How many dispensaries are on the Big Island?

The Big Island has 2 licensed dispensary companies — Hawaiian Ethos and Big Island Grown — each operating multiple retail locations across the island, primarily on the Hilo (east) and Kona (west) sides.

Is cannabis legal in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

No. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is federal land, and cannabis remains illegal under federal law regardless of your Hawaii 329 card status. The same applies to Pohakuloa Training Area and all other federal property on the Big Island.

Can tourists buy cannabis on the Big Island?

Tourists cannot buy cannabis recreationally. However, visitors who hold a valid medical cannabis card from another state can apply for a 329V visitor card ($49.50, valid 60 days) at medmj.ehawaii.gov up to 60 days before arrival, which allows purchases at any Big Island dispensary.

Big Island Dispensaries — 2 Licensees

Legal Disclaimer: This information reflects Hawaii cannabis law as of April 2026 and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current rules with the Hawaii Department of Health — OMCCR or a qualified attorney. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Last verified: March 2026 · DOH Dispensary Directory

The Big Island (Hawaii Island) is the largest island in the Hawaiian chain — bigger than all other Hawaiian islands combined. It is served by two licensed dispensaries, each operating multiple retail locations. Because distances on the Big Island are significant, knowing where dispensaries are located is especially important for planning your visit.

Hawaii Big Island volcanic landscape — The Big Island — where volcanic landscapes meet limited cannabis access. Photo: Unsplash (free license)

Both Big Island dispensaries are vertically integrated, cultivating, processing, and selling their own products. The island's diverse climate zones, from tropical coastlines to volcanic highlands, create unique growing conditions that each dispensary takes advantage of in their cultivation operations.

329 Card Required for All Purchases

Every Big Island dispensary requires a valid 329 card or 329V visitor card. No walk-in recreational purchases are allowed. Visitors can apply for a 329V card online at medmj.ehawaii.gov up to 60 days before arrival.

Hawaiian Ethos — Multiple Locations

Hawaiian Ethos operates multiple retail locations on the Big Island, serving patients across the Hilo and Kona sides of the island. Their vertically integrated operation produces a full range of products including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and vape cartridges.

Big Island Grown — Multiple Locations

Big Island Grown has multiple retail locations serving patients in the major population centers. Like Hawaiian Ethos, they carry flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and vape cartridges from their own cultivation and processing facilities.

Between the two licensees, Big Island patients have access to dispensaries on both the east (Hilo) and west (Kona) sides of the island, though patients in more remote areas such as Ka'u, North Kohala, or Hamakua should plan for a longer drive.

Distances Matter on the Big Island

Unlike Oahu or Maui, the Big Island's sheer size means travel between towns can take well over an hour. The drive from Hilo to Kona is approximately 2.5 hours via the northern route (Highway 19) or the southern route (Highway 11). Plan your dispensary visit around your location on the island rather than assuming a quick trip.

Expungement Progress

In 2024, Hawaii County participated in an expungement pilot program that cleared 1,321 cannabis-related records in Hawaii County alone. This is part of Hawaii's broader effort to address the impact of prior cannabis enforcement on local communities.

Practical Tips for Big Island Patients

Payment: Cash and debit cards accepted at most locations. Credit cards generally not accepted due to federal banking restrictions. ATMs available on-site.
Purchase limit: 4 ounces per 15-day period, tracked electronically across all dispensaries statewide.
Products: Flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals, vape cartridges.
Tax: Standard GET of 4.5% (includes the 0.5% Hawaii County surcharge).
Hours: Hours vary by location. Check each dispensary's website for current hours before visiting.

Federal Land on the Big Island

The Big Island has significant federal land where cannabis is illegal regardless of your 329 card status. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa summits) and Pohakuloa Training Area (a large military installation in the island's interior) are both federal property. Do not bring cannabis onto any federal land. See our federal land warning.

Getting to Dispensaries on the Big Island

The Big Island has very limited public transit (the Hele-On Bus), so a rental car is essentially required. If you are flying into Hilo (ITO), dispensaries on the east side are closest. If you arrive at Kona (KOA), head to west side locations. Do not underestimate Big Island drive times — even with light traffic, getting from one side to the other takes a significant part of the day.

Big Island Dispensaries