The Big Island of Hawaii, officially known as Hawaii Island, is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is a place of stunning natural diversity, beauty, and vibrant culture. From lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and barren lava fields, to pristine beaches and historical sites, the island offers a plethora of activities for all types of travelers.
Here are the top 20 things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii:
Big Island of Hawaii offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados alike.
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Explore the dynamic landscape shaped by ongoing volcanic activity. Witness the awe-inspiring Kilauea (one of the most active volcanoes globally) and Mauna Loa, and hike through volcanic craters and lush rainforests. Drive the Chain of Craters Road for dramatic views and to the sea arch. Walk through the Nāku (Thurston) 500 year old lava tube formed by flowing lava. The lava tube is a very cool underground tunnel which was once a channel for molten lava to pass through. Hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail After a short descent through rainforest to the crater floor, you can walk along the base which is a solidified lava lake from an earlier eruption.
- Snorkel and/or scuba dive the Kona Coast – The Kona and Kohala Coast on the west side of the island offers the best snorkeling and diving sites. Dive into crystal clear waters and swim alongside colorful tropical fish and perhaps even dolphins. Day octopuses are very commonly seen in these waters as well. Tour operators will take you out to some of the best places off the coast to enjoy the beautiful turquoise blue water that is only accessible by boat.
- Go Stargazing at Mauna Kea Summit – Home to some of the world’s best telescopes, Mauna Kea’s summit offers one of the best stargazing experiences on the planet due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. A visit to its summit is a must for avid stargazers that visit the island.
- Tour Coffee Plantations in Kona – Learn about the coffee-making process and taste some of the freshest coffee straight from Kona’s famous plantations. This is a great to sample the legendary Kona coffee, wander around the farm, and learn about coffee production.
- Hike to Akaka Falls – A short and scenic hike will lead you to the spectacular Akaka Falls, a 442-foot (135m) tall waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. This waterfall is located just a few miles outside of Hilo along the Hāmākua Coast. Go early because it gets busy.
- Explore Pololū Valley – Situated at the far northern tip of the island, the lookout provides stunning panoramic views of ocean, cliffs, valley, and beach. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the rugged terrain formed by volcanic activity and erosion over time. From the lookout, a steep and somewhat challenging trail leads down to Pololū Beach. This hike is roughly 0.6 miles one way and can take approximately 20-30 minutes, descending trough a lush forest before reaching the valley floor. The beautiful beach is an excellent spot for a picnic and relaxation. However, swimming is dangerous here and should not be attempted due to the strong currents and rough surf. A trail continues on the eastern side of the beach, leading up into the neighboring valley, which provides mores stunning views and a deeper sense of isolation.
- See Punalu’u Black Sand Beach – This is the most famous and popular black sand beach on the Big Island. The sand is exotic jet black in color created over time from the lava flows generated on this island. Hawaiian sea turtles are often seen here basking in the sun.
- See Dolphins In The Wild – in a safe and respectful way. Spinner dolphins are the smallest and most commonly observed on the Big Island. The best time to see dolphins is usually early in the morning after they come in from hunting all night. Dolphins are nocturnal creatures, they go offshore to find food to hunt and eat at night. Then they return in the morning to sleep in the bays and shallow spots. Watching them leap out of the air and spin is a joyful experience.
- Paddle Board or Kayak – Paddle along the scenic Hilo and Kona coastlines to enjoy views of the coastline and Mauna Kea in the distance. This is especially enjoyable in the morning when the ocean is calm and the sun is rising.
- Explore Lava Tubes – Discover the natural wonder of lava tubes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the Kaumana Caves just outside of Hilo. Lava tubes were formed many years ago from active flowing lava that moved beneath the hardened surface of a lava flow. The end result is a tube/cave. The most well known lava tube is Nāhuku or commonly known as Thurston Lava Tube. This 500 year old lava tube is located in Volcanoes National Park and is the most easily accessible of the lava tubes on the Big Island. Plus, the ceiling is so high that it is easy to walk around.
- Night Dive or Snorkel with Manta Rays – Experience the thrill of swimming with manta rays at night while they gracefully feed on plankton. These gentle giants have a wingspan of 18 feet and they appear to glide around the water. The activity is done at night because lights attract the plankton, which attracts the manta rays. This is an unforgettable nighttime adventure and a very unique thing to do on the Big Island of Hawai’i.
- Watch Humpback Whales – Watch these majestic animals from either shore or a boat during whale season. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii December to March. Some arrive earlier and some stay around into April. January and February are the most reliable months to observe these gentle giants. These whales are here to mate, give birth, and care for whale calves.
- Check Out Historical Hilo Town – Wander through Hilo’s charming downtown, featuring a mix of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings like the Lyman Museum and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Plus, the Hilo Farmer’s Market is fantastic and is known as one of the best open air markets in Hawai’i. It is a fun place to find unique treats and treasures such as tropical flowers, locally grown food, tropical fruit, handmade jewelry, locally grown coffee, and island jam to name a few finds.
- Go Horseback Riding in Waimea – Explore the rolling green hills of Waimea on horseback, a region known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture.
- Explore gorgeous beaches along the Kona Coast – Relax on the white sands of Hapuna Beach. This stunning beach is the largest white sand beach on the Big Island and it is easy to access. Find the Green Sand Beach at Papakōlea, which is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. This beach is more remote and requires a hike along a rough trail. This island is full of spectacular and unique beaches.
- Explore the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens – Visit gardens like the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (include link please https://htbg.com near Hilo to see some of the world’s most exotic plants in lush settings. There is over a mile of paved trails lined with thousands of rare and endangered plants. It contains bridges, mountain-fed streams, and gorgous views of Onomea Bay along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.
- Try Hawaiian Regional Cuisine – Sample dishes made with locally sourced ingredients that blend traditional Hawaiian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Visitors can indulge in the island’s culinary delights, from fresh seafood to tropical fruits, while exploring charming towns like Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Look for poke bowls, malasadas, haupia ice cream, loco moco, and mai tais to name several unique treats.
- Visit a Cacao Plantation–Taste the delicious locally made chocolate. Hawaii is the only state in the US that Theobroma cacao– the chocolate tree grows. Touring a cacao farm is the perfect place to learn how chocolate is made. A delicious and fun experience.
- Tour Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park- https://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm (include link). Exploring this park is one of the top things to do on the west side of the Big Island and an excellent way to experience traditional Hawaiian culture. Located on the rugged and beautiful south Kona coast, the ‘place of refuge’ or ‘city of refuge’ was a safe haven for those that broke the laws, which in old Hawaii were punishable by death. If you reached the Puʻuhonua, you would be pardoned by Kahuna and given a second chance at life. So much history is contained in this park. Visitors can walk through the park on a self-guided tour on a 0.5 mile trail.
- Volunteer and Give Back-This is a great way to experience Hawai’i on a much deeper level. Numerous organizations offer opportunities for visitors to pay it forward, like beach clean-ups, native tree planting, taking a shelter dog on a field trip, and more. The Mālama Hawaiʻi Program (add link please https://www.gohawaii.com/malama), offers special discounts or even a free night from a participating hotel when participating in its dedicated volunteer activity.
With its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and endless activities, the Big Island of Hawaii offers a unique experience that goes beyond the typical beach vacation. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or someone looking to relax and take in the local culture, the Big Island has something special for you. I hope this guide helps you find things to do on the Big Island of Hawai’i and create your own itinerary for an incredible visit to his breathtaking Hawaiian Island.
