Best Resorts in Big Island

10 Best Big Island resorts offer luxe and unique experiences


The Big Island is home to a broad spectrum of resorts that make homes high up in the cool climate of Volcano Village down to the sunny coast of Kailua-Kona. Accommodation on the Big Island vary greatly in style and type. Large resorts are reserved for the Kona Coast, while along the Hamakua and far inland vacation rentals and cabins are the only option. In Hilo mid-sized resorts dot the edges of Hilo Bay, offering panoramic views of the volcano and coastline.

The gigh class resorts along the Kona Coast offer luxurious amenities for complete unwinding, and some of these resorts offer all inclusive packages which include everything from food to entertainment. Over in lush Hilo, Naniloa Volcanos Resort is a beautiful place to stay, to relax and enjoy the peaceful lifestyle of the east side of the island. Next door is the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, another oceanfront mid-sized resort that offers basic comforts and an ideal location.

Down along the Puna Coast lies a truly unique resort, Kalani Oceanside Retreat. Nestled in the jungle and surrounded by miles of undeveloped land, Kalani is a custom resort with separate cabins, activities, a pool and a sauna. It's not far from attractions like geothermal heated ponds and views of the lava.

When visiting the Big Island, try to see as much of the island as you can, by staying in resorts in different parts of the island. Look no further than our list of the ten best Big Island resorts.


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Found on top of an ocean cliff on the Big Island, Honomu, the Palms Cliff House Inn offers a breathtaking view of the ocean. The Akaka Falls State Park and the Kolekohe Beach Park are only two miles from the area. Private lanais and complete modern amenities are set in each guestroom. Cable television with DVD players and a dial up internet access are included in every room along with private bathrooms and in room safes. Yoga and massages are available upon request. The Palms Cliff House Inn offers a lovely tropical set up along with a lush garden of banana plants and macadamia nut trees. An outdoor spa tub is set between the beautiful gardens with a lava rock path leading the way to the relaxing activity.

Recommended for Resort because: This gorgeous inn offers privacy as well as the experience of staying in a beautifully decorated home.

Read more about The Palms Cliff House Inn →


The Luxurious Waterfall and Pool Resort Hakalau is located in the neighborhood of Hakalau. The Hilo Airport is the nearest airport in going to the hotel. Other nearby landmarks includes the World Botanical Gardens, the Akaka Falls and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. All rooms come with balconies to provide a good view of the ocean or the pool outside the hotel. LCD Televisions with satellite channels plus DVD players create a good entertainment for all the guests. A full size refrigerator plus a complete kitchen and bathroom are also available. A private waterfall is set within the vicinity along with an outdoor pool and barbecue grill for guests to feel at home and relaxed.

Recommended for Resort because: The resort is located in the lush Hamakua Coast, and has its own private waterfall for guests to enjoy.

Read more about Luxurious Waterfall and Pool Resort Hakalau →




The Hilltop Legacy at the highest spot in town that allows you to look down on beautiful Hilo Bay. At this bed and breakfast you can enjoy the privacy of the peaceful Hilltop Retreat, a pair of over one hundred years old Banzai trees, koi pond, and the legendary Legacy Stone. From here it's just a short walk down through the historical Haili street where you will find museums, grocery stores and shops. As a bed and breakfast property, the front desk hours will vary guests should contact the property to find out more information. To contact the property, use the number on the reservation confirmation received after booking.

Recommended for Resort because: Centrally located on the outskirts of Hilo, the Hilltop Legacy offers beautiful views of the bay as well as privacy in a luxurious home.

Read more about Hilltop Legacy Vacation Rental →


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Just 10 minutes from Hilo, once you arrive at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls you'll feel far from the town. There's a waterfall and natural pool in the backyard, that you can swim in if you sign a waver, and it's a must do. The owners travel all over the world and the inn is decorated with art from the far east. The rooms are more simple and hotel like, but they're clean and nice. They don't offer meals, but there is a main refrigerator where guests can store food to make their own meals. This place is romantic and beautiful.

Recommended for Resort because: One of the most unique places to stay on the Big Island, this inn has a prime, waterfall front location and is decorated with spectacular decor.

