If you want some thrilling adventure around vastly diverse landscapes and beaches, let’s plan a trip around the Big Island. Hawai’i is the largest of the eight Hawaiian islands, which is why it’s called the Big Island. From the snowy alpine summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to the lush rainforests along the Hamakua Coast and the Kilauea Volcano, The Big Island offers everything from a wide range of activities and geological wonders; for you to explore.
It’s a special place to spend your vacation, as it’s rich with natural and cultural treasures that you’d be excited to experience. One of the most exciting things is that the Big Island of Hawai’i is one of the least-touristed islands of Hawaii. Each area boasts unique opportunities for you to explore and enjoy. So what are you waiting for? In this article, I’ve highlighted the best things for you to do on the Big Island!
Discover the Island’s Best Beaches
One of the main reasons a person visits Hawaii is because of its pristine beaches. Let’s start with the top beaches you should not miss on your trip to the Big Island.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
It is one of the most famous black sand beaches in the world. You can visit this beach for its picture-taking potential. For one thing, the onyx-tinted sand here owes its unique color to the ongoing volcanic activity of Kilauea in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Ideally, it’s not a good beach to enjoy swimming, as it’s too rough and rocky, but you might catch a glimpse of honu(Hawaiian green sea turtles) and Hawksbill sea turtles from time to time.
Anaeho’omalu Beach
One of the Kohala Coast’s premier beaches, Anaeho’omalu Beach is a favorite destination for frequent visitors of the Big Island. You can call the beach A-Bay, and you‘ll be able to enjoy water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking in the calm waters. There are a lot of dining options and chai rentals near the beach, as it’s a family-friendly beach you can just sit back and enjoy the blue waters, and calm your spirit.
Kauna’oa (Mauna Kea) Beach
If you’re looking to spend most of the day on a beach, I’d recommend you to visit the Kauna’oa beach as it’s one the Hawai’i’s most picturesque white sand beaches. The highlight is the eggshell-colored sand on the beach, and it is located on the central Kohala coast. You can enjoy snorkeling here, at either end of the beach also try having fun with a volleyball game.
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna means “spring of life” in Hawaiian. Hapuna is one of the most loved beaches in all of Hawai’i. It is located on the South Kohala coast, it boasts soft, white sand and lovely aquamarine waters, and this is where you can see unbelievable sunsets. It is famous for its calm waters most of the time except in wintertime when the tide might be too rough for swimming. But you might spot migrating whales from the shore.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Exploring green sand beaches is a must-thing to do on the Big Island. Papakolea is truly one of those places where the pictures you take don’t do justice to how mesmerizing the green sand is in real life. You can just enjoy the beach as it’s one of the only four green sand beaches in the entire world. The water around the beach is beautiful and calm, and you can just simply enjoy hiking around the Papakolea Trail to enjoy more greenery.
Explore the Island’s Natural Wonders
Here are some things to do for you to explore the Big Island’s natural wonders.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
It is one of the most unique national parks in the US and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are two active volcanoes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. But Kilauea is the real “must-see”, as it is a 4000-foot tall mountain, and it has been active since January 3, 1983. In 2018, it erupted in the Puna District residential area, destroying more than 700 homes. It has erupted recently as of January 5, 2023, and has paused its eruption. You can visit the Kilauea Visitor Center for up-to-date information on trails, safety precautions, and whether there is an active lava flow before your trip.
Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour
If you love stargazing, Hawai’i has spots that will blow your mind. The stargazing experience gets much better at the summit of Maunakea. Here, there’s a little light pollution, and the summit’s dark skies allow gazers to spot the multitude of stars and constellations. There is a dormant volcano there, which is one of the top 10 places for stargazing. At 13,803 feet, Maunakea is home to the world’s largest telescopes which scientists use to study the universe. You might need a four-wheel drive vehicle to traverse the gravel road. But I promise you, just being under millions of little sparkling stars is once in a lifetime moment, and you sure don’t want to miss this opportunity!
Snorkel with Manta Rays
Manta rays frequent the waters off the coast of Kailua Kona and just this attracts a lot of tourists to the Big Island of Hawai’i. It is going to be an incredible natural encounter of your whole life. You can see that there are floodlights positioned to attract plankton into the coastal waters off Kona, where snorkelers and divers can observe manta rays in a feeding frenzy. You can enjoy the manta ray night snorkel excursion tours in the main sites: Manta Village and Manta Heaven.
