Hawaii Island] 7 recommended swimming pools on the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as recommended activities and tours on the Big Island of Hawaii.

With a nickname of "Big Island.
Known Hawaii Island

Do you know why Hawaii Island is called the "Big Island"?

Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is so called because it is larger than all the other islands in the Hawaiian Archipelago combined.

With an area of 10,430 square kilometers, it is as large as Gifu Prefecture.

Even if it doesn't ring a bell, you can probably get a sense of the size of the area when we say that it is about five times the size of Tokyo and twice the size of Chiba Prefecture.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The Big Island of Hawaii is the result of the fusion of five volcanoes.

Some of the five volcanoes, like Kilauea, still erupt.

For this reason, the Big Island of Hawaii is an island where you can feel the pulse of nature.

The Big Island of Hawaii also offers many activities that take advantage of such dynamic wilderness.

The island of Hawaii was first inhabited in about 400 AD.

Since then, Hawaiian culture has been nurtured.

At the end of the 18th century, the Kingdom of Hawaii was established, and at the end of the 19th century it became a territory of the United States.

Such a varied history is one of the attractions of Hawaii.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two ways to get to the Big Island of Hawaii from Japan: direct flights to Kona International Airport or connecting flights at Honolulu International Airport to Kona International Airport or Hilo International Airport.

Direct flights are only available from Haneda and the number of flights is limited.

For this reason, many travelers visit the Big Island of Hawaii via Honolulu International Airport.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The charm of the Big Island of Hawaii lies in the dynamism of its natural environment, centered on active volcanoes, and the Hawaiian culture that has taken root there.

 

Spectacular, untouched nature

The Big Island of Hawaii is a fusion of five volcanoes: Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Kohala, and Kilauea.

All of them have repeatedly erupted throughout the Earth's long history,

Even today, there are still many places on the island where untouched nature created by the workings of the earth can be found.

The volcanoes, of course, but also the canyons, waterfalls, beaches, and even the ocean, offer spectacular natural beauty.

 

A powerful volcano

Currently the most active volcanoes are.

It still erupts repeatedly, most recently in December 2020.

The island of Hawaii was formed by a fusion of volcanoes, and the effects of the eruption can be seen here and there in the topography of the island.

It is also fascinating to take a tour to see the remains of the lava flows that spewed from the volcano.

 

Beautiful Beaches

Some of the beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, like Hapuna Beach, are ranked among the top 10 best beaches in the United States.

There are also greensand beaches that look green due to olivine mixed with sand, which is rare in Japan, and blacksand beaches that look black due to the accumulation of lava fragments.

All of these beaches are the result of the natural order of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Perhaps the reason the sand on these beaches looks beautiful without being white is because it contrasts beautifully with the clear ocean water and blue skies.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

The fun on the Big Island of Hawaii is not limited to activities.

Shopping for duty-free items and souvenirs is also fun.

However, the Big Island of Hawaii has not only large shopping malls, but also many supermarkets that locals use on a daily basis.

Such stores also sell unique local foods and have a different appeal than large stores.

Finding delicious food unique to the area is also an enjoyable part of the trip.

It is good to enjoy Hawaiian cuisine as typified by loco moco, as well as Japanese and other international cuisines.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Hawaiian Islands were the first Polynesians to arrive in the Hawaiian archipelago, and since then, Hawaii's unique culture has taken root.

The Hawaiian Islands, which were founded as the Kingdom of Hawaii, then became a U.S. territory, and continue to this day, have a fascinating culture, including hula and surfing.

Tours of the Big Island of Hawaii also include tours of the ruins, sites and buildings associated with the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Please join us.

 

Pools are also popular on the Big Island of Hawaii

Although the Big Island of Hawaii is surrounded by ocean, the pools attached to hotels and other facilities have a different charm.

 

Attraction of playing in a swimming pool

When you think of a swimming pool, do you think of playing in the water?

For adults, the pool is also a waterfront relaxation spot, and the poolside bar counter is a social gathering place.

 

Small children can play safely.

The attraction of the pool is that there are no waves and the depth of the water bottom is known, so even small children can play safely.

There is less risk of drowning in a pool with a constant depth, and it is also safer for parents because they can play within eyeshot.

 

Comfortable and relaxing with full facilities.

Pools are not just a playground for children.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, most pools have separate children's pools and adult-only pools.

Many of them have cabanas, private spaces separated by curtains that can be used by about four people, and are also adult social areas where alcohol can be ordered at the bar counter.

The pool is not a place to play in the water, but a space to relax.

 

Pools on the Big Island of Hawaii also offer scenic views

Since many hotels in Hawaii are located near the ocean, outdoor pools often have a view of the ocean just beyond.

Pools along the west-facing coast, like those in Kailua-Kona, allow visitors to enjoy the sunset over the ocean from the poolside without having to go to the shore.

 

7 recommended hotels with swimming pools

Here are seven pools on the Big Island of Hawaii that both adults and children can enjoy.

All of these pools are located in highly rated hotels and are very cozy.

 

King's Land

This is a luxury condominium managed by Hilton Grand Vacation Club.

