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What's Big on the Big Island of Hawaii

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Posted on March 16, 2023

The Island of Hawaii, which those in the know may refer to as the Big Island, boasts many incredible attractions. Seeing them all would take more than just a week, which makes it critical to choose the right Hawaii timeshare so you can come back year after year for an amazing vacation.

With no shortage of things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, it's wise to consider what kind of vacation most appeals to you. Do you want to spend your free time lounging on the beach or seeking pulse-pounding excitement? Are you fascinated by traditional Hawaiian culture, or do you want to spend more time exploring natural beauty?

The reality is that the Big Island allows you to sample a bit of everything during your vacation.

Getting Oriented for Things to Do on the Big Island

The largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii features a surprising diversity of climate zones. You can travel from a Wet Tropical climate to a Polar Tundra in the space of a single day, giving you plenty of opportunities for adventure.

The massive volcanoes known as Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa dominate the landscape, and the island is divided up into several regions. The Ka'u region is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. It's remote, pristine and wild.

Mauna Kea summit for things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Another famous region, known as Kona, is recognized for its many resorts, historic and cultural attractions and its highly regarded coffee plantations. The Kohala Coast, home to Waimea and Waikoloa among other communities, is recognized for its golf courses, white-sand beaches and the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

On the eastern coast of the island lie the regions of Hilo, Puna and Hamakua Coast. Locals refer to Puna as Pele's workshop while the Hamakua Coast is known for breathtaking Akaka Falls and its historic towns. Hilo is widely recognized for its gardens and rainforests and the Hilo International Airport.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

lava flow into the ocean for things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

This is probably the most popular attraction among the many things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. With two active volcanoes, there always seems to be excitement in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It's because of this activity that certain portions of the park may not be accessible during your stay.

The park covers more than 20 square miles that constantly grown and change. This is where you will find the world-famous Kilauea Volcano as well as a visitor center that may be closed depending upon the mood of the mountain.

If it's safe to do so, you'll want to view the Halema'uma'u crater, which is said to be the home of Pele, the goddess of fire in Hawaii. Drive the Crater Rim Road to see the crater and hike the Devastation Trail. Another attraction that's not-to-be-missed is the Thurston Lava Tube, a cave that is more than 20 feet high and 500 feet long.

Another favorite day hike takes visitors to the Pu'uloa Petroglyphs. One of the most extensive such sites in Hawaii, the petroglyphs are found among a lava field that may be 550 years old.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

If you love coffee, you won't want to miss an opportunity to tour the fascinating Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Evoking the life and work of coffee farmers during the 1920s and 1930s, the museum is run by the Kona Historical Society. Visitors are free to wander the grounds, make the acquaintance of the resident donkeys and purchase some incredible coffee to take home.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park

For one of the things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii check out Pu'uhonua o Honaunau

People who put cultural attractions near the top of their list of things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii will want to make a point of visiting this one-of-a-kind park. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park is the ideal spot for discovering the island's many rich traditions.

A replica temple is located on-site, and a self-guided walking tour is the best way to see this and the other attractions. On the walk you'll have the opportunity to discover the Royal Grounds, once used exclusively by Kona's chiefs. Beyond the surrounding wall, you come into the Pu'uhonua in which people sought refuge from battles.

Cultural Practitioners may be observed engaging in traditional skills and storytelling on certain days. Hiking to the traditional Ki'ilae Village via the 1871 Trail is popular with many visitors as well.

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach State Park is another thing to do on the island of Hawaii

In Waimea, you may want to spend at least one day relaxing on Hapuna Beach. It's known for its well-appointed facilities as well as its incredibly soft sand. When the tide changes, conditions in the water can become difficult. That's why it's reassuring to see several lifeguards regularly on duty.

Swimming and sunbathing are popular here, but just as many locals and visitors choose this beach for snorkeling and surfing. If you get tired of lounging and playing in the water, you can take advantage of the many miles of hiking trails.

The park features facilities such as showers, picnic shelters and concession stands, ensuring that you can easily and comfortably spend all day.

Parker Ranch

Encompassing more than 350 square miles, the Parker Ranch is the largest in the United States. It is still family owned and operated after six generations, and the entire complex is open to the public. The Visitor Center and Museum is filled with fascinating relics. It's also possible to tour the elegant home, the stables and the cemetery. In the home, you'll have the chance to view priceless works of art by Degas, Pissarro and Renoir among others.

