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
These posts come out of one week on the Kohala Coast- what the villa actually cost, the days on the water, and how we got between the islands.
- 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
- Flying Between the Hawaiian Islands: Which Airline, Which Points, What It Actually Costs
The Big Island with two teenagers
This was Shana’s and my third time on the Big Island, and the second time for Max, who chose to come back knowing the lay of the land. As part of the trip, we had Max plan what he wanted to do. He brought his friend along. Max is a bit of a, to use a phrase, a goldfish. Go look it up. He says, “I really don’t remember that,” more than Shana and I would like, especially considering the opportunities we’ve given him.
The first order of business was how to feed two teenage boys in Hawaii without going broke. Costco. Shana and I went on our walk and meal planned. What do you want to eat returned the usual, “I don’t know,” or “Whatever,” which, as every parent knows, is SUPER helpful.
Waikoloa is a self-contained resort area, which is either a bonus or a terror depending on your view. For Max and his friend, it means freedom. They went to Ocean Towers, rented snorkel gear, and went snorkeling in the lagoon, in there among some sea turtles and other cool looking fish.
We did ask the Concierge, and they said to go use Snorkel Bob in the Queens’ Marketplace. His prices were way less than the resort, he had better gear, and could recommend some other places beyond just the resort property. Snorkel Bob recommended they rent some boogie boards and check out Hapuna Bay. He said it was a local favorite, not too far and easy to get to.
The water days are their own posts: the Captain Cook snorkel and the manta ray night dive, and Two Step and the Captain Cook Market.
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 and Two Step as much as two hours 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 before taxes and fees. 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 $3,220 to $4,005 cash rate for the same week. 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.
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