Lifestyle
Gray's Guides
Hawai'i (The Big Island)

Hawai'i
The Big Island)

The Big Island of Hawaii is overflowing with endless scenic beauty. From rain forests and waterfalls to rainbows and gorgeous beaches with white, black (and even green) sand — escape to this colorful paradise and relax on island time.

Stay

From family-run inns to world-renowned luxury resorts, find a welcoming home away from home.

Four Seasons Hualalai

Enjoy chic rooms with gorgeous patios and balconies set amid tropical greenery. This stunning beachfront resort is surrounded by white-sand beaches and black-lava landscapes you won't want to miss.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

For a perfect, comfortable family getaway that exemplifies the magic of Hawaii — this stunning beachfront location offers a collection of luxury studio to five-bedroom condominiums, townhomes and private estates — all on the Kohala Coast of Hawai‘i.

Kona Village Rosewood

This recently revitalized luxury resort draws inspiration from the history of the site, local culture, and natural elements.

Mauna Lani

Indulge in this gorgeous oceanfront setting of dreams, situated on the Big Island's Kauna’oa Bay. The Mauna Lani by Auberge features a stunningly soft white sand beach, and its rooms are luxurious with endless onsite amenities.

Eat

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Merriman's

Enjoy a delicious menu of fresh, award-winning island flavors, paired perfectly with an amazing wine list, warm Hawaiian hospitality, and a cozy dining atmosphere.

CanoeHouse

This casual and fun tropical setting is sure to get you in the island mood. While sipping on mai tais, enjoy the restaurant's gorgeous outdoor atmosphere, complete with the ambiance of tiki torches and the nearby Pacific ocean.

Four Seasons Residents' Beach House

Located by the 18th tee box of the Hualālai Golf Course, this casual lānai dining experience offers simply prepared seafood. Take in an amazing sunset, whale watch, and sip on a signature “Big Daddy” drink.

Lava Lava Beach Club

Kick your shoes off, and sink your toes in the sand at this fun, laid-back dining experience. Indulge in delicious island-inspired cuisine and don't forget to order a mai tai (or two).

The Fish & The Hog

An excellent Waimea option offering delicious Southern BBQ fare.

Kohala Burger & Taco

If you are craving a fresh fish taco, this is the place. Kohala Burger & Taco is a speedy and delicious food spot that utilizes fresh and local ingredients.

Hale I'a Da Fish House

The perfect post beach spot. Enjoy delicious freshly caught fish straight off the boat at this no-frills local favorite.

Magics Beach Grill

Watch a Kona Coast sunset at this beachfront restaurant offering vibrant dishes and refreshing cocktails.

Napua at Mauna Lani

Napua is a perfect spot for Big Island first timers. Take in breathtaking views of Makaiwa Bay while you indulge in delicious and exotic flavors of locally-sourced food, all the while enjoying beautiful Hawaiian music in the background.

Drink

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Copper Bar at Mauna Kea

Sip craft cocktails while taking in ocean sunset views at this modern, airy lounge at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Hau Tree at Mauna Kea

This open-air gazebo-style bar is perfect for enjoying cocktails while anticipating the sunset with family and friends after a relaxing day spent at the beach.

Seafood Bar and Grill

If you are looking for an iconic Tiki bar experience, this is your spot! Choose from a wide variety of delicious and Instagram-worthy tiki-inspired drinks and pupu (appetizers).

What to do

Immerse yourself in local activities — including world-class golf courses, beaches, spas, parks, and more.

Mauna Kea Beach

A picture-perfect public access beach with parking available. Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna'oa Beach) is an ideal spot for spending a day soaking up the sun.

Pololū Valley Lookout and Hike

Located in the Kohala region, take in gorgeous views of Pololū Valley's steep cliffs ending in the ocean below. Then take a scenic hike down to the black sand beach surrounded by tropical forestland.

Hapuna Beach

Visit one of the island's largest white sand beaches. This hotspot has consistently been rated on the Top Ten lists of the islands’ best beaches.

Ziplining Kohala

Embark on an amazing adventure featuring 9 ziplines, 5 sky bridges, a canopy adventure, and the option to swim under a private waterfall.

Rainbow Falls

Take on this short climb to the top of the Rainbow Falls. It's well worth the effort as you might get rewarded with a rainbow sighting, and of course — a stunning waterfall.

Beach 69

Beach 69 is a secluded hidden gem that feels like a small slice of heaven. Not as crowded as the main beach, lots of shade by driftwood trees, and good snorkeling.

Boat Cruise with Big Island Shaka

Embark on a perfect excursion that is sure to check off all your must-sees. From gliding along with dolphins to incredible and hidden snorkel opportunities, this could easily be a highlight of your trip.

Kahalu’u Beach Park Snorkeling

Known as a real life aquarium, this is a perfect snorkel location for the whole family. Beneath the surface of Kahaluʻu Bay’s crystal clear blue waters, look out for sea turtles, coral heads, and a variety colorful tropical fish.

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling

This snorkel location is known as an underwater marine sanctuary, and is home to many colorful and exotic fish. You might even be lucky enough to see dolphins and sea turtles.

Culture

Discover local art museums, theaters, landmarks, festivals, and more.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Explore this stunning national park that protects some of the most unique cultural landscapes in the world, including two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Flumin Kohala

Experience this rare opportunity to explore the remarkable Kohala Ditch system and the pristine Hawaiian landscape it crosses. Soar high over rushing streams, and float across the mountainside via elevated flumes by Kayak.

The Mauna Kea Lū‘au

No trip to Hawaii is complete without a lū‘au. Get a full taste of the local culture through live performances, music, food, and family traditions exclusive to the Big Island at the Mauna Kea Hotel.

Explore Hawai'i (The Big Island) Photography

Shop best sellers Hawai

Wailea, Maui

Four Seasons Resort, Maui

Wailea Beach Umbrellas, Maui

Wailea Triptych, Maui

Wailea Beach Path, Maui

Grand Wailea, Maui

Grand Wailea Beach Umbrellas, Maui

Wailea Beach, Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui Fountain Pool

Mokapu Beach, Maui

Mokapu Beach Umbrellas, Maui

Wailea Golf Club Horizontal, Maui

Wailea Golf Club Vertical II, Maui

Wailea Paddleboarders, Maui

Wailea Golf Club Vertical, Maui

Wailea Paddle Boarders, Maui