Akaka Falls State Park
The eastern side of the Big Island is wet, receiving around 120-170 inches of rainfall annually, so you’ll find lush tropical rainforests, massive waterfalls, and high ocean cliffs along valleys. Akaka Falls is easily the most famous waterfall on the island and is very easy to reach for tourists. The state park is located on the northeastern Hilo coast and offers a 0.4-mile hike that will take you through the rainforest where you can see beautiful bamboo groves, huge ferns, and wild orchids. Plummeting 422 feet, you can see the waterfall as you approach the parking lot.
Kealakekua Bay
It is considered one of the most peaceful turquoise bays you may ever experience in Hawai’i. Kealakeku means “Pathway of the God” in Hawaii, and here is where the Makahiki festival was held to celebrate Lono the God of Fertility. Kealakekua is also regarded as Hawaii’s top snorkel spot and has been protected as the Big Island’s only underwater state park.
One interesting story regarding Captain Cook’s arrival was that he was mistaken as the God Lono by Hawaiians, and he was showered with gifts and adorations. You can access the bay by boat and the bay can be a relatively private site to explore all sorts of wildlife through snorkeling. Give yourself some time to indulge in the diversity of marine life. You can also see the Captain Cook Monument where he later died in a battle onshore with Hawaiians.
Kaumana Caves
Kaumana caves are perfect for those who love enjoying the underrated tourist sites. It was originally formed in 1881 by lava flow from Mauna Loa, the caves are now accessible to visitors by a metal ladder. With over two miles of winding paths that were formed from volcanic acidity, you’ll need flashlights and great hiking boots, maybe a rain jacket or headlamp to explore this region further. But if you need some adrenaline hike, these caves are the perfect spot as they can be wet, dark, and muddy making it more mysterious.
Pololu Valley Lookout
If you want a satisfied hike; consider the magnificent Pololu Valley Lookout, located in North Kohala. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the lush green Pololu Valley, and the island’s northeastern coast after the trail. The Highway 270 road just ends at the lookout, where you can find a small parking lot, and can start your hiking from there.
So, don’t forget to wear suitable shoes and bring plenty of water, as there are reviewers who say the views afforded from the hiking trail are better than those on the lookout.
Captain Cook Memorial
Captain Cook Memorial is the Cook Monument: a 27-foot obelisk that was erected in 1874. This is where he was killed in 1779 after a fight broke out between Hawaiians and Westerners. The monument stands on the shore of Kealakekua Bay. Today this is a popular snorkeling site, you can reach hear by boat tour, kayak, or by hiking the steep Ka’awaloa Trail. But you’ll have to pack your own snorkeling gear and water shoes, also if you’re coming through the 4-mile round hike trip, please bring hiking shoes, and sunscreen as there’s no shade along the trail, also bottles with plenty of water.
Things To Do on Big Island
Explore Kailua-Kona
Located on the west side of Hawai’i, Kailua Kona is a popular tourist destination with lots of restaurants, shops, and hotels along Ali’l Drive. The town is called Kailua, and the largest district part of it is called the Kona. The locals call it Kona, which also includes the surrounding area. To not confuse the tourists with the Kailua on Oahu, this one is referred to as Kailua-Kona. There are also various historical sites in this region including, Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. If you venture further inland, you’ll find the world-famous Kona Coffee plantations. You can also go for a Kona Coffee Tour, and taste one too! The Kona coffee is grown in perfect conditions in Kona on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai. An interesting tip, if you’re a coffee lover, come for The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival held every November in Kona.
Spend Time in Hilo
Hilo is the island’s largest city and you should spend some time there to experience the island’s rich culture and heritage. You can attend Hilo Farmers Market, where you can get everything from locally grown produce to fresh seafood, handicrafts, to clothing in downtown Hilo.
You can also enjoy some poke and shaved ice while you browse to find unique items like wood carvings or jade jewelry. You can also explore the bayfront in downtown Hilo, to see some of the best local shops that Hilo has to offer
Hulihe’e Palace
If you’re looking for a historic day out, you should visit Hulihe’e Palace, which sits on bustling Ali’i Drive. This was originally built out of lava rock, and the palace was home to more members of Hawaiian royalty than any other residence in Hawai’i. This is turned into a museum, and the palace has been preserved by the Daughters of Hawai’i to ensure the history of Hawai’i and its language are well documented and preserved. You can explore Koa wood furniture, artifacts from the King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi’olani era, historic portraits, and artwork such as kapa, featherwork, and Hawaiian quilts.
Visit Waimea
Waimea is a charming town on the Kohala Coast, where you can visit to experience its local cuisine and art scene. You can have some of the island’s best ice creams in Hawi. Waimea is where a lot of cattle and sheep are raised, and thus is home to wide pastures that stretch for miles. You can also take a guided tour to explore the island’s many small towns and villages, including Volcano Village and Pahoa. Try to witness the petrified trees at the Lava Trees State Park in Puna, and eat lunch at the Volcano House.