It uses a timeshare system in which the rights are shared and held by the owners who bought the rights.

Located at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.

 

Pool Features

There are two pools and a children's pool.

Please note that floats and other air-filled floats are not allowed except for arm floats.

The children's pool has a sandy beach and sand play equipment is available for rent.

There are three Jacuzzis and the temperature is nice and high.

There is a lounge and bar counter attached to the building, which can be used in a variety of ways, including eating food and drinking alcohol.

 

Access & Facilities

Address] 69-699 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI

Access】Take Hawaii Belt Road north from Kona International Airport and turn left at Waikoloa Beach Drive. It is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.

Phone number] +1 808-881-3000

Business hours] 10:00-17:00

Please inquire directly.

 

Four Seasons Resort
Hualalai at Historic Kaupulev

It is a luxury resort hotel that has been voted #1 in the U.S. in the past.

Located in Hualalai Resort.

 

Pool Features

A beach tree pool is located in the center of the resort, and private poolside cabanas are available for relaxation.

The beautiful view of the morning and evening sunsets coloring the surface of the water will be a wonderful memory.

A children's pool is also available for family trips.

 

Access & Facilities

Address] 72-100 KA'UPULEHU DRIVE, KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII

From Kona International Airport, drive north on Hawaii Belt Road and turn left at Kaupulehu Drive.

It is about a 20-minute drive from the airport.

Phone number] +1 808-325-8000

Business Hours] Please contact us directly.

Please inquire directly.

 

Hilton Waikoloa Village

The hotel's grounds are so vast that it would be unthinkable in Japan.

Facilities on the site are connected by monorail and boats.

Beach, shopping, dining, and most of the resort's amenities can be found on the property.

 

Pool Features

There are three pools with waterfalls, slides, and whirlpools.

interpoint (interword separation)Kona Pool
It is the largest freshwater pool in the Village.

Lunch is available at the poolside Orchid Marketplace, and drinks are available at the Kona Pool Bar.

It has two whirlpools and two waterslides, as well as a kids' sand pool.

Cabanas are also available for an extra fee for a more relaxing stay.

interpoint (interword separation)Kohala Pool
A flowing pool and water slides are popular with families.

Snacks and drinks can be purchased from the Kohala Drink Cart that moves around the area. Kohala Pool also has cabanas.

interpoint (interword separation)Ocean Tower Pool
This is a quiet and relaxing adults-only pool. Cabanas are also available.

 

Access & Facilities

Address] 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

Access】Take Hawaii Belt Road north from Kona International Airport and turn left at Waikoloa Beach Drive. It is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.

Phone number] +1 808-886-1234

Business hours] 8:00-22:00 (9:00-17:00 for sliders, 8:30-18:00 for pool desk)

Please inquire directly.

 

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

This beach resort overlooks the clear and beautiful Hapuna Beach.

The building was extensively renovated and reopened in June 2018.

 

Pool Features

It is a quiet and relaxing pool with a view of Hapuna Beach beyond the pool.

There is also an adult-only infinity pool available only for those 18 years of age and older.

Poolside parasol chairs and cabanas are available for use by guests of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel only.

 

Access & Facilities

Address] 62-100 Kauna'oa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743

Access】Take Hawaii Belt Road north from Kona International Airport and turn right at Kauna'oa Drive. It is about a 40-minute drive from the airport.

Phone number] +1 808-880-1111

Business hours: 8:00 - sunset

Fees
Family Pool
Half day (up to 5 hours): $75 (tax not included)
All day: $150 (tax not included) *includes 2 drinks at Naupaca Beach Grill

*Adult Pool
Half day (up to 5 hours): $100 (tax not included)
All day: $200 (tax not included) *Includes 2 drinks at Naupaca Beach Grill

 

Marriott Waikoloa Ocean Club

It is a relaxing hotel for adults with few Japanese residents.

 

Pool Features

It also has three outdoor pools and a children's pool.

Water slides are popular.

The sunset on the beach at the end of the pool is reputed to be spectacular.

 

Access & Facilities

Address] Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

From Kona International Airport, drive north on Hawaii Belt Road and turn left at Waikoloa Beach Drive.

It is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.

Phone number] +1 808-886-6789

Business Hours] 24 hours

Please inquire directly.

 

Waikoloa Beach
Marriott Resort & Spa

This is the pool of a hotel called one of the most luxurious resorts in Hawaii.

Many Japanese guests stay at this hotel.

It also has a shopping center with duty-free stores and brand-name stores.

 

Pool Features

There are three pools with different temperatures, including a heated pool with higher water temperature.

 

Access & Facilities

Address] 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa

Access】Take Hawaii Belt Road north from Kona International Airport and turn left at Waikoloa Beach Drive. It is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.

Phone number] +1 808-886-6789

Business hours] 5:00 - 23:00

Please inquire directly.

 

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

This is the pool at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which is popular among the Japanese.

The pool features parasols and is very relaxing.

Beach service is available at the Westin Hapuna Beach next door.

