Big Island Planning & Tips

When to Visit Big Island
The most inexpensive times to visit Big Island are from March or April through June, when summer's high season kicks off and prices increase. From Labor Day in September to mid-December, small crowds and great prices can also be found. October travelers take note: The Ironman Triathalon descends upon Big Island in October, bringing wall-to-wall, well-toned bodies.

How to Pack for Big Island?
There's such a range of activities on Big Island that dress should be more than a fleeting thought. On Oahu, you might be able to get away with flip-flops and shorts. On Big Island, you'll need to carefully consider the activities for which you're game. Of course, you'll need your usual beach and pool attire, sun dresses, tank tops, etc. But, also bring jeans, closed-toe shoes, a windbreaker and possibly even an umbrella. All but two of the world's main climate zones are found on Big Island, so it can go from hot and sunny to rainy and cold or snowy and freezing at the summit of Mauankea (13,796 feet above sea level), depending on your plans.

Also, you may want to consider purchasing Rit Sun Guard Laundry Treatment, which increases your T-shirts' and shorts' SPF ratings.

Word to the wise: If you've never had a tropical sunburn, you're in for an eye-opener. If, as Carly Simon sang, you "haven't got time for the pain," then heed our warning to treat the sun with great reverence. That means wearing SPF bathing suits and clothing, slathering SPF 30+ sunscreen on yourself and your children every two hours, grabbing a hat and avoiding the sun (as best you can) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Locals swear by the sunscreen Blue Lizard.

Getting There and Around
Car Rental
Let's face it: They call it Big Island for a reason. If you want to explore this baby, you need your own wheels. Score a better deal by renting for the week, rather than purchasing a daily rental. Requesting a GPS unit in your car will make your visit much easier.

Airports
Big Island is home to two airports: Hilo International Airport, located on the east side of the island, and Kona International Airport, which serves the west side.

Big Island Public Bus Transit System
Bus transportation on Big Island, Hele On, was designed mainly for residents who work in the resorts and outlying communities. It's probably not the best mode of transportation for vacationing families.

Taxis
Taxis on Big Island will cost you a pretty penny. Renting a car will prove much easier on your bottom line, but if you need a taxi, there are many companies to choose from.

Speedie Shuttle
Many of the hotels offer shuttles to and from the airports and even around town. Be sure to ask when you make room reservations, or give Speedie Shuttle a try. It's a reliable company that shuttles you throughout the island in clean vans with helpful drivers.

For Mom and Dad
Brown's Beach House
Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast, Big Island, HI
(808) 887-7368
Locals are known to plan their wedding parties at Brown's, so you get the idea. It's outdoor dining with a magnificent sunset (and%2C at night, starlight) view. Offered are seafood, steak and an exquisite wine list. Entertainment is provided by soloists Tuesday through Saturday evenings. An evening at Brown's will become a treasured memory. Reservations are recommended.

Volcano Winery
35 Pi'i Mauna Drive, Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 967-7479
The winery is open 365 days a year and offers free wine tasting from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sip wine only sold on the Hawaiian islands. Unusual varieties are made with tropical fruits like yellow guava and the exotic jaboticaba berry, blended with traditional wine grapes. If you prefer more traditional wines, you'll appreciate the two award-winning wines made with the Symphony grape. No appointments are necessary.

Hawaii Scuba Diving with Kona Honu Divers
For information, call (808) 324-4668.
For reservations, call (888) 333-4668.
KonaHonuDivers
Dive with spinner dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and more. These folks love and revere their underwater world and want to share it with you.

Lava Ocean Adventures
(808) 966-4200
Thrill-seeking parents will line up to see the amazing spectacle of lava blasting into the sea. It's not an easy ride for the faint of heart or for the kids.

Golfing Big Island
We suspect you won't really mind when the magnificent course views get in the way of your golf game.

Waikoloa Beach Resort's Kings' Course and its sister, Beach Course
600 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI 96738
(808) 886-7888

Kona Country Club
78-7000 Ali'i Drive, Kailua, Kona, HI 96740
(808) 322-2595

Volcano Golf & Country Club
Pii Mauna Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718
(808) 967-8228

Off the Radar
Hawaiian Tunes
Set your Big Island radio to KAPA FM, 100.3 FM (Hilo) or 99.1 FM (Kona). Listen live from home at the KapaRadio Website. Braddah Moks is spinning the tunes right now.

You'll also love: KHBC in Hilo and Big Island's original radio station, KHBC 92.7 FM. You'll find Hawaiian music and local commentary at KONA-FM 92.1.

Big Island Farmers Market
Hilo Farmer's Market, the primo farmer's market on Big Island, happens every Wednesday and Saturday from dawn 'til it's gone (about 2 p.m.). More than 200 farmers and crafters gather to sell exotic, seasonal fruit like lychee, dragonfruit, jack fruit and a variety of bananas. You'll also find Puna goat cheese, bread, gourmet lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, artisan food goods and local favorites like Spam musubi at incredible prices. Locals rave about this farmer's market. Craft vendors across the street have gorgeous local flowers and leis, all kinds of beach towels, sarongs, carved art and more.

Visitors Bureau
Big Island Visitors Bureau