Most commonly known as The Big Island, the island of Hawaii is the largest Hawaiian island in the archipelago. Renowned for its diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty, The Big Island is peppered with variety from white-sand beaches to snow-capped mountains. The Big Island offers a range of activities and attractions for travellers of all ages and interests with the great outdoors and beauty of Hawaiian nature at the heart of what this magnificent island has to offer.
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Boasting some of the most unique landscapes in the world, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the star attraction of the Big Island. Home to two volcanoes including Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Volcanoes National Park is big, bold and beautiful with dramatic and diverse scenery. This phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage Site has over 150 miles of hiking trails taking you through volcanic craters, scorched desert land and the heart of the rainforest. The Kilauea Visitor Center is an excellent starting point with ranger-guided activities, educational talks and access to maps of the park’s hiking trails. With regular eruptions, if Kilauea is erupting during your visit, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the glowing molten lava on a lava tour or from a public viewing area.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Climb the Mauna Kea Summit
The dormant volcano of Mauna Kea has so much to offer and is a special place on the island. The summit of Mauna Kea is sacred for Hawaiian natives and serves as a physical embodiment of the deities of Hawaiian culture. This relatively untouched peak boasts spectacular views across the island and with no artificial lighting, Mauna Kea summit is an excellent spot for stargazing with numerous telescopes to check out the constellations. Plus, the summit is the highest point in the state of Hawaii making it the best place to witness the sunset. If measured from the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is higher than Mount Everest so expect high altitude and make a stop at the visitor’s centre halfway up to acclimatise.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Visit Black Sand Beach
Volcanic islands are renowned for boasting black sand beaches and no beach is more beautiful than the Big Island’s famous Black Sand Beach. Officially named Punalu’u Beach, this magnificent beach was created by the island’s volcanic activity. As molten lava reaches the ocean and cools, it explodes into millions of tiny particles creating phenomenal black sand beaches. Not only is Black Sand Beach a unique and picturesque location, it is also excellent for swimming with calm waters at low tide and the chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in the sun.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Discover Green Sand Beach
One of only two green sand beaches in the United States, Hawaii’s Green Sand Beach is a spectacle that must be seen to be believed. Papakolea Beach, known simply as Green Sand Beach, is a mystical stretch of sand carved into a cinder cone created by Mauna Kea. The sand is a mixture of pure white sand, volcanic black sand and olivine crystals washed out of the cinder cone that gives the beach its greenish hue. This unique beach is a must-visit on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Browse Hilo Farmers Market
Showcasing over 200 traders twice-weekly selling artisanal food, local produce and handmade crafts, Hilo Farmers Market offers the Big Island’s best and largest market days. Here you can sample fresh fruits, purchase tropical Hawaiian flowers and shop for souvenirs in addition to trying homemade local dishes and admiring the creation of Hawaiian art vendors. Hilo Farmers Market has a little bit of everything with a little introductory taste of the islands during a visit to Hawaii.
Hours: Daily 7am-3pm
Price: Free
Head to Rainbow Falls
Located in Wailuku River State Park, the 100-foot Rainbow Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls on the Big Island. Just a short walk from the car park, Rainbow Falls is a quick and easy tick on the bucket list but one that is a must-see. This particular waterfall is shrouded in legend as the waters flow over a lava cave said to be home to the Hawaiian Goddess Hina, the Goddess of the moon. If you head to the falls early in the morning, you are likely to see a beautiful rainbow dancing through the flowing water, a breathtaking landscape with a magical aura.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Enjoy a Manta Ray Night Snorkel
For those who love to explore the underwater world, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel is undoubtedly one of the top highlights of the Big Island. Highly regarded as one of the most memorable ocean experiences on Earth, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel offers an immersion into the world of the only Manta Rays on the planet that engage in night feeding. Enjoy a close up encounter with Kona’s Manta Rays as they feed on the plankton attracted to the lights you carry. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is one of the best things to do on the Big Island.
Hours: Varies by operator
Price: Varies by operator
Hike to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
This historic corner of the Big Island is the location of the first contact between Hawaiian natives and Westerners when Captain James Cook arrived on the island in 1779. The Captain Cook Monument can be accessed by hike or kayak, one of Hawaii’s major landmarks honouring the life of one of the world’s greatest explorers and his untimely death at this spot. On the east side of Kealakekua Bay is where Hikiau Heiau can be found, an ancient Hawaiian temple dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian God of agriculture and prosperity.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Relax in the Pohoiki Hot Springs
One of the Big Island’s most diverse locations, Isaac Hale Beach Park, has had a major landscape overhaul in recent years. Following the 2018’s eruption of Kilauea, the island’s newest beach was formed, Pohoiki Black Sand Beach, and numerous thermal ponds were also created. The collapsed lava tubes of Pohoiki Hot Springs are warmed by volcanic activity creating a perfect bathing temperature. The volcanic waters are popular for their healing energy and tranquil spots surrounded by the magnificent Hawaiian rainforest
Hours: Daily 7am-7pm
Price: Free
Go below at Kaumana Caves
Head into the volcanic heart of Hawaii as you descend into the magnificent caves formed by the Mauna Loa eruption in 1881. This dynamic, underground landscape is a hidden gem on the edge of Hilo with a dramatic skylight opening up to showcase the surrounding rainforest. Whilst many areas of caves are inaccessible due to protection and private property, visitors can explore up to two miles of this majestic underground formation.
Hours: Daily 8am-8pm
Price: Free
The Big Island of Hawaii offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to explore. From exploring volcanic landscapes to swimming with manta rays and relaxing on white-sand beaches, the Big Island has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture or adventure, the Big Island is sure to provide a memorable and unforgettable experience.
