The big Island of Hawaii is the largest, most diverse, and most adventurous island in Hawaii. I know that last claim might be subjective, but considering that the Big Island in is the last volcanically active island, with 10 of the world’s 14 microclimates, and large enough to fit all of the other islands combined, to me, the rugged adventure that the big island presents is irresistible. That’s what makes it my favorite Hawaiian island – and I’ve been to them all.
After spending several weeks there, and ultimately deciding to buy property on the island (yeee!), these are the best things to do on the big island of Hawaii IMHO:
1. Swim with wild Dolphins
The suggestions in this post will begin in Kona, where I assume you’ll fly into, working south from there and then back up and around the island.
What better way to start your vacation on the big island than to swim in the bay with beautiful spinner dolphins!? I submit that there is no better way. If you find one, let me know.
I booked the trip with Sunlight on Water, which offers a discount if you book online ahead of time. It’s a bit pricey — all of the companies that offer it are — but it was worth it to me.
2. Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
Swim with the dolphins in the morning, and swim with manta rays at night! It’s hard to think of a better, more adventurous way to spend a day. Since the dolphin swim takes place early in the morning, and the Manta swim takes place after dark, it’s easy to do both in the same day and have a nice, long, relaxing afternoon.
Manta snorkeling boats will attach lights to the bottom of flotation devices, which attract the plankton that the Mantas eat. Watch as these gentle giant slide underneath you. I didn’t do this particular activity since I have scuba dived with many a Manta ray, but take it from me, seeing a Manta in person is a humbling and beautiful experience. You can book it with the same company you book your dolphin swim with.
3. Captain Cook Memorial and Kealakekua Bay
The suggestion is really not for the memorial itself, which is a monument to the first white guy who arrived and then was killed in Hawaii (who cares?). However I mention it because this is where you can access the Kealakekua Bay. This is rumored to be the best snorkeling on the island and in the morning, you might just see some dolphins.
Getting to the bay is difficult, you can hike a good hour each way on a trail that’s hard to find, rent a kayak, which is increasingly frowned upon and only available to companies with permits (try Kona boys in Captain Cook), or take a snorkeling tour. Because of the difficulty, I haven’t made it here yet but it’s on my list.
4. Two-Step
For those who fancy more accessible snorkeling, drive to two-step. There is limited parking right in front of the tide pools, or a paid parking lot, which costs five dollars. Early morning is the best time despite dolphins, although you’ll probably want some fins in addition to your mask and snorkel so that you can get out farther to where they hang out. The reef and abundance of fish are fantastic as well. Please wear reef-safe sunscreen!
Yo, it’s important to mention that currents and water on the Big Island can change quickly. Water can be rough, and people drown all around the island each year. It’s important that you refrain from going in the water if you have any doubts whatsoever. That goes for every beach on this list.
5. Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Just a stone’s throw from Two Step, this historic park has plenty of exhibits that take you through Hawaiian culture and history. It’s easy to self-navigate and takes about an hour to walk through the exhibits. Bring your National Parks pass for free entry.
6. South Point Cliff Jump and Snorkeling
I loved the spot so much that I went back twice! Taking the Southpoint Road that most people take to go to the green beach, instead of making a left where you see the painted car door that say ‘green beach’, continue straight all the way to the end of the paved road. Please do not continue beyond it, even if you see other people doing it, as there are historic artifacts and endemic plants that are trying to grow back.
This area is famous for two things: a fairly tall cliff jump, and a giant ball of thousands of glittering fish for those who love free diving like I do. If you want to get down and into the water, head to the right of the cliff jump and you will see some rocks that are climbable down. There’s also a cave that you can swim up to, provided that the water is calm and nobody is jumping in at the same time (that said please don’t jump into the cave, it’s likely to end in tears).
Keep in mind that the current is very strong once you swim away from the cliffs, so be vigilant and only go in if the water looks good! It’s best to go on a weekday as during the weekends there are lots of fishermen and therefore hooks in the water.
On a great day though, it really is great. Not many tourists know about it and the bait ball attracts some bigger fish as well. Keep an eye out for sharks, though.
7. Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea beach is hailed as one of only 4 in the world with green sand. Don’t expect to see a forest green beach — it’s more of a brownish hue — but it is pretty crazy to hold up the little grains and see that they are, indeed, green in color. The rare sand was created by the cinder cone next to the beach which was formed during interruption almost 50,000 years ago.
