Hawaii Island] May GW is a great time to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii.

May GW Travel Opportunities on the Big Island of Hawaii

The month of May, with its major holidays, is a great opportunity for travel!

 

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island

Formed by undersea volcanic eruptions about 500,000 years ago, Hawaii Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands.

Because it is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, it is nicknamed the "Big Island" by the people of Hawaii and the United States.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

There are many things you want to do when you travel, such as visiting tourist spots and enjoying delicious food.

The Big Island of Hawaii can satisfy all of these needs.

The island is a place where people of all ages and both sexes can create the best memories, with spots related to Hawaiian culture and history, as well as power spots where you can feel the power of nature, and places where you can enjoy activities to the fullest!

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

<If you are going directly from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii

Haneda-Kona International Airport (Hawaiian Airlines) Travel time: 7 hours 20 minutes on average from Haneda, 10 hours on average from Kona

Narita-Kona International Airport (JAL) Travel time: 7 hours 50 minutes (average), return 8 hours 45 minutes (average)

<If connecting at Honolulu Airport (Oahu)
Honolulu Airport - Kona International Airport (Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines) Hawaiian Airlines: 10 to 19 flights per day, approximately 50 minutes travel time Southwest Airlines: 4 flights per day, approximately 50 minutes travel time

Honolulu Airport - Hilo Airport Hawaiian Airlines: 7-12 flights per day (approx. 55 minutes) Southwest Airlines: 4 flights per day (approx. 1 hour)

The flight from Japan to Honolulu takes about 7 hours, with a maximum of 10 hours, allowing for 2-3 hours of transit time.

If you are traveling from Honolulu to the Big Island of Hawaii, choose either Kona International Airport or Hilo Airport, depending on your plans.

Kona International Airport is recommended for those who want to sightsee smoothly after arrival because of its proximity to tourist areas and hotels.

Hilo Airport is recommended for those who wish to visit the volcano because of its proximity to downtown and easy access to the volcano.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has many attractions that are different from resorts and sightseeing.

There are five points! Let's look at each of them in detail.

 

Unspoiled wilderness

The greatest attraction of the Big Island of Hawaii is its spectacular nature!

Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, and Kilauea Volcano are the three most famous spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Spend a moment amidst the bare lava rock of volcanic regions, island formations formed by undersea volcanic eruptions, and life nurtured by the rich nature created by various climates, and you will be able to heal your daily fatigue and replenish your power.

 

A powerful volcano

There are five famous volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. They are Mauna Kea, the highest at 4205 meters above sea level, Hualalai, Kohala, and Kilauea, a World Heritage Site.

While some extinct volcanoes are already inactive, Kilauea is still an active volcano and recently erupted in 2019.

The earth formations created by these volcanoes and the breath of the volcanoes that are still active today give us a sense of the powerful nature of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Beautiful Beaches

Hawaii is all about the tropical ocean! Many people come to Hawaii for the beautiful ocean.

The Big Island of Hawaii is of course one of the most attractive islands in the world with its beautiful beaches.

In terms of beauty, the clarity of Kamakahonu Bay is outstanding.

It is also known as the place where King Kamehameha the Great spent the last years of his life and is a sacred place.

Visitors can enjoy snorkeling in the beautiful ocean beside a temple where they can feel the history of Hawaii.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Alii Drive, the main street in the Kona district where the Kona International Airport is located, is lined with many stores recommended for tourists.

Although it does not have the image of a large tourist town, the local atmosphere is tasteful, and it is attractive to stroll around calmly.

Gourmet foods made from the rich agricultural produce of the Big Island of Hawaii are also highly recommended.

Kona is especially famous for Kona coffee and Kona beer! How about walking around with a delicious drink in your hand?

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many sights that are important to Hawaii's history and culture.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is an important place to learn about Hawaii's origins.

It is said to be where Captain Cook, the first Westerner to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, once landed.

The temple is dedicated to Lono, the god of fertility on the island of Hawaii, where agriculture is thriving, and is a spot where visitors can experience the history and culture of the island all at once.

The park also has a beautiful ocean that has been designated as a marine protected area, allowing visitors to enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling.

 

What is May on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Here, we will introduce the May temperatures in the spots most frequently visited by tourists, along with what to wear and bring accordingly, as well as events that are only available in May!

 

May Climate and Rates on the Big Island of Hawaii

Location	average minimum temperature	Average maximum temperature
hero	18.8°C	27.2°C
Kona (variety of Hawaiian coffee)	19.4°C	27.5°C
Mount Kilauea	19.4°C	26.6°C
Waimea	13.6°C	22.3°C
Mauna Kea	6°C	20°C (68°F)
Oahu (Honolulu)	22.2°C	29.4°C

Hilo, one of the rainiest places on the Big Island of Hawaii, receives considerable precipitation during the rainy season.

In May, when the dry season begins, rainfall gradually decreases, and from the end of May to the beginning of June is the driest month of the year.