 

Access & Facilities

Address] 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743

Access】Take Hawaii Belt Road north from Kona International Airport and turn left at Mauna Kea Beach Drive. It is about a 40-minute drive from the airport.

Phone number] Japan: 0120-00-8686, Hawaii: 808-882-7222

Business hours: 8:00 - sunset

Fee] Poolside cabanas: $125 + tax (4.439%) per day,

Beach Cabana: $75 + tax (4.439%) per day

 

Recommended Ocean Activity Experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii

The island of Hawaii enjoys a dynamic natural environment in the ocean due to volcanoes and lava.

 

Recommended Activities

Here are five activities you can enjoy on the Big Island of Hawaii.

All of them allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is an activity that allows you to view the undersea scenery with ease.

Wearing a snorkel and fins, we look into the sea and swim.

It is popular because it is easy to get used to, even for inexperienced people, and can be enjoyed even by children.

 

Recommendations

Kealakekua Bay, with its crystal clear waters, is a popular spot on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The area, which is also a marine life sanctuary, offers snorkeling surrounded by colorful tropical fish and coral reefs.

 

diving

When you see the crystal clear waters of the Big Island of Hawaii, you will want to dive to the bottom of the ocean.

Not only diving enthusiasts, but also inexperienced divers may be interested in Hawaii's underwater world of coral reefs and tropical fish.

Diving is an activity that requires a license, but there is an activity called "experience diving" for inexperienced divers and beginners.

It is a safe diving experience, with instructions and equipment explained before the tour, and you dive with an instructor.

 

Recommendations

It is estimated that there are more than 40 dive sites around the Big Island of Hawaii.

The undersea topography created by the volcano can also be enjoyed in a variety of forms, including arches, caves, walls, and drop-offs.

On the ocean floor, dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles can be seen, and garden eels (a member of the family of the Chinese eel) can be seen on the shallow sea floor.

 

SUP

SUP is an activity that originated in Hawaii.

Riding on a wider board, the rider changes direction and advances with a single paddle.

If the waves are calm, you can sit or lie down on the board.

It is such a stable ride that some people upload photos of themselves enjoying yoga on the board to social networking sites.

While canoes and kayaks have been commonly used to move on the ocean, SUPs allow you to move on the surface of the ocean from the height of your eyes, at the height of your walk.

 

Recommendations

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the Kohala Coast is the best ocean for SUP.

There are many tours available and we encourage you to try them.

 

Canoe/Kayak

The appeal of canoes and kayaks is that they move slowly at a speed similar to walking and have a low line of sight.

The paddle is pedaled with the power of both arms, so it is just like taking a walk on a bicycle.

Also, since you sit with your buttocks on the bottom of the boat, your eye level is less than one meter, which changes the view of the same coastline.

Some people may be worried that the boat may capsize, but by sitting on the bottom of the boat and stepping on both feet, the left-right balance is very good.

The paddles on either side of the boat can be used to hold the surface of the water, so the boat will not tip over unless there is an accident.

And since they are also wearing life jackets in case of emergency, they feel very safe.

 

Recommendations

Since we are canoeing/kayaking, we would like to visit spots that are not accessible from land.

For example, a cave experience in Keauhou Bay or a walk in the crystal clear waters of the Kohala Coast will surely be memorable.

 

parasailing

This activity involves carrying a parachute on your back, being pulled by a boat or water skis, and using its buoyancy to ascend to an altitude of 40 meters or more in a single bound.

The view is as if seen from a drone.

You can even go up to nearly 100 meters high, so you can see the entire island from above with a bird's eye view.

 

Recommendations

On the Big Island of Hawaii, many tours are offered on the beaches around Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island.

 

Recommended Tours

Here are three tours that will allow you to enjoy the activities of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Wild Dolphins & Kealakekua Bay
Snorkeling Tour

This tour allows you to enjoy dolphin watching and snorkeling at the same time.

After watching the dolphins from the boat, you can swim up close to them.

If the timing is right, you can even see the dolphins before they go to sleep.

Afterwards, we will experience snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Kealakekua Bay.

Snorkeling is a great way to see coral reefs on the ocean floor and schools of tropical fish swimming by.

 

Hawaii Island Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
Board Rental & Lesson

Experience stand up paddle surfing in Hawaii.

Take instruction in this new activity that originated in Hawaii.

Once you get the hang of SUPing on the crystal clear Kohala Coast, you can enjoy ocean walks along the shoreline.

The board is highly stable and can be ridden quickly.

 

Keauhou Bay Sea Kayaking
Snorkel Tours & Snorkeling Tours

This sea yak tour is the only tour on the Big Island of Hawaii that is led by a Japanese-speaking guide.

I would still like to hear explanations of Cuomo Bay and the underwater caves in Japanese.

The underwater caves are lava tubes that can only be entered by sea yak.

Snorkeling spots also offer coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Whales may be seen during the season from December to April.

 

summary

The pools at the typical hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii are the main attraction of the island.

Unlike the beach, the pool is a comfortable space, especially for adults, as it is designed and built for necessary functions.

While on the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to enjoy relaxing by the pool.