To get there, you can either walk for about an hour along the coast- bring sunscreen – or you can take a high clearance, 4×4 vehicle. I love my Hawaiian 4×4 adventures but after making it halfway through I decided to turn back because the road was truly terrible. In a rental car, I was too worried about causing issues with the Jeep. That said, you can hire a local for about 20 bucks to pile you in a pickup truck and transport you, or just walk. I’d aim for the afternoon to avoid the heat. The sand looks best during golden hour, anyway. There will be fewer tourists around, too.
8. The Punalu’u Bake Shop: The Southernmost Bakery in the USA
Let’s be honest, this is a bit of a tourist trap, but if you are a big fan of Hawaiian sweet bread you might as well stop by.
There’s also slim pickings for food if you’re making your way over to Volcanoes NP or the black sand beach from Kona, and it’s a long drive. The food truck across the way has acai bowls and grilled steak and shrimp plates as well. It’s delicious!
9. Stop at a Farm
This part of the island has loads of farms that produce coffee, macadamia nuts, and even chocolate. You’ll see roadside advertisements from small, local farmers to stop in and try their offerings.
This is how I ended up spending $35 on a small bag of coffee. I have no regrets, though – it tastes like honey coffee. How do they do it!?
10. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
This black sand beach is famous for the sea turtles who come to rest on it. You’ll also see plenty of Hawaiian green turtles in the water if it’s calm enough to snorkel.
This was one of my more interesting snorkeling experiences, watching as the water got blurry while the tides mixed. It was a mix of cold and lukewarm water with lots of colorful fish and of course, turtles.
You will find that the areas where the turtles are resting are mostly roped off. Hawaiian sea turtles are endangered and protected, so please don’t be one of those guys who sticks the camera in the turtles face to get a selfie, or worse, touches one trying to hitch a ride.
But you’d never even think of doing that that, would you?
12. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The national park is of the best places to visit on the big island for hiking, views, and otherworldly landscapes. As of the time of this writing, the lava flow which had lasted for over 30 years has stopped, so there are no active flows or lava glow at the moment. But you never know what the volcano goddess Pele might have in store!
These are some of the best things to see there:
- Hōlei sea arch: On your way down Chain of Craters road there are plenty of lookouts where you can see sweeping views all the way up the coast line as you make your way to the sea arch. It would be a great spot for sunset.
- Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube: A super cool lava tunnel – not for the claustrophobic! At the time of this writing, this is closed but they are working on re-opening it.
- Kīlauea Iki Trail: This is the most popular trail in the park and for good reason. You walk along the crater rim before descending down into it, walking across what feels like a moon landscape. If you have a clear sky, this is an excellent place to stargaze.
You can learn more about which parts of the park are open here.
13. Catch Sunset at the Steam Vents
The sulfur banks and steam vents are an easy loop right from the visitor’s center. The whole walk is about 2 miles, give or take depending on what you add in and cut out, and is a great spot to catch the sunset. Get there a bit earlier, at golden hour, and watch as the sun lights up the steam vents.
14. Stay in a Treehouse
The volcano area of the Big Island is the spot if you’re looking for unique accommodation in a lush rainforest. Picture ferns, jungle, and bird sounds. This is my favorite place to stay on the island for nature and the proximity to the national park. Plus, it’s the only spot on the island with a bunch of cool treehouses to choose from. Get a discount off of your stay on Airbnb here.
15. Kehena Black Sand Beach
Hawaii’s Puna district is in a word, strange. There’s something to be said about choosing to live in a place that could be engulfed by lava at any moment. This is the most volcanically active part of the Big Island, and also the funkiest. But as much as I love the hippy vibe, I can’t shake the menacing undercurrent. That said, if you’re feeling open-minded, this beach is Puna in a nutshell.
On Sundays, there’s a drum circle, although on any day of the week you’ll see mostly locals hanging out there with their dogs, family members, weed dealers, and even kiddos.
Keep in mind that this is a nude beach, so plan on at least half of the people being naked, especially at the Sunday drum circles. Personally I love this, but I know it’s not for everyone!
Swimming can be great here but the surf can also be very rough. If you don’t see anyone in the water, maybe you shouldn’t go in either.
16. Pepeeko Scenic Drive
Heading north from the beach, enjoy one of the Big Island’s most beautiful drives. You’ll see beachside mansions, evidence of a recent lava flow that took out quite a few of them, as well as rows of enchanting tree tunnels. If you must be irresponsible and stand in the middle of the road like me, make sure you don’t have any blind spots and have plenty of time to move when cars drive by!
Given the 2018 lava flow, this road isn’t a loop anymore, so you’ll need to turn back and retrace your steps somewhat. It’s still worth it!