Rates are somewhat higher in early May because of GW.

If you want to keep travel costs low, then make your itinerary without the GW on-season! If you want to save money, then make your itinerary without the GW on-season.

 

What to Wear and Bring to Hawaii Island in May

Here are some tips on what to wear and what to bring for the Hawaiian Island climate in May!

 

Appropriate clothing for May

Half-sleeves and shorts are sufficient during the daytime, but the average minimum temperature is below 20°C (68°F), so it can get chilly, so light warm clothing is necessary.

A cardigan or hoodie that can be quickly thrown on is useful.

If you are traveling by rental car, you can adjust the temperature, but if you use public transportation, it is quite air-conditioned and unbearably cold for long periods of time.

 

What to bring in May

As daytime temperatures rise, the UV index also rises above that of the rainy season.

If you are going to be outside, bring sunglasses, a hat, or other items that provide UV protection.

We also recommend that visitors who want to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii prepare shoes such as sneakers that are easy to walk in.

 

Things to do and see on the Big Island of Hawaii in May

May on the Big Island of Hawaii is a month full of events! We will introduce some of the most recommended events and explain what to expect on your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

How to enjoy

<May Hawaii Island Events

Cow Coffee Festival (Cow)
Hilo Lay Day Festival (Hilo)
Hawaii Kuali Pacific and Asian Festival (Kailua-Kona)
Honokaa Western Week (Honokaa)
Farm Festival at Hamakua Harvest (Hamakua)
Keauhou-Kona Triathlon (Kona)

When people think of coffee in Hawaii, Kona coffee is the first thing that comes to mind, but there is another famous type of coffee.

That is Cow Coffee! The Cow Coffee Festival is a celebration of Cow Coffee.

Visitors can enjoy hula and Hawaiian music on stage while tasting coffee and tucking into coffee-based dishes.

 

important point

The climate on the Big Island of Hawaii varies greatly from region to region, so you need to be prepared to dress according to where you are going.

Rental cars are the most common way to get around the island, but since traffic rules are quite different from those in Japan, it is advisable to do your research well in advance.

It is also important to do some research because there are many other laws and tourists may also be subject to penalties.

 

Recommended Activities in May

Here are five recommended activities on the Big Island of Hawaii in May!

 

riding horse

There are many activities to enjoy the wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii, and horseback riding is a fun way to explore while playing with cute horses.

 

Fun & Attraction

There are several places to enjoy horseback riding on the Big Island of Hawaii, but if you want to feel like a cowboy, a ranch is the place to go! If you want to feel like a cowboy, a ranch is the place to go.

You will be surprised to find that the grounds of every ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii are much more extensive than you can imagine.

One of the key points is that riding a horse allows you to explore this vast ranch more extensively.

 

Lava Tour

If you want to enjoy a spot unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, the volcanoes are the place to go!

Lava tours are a great way to enjoy volcanoes.

 

Fun & Attraction

Many people may be thinking of visiting Kilauea Volcano when they visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

There are many ways to enjoy Kilauea Volcano, and one of the most exciting activities is a lava tour, where you can feel the heartbeat of Kilauea Volcano.

Not only the flowing lava, but also the land and tunnels made of lava teach us all about the fascination of volcanoes.

 

trekking

If you visit the Big Island of Hawaii in search of volcanoes, trekking is a must!

Trekking is a very popular activity that allows visitors to slowly explore volcanoes and the terrain created by volcanoes.

 

Fun & Attraction

The Big Island of Hawaii has many trekking trails that can be enjoyed for a variety of purposes.

For example, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Devastation Trail is recommended for those who are not confident in their physical strength or who cannot walk very long distances with children.

Even though the land is completely black, life is sprouting and beautiful flowers are blooming, a sight that can only be seen on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

parasailing

Parasailing is a great way to experience a walk in the sky as you soar above the beautiful emerald green waters and enjoy the scenery of the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Fun & Attraction

The ocean of the Big Island of Hawaii is not only blue from above, but is also highlighted by the various gradations created by the colorful coral reefs.

This is a recommended activity that offers beautiful scenery and exhilaration at the same time.

 

Segway (motorized personal vehicle)

Regular walking sightseeing is not enough! Segway is recommended for those who want to enjoy sightseeing while feeling the breeze of Hawaii Island. You can enjoy sightseeing while feeling the breeze of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Fun & Attraction

Basically, you can enjoy sightseeing on a Segway by joining a tour.

Visitors can enjoy the scenery and breeze of the Big Island of Hawaii while strolling around without getting tired.

 

Five recommended attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii in May

Here are five of the best places to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii in May!

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is 4205 meters high, and the sunsets and starry skies seen from here are so beautiful that one is lost for words.

It is a very popular spot visited by many tourists.

 

Recommendations

Anyone who climbs Mauna Kea for stargazing will be breathtaken by the breathtaking views.

So many stars fill the sky that even if you try your best to find the constellations, it is difficult to find them clearly!

