Big Island
Pacific · Hawaii, USA
Best Months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Rec. Nights
6 nights
Airports
KOA (Kona), ITO (Hilo)
Avg. Cash
$350 - $700/night
Best Value
2.5¢via Hilton
Overview
Big Island is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands -- a land of extraordinary contrasts where active volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests exist side by side. It's the only place on Earth where you can drive from tropical beach to volcanic tundra in under two hours.
For points travelers, Big Island offers excellent value through Hilton (Waikoloa Village), Marriott (Waikoloa Beach), and Accor (Fairmont Orchid). The Kohala Coast resorts deliver the best points redemptions, especially during peak winter months when cash rates climb.
Unlike Maui or Oahu, the Big Island feels spacious and uncrowded. From the active lava flows of Kilauea to the stargazing atop Mauna Kea and the manta ray night dives off Kona, it offers experiences you cannot find anywhere else in Hawaii.
Cash vs Points
Hotels in Big Island range from $350 to $700 per night. Points redemptions offer 2.5+ cents per point value.
Points Hotel Recommendations
3 properties in Big Island bookable with points, sorted by value
| Hotel | Program | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hilton Waikoloa Village Top Pick | Hilton | 36,000 | $500 | 1.4¢ | 8.8/10 | |
Marriott Waikoloa Beach | Marriott | 80,000 | $950 | 1.2¢ | 9.1/10 | |
Fairmont Orchid | Independent | 0 | $0 | 0.0¢ | 9.0/10 |
Transfer Points Strategy
Maximize your points value with the best transfer path
Best Value
If you have Hilton Honors Points:
Hilton Waikoloa Village
HiltonHilton (1:1)Hilton Waikoloa Village
Cost36,000 pts/night × 6 nights = 216,000 Hilton
Value$3,000 cash ÷ 216,000 pts= 1.4¢
Transfer time: Instant
If you have Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Marriott Waikoloa Beach
MarriottMarriott (1:1)Marriott Waikoloa Beach
Cost80,000 pts/night × 6 nights = 480,000 Marriott
Value$5,700 cash ÷ 480,000 pts= 1.2¢
Transfer time: Instant
Recommended Activities
Curated experiences in Big Island
Must-Do
Nature
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore active lava flows at Kilauea volcano. Drive the Chain of Craters Road for panoramic views, hike to volcanic craters, and witness the raw power of Earth's geology.
8 hours$30
Nature loversPhotography
Must-Do
Adventure
Mauna Kea Stargazing
Ascend to 13,796 feet on Earth's most massive mountain (by volume). Watch sunset, then stargaze with telescopes. The clearest skies in Hawaii due to elevation and minimal light pollution.
4 hours$250
CouplesNature lovers
Nature
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Relax on jet-black sand created by ancient lava flows. Sea turtles often bask here. The contrast between black sand and turquoise water creates stunning photos.
2 hours$0
EveryonePhotography
Water
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Night dive or snorkel with gentle manta rays off the Kona coast. They're attracted to light and can reach 18-foot wingspans. An unforgettable ocean encounter.
2 hours$130
Adventure seekersWater lovers
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Getting There
KOA (Kona), ITO (Hilo)
Visa & Entry
Check your country's requirements
Budget
From $350/night
Packing Essentials
Pack for the climate
Cultural Tips
Respect local customs
You Might Also Like
Similar destinations you can book with points
Ask AI About Big Island
Have questions about traveling to Big Island with points? Our AI advisor can help you plan the perfect trip, compare hotels, and find the best value redemptions.
Ask the AI Advisor