17. Hang in Hilo
As you drive through the Big Island of Hawaii it’ll become evident that not only do the micro climates change constantly, but so do the vibe and the neighborhood. Hilo will have a more local feel than Kona, and that’s what I love about it. It’s also much more lush and jungly.
There are a few places to snorkel here as well, including Richardson Beach Park and Keaukaha Beach Park, but if you’ve enjoyed two-step and the dolphins, you might not be impressed. Food and restaurants are great, though. I particularly liked the vegan food at Vibe, poke at Suisan Fish Market, and Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack for funky flavors.
18. Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots
From Hilo, you don’t have to go far to reach the Rainbow Falls and surrounding attractions. Depending on the water level you might be able to jump into the boiling pots as well. Get ready, because this is the introduction to a very lush, waterfall-rich part of the island.
19. Onomea Bay Trail
This one is best reached early, since there is severely limited parking along the road at the trailhead, or you can pay to park at the Botanic Gardens, which also gives you access to their trail, which connects. It might be worth it, considering the Onomea Bay trail is pretty short, though it does end with a beautiful viewpoint.
20. Akaka Falls
Perhaps the most famous and accessible waterfall on Hawaii’s north east coast, Akaka Falls is truly stunning. It’s a short, easy walk from the parking lot past large Banyan trees and a couple of other, less amazing falls. This place is popular. I got there right when it opened at 8 AM and was able to enjoy it for a little while to myself, though. Parking is five dollars.
21. Mauna Loa
Since Mauna Kea is currently closed, for those wishing for some stargazing, Mauna Loa might fit the bill. You can’t drive all the way to the peak, though you can park at the observatory and walk. Keep in mind this is one hell of a hike. Though mostly flat, it is long, exposed, and at altitude, and you probably will have just come from sea level.
That said, just from the observatory you can also get some great stargazing. Keep in mind that this is not an astrological observatory, but rather a weather observatory, so tours might not be that exciting.
22. Mauna Kea
Believe it or not, the Mauna Kea volcano frequently has snow on the top! Given the tropical inversion and lack of light pollution, Mauna Kea is heralded as one of the best places on earth for stargazing, according to people who measure such things. That has also made it to target of much controversy. For Hawaiians, this is a sacred mountain and home to the snow goddess, and recent protests have closed the Summit as the battle wages over whether yet a 30-meter telescope will be built there or not.
My vision of a better world is when we’re indigenous people have more rights, And I encourage anyone who visits the volcano, once it reopens, to do so with the upmost respect and consideration of the locals. As the locals on Molokai shared with me, it’s not about no tourists, but about the right tourists, enjoying these beautiful areas.
All of that said, there are multi day hiking trails that go all along the area and provided you practice leave no trace principles, I hope you get a chance to enjoy them. Multi-day hiking in cold weather is not a plan most people have for their tropical vacation, so you just might have much of the trail to yourself!
23. Waipi’o Valley Lookout
Heading back to the coast, as you make your way to the northeast you’ll drive through beautiful coastal towns, detouring from the highway to head to this lookout. It can be a great spot to catch glimpses of Maui on a clear day, and is a nice, easy pitstop for a beautiful view. If you have a 4 x 4 car, you can drive down to the bottom, or of course you can hike.
24. Pololu Valley Lookout and Hike
Depending on where you’re coming from, getting to this lookout can mean driving through the gorgeous Waimea and past Mauna Kea or up from Kona through Hawi. Both are gorgeous drives and the journey is part of the experience.
Once you get to the lookout, which is in a great position for sunrise, I highly recommend hiking down to the bottom and then back up the next ridge. Depending on the trail conditions you can keep going, presumably for days, though the last time I was there the trail had been washed out in quite a few places.
This is a truly beautiful way to spend a few hours!
25. Hapuna Beach
Are you aching for some white sand and a sunset view? Hapuna beach will take you back to the west, dry side of the island for the perfect sunset.
This is a popular beach and you’ll have to pay a five dollar parking fee, but it’s well-maintained and usually is swimmable. If you have a late flight like I did and want to be able to swim and shower afterwards, Hapuna does provide outdoor showers! Please use biodegradable soap and shampoo if you plan to use them.
Map
Everything mentioned in this post is on this handy Google map:
As I’m sure you’ve gathered by now, this island is huge and there’s an almost endless amount of things to do. With so much variety, give this island as much time as you can, and don’t underestimate the distances between places.
The best thing you can do is turn this into a road trip and move accommodation as you make your way around the island and if you can, give it a full two weeks. Otherwise, pick and choose the highlights that you love on this list and promise yourself you’ll go back!
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