Island Name:
Hawaii's Big Island
Hawaii's Big Island Highlights:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Home to Kilauea Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes.
- Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona): Lively, historic gathering place in the heart of Kona.
- Hilo: Home to botanical gardens, waterfalls and off-the-beaten-path local shops and restaurants.
- Waimea: Experience the cool uplands of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country.
- Holualoa: Visit coffee country and taste why 100% Kona coffee is so famous.
Airports:
Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona on the west or Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo on the east.
Hawaii's Big Island Resort Areas:
Major resort destinations on Hawaii's Big Island include the Kohala Coast area, Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) and Keauhou, both in Kona. There are also hotels and accommodations in Hilo and Puna on the east side.
Capital City:
Hilo
Population:
175,784
Time Zone:
Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), 5 hours behind the US East Coast, 6 hours behind during Daylight Saving Time (Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time).
Languages:
English
Hawaiian
Currency:
US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler's checks are accepted at many businesses.
Climate:
Average temperature: 75° - 85° F.
Area Code/Cell Phones:
The area code for all of Hawaii is (808). Cell phone coverage is readily available in most places if you're coming from the continental United States.
Internet Access:
Internet access is readily available on Hawaii's Big Island and at many hotels.
Accommodations:
Luxury resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, rental cottages and condos are located throughout the island.
Transportation:
Rent a car at Kona International Airport (KOA) or Hilo International Airport (ITO) to explore the island. Other options include tour buses, shuttles, taxis or city buses.
Clothing:
Dress casually. Bring a jacket for nights and rainforests, warmer clothes for higher elevations. Semi-casual dress clothes for restaurants and nightlife. Suits and ties are rarely worn.
Tipping:
U.S. standards apply: 15-20% on meals, at least $1 per bag for porters and at least $1 per night for housekeeping.