Visiting Hawaii’s Big Island? You’ll have plenty to do there! While we chose to visit the Big Island to go diving, we enjoyed so many more activities. Use this guide to plan your trip!
Here are my top 10 recommended things to do on the Big Island.
1. Swim at a Beach
Of course, you have to visit a beach! And there are plenty on the Big Island, including ones with black and green sand. Here are some of the most popular beaches:
- Kua Bay
- Black Sand Beaches – Kahalu’u, Punalu’u or Kiholo
- Hapuna State Park
- Kona Beaches: Magic Sands, Kua Bay, and Kekaha Kai
- ‘Anaeho’omalu Beach
- Papakōlea Beach – green sand beach
- Honoli’i Beach – for surfers
2. Summit Mauna Kea
This was my favorite experience on the trip! Seeing the starry night sky on top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii, was an unforgettable tour. You’ll drive to the 14,000 ft peak, watch the sunset, and then see some incredible things through a telescope. Read more in this post.
3. Take a Hike
With mild temperatures, you’ll be able to enjoy hiking on the Big Island. Here are some recommended hikes:
- Makalawena Beach – beach hike
- Akka Falls State Park – waterfall hike
- Kalopa State Park – rainforest hike
- Waipi’o Valley Trail
- Papakolea Green Sand Beach
- Hawaii Volcano National Park
- Laupahoehoe Beach Park (pictured below)
4. Learn About Hawaii History and Culture
Hawaii is like no other state in the U.S. There is a rich culture that should be recognized and celebrated by visitors. Here are three ways to do that:
- Eat local food. Lau lau, haupia pie, poke…these are just a few of the things to enjoy! Take a look at this post about eating and drinking in Hawaii for all the info.
- Go to a luau. These can be pricey ($120-160 per person) but it is a celebration featuring traditional food and dance. Most hotels host these weekly.
- Visit Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park. You’ll learn about history and traditions here. (pictured below)
5. See a Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Another big draw to the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. While we were very sad to miss the eruption (it happened two months after we left), there’s a chance you’ll see lava flowing when you visit. Go see Kilauea, the most active volcano in the U.S and one of the most active in the world.
Even when a volcano is not erupting, you’ll be able to see and hike lava rock and craters on the island. The park is expansive with lengthy drives, short hikes to see petroglyphs, and picturesque ocean cliff views. Stop by the visitor’s center at the beginning to get the lay of the land. You’ll easily spend at least half a day here.
Here are some spots in the park to visit:
- Kilauea Iki Crater Hike
- Thurston Lava Tube – walk through where lava once flowed!
- Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs
- Chain of Craters Road
6. Chase Waterfalls
Most of the waterfalls on the Big Island can be found near Hilo. Two of the best to see are Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls.
Rainbow Falls, 80 feet tall, is within the town of Hilo and steps away from the parking lot, so it is very easy to see. It is free to visit.
Akaka Falls, 442 feet tall, is about 25 minutes north of Hilo and costs $10 per car and $5 per person to enter. It’s a leisurely, short (0.4 mile) loop hike.
7. Visit a Craft Brewery
There are several places on the island to enjoy a craft beer from the source, though local groceries and restaurants also stock many of the brands. Here are the breweries you’ll find on the Big Island:
- Ola Brew – brewpub locations in Kona and Hilo
- Kona Brewing Co – brewpub
- Big Island Brewhaus – brewpub
- Hilo Brewing Company – small brewery in an industrial setting
8. Visit a Farm
Hawaii is known for sugarcane, pineapples, coffee, and macadamia nuts, though they produce much more. There are a handful of farms you can visit to learn about the operation and get a tasting.
- Kuaiwi Farm – multiple crops, chocolate class available
- Honoka’a Chocolate Co – chocolate tour and tasting
- Starseed Ranch – farm tour
- Greenwell Farms – free coffee tour; This is where we went and it was fun! (photos below)
9. Dive with Manta Rays
Diving in Hawaii was the main reason we visited. It’s one of the best places to dive in the U.S. The Kona manta ray dive is one of the most famous. The campfire of lights has brought manta rays to feed for years and it’s beautiful to watch them dance. For other dive sites, you won’t be disappointed. The abundant number of wildlife varieties will ensure you have something new and exciting to put in your logbook. Read more about the diving in this post.
10. Admire the Flora and Fauna
I was in constant awe of what I was seeing. The overwhelming growth of tropical plants on the side of the road, colorful flowers, and little green lizards were just some of the many things I loved. Hawaii is very biodiverse and you can see evidence of it everywhere.
For activities, plant lovers will go crazy at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden outside of Hilo and enjoy Japanese gardens at Lili’uokalani Park & Gardens in Hilo.
Does this post make you want to book a trip to the Big Island? If you want to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful, tropical location, this is the place!
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