The Hawaii (The Big Island) center is approximately 10 miles southwest of Hilo and 12 miles northeast of Manualoa Hawaii.
The climate on the Big Island is split into two main seasons: winter and summer. The winter season is also called the rainy season and runs from October to April. This time of year also includes hurricane season, so you could see some price drops in October and November because of the increased risk of hurricanes. During the summer season, between May and October, the high temperatures are typically in the high 80s to low 90s. It's rare for the temperature to drop below 65 degrees or rise above 90 degrees at any time of year.
Aside from the price drop during hurricane season, the hotel room prices on the Big Island tend to stay fairly consistent throughout the year. Between June and August, the prices tend to be the highest, as it's peak vacation time. When it's cold outside in other parts of the country during the winter, visitors often escape to the warm and tropical atmosphere of Hawaii. Some of the main events on the Big Island that can impact hotel rates include the Kona Brewers Festival in mid-March, the Merrie Monarch Festival after Easter, and the Holualoa Village Music & Light Festival in December.
Discounted rates are available at many of the hotels on the Big Island. For government and military personnel, lower pricing is offered at Kanaloa at Kona by Castle, Castle Kona Bali Kai, Aston Kona by the Sea, Castle Kona Reef, Royal Kona Resort, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, and Pahala Plantation Cottages. For groups, discounted rates may be available when you book multiple rooms at the same time.
The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay offers great value for guests. This four-star resort has two outdoor swimming pools, outdoor tennis courts, a health club open 24 hours a day, concierge services, complimentary shuttle service in a 3-mile radius, and four restaurants. Your room comes equipped with a furnished and private lanai, a deep soaking bathtub, complimentary toiletries, a refrigerator, and an LCD TV.
At Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kailua Kona, enjoy a relaxing trip to the Big Island. This property is located in Kailua Kona and boasts a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, a business center, laundry and dry-cleaning services, and free wireless internet access. All guest rooms come with 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, a refrigerator, a microwave, a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and a tea and coffee maker. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items is served daily.
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel offers a high-value experience as well. Every room has a refrigerator, a private balcony, a flat-screen TV with premium channels, a deep soaking tub, and free toiletries. You can also book a treatment at the full-service spa, play a game on the outdoor tennis court, relax in the outdoor pool or spa tub, or grab a bite at one of the two restaurants.
During a trip to Hawaii, you simply must spend some time on the beautiful beaches. When staying on the Big Island, the top beaches to visit include Hapuna Beach, Maniniowali Beach, Waialea Bay, Makalawena Beach, and Mauna Kea Beach. For outdoor enthusiasts, it's always fun to explore the natural surroundings in the tropical area. Take a hike to see Akaka Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls on the island, or take a walk through the Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, which houses one of the most important Hawaiian temples. You might also visit Mauna Kea, which is the highest peak on the island and a dormant volcano.
The Big Island also has quite a few botanical gardens, showcasing the unique plant life that is native to the area. Check out the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, the Pau Mau Place Arboretum and Botanical Garden, or the World Botanical Gardens. If you're visiting with kids, they may enjoy a trip to the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo or the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii. ATV tours are also available, giving you a look into some of the wild forests and cliffs that are harder to access.
Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, and for good reason. This tropical oasis is a true getaway from the mainland.