The Big Island of Hawaii, also known as Hawaii Island, is the largest and most diverse Hawaiian island and is home to a wide range of natural wonders and cultural attractions. The island’s diverse landscapes range from snow-capped volcanic mountains to lush rainforests and volcanic deserts, which is why Big Island tours are in such high demand.
Big Island is often underrated in comparison to Oahu and Maui, but it has many unique attractions like active volcanoes, sacred valleys, rainforests, waterfalls, unique green, black, and white sand beaches, and historic sites that should be part of your Big Island itinerary.
10 best things to do in Big Island
Big Island offers a wide range of things to do for people of all abilities. Kona town on the western region of Big Island is a popular base for tourists and there are several activities in and near Kona.
Here are some of the top things to do on the Big Island:
1. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular and unique things to do in Big Island. Volcanoes park is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, and offers visitors the chance to witness the awe-inspiring power of volcanic activity up close.
In Volcanoes park you can hike through lava fields, explore lava tubes, and take scenic drives through the park. The park also offers opportunities for camping, backpacking, and stargazing.
You can visit the Volcanoes park yourself or take a volcano tour from Kona. Taking a helicopter tour of the volcanoes is also a great option to see stunning aerial views of the volcanoes and rainforests of the Big Island.
The Volcanoes park has many features to witness volcanic activity, including lava flows, steam vents, and volcanic craters. The Kilauea Iki trail is the most unique hike here that is just around 3 miles, but you will walk through a lava crater floor and lush rainforest. You even get to walk inside a really cool Thurston lava tube at the end of this hike.
The active Kilauea volcano can be seen erupting from various viewpoints and overlooks throughout the park. If you stay after dark you can sometimes see the red lava glow or you can participate in stargazing.
2. Enjoy the white sand beaches
Big Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The western region of Big Island has some of the best beaches and there are several world-class Big Island resorts built around these beaches.
Hapuna beach is one of the most popular family-friendly beaches on Big Island. This beach is located on the Kohala Coast and is known for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is more than half a mile long and has plenty of room to spread out and relax.
Mauna Kea beach is another great white sand beach near Hapuna beach. Maniniowali Beach and Makalawena Beach are popular white sand beaches on the Kona coast. Several of these beaches are also great snorkeling spots and you can often spot turtles and tropical fish swimming in the clear waters.
3. Snorkel with the Manta Rays
The waters surrounding the Big Island are home to an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish. Snorkeling with the Manta rays is a bucket list activity and can be only experienced on Big Island. It is an incredible opportunity to witness the beauty and grace of these gentle giants up close and should not be missed!
One of the most popular spots for snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island is Keauhou Bay, located just south of Kailua-Kona. You can take part in guided snorkeling tours that allow you to swim with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The tours usually take place at night, as this is when the manta rays come to the surface to feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights.
Some other popular snorkeling and diving spots on Big Island include Kealakekua Bay, Puako Bay, and Kahaluu Beach.
The Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay is a very popular snorkeling spot that can be accessed by boat tour. The bay at Captain Cook Monument offers crystal-clear water with an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins. You can explore the coral reefs and see a variety of underwater creatures up close.
4. Visit the sacred Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley is a stunning and remote area located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is sacred to the people of Hawaii. The valley is surrounded by towering cliffs and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery on the island.
To access Waipio Valley, you can take a guided tour down the steep and winding road that leads to the valley floor. It is no longer possible to drive down the valley yourself in a rental car. The valley has breathtaking views of rainforests and waterfalls and is home to a remote black sand beach. You will also see some wildlife like horses in the valley.
There is a lookout at the entrance of the Waipio valley that provides a glimpse of its stunning scenery and the black sand beach should you choose not to take a tour of the valley.
5. See the stunning waterfalls in Hilo
Hilo, located on the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, receives a lot of rainfall and is known for its stunning waterfalls that cascade down the lush green mountainsides.
The most stunning falls are the Akaka Falls at Akaka falls state park. This towering waterfall is over 400 feet tall and is surrounded by lush tropical greenery. You can take a short easy hike through the park to view the waterfall from several different vantage points, including a lookout that provides a stunning view of the entire waterfall.
Another popular waterfall is Rainbow Falls, located just a short drive from downtown Hilo. This majestic waterfall is over 80 feet tall and is named for the rainbow that appears in the mist created by the falling water on sunny days. This waterfall viewpoint is easily accessible from the parking lot.
