Looking for Big Island Hawaii things to do that are worth the drive? We spent seven nights based at King’s Land on the Kohala Coast in May 2026, with a rental car out of Kona and no interest in staying by the pool. The Big Island is the one where the distances are real. Captain Cook snorkeling in the morning, manta rays after dark, and a farmers market where the produce is the point. The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau covers the broad strokes; everything here is what actually delivered, and what we would skip.
Our Big Island, Hawaii Travel Guide Posts
Six posts come out of one week on the Kohala Coast- what the villa actually cost, the two boat mornings, and how we got between the islands. They land through September.
- Never Convert HGV Points to Hilton Honors: Here Is the Math– the same 13,440 club points are seven nights in a two-bedroom villa at King’s Land, or one night in the same suite on hotel points
- Rental Car vs Turo in Hawaii: We Used Both on the Same Trip
- Snorkeling Captain Cook and Diving With Manta Rays at Night: Two Kona Water Days
- Two Step and the Captain Cook Market: The Big Island Morning Nobody Plans
Big Island Hawaii things to do: common questions
Do you need a rental car on the Big Island?
Yes. We had one out of Kona for all seven nights and used it every day. King's Land sits on the Kohala Coast and the things worth doing are spread across the island, with Captain Cook about an hour south. Budget for the car rather than assuming shuttles will cover you.
What does the Captain Cook snorkel trip cost?
We paid $527.08 for four people including taxes and fees, which works out to $115 each. That was the Captain Cook Exclusive with Sea Quest Hawaii, three hours, booked through Viator for a May 2026 morning. Bring a sun shirt and a hat with a neck strap; the ride out is exposed.
What did a week at King's Land actually cost?
We paid $1,695 for a prepaid VIP package on a two-bedroom, against a $3,200 cash rate for the same week before taxes. In Hilton Grand Vacations terms the stay required 13,440 Club Points. The package was the cheaper route for us, and the math is the post.
Planning a trip to Big Island? Get our best tips first.
We publish new travel guides a couple times a month- no filler, just what we found useful. Sign up and get a free copy of our award travel guide as a welcome.