Some expert tips for creating a memorable Big Island visit

27.03.2024 - 15:38 / travelweekly.com

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to five volcanoes and offers a diverse landscape as well as some of the most unique experiences in the Islands. It also offers a challenge, because of its size, to anyone who's planning a vacation there and looking to squeeze in as much enjoyment as possible on a short stay.

Anneke Marchese, the owner of AM|FM Luxury + Adventure Travel in Bend, Ore., started her business nine years ago after her first visit to the Big Island. It was the first island she visited in Hawaii, but she has since been to all of the islands that one can visit. She holds a master specialist certificate and a Malama experience certificate from the Big Island of Hawaii.

Marchese was happy to share with Travel Weekly's readers her knowledge of the island and how she tailors trips for clients.

Q: For people who haven't been to the Big Island, what would you say are the biggest differences between traveling there versus the other islands?

A: What I always explain to them first off is that the Big Island is not Oahu, where Pearl Harbor is. Let's just make sure that we all know that this is truly the Big Island, the largest island in the chain. Also, it's the youngest. I also say it's the most kind of rugged and truly allows you to get active and connect with nature and still really have a lot of land to explore.

It's really a dual island. There are 10 microclimates that you're going to go through traversing the island, so it's really best discovered in two parts. Some of your time will be spent on what locals call the Kona side, and some of your time will be on what locals call the Hilo side.

Q: What do you consider a perfect Big Island itinerary?

A: I'll usually get people into Kona. We'll do three, four or five nights in Waikoloa or Kona, possibly splitting it up. Some people will stay down near Captain Cook and Kealakekua Bay and then also up north, say like Mauna Kea [Resort] or Hapuna. I think that's a really awesome itinerary if we can get people to split even that portion.

Then I encourage them to drive across the island. ... If they can stay in Hilo for a few days, what we'll do normally is have them leave Hilo in the morning on the last day, fly over to Honolulu to do a day at Pearl Harbor and head home at night.

Q: You mentioned splitting up the island. Is that also common to split up each side of the island?

A: If I can convince people to, yes; it's really about timing. If people have a week, some people give me the time to do two nights down in the Keauhou area, the Captain Cook area, like three nights over in Waikoloa up north and then two nights in Hilo. I really think that's the most well-rounded and gives you that diversity, because