terrain.
- Tip: Plan a long day and enjoy a scenic drive around the entire Island !
What are the best things to do on the Big Island?
(these are only a few of my favorite must see!)
- Waipi'o Valley-go horse back riding ! (parts of the Movie 'Jurassic Park' were filmed here)
- Mauna Kea & Space Observatory
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
- Rainbow Falls
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park- snorkeling at the adjacent 'Two-Step' beach is so unbelievable, it is like being inside an aquarium ! There is a small fee to park.
- Puako Petroglyph field
- St. Peter's Catholic Church -located a very short drive from Manini Beach in Kona and on a hilltop. The views of the beach below from this quaint little church will leave you speechless.
Currency and payment accepted on the island:
Hawaii is part of the U.S. and so the U.S. dollar and credit cards are accepted, however, because of Hawaiian History there are land leases unique to Native Hawaiians in which you may encounter many small Hawaiian merchants where cash remains king.
Should I rent a car on the Big Island?
- Rental Car- is available just outside the charming little airport of Kona. While the island is extremely easy to drive (virtually impossible to get lost, and wide paved roads), there are also many steep inclines formed by the mountain system and volcanoes, and so I would recommend renting at least a small to mid-sized SUV to more easily enjoy the scenic drives.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
'Mahalo'- Thank you
Language:
English is the official language of Hawaii, though you can expect to hear the beautiful Hawaiian native language everywhere such as the famed 'Aloha.'
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