The Hawaiian archipelago was actually created entirely from volcanic activity over millions of years, so it is no surprise that today there are still many active volcanoes in Hawaii. In fact, the Big Island is home to the world’s most active volcano, Mt. Kilauea, which is located in Volcanoes National Park continuously oozes lava. One of the most visited national parks in the United States, millions of visitors come to Hawaii each year to check out the lava tubes, slowly creeping lava and dramatic moon-like landscapes in this park. While some people opt to go camping in Volcanoes National Park, those travelers who would rather not sleep in a tent when checking out the lava, there are many hotels near Volcanoes National Park that offer more plush accommodations.
This hotel is located just two miles from the Hilo Airport and as the name suggests offers beautiful views of Maun Kea volcano on one side and Hilo Bay on the other. The resort is also home to a 9-hole golf course (check out some of the Best Golf Courses in Hawaii), has a pool, laundry and air-conditioning. With stunning views, comfortable rooms and plenty of extra amenities, guests here are sure to stay in total comfort while staying in the shadow of the world’s most active volcanoes.
I mostly like the name of this hotel, as I also have an Uncle we call Billy, but that has little to do with this oceanfront hotel located just a mile from the Hilo airport. With traditional Hawaiian décor, island style hospitality and plenty of stunning views, this hotel punches a big bang for you buck. Hilo’s famous volcanic black sand beach is also located just a mile from here, where you can check out what happens to all that lava after millions of years of erosion. There is also a golf course adjacent to the resort and all of the rooms open with sliding glass doors onto full lanais.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is the ideal spot for exploring the Big Island (and is a mere two miles from Hilo Airport). Just a 45-minute drive takes you to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can spend the entire day (which is usually required to get your fill). This hotel was also recently voted the best hotel in East Hawaii by the readers of the Tribune Herald Newspaper. The hotel sits on Hilo Bay below Mauna Kea’s peak and in the shadow of the active Mt. Kilauea. Every guestroom and one-bedroom suite has luxuries beyond just air conditioning, cable television, and in-room refrigerators. Wake up to sunlit ocean views, and count the stars over Coconut Island before going to sleep. And in between, should you decide to stick around the hotel, there’s plenty to fill your day and revive your spirit. Swim in the freshwater pool. Play nine holes of golf or a game of tennis. Walk to Onekahakaha Beach, relax under historic banyan trees, or stroll through Liliuokalani Gardens.
The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii
This is another safe bet if you are looking for a little luxury during your Big Island vacation. Located on a beachfront property on Hawaii’s Kohala coast not too far from Volcanoes National Park, this hotel offers a nightly hula shows (read more About Luaus), has a 36-hole championship golf course (read more about the Best Golf Courses in Hawaii), has a beautiful pool and a spa. Kayaking, surfing and snorkeling are available on site, with additional amenities including two lava rock spa tubs, a sand bottomed children’s pool and a 10,000 foot oceanfront pool. Children’s activities include the Keiki Aloha program, offering nature walks, snorkeling and arts and crafts activities for a fee. Sliding glass doors open to private furnished lanais with ocean or garden views—all located in the shadow of Hawaii’s volcanoes.
>>Book the Fairmon Orchid now!
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
If you are looking to really splurge during your trip to Hawaii, then you can’t do much better than the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Named after the huge volcano nearby, the Maunu Kea Beach Hotel is located on the beautiful cresent shaped Kauna’oa Bay. White sand and turquoise waters offer plenty of great views as well as access to snorkeling, sunbathing, catamaran trips, whale watching, sailing and even deep-sea fishing. You can stand on the lava outcroppings that once flowed from the nearby volcanoes as well as play 18 holes of gold at the Mauna Kea golf course (one of Hawaii’s Best Golf Courses). The elegant island inspired rooms feature furnished lanais, terrazzo tiled floors and teakwood furnishings. Located on over 1800 acres of tropical, oceanfront paradise, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers truly a unique and exceptional experience.
Top photo from wildphoton’s flickr
