The Big Island of Hawaii is home to five volcanoes and offers a diverse landscape as well as some of the most unique experiences in the Islands. It also offers a challenge, because of its size, to anyone who’s planning a vacation there and looking to squeeze in as much enjoyment as possible on a short stay.

Anneke Marchese, the owner of AM|FM Luxury + Adventure Travel in Bend, Ore., started her business nine years ago after her first visit to the Big Island. It was the first island she visited in Hawaii, but she has since been to all of the islands that one can visit. She holds a master specialist certificate and a Malama experience certificate from the Big Island of Hawaii.

Marchese was happy to share with Travel Weekly’s readers her knowledge of the island and how she tailors trips for clients.

Q: For people who haven’t been to the Big Island, what would you say are the biggest differences between traveling there versus the other islands?

A: What I always explain to them first off is that the Big Island is not Oahu, where Pearl Harbor is. Let’s just make sure that we all know that this is truly the Big Island, the largest island in the chain. Also, it’s the youngest. I also say it’s the most kind of rugged and truly allows you to get active and connect with nature and still really have a lot of land to explore.

It’s really a dual island. There are 10 microclimates that you’re going to go through traversing the island, so it’s really best discovered in two parts. Some of your time will be spent on what locals call the Kona side, and some of your time will be on what locals call the Hilo side.

Photo Credit: Jenn Martins

Q: What do you consider a perfect Big Island itinerary?

A: I’ll usually get people into Kona. We’ll do three, four or five nights in Waikoloa or Kona, possibly splitting it up. Some people will stay down near Captain Cook and Kealakekua Bay and then also up north, say like Mauna Kea [Resort] or Hapuna. I think that’s a really awesome itinerary if we can get people to split even that portion.

Then I encourage them to drive across the island. … If they can stay in Hilo for a few days, what we’ll do normally is have them leave Hilo in the morning on the last day, fly over to Honolulu to do a day at Pearl Harbor and head home at night.

Q: You mentioned splitting up the island. Is that also common to split up each side of the island?

A: If I can convince people to, yes; it’s really about timing. If people have a week, some people give me the time to do two nights down in the Keauhou area, the Captain Cook area, like three nights over in Waikoloa up north and then two nights in Hilo. I really think that’s the most well-rounded and gives you that diversity, because otherwise you’re really missing out.

Q: How often do clients ask you about the Big Island compared to other islands? Does it get a lot of demand?

A: It’s still not as popular as the other islands. I do feel like I have a higher conversion rate with those who have been to the Islands before and are wanting to experience a new island or maybe haven’t been there and have heard good things about it. 

Q: What are some of the top things for visitors to do on the Big Island?

A: If you’re going to be on the Island of Hawaii, you need to swim with manta rays; that shouldn’t be missed.
Fair Wind and Seaquest are two operators I would recommend — though I prefer working with a naturalist at the Mauna Kea Resort, where you swim out to the manta rays without a boat. … If you’re scared to get into the water, sit at the Fairmont Orchid’s toes-in sand bar at dark and you’ll see them splashing in the lights.

I’ve also done the salt farm tour at Kona Sea Salt, which sounds so weird, but it’s great if you have to catch a flight and you’re just trying to do something and see something you haven’t seen before.

Morning coffee overlooking Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Heather Goodman

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I give clients a hiking guide, so I encourage them to go out and explore. Visiting the coffee farms, like Greenwell Farms, and of course getting some beach time [are also recommended].

Q: How many days should people plan to spend at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

A: I like two days. I mean, a full day if you can, like a full day from morning to literally sunset, like after dark. So at least one full day in the park. 

If they have mobility issues, you could do two hours in the morning and maybe an hour or two at night, but I always encourage them to stop by and have a glass of wine at Volcano House and watch the glow happen. (As of publication, the volcano is not erupting and there is no glow.)

When I get people to experience Volcanoes National Park with a guide, I feel like it makes a lot of difference, especially since the Jaggar Museum is not available. (The volcano science museum was damaged during the Kilauea eruption in 2018; there are plans to reopen, but a date has not yet been announced.)

Q: You have found guides for the national park?

A: Yeah, so usually Hawaii Forest & Trail has guides that work great. I love them.

Q: Do you try to find clients a place to stay near the park? Or do they drive back to Hilo?

A: It depends. If some people need to have a hotel, need to have room service, need to do those things, then of course they’re going back to the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo. If they’re a little bit more rugged, there’s some pretty inns I recommend right there.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with advisors and their clients?

A: Travel mindfully, please don’t follow Instagram. There are some places that are super sacred that should stay sacred. … I make every traveler that travels to the Islands, but specifically the Big Island, do the Pono Pledge. I feel like that’s super important.