Hawaii Big Island on a Budget: 10 Memorable Experiences That Won't Empty Your Wallet
How to Spend Less While on Hawaii Island?
Enjoying Hawaii Big Island on a budget is truly possible as the largest Hawaiian island is full of beautiful sights and scenery that don’t cost a thing. Some of these include jet-black sand beaches, crystal-clear ocean coves, and cultural performances you won’t soon forget.
While highlights like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will still cost an entry fee, the deals are easily affordable for budget travelers and families. There are also plenty of city-break activities to check out, like a hula dance in a market square or a trip to a local brewery. Elsewhere, a vineyard-style coffee plantation offers a free tour. Read on to discover great ways you can save money on Hawaii Big Island.
1. Kona Joe Coffee
For when you want to enjoy coffee unlike any you’ve had before
Categoría: Gastronomía, Opciones económicas
Kona Joe Coffee is one of the first coffee plantations in the world that produces its coffee like wine. The beans are grown using a trellis system, providing better aeration and resulting in a difference you can taste.
The plantation offers a free tour, allowing you to make your way through the grounds as leisurely as you would like. You can see all the different stages of the process this way, not to mention the unexpected color and shape of unripe coffee beans. All the while, enjoy stunning views in the distance, and finally, a fresh cup of Kona Joe.
Ubicación: 79-7346 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750, USA
Horario: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Teléfono: +1 808-322-2100
Kona Joe Coffee
2. Great Hawaiian Mac Nut Trail
Tasting your way along the free trail
Categoría: Aventura, Opciones económicas, Gastronomía
Take the Great Hawaiian Mac Nut Trail on Hawaii Big Island to tour macadamia nut farms and try delicious artisanal recipes. You’ll learn more than you ever knew you could know about this healthy, flavorful nut, and you’ll be amazed at how many creative uses Hawaii has found for them.
The great trail isn’t just about the macadamia nut, either. It’s actually a great way to see the whole island! Starting at Big Island Candies, this trail takes you through the diverse landscapes of the island and puts in your path an array of coves and beaches. Experience Hawaiian hospitality at farms that offer bed-and-breakfast services, allowing you to see local attractions.
Ubicación: 585 Hinano St #4428, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Teléfono: +1 808-935-8890
Great Hawaiian Mac Nut Trail
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A week in a volcanic wonderland
Categoría: Fotos, Opciones económicas, Aventura
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can get a pretty big bang for your buck enjoying one of Big Island’s top highlights. A one-time fee per vehicle grants you full 7-day access. An entire week will fly by as you hike through otherworldly landscapes of solidified lava, visit a sprawling crater, and squeeze through tight tunnels, but don’t get too close to the steam vents.
With a car that seats 5 individuals, you’re looking at a potential of a few dollars per head for an entire week of sights and activities you can’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss this park on Big Island, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
Ubicación: National Park, 1 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano, HI 96785, USA
Horario: Park: 24/7. Visitor center: daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +1 808-985-6000
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
4. Cruising the Kohala Coast
A gorgeous corner of an exotic island
Categoría: Fotos, Opciones económicas, Aventura
The Kohala Coast is one of the many beautiful spots on Big Island and has plenty of sights to enjoy at no cost. These include the rolling hills of Waimea, the quaint town of Hawi, the statue of the 19th-century King Kamehameha, and the Lapakahi State Historical Park, just to name a few. Even if you’re not on a budget, just imagine the rare opportunity to explore this wild and free coastline.
After you’ve ticked off most from your checklist, retreat to one of the many beaches along the Kohala Coast. If you want to escape the sun, head to Waialea Beach where trees offer a relaxing canopy while Hapuna Beach is a good choice for sun worshippers.
Ubicación: Kohala, HI 96738, USA
Cruising the Kohala Coast
5. Big Island’s colored beaches
You’ve never seen beaches like these
Categoría: Fotos, Opciones económicas, Aventura
Hawaii Island is home to plenty of shining white sands but imagine picking up a handful of colorful or obsidian-black sand, the remains of magma flowing into the ocean. Punaluʻu Beach is a great one to visit; its alternate name is even Black Sand Beach. Black sand beaches are also where you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of wild sea turtles.
