Choosing a place to stay is one of the most important parts of a Big Island vacation, as this affects the sorts of sites and activities you can easily access. Visitors have a range of lodging options to choose from, but the highest level of luxury comes via the resorts on Big Island Hawaii, there are even a few all inclusive resorts in Hawaii for those looking for a completely inclusive vacation.
Most of the resorts are located on the Kohala Coast, which lies on the west side of the island to north of Kona International Airport. This area is dry and sunny year-round, and it boasts several world-class golf courses that host PGA tournaments and other high-profile events.
Kohala’s proclivity for sunshine also makes this an ideal place to find a beach chair, order a cocktail and turn off the mobile phone. Lava flows abound, but these mega-resorts have fronted millions of dollars to have sand imported, lagoons constructed and gardens planted. It truly is an idyllic setting.
It’s worth mentioning that every Big Island resort has to add an 11.42 percent tax to the bill, so don’t let that final figure catch you off guard.
These are a few of the most successful resorts in operation on the Big Island:
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort
The Outrigger is the most affordable of the two resorts in Keauhou, and it’s well-located between the Kona Country Club and Kailua Pier. The offshore reef regular lures sea turtles to shore here.
Tel: (808) 322-3441
Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort
The Hilton Waikoloa is a contemporary resort with trams connecting various facilities, beautiful gardens and a dolphin lagoon that’s open for swimming. The on-site spa attracts outside guests.
Tel: (808)886 2900
Fairmont Orchid
This Kohala resort is best suited for fans of water sports, and guests can pay a reasonable “activity fee” for access to water-sport lessons and equipment for the duration of their stay. Recent renovations have left the Fairmont Orchid more elegant than ever.
Tel: (808) 885-2000
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
The Sheraton Keahou replaced an older resort after instituting some sweeping changes and renovations. This resort is one of the best places to go night diving with manta rays.
Tel: (808) 930 4900
Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort and Spa
Waikoloa Beach Resort is a headliner in Kohala, largely because it dominates A Bay. This is easily the best place for beach-going and water sports on the entire island.
Tel: (808) 359 3696
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
One of the truly luxurious options on the Big Island, the Four Seasons pampers guests with deluxe suites, seaside dining, tropical gardens and Jack Nicklaus golf course.
Tel: (808) 325-8000
Kona Village Resort
The Kona Village has been in operation since the 1960s and remains the authority on the luxury escape holiday. Guests enjoy high-caliber service and posh amenities, living in thatched-roof bungalows without telephones, televisions or radios.
Tel: (808) 367-5290
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
Spanning 3,200 acres, this resort is an oasis on the Kohala Coast, far from the commotion of other resorts. The coast features sandy beaches and tide pools that are used to raise young sea turtles.
Tel: (808) 885-6622