Kamakahonu Beach

One of the popular things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii that appeals to many visitors is learning to snorkel or dive. This beach is one of the best places to accomplish this goal. Small but gorgeous, Kamakahonu Beach features a protected cove that provides some of the calmest waters in Hawaii.

Companies rent out scuba and snorkeling equipment right on the beach, and charters are available for people who want lessons. Also available are jet ski and kayak rentals as well as tour operators promising all sorts of adventures.

Nearby, you'll find the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark, a faithful reconstruction from the 1970s of King Kamehameha I's royal residence.

Book Your Stay in a Hawaii Timeshare

living room in a Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort timeshare

The Big Island of Hawaii is a remarkable destination for couples and families. With a combination of cultural and natural attractions, the list is diverse and impressive.

With a timeshare, whether it is a Kona timeshare, Waikoloa timeshare or any Hawaii timeshare, visitors have the flexibility and freedom that they require to travel where and when they like. Regardless of the season in which they arrive, they will always know that their accommodations will be stylish, convenient and comfortable.

Timeshares simply offer more amenities than the average resort. With your reservation, you may find dining options on site as well as luxury spas and state-of-the-art fitness centers. In incredible destinations like the Big Island, you're likely to encounter cultural experiences on the grounds of your resort, enriching the entire experience for the whole family.

Private bedrooms, full kitchens and spacious common living areas are part of the basic features of timeshare accommodations. Don't forget to book a Hawaii timeshare while you're researching all of the best things to do on the island.

Our most popular timeshare resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii are shown below, based on the offers we received from prospective buyers:

Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff

Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff timeshare resort in Hawaii

Located just south of Kona near Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Club Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff is close to beaches, shopping and historical sites for a perfect Big Island getaway. One- and two-bedroom suites have all the modern conveniences, with swimming pool, hot tub and tennis courts for fun at the resort. Golf, boating, fishing and watersports are all nearby.

Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort

Wyndham Kona Hawaiian timeshare Resort with pool

On the southern outskirts of Kona and close to Honl’s Beach, Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort is centrally located to the best of the Kona Coast. Two-bedroom suites have just over 1,000 square feet of living space with all the comfort you need, while the resort is designed in a 1930s theme harkening back to the charm of old Hawaii. Swimming pool, children’s pool and hot tub lets you relax and have fun.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach timeshare in Hawaii

Sitting next to the Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf course and close to Waikoloa Beach, Hilton Grand Vacations Club at The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort is a wonderful spot on the northwestern side of the island along the Kohala Coast. One- and two-bedroom suites feature private lanais to enjoy the surroundings, with restaurant, bar, pool, spa and 36-hole golf course all on site.

Kona Billfisher

On the southern edge of Kona and within walking distance to the beach, shops and restaurants, the Kona Billfisher timeshare complex is a traditional condominium setting with one- and two-bedroom units. The location is great to explore the Kona Coast, yet convenient to everything in the town of Kailua-Kona. Enjoy the heated swimming pool and BBQ area after returning from the amazing natural attractions.

Shell Vacations Club at The Kona Coast Resort

Shell Vacations Club at The Kona Coast timeshare resort

Everything you need for a terrific Hawaii vacation is at Shell Vacations Club at The Kona Coast Resort. Beaches, golf and more are nearby in this area designed around Keauhou Bay, but you’ll have onsite amenities such as multiple pools, hot tubs, sauna, tennis court, bar, restaurant, a fitness center, sand volleyball and more so you don’t even need to leave the resort. One-, two- and three-bedroom units make this all possible.

Shell Vacations Club at Paniolo Greens

living room in Shell Vacations Club at Paniolo Greens timeshare

On the Kohala Coast you’ll find Shell Vacations Club at Paniolo Greens next to the amazing golf at The Village Course at Waikoloa in Waikoloa Village. Head out to see the beauty of Waipio Valley or Hapuna Beach Park before returning to your two-bedroom unit to refresh and relax. Swimming pool, children’s pool, hot tub, fitness center, tennis court and even hula lessons are all ready for you.

If these or any other Hawaii timeshare resort peaks your interest, or even if you decide to sell Hawaii timeshare, please reach out to us on 877-624-6889 or leave us a message through our Contact Us form. We’ll be in touch as soon as we can.

Author

Author Pic
Steve Luba
Chief Communications Officer

Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner. 

A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 36 years of experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives. 

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