For a beach of a different color, Papakōlea Beach is where a lot of the mineral olivine ends up, giving it its distinctive green hue. If you’re up for a little adventure, this beach features a hiking path which can be quite challenging but be ready to be astonished by the stellar scenery along the way.
Big Island's colored beaches
6. Forgotten sugarcane plantations of Ka’U
Touring a 19th-century plantation town
Categoría: Historia, Fotos, Opciones económicas
To see fields of sugarcanes, take a tour of an old plantation which has since been repurposed as the Kaʻū Coffee Mill.The town of Pahala was built around a sugarcane plantation. Parts of it are still much the same as they were back then, so come here to see a more charming and tucked-away part of the island.
Pahala even allows you to stay the night in plantation cottages, making this spot suitable both as a place of interest and a place to stay. Be sure to book your stay well in advance.
Ubicación: Pahala, HI 96777, USA
Forgotten sugarcane plantations of Ka’U
7. Snorkeling at Honaunau Bay
Like a natural aquarium
Categoría: Fotos, Opciones económicas, Aventura
Snorkeling at Honaunau Bay costs you nothing but there’s a parking fee and the snorkeling gear you bring or rent. To make things even easier, the bay is also known as “Two Step” after the cooled lava which has formed two steps leading comfortably into the water.
The real reason for visiting will become apparent once you go underwater. You can see sprawling, multi-colored coral formations on the ocean floor in addition to many kinds of rare fish. Come on a sunny day so you can see through the water with striking clarity. With the diversity of life seen here, expect to see creatures like dolphins, seals, and turtles hanging around.
Ubicación: 84-5571 Honaunau Beach Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USA
Snorkeling at Honaunau Bay
8. Sampling local flavors at Hilo Farmers Market
For when you want to bring home a little taste of Hawaii
Categoría: Compras, Gastronomía, Opciones económicas
At Hilo Farmers Market, you can get your gift-buying chores done early and inexpensively. This market is a treasure trove of items waiting to be brought home to your friends and family. Far from mass-produced souvenirs, these artistic creations impress and cost less.
While you’re at it, stock up on a ton of tropical fruits and condiments. You’ll also want to try some street food like pastries and poke bowls. The local cuisine is truly out of this world and won’t break the bank. Entire kiosks are devoted to dressings like hot sauce and balsamic vinaigrette, so be sure to scan the whole selection before you make your pick.
Ubicación: Corner of Kamehameha Avenue and, Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Horario: Daily from 7 am to 3 pm
Teléfono: +1 808-933-1000
Sampling local flavors at Hilo Farmers Market
9. Kona Brewing Company
A brewery full of Hawaiian spirit
Categoría: Opciones económicas, Vida nocturna
Kona Brewing Company is a great place to sip a pint full of local character. Make sure you get the beers that are brewed in-house, as this is the only place where you can have these special beers on tap. Luckily, they have a wide variety of beers, no matter your preference. You can even order a beer flight to sample a range of brews for a steal.
What’s the best way to cap off a day full of hiking and swimming? Unwind with a night out at Kona and you will soon find out.
Ubicación: 74-5612 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Horario: Daily from 11 am to 9 pm
Teléfono: +1 808-334-2739
Kona Brewing Company
10. Hula performances at The Shops at Mauna Lani
Watching a piece of Hawaiian culture unfold
Categoría: Opciones económicas, Fotos, Compras
Visit the Shops at Mauna Lani at the right time for an experience that is both culturally enriching and free. Dancers dressed in elaborate and evocative costumes tell stories with their bodies in this traditional Hawaiian art form. Not only is it a way to use your time cost-effectively, but it is also one of the most interesting things to do on the island.
The complimentary Hula show usually happens on Monday and Thursday evenings, but Mauna Lani is a hub when it comes to shopping and cultural entertainment, so be sure to stop by regardless.
Ubicación: 68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #100, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Teléfono: +1 808-885-9501
Hula performances at The Shops at Mauna Lani
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