Read more about The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls →




Halana Lodge is a unique property with five bedrooms. Lodge offers a large living room, complete kitchen, family room, covered lanai, laundry room and dining room that can seat 20. All rooms are located on one floor. The lodge rents individual rooms, but it is ideal for conferences, retreats, seminars, family gatherings and weddings. Five miles from Volcanoes National Park, there are two different viewing areas to watch the volcano and lava flow. Halana Lodge is just four miles from Volcano Village, where there's a small amount of quaint and great restaurants and art galleries. The property is 30 acres and features a large lawn, fruit orchard and a fern forest for hiking.

Recommended for Resort because: Located in the cool climate of Volocano, Halana Lodge offers privacy as well as an ideal location close to Volcano National Park.

Read more about Halana Hale Vacation Rental →


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Nestled along the beautiful Puna Coast surrounded by lush jungle, Kalani Oceanside Resort is a unique and alternative resort. Private bungalows as well as a vast camp ground offer overnight accommodations, and a communal kitchen and restaurant offer on site dinging option. There's a good sized pool, a hot tub and sauna, or you have the option of swimming at a nearby black sand beach. The gift shop sells locally made crafts and arts, as well as souvenirs and snacks. Communal sports like volleyball happen throughout the week, and there's a venue for dance gatherings as well as classes and workshops.

Recommended for Resort because: Kalani Oceanside Retreat is not only the only resort along the coast of Puna, it's a beautiful and unique haven in the jungle.

Read more about Kalani Oceanside Retreat →


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AIRPORT - ITO


The Hilo Seaside Hotel is one of the top two affordable hotels in Hilo. It's clean, simple and modest with a traditional Hawaiian theme. There's no frills, but for a budget hotel it's pretty beautiful as it's located right on the water in Hilo Bay. There's a pool and restaurant and it's just a short walk to the attractions of Banyan Drive such as Liliuokalani Park and Coconut Island. Hilo Seaside Hotel is still a family run place, and it's sister hotel is the Kona Seaside Hotel in Kailua-Kona. You'll no doubt spend time at the pool, but this is a good place to stay while spending a lot of time adventuring around Hilo.

Recommended for Resort because: The Hilo Seaside Hotel is affordable and modest, but it sits on the water and is close to Hilo's best shops and restaurants.

Read more about Hilo Seaside Hotel →




Uncle Billy's is an "old school" hotel located right on the water in Hilo Bay. Uncle Billy's is modest with a Hawaiian decor throughout the hotel. There's a pool on site, along with a restaurant and gift shop. There's no frills, but it's clean, simple, and affordable. The ocean view rooms overlook Hilo Bay and the coastline, and the garden view rooms look out over foliage and garden statues. From here it's just a short drive to Hilo's best restaurants and shopping. The sites of Banyan Drive such as Liliuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island are just a shot walk from the hotel.

Recommended for Resort because: Uncle Billyʻs Hilo Bay Hotel is an affordable and modest hotel, but itʻs located on the ocean.

Read more about Pagoda Hilo Bay Hotel →




HIlo's most classic hotel, the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel manages to offer the most upscale accommodations in Hilo, but for a large hotel it's still without resort like bells and whistles. There's a pool which can be wonderful on those hot and humid Hilo days. There's an on site restaurant and gift shop, but the best shopping and eating in Hilo is just a short drive away, and they're worth it. You can walk to beautiful attractions like Liliuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island to swim. The Hilo Hawaiian, although clean and renovated, still maintains a feel of Hawaii from the 1970s.

Recommended for Resort because: The Hilo Hawaiian is a beautiful hotel resting along the coass, offering views of the ocean and Mauna Kea.

Read more about Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel →




The oceanfront property is located on the shores of Hilo Bay. There are 317 renovated guestrooms and eight ocean front suites featuring original artwork by local artists, new furniture, spacious marble tile bath, refrigerator, 32-inch flat TV, free internet access, free parking, coffee marker and hairdryer. As the gateway to adventure, Naniloa Volcanoes Resort provides the perfect base for visitors to explore the many natural wonders in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and East Hawaii. The Resort offers golf, dining and entertainment, wedding, and banquet and conference facilities. Located on Banyan Drive, the Naniloa is a short walk to attractions like Liliuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island.

Recommended for Resort because: The Naniloa may be one of the few true resorts in Hilo, but itʻs beautiful, is in a wonderful oceanfront location.

Read more about Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton →


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Meet Jade Eckardt

Raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Jade has traveled the world and doesn't intend to stop, yet the Hawaiian Islands are still her favorite place. She spent seven years living on Oahu and...  More About Jade

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