The Big Island is welcoming year-round, but spring (April through June) and fall (September through November) offer comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower rates.

Summer and winter holidays are the busiest, so plan if you're visiting during those periods. For whale-watching season, this runs from December through May, with peak times about February and March.

There are two major airports on The Big Island. You can fly to either Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the west side or Hilo International Airport on the east. Most visitors fly into Kona, with direct flights available from several mainland U.S. cities.

A top draw on the Big Island in October is the Ironman World Championship triathlon in Kailua-Kona, while April features the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Come November, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is popular as it honors the island's iconic coffee harvest season.

Yes! Public transportation is limited, so having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Absolutely! From calm snorkeling beaches on the Kohala Coast to exploring lava tubes and watching sea turtles come ashore, families can mix relaxation with adventure.