The Big Island Smart Splurges

Smart Splurges

Planning a perfect Big Island vacation that assures rewarding cultural encounters, memorable hotel stays, and select high-end perks that add up to trip-of-a-lifetime memories isn’t just a matter of spending more money – with so many choices, you’ve got to know where to spend it. From more hotels offering just the right combination of location, historical ambiance, and state-of-the-art élan to destination-defining culinary and shopping experiences, our Big Island Smart Splurges may require a slight increase in your travel budget, but they're absolutely worth the increase in your Hawaiian travel budget!

Smart Splurge    Great Value
This barefoot, all-inclusive, oceanfront resort resembles a Polynesian village with free-standing bungalows (many with hammocks or hot tubs). It’s changed little since its heydey in the '70s and that’s exactly how guests like it.
Queen Kaahumanu Hwy.; Kailua-Kona, HI; 800-367-5290; www.konavillage.com
Tags: luxury | family | hotel | all-inclusive | expensive | editor pick
The Hapuna Golf Course
Big Island is also known for having some of the top greens in the state, including the Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay-designed Hapuna Golf Course, with its sweeping panoramic views 700 feet above sea level.
62-100 Kaunaoa Dr.; Kohala, HI; 808-880-3000; www.princeresortshawaii.com/hapuna-golf.php
Tags: golf | things to do | sports | editor pick
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Helicopter tours like “The Big Island Spectacular” aren’t cheap, but there really is no other way to get a bird’s eye view of otherwise inaccessible areas of sea cliff coastline, lush green valleys, and boiling volcanic lava pits.
Hilo, HI; 808-961-5600; www.bluehawaiian.com
Tags: culture | tour | things to do | editor pick
Big Island Candies
Many people make the trek to this highly addictive, out-of-the-way treats factory and buy boatloads. Its to-die-for chocolates and cookies, made fresh on location, are only available from the factory or direct from the website.
585 Hinano St.; Hilo, HI; 800-935-5510; www.bigislandcandies.com
Tags: moderate | shopping | free tastings
It's impossible to imagine a more perfect setting the beach at the Mauna Lani Resort, with tiki...more
68-1400 Mauna Lani DriveHI; 808-881-7911; www.maunalani.com
Tags: restaurant | expensive | chinese | editor pick
Peter Merriman, the founding chef of Hawaii regional cuisine, continues his commitment to the...more
65-1227 Opelo Rd.; Waimea, HI; 808-885-6822; www.merrimanshawaii.com
Tags: restaurant | expensive | notable chef
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