 

Access

<Rental Car
About 3 hours drive from Kona International Airport
About 2.5 hours drive from Hilo International Airport
Free parking available

 

Parker Ranch

The Parker Ranch, a huge ranch, has a total area of 1,200㎢, which is said to cover one-tenth of the island of Hawaii.

It is still in operation as a ranch, where many food animals are raised.

 

Recommendations

Parker Ranch, with its vast acreage, is the largest ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii and the third largest in the United States.

John Parker, founder of Parker Ranch, came all the way from Massachusetts to the Big Island of Hawaii.

He then learned the Hawaiian language and culture from King Kamehameha I and contributed to the control of cattle on the Big Island of Hawaii.

With such a history, the ranch has become a popular spot for tourists as a place that conveys the best of Hawaii Island ranching and offers an extraordinary experience.

 

Access

<Rental Car
About 1 hour drive from Kailua-Kona
Free parking available

 

Green Sand Beach

If you go to the south coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, you will find a mysterious beach called Green Sand Beach.

The beach here has glowing green sand!

 

Recommendations

The beach with green sand called Green Sand Beach is officially called Mahana Beach.

Since Hawaii Island is the southernmost island in the United States, Green Sand Beach is also known as the southernmost beach in the nation.

The olive-colored beaches, with some brown and black sand mixed in here and there, of course, never cease to amaze.

 

Access

<Rental Car
Hilo, around 2 hours drive from Kona to the parking lot.
Free parking available
4.3 km from the parking lot to the beach, accessible by foot or cab.
If you wish to go on foot, joining a tour is recommended.

Cabs are relatively expensive, but it should be noted that the roads are not paved, so rental cars are not allowed on the beach.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley, facing the ocean in the north of Hawaii Island, is considered a power spot that attracts many people because of its scenery that seems to contain all the natural charm of the Hawaiian Islands.

 

Recommendations

The Waipio Valley has many attractions. Among the highlights are the Hilawe and Hakalave waterfalls, located deep in the valley.

These two waterfalls are called "twin waterfalls" and are revered as very sacred by the local people.

If you learn the myths and folklore surrounding this place, you will find it doubly interesting.

 

Access

<Rental Car
Approximately 2 hours drive from Kona International Airport
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car from Hilo

 

hero

The city is considered the center of the Big Island of Hawaii, so it attracts many tourists, but it is a relaxing place to spend time without losing the local atmosphere.

 

Recommendations

The most exciting time of the year for Hilo is the week beginning on Easter Sunday in March and April.

This is the time of year when the Merry Monarch Festival is held and the area becomes crowded with people.

Please note that this makes it temporarily difficult to book hotels in Hilo.

 

Access

Hilo is located on the opposite side of the island from Kona International Airport, which is used by many Japanese tourists. There are several routes to Hilo.
.
Honolulu-Hilo International Airport: about 1 hour
<Rental Car
Kona International Airport - Hilo
Southbound route: 209 km (approx. 3 hrs.) (route that can be taken while visiting tourist attractions)
Northbound route: about 2 hours 149 km
Saddle Road: 124 km (the fastest route), about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
<Line buses
HELE-ON BUS: Approx. 3 hours (3 buses a day, not available on Sundays)

 

Recommended tours to enjoy in May

Here are three tours you can enjoy on the Big Island of Hawaii in May!

 

Waipio Valley Horseback Riding Tour

If you want to fully enjoy the dry season after the rainy season, outdoor activities are still recommended!

Waipio Valley, one of the three major tourist attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii, is actually only accessible by taking a tour.

This is where we would like to introduce you to this tour!

Visitors can explore the canyon on horseback and observe the native plants and fruits that are unique to the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Kilauea Volcano National Park first thing in the morning &.
Enjoy nature on a lava hike!

This is a lava hike tour of Kilauea Volcano.

Although you cannot see the flowing lava as in the past, Kilauea Volcano, with its long history, is full of other attractions!

You can enjoy a memorable hike, walking on the bumpy ground created by the lava and enjoying the steam that erupts from the ground.

 

Hawaii Island Segway
Kailua-Kona Walking Tour

This tour allows you to explore Kailua-Kona with ease on a Segway.

The Segway ride itself is interesting, but it is also a great way to visit various Kona attractions without walking, so it is recommended for those who are not confident about their physical strength.â

It is also a great way for tourists who have limited time to travel to the city of Kona to enjoy a quick and easy stroll around the city!

This tour is also interesting because the guide is in Japanese, so you can learn about the history of Hawaii Island well.

 

summary

May is the month of GW and the island of Hawaii attracts a large number of tourists.

Although the price jumps, Hawaii Island in May, after the rainy season, is the most pleasant location in early summer.

If you want to experience the charms of the Big Island of Hawaii to the fullest, May is the season to do so! If you want to experience the charms of the Big Island of Hawaii to the fullest, we recommend a trip in May.