Nestled in the vast expanse of the Pacific, the Big Island of Hawaii rises with its striking diversity of landscapes that range from lush rainforests to stark, black volcanic deserts, and from pristine beaches to snow-capped peaks. The island is a microcosm of all that the Hawaii islands have to offer, yet with an intimacy and raw beauty that make it distinct from its more widely visited and developed counterparts, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.
A tapestry of contrasts, the Big Island is where past meets present. It was here, on the windswept fields of Kailua-Kona, that King Kamehameha I, the great unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, was born in the mid 18th century. The island’s royal legacy is still palpable today in sacred sites such as the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, an ancient temple built by Kamehameha himself in his quest to consolidate his reign. Visitors can step into the echoes of history at the restored Hulihee Palace, once a royal vacation home, where the island’s monarchy hosted dignitaries and basked in the splendor of island life.
The Orchid Isle, as it’s sometimes known, is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, yet it offers an experience that feels as timeless as the rugged volcanic landscapes that created it. The Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes are both active, making the Big Island one of the most geologically significant locations in the world. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can hike the island’s winding lava trails—an extraordinary way to witness the earth’s fiery birth and the dynamic geological processes that continue to shape the island. This otherworldly terrain is contrasted with the rich, tropical landscape of the Hamakua Coast, where cascading waterfalls plunge from green cliffs and crystal-clear waters invite snorkeling and scuba diving.
This is an island that celebrates its culinary culture, and there is no better example than iconic Kona coffee. Visitors can tour and taste at coffee farms along the famous Kona Coffee Belt. Farm-to-table restaurants offer fresh, locally grown produce. (Don’t miss the banana bread, an island specialty. Every resort, restaurant, and store has its own delicious version.) And a growing wine scene along the slopes of Mauna Kea will interest oenophiles.
Blending high-end luxury with raw natural beauty, the island and its resorts invite visitors to explore with expert naturalists; endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle release activities are an island favorite. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at some of the world’s most stunning courses with breathtaking ocean views or dramatic mountain backdrops. And of course, luxury resort R&R here can’t be beat. Here are some of our favorites:
The resort spans 865 acres along the Kona-Kohala coastline, where tranquil bays and tide pools are nestled amid ancient lava fields that stretch into the Pacific. The lunar-like landscape, visible on the short drive from nearby Kona airport, transitions to a serene oasis once inside the Hualalai development, where lush fairways and gently swaying palms dominate.
While Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers classic island indulgences such as golf, tennis, snorkeling, and swimming, it’s the resort’s collection of culinary options that stand out. With views of Hualalai Golf Course’s 18th green, Miller & Lux, from famed chef Tyler Florence, is the island’s only true steakhouse. Featuring high-quality cuts from the country’s best ranches, a robust raw bar, and fresh seafood, Miller & Lux is a dream come true for Florence, a lifelong fan of the steakhouse genre. Here, he seeks to recreate for guests the sense of “special occasion” wonder he felt as a youth when visiting his local steakhouse in South Carolina.
The resort’s flagship dining spot is ‘Ulu Restaurant, where Chef Richard Polhemus’ menu of Hawaiian/pan-Asian flavors emphasizes local ingredients, 75% of which are sourced from 160+ local farms. Mere steps from the Pacific, ‘Ulu (which recently unveiled a refreshed aesthetic and revamped menu) offers perhaps the island’s “closest to the waves” dining experience. The resort’s newest gourmand hot spot is NOIO, a dedicated omakase sushi bar with a 12 seat counter and a small dining room serving a full a la carte menu. Offering two counter seatings nightly, and overseen by experienced sushi chef Nuri Piccio, NOIO is the result of ‘Ulu guests’ overwhelming request for sushi. It’s the only omakase sushi bar along the Kona Coast, and one of only three on the whole island. NOIO’s interior is a little bit sultry, and its second story location, with unobstructed panoramic ocean views, adds to allure. (Guests can work-off their culinary indulgences at the resort’s stellar fitness center, considered one of the finest resort fitness facilities in the world.)
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
This iconic Kohala Coast beachfront resort first opened in 1983, and the 2018 purchase by Auberge Resorts has brought it back to lavish glory. Stunning architectural design of traditional Hawaiian elements and motifs (lava, wood, and bamboo) blend with modern luxury.
An impressive open-air lobby blurs the interior/exterior boundary, allowing tropical breezes to flow through. The aesthetic is the very definition of relaxed sophistication, an Auberge hallmark. A standout for its combo of outdoor adventure and tranquility, the resort offers access to world-class golf, unique cultural experiences such as traditional Hawaiian ceremonies and tours of the nearby petroglyph fields, and its signature Sunrise Canoe Paddle during which local guides “talk story” and whales frolic at close range.
The resort’s commitment to luxury and wellness is evidenced in its on-site goop boutique that offers access to the wellness brand’s curated lifestyle products, many of which are used in the resort spa. (Try the goop Glow Facial for an indulgent treat.) Mauna Lani is one of the few resorts in the world to host a goop store, making it a particularly unique feature. But what truly sets Mauna Lani apart is its commitment to preservation of the land’s natural beauty. The resort is dedicated to environmental conservation, and is particularly noted for its annual Turtle Independence Day event in partnership with Oahu’s Sea Life Park, by which guests and community members are invited to help release Hawaiian green sea turtles, or “honu,” into the Pacific Ocean. Such fusion of luxury, culture, and environmental stewardship makes Mauna Lani an exceptional destination.
The elegant Fairmont Orchid has claimed its corner of the greater Mauna Lani development since 2000, and a recent refurbishment has it sparkling like new. Two towers surround a central lobby that overlooks the Pacific and an expansive central swimming pool. Nearly all rooms offer a peek at the waves, and even when at full capacity, the property’s expanse provides room to breathe and plentiful lounge chairs on which to linger.
For added luxe, opt for a concierge floor room and enjoy access to the Gold Lounge. An oasis within an oasis, Gold amenities include highly personalized service, private check-in (you’ll skip the lobby reception and be whisked right to the exclusive 6th floor), two bountiful daily food presentations, all-day snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and an honor bar. The exclusive and elegant Fairmont Gold Lounge is a lovely gathering spot for friends and family, and the terrace allows for commanding views of golden sunsets.
The resort’s signature restaurant, Brown’s Beach House, is also a prime spot for sunset viewing. The AAA Four Diamond award winner features creative Hawaiian cuisine and live music nightly with tables poised towards Pauoa Bay and its crescent of lava walls. This beautiful bay is part of the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program, for which Fairmont Orchid is host and supporter. A vital coral reef ecosystem hugs the coastline of the resort and is in urgent need of restoration; the resort works with ʻĀkoʻakoʻa to help with coral propagation, community stewardship, and guest education.
In a world where authenticity and seclusion are increasingly elusive, the Big Island stands out as an ideal destination. Its combination of adventure, serenity, and history, make it an exceptional place to immerse oneself in the true spirit of Hawaii. Whether walking in the footsteps of kings, marveling at active volcanic landscapes, or enjoying the island’s culinary delights, a Big Island excursion is as vast and varied as the island itself.