Aloha! Choose your Big Island Adventure around your hotel stay

The Big Island of Hawai‘i offers abundant opportunities to choose your own adventure and your choice of where to stay shapes the story. One moment you’re standing before an erupting volcano (which happened twice during my visit between December, 2025 and January, 2026), the next you’re driving past snow-capped peaks, coffee farms, waterfalls and beaches dusted in black, white or even green sand. As the youngest, largest and most volcanically active Hawaiian island, the Island of Hawai’i (commonly known as The Big Island) probably packs more diversity into one place than anywhere else in the US – featuring eight of the world’s 13 climate zones. From lush, tropical coastlines to otherworldly lava fields and alpine terrain, every region feels like a different island altogether. But it’s a BIG island and many of the best destinations are hours apart. The secret to experiencing it all? Choose your accommodations wisely – or better yet, choose one in each area to spend less time driving and more time exploring.

Choose your Big Island hotel based on where you want to explore

Island Breeze Luau at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort

This family-friendly lowkey resort – with clean basic rooms and balconies overlooking picturesque Kamakahonu Bay – makes a great hotel to begin your adventure, as it is less than a 20-minute drive from the airport. Situated steps from downtown Kona waterfront, on the ancestral sacred grounds of King Kamehameha, the location is convenient to explore Hawaiian craft and souvenir markets, bars and restaurants, cultural sites and shops along the majestic Pacific. Steps from the hotel, take a dip in the pool, sail, kayak, paddleboard, scuba dive, or even challenge yourself to the famous IRONMAN® World Championship Swim Course alongside the pier.

Nestled on the grounds where Hawaii’s most famous King ruled, the resort has an array of historical and cultural experiences throughout, in honor of this deep history. The Island Breeze Luau is the top reason to stay here – as the lavish buffet with traditional foods accompanied by singing, dancing and fire dinner show is the best way to become immersed in authentic Polynesian culture, right on the grounds of the Kamehameha the Great’s former estate.

As the sunset dips below the oceanfront horizon, live music and dance impress with festive hula dancers, fire dancers, and the Royal Court in colorful costume. Learn the stories of Hawaiian history, that have been passed down for generations. Watch the unearthing of the slow-roasted pig from the ‘imu (underground oven), participate in traditional Hawaiian games, and imbibe on Mai Tais at the open bar. Fill your plate with incredible dishes like fresh poke, mac’ salad, Kahlua pork, teriyaki beef, purple sweet potato, fresh catch of the day, island fruits and more local ingredients. An assortment of Hawaiian desserts beckon at the end of the night, like banana bread, ube cheesecake, pineapple upside down cake, lilikoi bars and Haupia.