Experience the Island’s Culture and History
Try Mai Tai
When you visit the Big Island, you won’t find a restaurant that doesn’t offer the incredible Mai Tai. The Mai Tai is a cocktail, that is usually accompanied by a fresh slice of pineapple. The popular Mai Tai contains rum, grenadine, lime juice, and possibly spearmint. The Mai Tai was introduced in Hawaii in 1953 and is now one of the most famous Tiki drinks in the world.
Hawaiian Poke
If you consider skipping a bowl of poke(pronounced as POH-keh) in Hawaii, you’re missing yourself a treat. Poke means “to slice” in Hawaiian. A poke is essentially a bowl with rice, diced raw fish, accompanied by fresh onion and soy sauce, and other side dishes. The fish is sliced raw and mixed in all sorts of combinations with limu(seaweed), sesame oil, shoyu(soy sauce), chili pepper, and sea salt. It’s an iconic Hawaiian cuisine and you can try it from top restaurants at Kona or Hilo. My favorite Ahi Poke is from Umeke’s and Da Poke Shack.
Enjoy Hula Performance
You can always see authentic hula performances that focus on storytelling in a unique and beautiful way. The stories are told in the Hawaiian language and are usually with intercalary narration by the storyteller. You will definitely enjoy this session often with students from hula schools in Hawaii. This is one of the most to-do things to do in Hawaii.
Lyman Museum and Mission House
At the Lyman Museum and Mission House, visitors can explore exhibits on volcanoes, view gem and mineral displays, admire Hawaiian artifacts, and learn about the history of the Big Island. This Smithsonian Affiliate, established in 1971, features artifacts, archives, natural history exhibits, and a gift shop. Next door is the Mission House, built in the late 1830s and once owned by David and Sarah Lyman, missionaries from New England. Inside, visitors can find furniture, tools, household items, and artifacts used by the Lymans and other early missionary families.
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau
While exploring the Kona side of the Big Island, you can visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, also known as “The Refuge.” In ancient times, if a Hawaiian broke a kapu (one of the sacred Hawaiian laws), this was the place where they sought refuge or immunity. Today, you can admire impressive walls made of lava rock, seamlessly fitted together without mortar, and see reconstructions of ancient Hawaiian houses, known as hale.
Attend a Traditional Luau
If you want to fully embrace the Hawaiian spirit, attending a luau is one of the essential steps. You’ll witness a traditional pig roast over an open fire, tiki torches lighting up the atmosphere, and enjoy incredible Hawaiian cuisine while taking in a breathtaking Hawaiian sunset.
Have a Big Island Farm Tour
As you can see, there are so many different varieties of farms on the Big Island: Coffee, tea, chocolate, vanilla, macadamia nuts, and wineries. So, never miss out on an opportunity to experience this feeling of having a personal tour and making a delicious snack of say chocolate covered in macadamia nuts.
Plan Your Trip
To plan your trip around the Big Island, I’d suggest you book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. You can connect with Ohana Hawaii Tours to have a perfect itinerary to explore the whole island. You can enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and relaxation time. I’ll also kindly remind you to pack accordingly, including comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. You can consider renting a car to explore the island’s many scenic drives and viewpoints. But in some places, a four-wheeler drive is suggested by tourists rather than a rented car.
And please, when traveling in Hawaii, you can swear off Plastic. You can take refillable water bottles and reusable shopping bags, and don’t buy items that come in single-use plastics. As a considerate tourist or visitor, please help keep the islands clean as Hawaii no longer recycles plastic or paper!
FAQs
What is the #1 thing to do in Big Island, Hawaii?
Kilauea is a top attraction for many visitors to Hawaii, with tourists often praising its magnificence, whether or not lava is visible. Meanwhile, Mauna Loa, known as the “Long Mountain,” holds a legendary reputation. Although not particularly tall, Kilauea occasionally boasts snow-capped peaks, rising to an impressive 13,681 feet.
What is the prettiest part of the Big Island of Hawaii?
Waipio Valley on the Big Island offers breathtaking scenery, featuring towering green mountains, lush valleys, and a secluded black sand beach surrounded by trees. It’s truly a remarkable sight to behold.
Is Hilo or Kona better?
Choosing between Kona and Hilo often comes down to your budget and preferences. If you’re drawn to rainforests and hiking trails, Hilo could be your ideal destination. On the other hand, Kona provides excellent hotel options, often with discounts, and a more temperate climate.