While in Hilo, make sure to explore the Hilo downtown area and Hilo farmer’s market. Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo is a beautiful Japanese garden that features a large pond, pagodas, and traditional Japanese bridges.
6. Explore the Historic sites
The Big Island has a rich cultural history, and you can learn about the island’s past by visiting historic sites such as the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the Lapakahi State Historical Park, and the Captain Cook Monument.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park was considered a place of Refuge and is home to a variety of historical sites, including temples, fishing shrines, and sacred burial grounds. It is a really serene place to explore in Kona, with great coastal views.
The various exhibits can be explored by an easy stroll along the coast. You can occasionally spot sea turtles here resting on the beach.
7. Hike the unique green sand beach
Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a unique natural wonder located on the southern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii.
It is one of only four green sand beaches in the world and a very unique thing to do on Big Island. The beach gets its distinctive green color from a mineral called olivine, which is found in the surrounding volcanic rock.
To access the beach, you must either take a long hike or ride in a four-wheel-drive vehicle for several miles along the rugged coastline. The hike is approximately three miles long each way and can be challenging, especially in the hot sun. However, the payoff is well worth it once you arrive at the beach.
Once you reach Papakolea Beach, you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the green sand. The water here can be rough and there are no lifeguards here so be cautious when swimming. Keep in mind that there are no facilities or amenities on the beach, so it’s important to bring everything you need with you, including food, water, and sunscreen.
8. Experience Stargazing at Mauna Kea summit
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island, and it is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. At an elevation of over 13,000 feet, the summit of Mauna Kea offers a clear view of the night sky with minimal light pollution, making it the ideal location for stargazing.
The drive to the summit is challenging and up a winding, unpaved road that requires a 4-wheel drive. It is best to take a stargazing tour to Mauna Kea summit and leave the driving to the experts.
Altitude sickness is common, so these tours let you acclimate at the Mauna Kea visitor center which is at 9,200 feet. The tours also provide access to telescopes and other stargazing equipment.
On a clear night, the summit offers a stunning view of the night sky and you can observe stars, planets, and constellations.
Kids under 13 are not allowed to go to the summit for stargazing because of altitude sickness. You can still stargaze from the Mauna Kea visitor center which is at a lower elevation and can be accessed with a regular car.
Remember to bring warm layers as it is very cold at the Mauna Kea summit and even at the Visitor Center!
9. Visit the Punaluu Black Sand beach
Punaluu Black Sand Beach, located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii and is known for its stunning scenery and unique black sand.
The black sand is made of fragments of volcanic rocks created by erosion. The contrast of the black sand against the blue waters of the ocean will definitely mesmerize you!
The beach is a popular nesting ground for green sea turtles, and you can often see them basking in the sun on the sand or swimming in the water! It’s important to keep a safe distance from the turtles and not disturb them in any way, as they are a protected species.
Punaluu Beach is located near the town of Naalehu and is easily accessible by car. There is a parking lot near the beach, but it can get crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.
10. Visit a Kona Coffee farm and Cacao farm
If you’re a coffee lover, a visit to a Kona coffee farm is an experience you shouldn’t miss. The Big Island is known for its delicious Kona coffee, and you can learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the island’s best brews by visiting a coffee farm.
Most Kona coffee farms on the Big Island offer tours of their grounds and processing facility. On a coffee tour, you can expect to learn about the history of Kona coffee and observe the coffee trees and harvesting process.
You can also tour the processing facility where the harvested coffee beans are sorted, dried, roasted, and packaged. Finally, you get to sample some delicious Kona coffee blends and then shop for some gifts to take home!
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation and Greenwell Farms are some of the best coffee farms in the Big Island that offer tours of their facilities.
Additionally, you can also tour a cacao farm and learn about how cacao beans are processed into fine chocolate. Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory is a popular cacao farm that offers tours. This is a great family-friendly thing to do in Kona and everyone will enjoy sampling the delicious types of chocolates!
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the volcanos, rainforests, valleys, and hikes, or immerse yourself in the island’s rich cultural heritage, the Big Island of Hawaii is a truly unique and unforgettable destination.
With so many amazing things to do in Big Island you are sure to have an epic Hawaii vacation!
Author Bio: Anu Agarwal
Anu, despite having a full-time job, loves to vacation with her family to destinations all over the world. She is obsessed with doing endless research for her trips. She has been to several destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and India. With her vacation travel blog Destination Checkoff, Anu is excited to share her destination itineraries and travel guides, and help you check those dream destinations off your list!
