Coolest Places to Stay on the Big Island – 10 Hidden Gems

Hawaii is the most unique and beautiful island, allowing you to experience almost every climate zone in one place. Suppose you want to experience the Big Island, from every element of lush greenery to its vibrant flora and fauna. In that case, you have to be closest to the sounds of nature. The requirement for choosing the best area to stay in on the big island is based on your travel style, location, and experience. We will suggest some of the coolest places to stay on the big island, including adventurous treehouses and eco-friendly retreats.

Understanding The Two Main Sides Of The Big Island 

When the trade winds hit the big island, they carry humid air adjacent to the mountains, causing heavy rain on the eastern side, supporting the lush greenery and lacy waterfalls. Because of the mountains, the western part is blessed with eternal springtime, offering calming weather and some of the best beaches in the world.

West Side ( Kona & Kohala Coast ) – The Sunny & Beachy Side 

Reasons To Stay On The West Side 

• Sunny Weather: The west side is blessed with year-round sunshine and dry weather, which creates a perfect atmosphere for beach lovers.
  
• Developed Coastline – The west side coastline offers well-designed luxurious resorts, unique accommodations in Hawaii and restaurants with high-end amenities.
  
• World-Class Snorkeling – One of the best and most protected snorkelling and diving sights to experience the vibrant world underwater and coral reefs.
  
• Beautiful Beaches – Plenty of famous White sandy beaches like Ko Olina Lagoons, Makaha Beach Park and Yokohama Bay for enjoying calm waters.
  
• Popular Towns: Staying on the west side means you are close to the Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa to experience the vibrant vibes and city attractions.

Best Accommodations On The West Side 

Suppose you are planning your trip for a luxurious stay. In that case, the west side has to offer many unique places to stay in Hawaii with luxurious amenities and breathtaking views.

1. Holualoa Inn

I bet this stay will last you with every experience. It will be surreal to imagine living surrounded by the gorgeous Kona coffee farms, vibrant gardens, and soothing sunshine, giving gentle touches with peaceful ocean views. The inn’s location is very convenient; it is only 15 15-minute drive from Kona and 30 minutes from the airport. The rooms are comfy and luxurious, and the supportive and fantastic staff will make your experience more memorable.

2. Ka’awa Loa Plantation

If you want to immerse yourself into the unmatched charm of the west side of the big island and are still searching for where to stay on Big Island Hawaii, then this modern B&B offers a fantastic experience with comfortable rooms and incredible views of coastlines also enjoy outdoor lava rock showers surrounded by old-school style Hawaii plantation is fun to experience. They also serve delicious breakfasts, including various fruits and baking fills.

3. Puakea Ranch

First of all, it’s not a resort. There are mixed reviews about this accommodation, but all of the bad ones are about communication problems between the ranch and the customer, not about the place; either you choose to relax on the back porch or want to take a dip in the pool, the ocean views will enhance the experience for you. You will see peacocks roaming around. You are just seeking a unique place to stay on a big island. A private ranch with comfy cottages giving countryside vibes.

4. Hawaii Island Retreat

Pros & Cons Of Staying On The West Side 

Pros	Cons
✅ Perfect weather with little rain showers.	❌ Accommodation options are too expensive.
✅ Some Of the best luxury resorts and private beach villas.	❌ The dry and lava-covered terrain may not excite you.
✅ Adventurous activities like Snorkeling and ocean activities.	❌ Popular areas are overcrowded.
✅ Vibrant nightlife with fine dining restaurants, so you don’t have to worry about where to eat on the big island.

East Side ( Hilo & Puna ) – The Rainforest & Adventure Side 

Also known as the windward side of the big island where heavy rainfall craves the greenery, developing lush rainforests, tropical landscapes and cascading waterfalls, making your coolest places to stay on the big island even more incredible.

Reasons To Stay On The East Side 

• Budget-Friendly Accommodations:  The east side of the Big Island offers many budget-friendly yet unique accommodation options praised by travellers who don’t want to go harsh on their pockets.
  
• Best For Adventure Seekers – If you are an adventure enthusiast, prepare for the exciting hikes and witnessing the hardened lava lake.

Best Accommodations on the East Side

5. The Falls At Reed’s Island

6. The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls

Located in the lap of Hilo, covering 22 acres of tropical beauty and featuring Hawaii’s most significant private waterfall and top-rated unique accommodation in Hawaii, offering an escape from stressful routine and providing relaxation there. You have 4 room options. The first is the standard waterfall view room, family suites, guest house and cottages.

7. Star Seed Ranch

Star Seed Ranch was built on a gorgeous property covered by tree canopy and vibrant blooms. They grow various crops and vegetation on the farm, and you can take a farm tour to gain knowledge about organic farming. Also, they have a special menu that serves farm-to-table dishes based on seasonal crops. They have lodging options like private cabins and tent camping, which welcome up to 15 guests overnight. 

8. Hamakua Sunrise

This fantastic and serene farm is in Laupahoehoe, praised for its stunning designs, comfortable furnishings and unique farm-to-table dining option; here you are just booking accommodation. The beautiful picturesque 180°view of the ocean and sunrise make your stay unforgettable. Their guest house is comfortable and cozy.

Pros & Cons of Staying on the East Side

Pros	Cons
✅ Budget-friendly accommodations.	❌ More rain, especially in Hilo.
✅ Lush, tropical environment with waterfalls and botanical gardens.	❌ Fewer sandy beaches compared to the west side.
✅ Unique experiences like hot springs, lava tubes, and black sand beaches.	❌ Limited nightlife options.
✅ Less touristy and more authentic Hawaiian culture.

Best Areas to Stay Based on Your Travel Style

Type of Traveler	Best Side to Stay	Recommended Area & Accommodations
Beach lovers	West Side	Holualoa Inn, Puakea Ranch
Adventure seekers	East Side	The Falls at Reed’s Island, Dreamy Tropical Treehouse
Luxury travelers	West Side	Hawai’i Island Retreat, Luxury Treehouse
Budget travelers	East Side	Hamakua Sunrise, The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
Cultural explorers	East Side	Ka’awa Loa Plantation, Honaunau Farms
Honeymooners	West Side	Puakea Ranch, Holualoa Inn, Bamboo Treehouse

Bonus Coolest Places To Stay On The Big Island 

Tree House & Jungle Retreats 

9. Bamboo Tree House

10. Luxury Treehouse

Who says luxury can’t be experienced in a tree house? This treehouse offers cozy ocean-view bedding with a hot tub, thoughtful amenities, and unique architecture surrounded by stunning greenery. This treehouse is praised for its secluded location and is popular for providing high comfort.

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