Contents
WELCOME TO BIG ISLAND
takes time to explore the Big Islands stunning landscapes, but the rewards are spectacular. Hawaiis largest island has more than 250 miles of coast from Kona to Hilo and beyond, lined with incredible beaches, elegant resorts, coffee farms, rain forests, and waterfalls. History and culture resonate everywhere, from Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cooks landing site and modern-day snorkeling haven, to the rugged Valley of Kings near Waipio. Above it all, snowcapped Maunakea contrasts with fiery Mauna Loa, the centerpiece of popular Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
TOP REASONS TO GO
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The worlds most active volcano is an amazing sight.
Fun Towns: Humming Kailua-Kona, cowboy country Waimea, rainbow-streaked Hilo.
Stargazing: Maunakeas peak is the best place on Earth to stare out into space.
Beaches: The Big Island offers sand in many shadesblack, white, and even green.
Wildlife: You can watch sea turtles on the beach and humpback whales in the waves.
Kona Coffee: Farm tours, smooth sips, and a coffee cultural festival are all memorable.
Editorial: Douglas Stallings, Editorial Director; Margaret Kelly, Jacinta OHalloran, Senior Editors; Kayla Becker, Alexis Kelly, Amanda Sadlowski, Editors; Teddy Minford, Content Editor; Rachael Roth, Content Manager
Design: Tina Malaney, Design and Production Director; Jessica Gonzalez, Production Designer
Photography: Jennifer Arnow, Senior Photo Editor
Maps: Rebecca Baer, Senior Map Editor; Henry Colomb and Mark Stroud (Moon Street Cartography), David Lindroth, Cartographers
Production: Jennifer DePrima, Editorial Production Manager; Carrie Parker, Senior Production Editor; Elyse Rozelle, Production Editor
Business & Operations: Chuck Hoover, Chief Marketing Officer; Joy Lai, Vice President and General Manager; Stephen Horowitz, Director of Business Development and Revenue Operations; Tara McCrillis, Director of Publishing Operations; Eliza D. Aceves, Content Operations Manager and Strategist
Public Relations and Marketing: Joe Ewaskiw, Manager; Esther Su, Marketing Manager
Writers: Karen Anderson, Kristina Anderson
Editor: Douglas Stallings
Production Editor: Carrie Parker
Copyright 2019 by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc.
Fodors is a registered trademark of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. No maps, illustrations, or other portions of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.
6th Edition
ISBN9781640970809
Ebook ISBN9781640970816
ISSN26393158
All details in this book are based on information supplied to us at press time. Always confirm information when it matters, especially if youre making a detour to visit a specific place. Fodors expressly disclaims any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence of the use of any of the contents of this book.
Photo Credits: - Cover: Russ Bishop / agefotostock ; Experience Big Island: Ademyan | Dreamstime.com; Exploring: Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) / Tyler Schmitt; Beaches: Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide; Where to Eat: Four Seasons Hualalalai; Where to Stay: Jumping Rocks Inc; Nightlife and Performing Arts: Hilton Hawaii; Shops and Spas: Hilton Hawaii; Water Sports and Tours: Shane Myers Photography/Shutterstock; Golf, Hiking, and Outdoor Activities: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
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CONTENTS
MAPS
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Fodors Recommendations
Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us.
Trip Costs
We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.
Hotels
Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews visit Fodors.com.
Restaurants
Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted.
Credit Cards
The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.
EUGENE FODOR
Hungarian-born Eugene Fodor (190591) began his travel career as an interpreter on a French cruise ship. The experience inspired him to write On the Continent (1936), the first guidebook to receive annual updates and discuss a countrys way of life as well as its sights. Fodor later joined the U.S. Army and worked for the OSS in World War II. After the war, he kept up his intelligence work while expanding his guidebook series. During the Cold War, many guides were written by fellow agents who understood the value of insider information. Todays guides continue Fodors legacy by providing travelers with timely coverage, insider tips, and cultural context.