The “Big Island” of Hawai’i is aptly named: It’s twice as large as all the other islands put together. Despite this, mainland tourists have long passed it over for the smaller, beachier islands: Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu.

That’s exactly why visitors treasure the Big Island. It’s not a place for drinking mai tais at an all-inclusive resort. It’s for stargazing, hiking, and snorkeling. It’s a place you go not to be entertained, but to be awed.

If you visit the Big Island, practice mahalo i ka ʻāina. This means respecting the culture, nature, and local people. Learn some basic phrases in Hawaiian, as well as local customs (such as removing your shoes if you enter someone’s home). Never trespass, leave marked trails, or take items from nature—even a lava rock.

Ready to explore the Big Island? We’ll be your guide.

3 reasons to buy travel insurance for Hawai’i

Travelers often wonder: Do you need to buy travel insurance for Hawai’i? You’re not traveling out of the country—but it’s still essential to carry some trip protections. These include:

1. Travel delay and baggage delay benefits. Did you know Hawai’i has the highest cost of living of any state?¹ This means it can be super expensive to buy basic necessities if your bags are delayed or a travel delay keeps you on the island for longer than expected. With travel delay benefits, you can get reimbursed for eligible expenses, such as meals and a hotel, during a covered delay. Baggage delay benefits can reimburse the cost of necessary items, such as clothes and toiletries. (All benefits subject to the limits and exclusions in your plan.)
2. Trip cancellation and interruption benefits. A vacation in Hawai’i is not cheap. Don’t risk losing the money you spent if you have to cancel your trip or cut it short. Trip cancellation/trip interruption benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.
3. Rental car protection. Renting a car to explore the Big Island? Safeguard your rental car for less and get bonus benefits when you purchase the OneTrip Rental Car Protector from Allianz Travel Insurance (available in most states).

3 of the best travel insurance plans for Hawai’i

1. AllTrips Prime is a money-saving option for frequent travelers, with protection for all the eligible trips you take in 365 days. It even includes extra benefits, such as rental car damage and theft coverage. (Not available in all states.)
2. OneTrip Cancellation Plus is a solid choice for domestic travel. It’s primarily designed to cover trip cancellation and trip interruption, and also includes travel delay and 24-hour assistance.
3. OneTrip Prime is our most popular travel insurance for family vacations. OneTrip Prime can cover kids 17 and under for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent. (One child per insured adult traveler; not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents.) This plan includes all the essential benefits: emergency medical and transportation benefits, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, baggage protection, and more.

Traveling soon? Don't wait to buy travel insurance. The sooner you buy, the sooner you're protected: Get a quote.

3 of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawai’i

1. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This huge park is a place of wonders large and small. Marvel at two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Just don’t get too close! Pay attention and you may see adorable nananana makakiʻi (Happy Face Spiders) and the crimson ʻapapane
2. See the stars like you’ve never seen them before. The dormant volcano Maunakea is a world-renowned destination for stargazing. From here, scientists have been able to see galaxies at the farthest edges of the observable universe. Join a stargazing tour, or visit the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. Just be sure to follow the rules to respect this sacred place and keep yourself safe.
3. Take a Kona coffee tour. Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to tour one of the many farms in Kona, on the western side of Hawai’i. Learn what makes Kona coffee so flavorful, taste different varieties, and bring home as much as you can fit in your suitcase.
   
   

3 of the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawai’i

On the east coast, SCP Hilo Hotel is an eco-friendly (and pet-friendly) hotel known for warm hospitality. It’s close to Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens, Hilo Farmers Market, Rainbow Falls, and other attractions. Ask staff about activities that let you experience local culture: sustainable farm tours, lei making and coconut tastings.

How about a bed and breakfast in the rainforest? Volcano Rainforest Retreat is a collection of cottages near Volcanoes National Park. Fuel up for your hike with fresh fruit and pastries, then unwind in the Japanese-style hot tub as you listen to the frogs sing.

For five-star Hawai’ian luxury, check into the Mauna Kea Resort (after its $200 million renovation). Situated on a beautiful beach, this Big Island resort has it all: tennis, golf, a spa and exquisite gardens. You can even see manta rays swimming right below the Manta restaurant.

3 of the best restaurants on the Big Island of Hawai’i

Lehua is “a love letter to Hawaii's farmers and artisans, which is impressive for a state that imports 90 percent of its food,” says Conde Nast Traveler.² The menu might include chargrilled heritage pork, deep-fried taro sourced from Hawaii Ulu Cooperative, and poke with fresh-caught fish.

In the town of Naalehu, Hana Hou Restaurant calls itself “the southernmost restaurant in the United States.” The food isn’t fancy, but it’s made with love. Think burgers, ahi tuna caught by a local fisherman, and saimin (Hawai’ian noodle soup).

Merriman’s Big Island is a much-loved farm-to-table restaurant in Waimea. It’s popular (reservations are a must), expensive, and delicious. Expect Hawai’ian takes on classic American fare: Kona lobster ravioli, chateaubriand with taro whipped potato. P.S. This is the place to get that mai tai you wanted, served with lilikoi (passionfruit) foam.

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