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They call it Hawai‘i Island, but you might have heard of it referred to simply as The Big Island – not just because it’s the largest in size, but because it packs in BIG wow moments that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. On the Big Island, lava bleeds into jungles, oceans sparkle against black sand, and the aloha spirit lives on in its friendly residents.
Whether you want to snorkel with manta rays or hike through otherworldly lava fields or reach the summit of Mauna Kea at Golden Hour, there are so many things to do on the Big Island in Hawaii, you’ll want to stay forever to explore them all.
Sunset in Kona
Although the Big Island is known for having the tallest mountain in Hawaii, boiling pots and lava flows, humpback whales breaching off the shore and dramatic landscapes, much of the Big Island’s true magic lies in its quiet moments: a roadside fruit stand selling fresh mangos, a hula dance to the rhythm of the waves, and the gentle sounds of tropical birds singing in the day. Sounds idyllic, right?
If you want to experience the true magic of the Big Island, then don’t miss these attractions and activities…
Video Highlight: Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
If you’re short on time, click play to watch videos of our adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii!
1. Admire the majestic Misty Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls, Big Island of Hawaii
The Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge and is possibly one of the most gorge-ous waterfalls in Hawaii, if not the USA. It’s certainly the most famous waterfall on the Big Island and is frequently visited by tourists.
It’s located in the Akaka Falls State Park, which is a great area to go hiking. The trails here are pretty easy and it only took us 30 minutes to get to the falls.
Also in the park is the 100-foot Kahuna Falls which you can see on a looped walk. It was closed for us when we visited, but if you get the chance to see it then it’s said to be beautiful.
Parking can be a nightmare. You can park up the road, as we did, and nab a cheaper price than the official car park!
HOT TIP: Plan your visit for the morning. We went in the afternoon, and the sun was in the worst position behind the falls. It made it hard to see anything let alone get a good photo.
2. Visit the stunning Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls
Just outside Hilo Town Center is Rainbow Falls. It’s smaller than Akaka Falls, but no less pretty. There is also a short trail from the parking lot that takes you to a viewpoint over the waterfalls summit.
Then from the lookout point, you will see some steps into an exquisite rainforest that takes you to the bottom of the waterfall and the river. The steps are quite slippery so be careful on your descent. When you’re at the bottom, you might be lucky enough to see how the waterfall got its name.
Warning: it is not advised to go swimming anywhere on the island of Hawaii that’s not the beach. This is because of unseen lava tubes, which could be anywhere on the island. Sadly, lives have been lost because of this.
3. Dine at The Booch Bar, Hilo
When we asked our social media community for advice on things to do on the Big Island, we were flooded with places to eat and drink. One name that was recommended multiple times was The Conscious Culture Cafe in downtown Hilo, which is now known as The Booch Bar.
It had everything I loved, from ginger and turmeric kombucha, healthy smoothies with bee pollen, and organic, vegetarian meals. The vibe was also great. We heard music from the 60’s Vietnam era, such as White Shades of Grey to If you’re going to San Francisco.
The staff were so helpful and gave us suggestions on places to visit.
4. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Of course, no trip to the Big Island would be complete without visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Visiting Volcano National Park was my favorite homeschooling lesson for our daughters. Mostly because I didn’t have to do anything! I let Mother Nature take over and teach the girls about land formation, growth, and ecosystems.
There are not many places in the world where you can get close (but not too close) to an active volcano.
Some ways to see the park are to take an 8-mile return hike to see the active lava flow, or you can take a boat tour. When we visited, visibility at the time wasn’t good, so it really is a stroke of luck whether you see them or not.
We were also warned that it’s not a good idea to hike or take a boat to the lava flows with young children. This was because of the high sulfur content, which can damage their developing lungs. For us, not worth the risk.
We drove along Crater Rim Drive, stopping off in places to see craters, giant fields of lava rock, and observing their textures and shape. The girls were fascinated by the rock, especially Savannah who started writing a story about volcanoes and lava from what she learned.
We also visited the Jaggar Museum & Overlook and learned more about earthquakes and the formation of volcanoes, as well as to see the bubbling lava in the crater. We also learned about the folklore and legends about the Island of Hawai’i.
It is said that Pele, the Hawaiian Fire Goddess and creator of the Hawaiian Islands, lives inside the Halema’um’a Crater at the summit of Kilauea. The locals believe she is the one who sends lava from the volcano, which grows the island chain.
You can see some of Pele’s work spurting up during the day, but it’s best to come back at night when the volcano is really on fire.
One of the best ways to see the Volcanoes National Park is to take one of the helicopter tours, which flies over the craters. It’s the best way to see the lava activity from a safe distance.
5. Witness the lava in Kilauea at night
Night time view of lava in Kilauea
One of the most incredible things I’ve ever witnessed was the lava spewing out of Kilauea at night. It was amazing to see it moving around and see the lava lake in the crater. We were lucky that it was a bubbly day when we visited, and we saw lava bubbles fill up and spew over.
If you look carefully, you might even find strands of Pele’s hair, which are actually glistening golden threads of fragile volcanic fiberglass. These are formed when lava is thrown into the air and small droplets get caught by the wind and cools into thin strands.
6. Explore the Thurston Lava Tube: A Lava Cave
Just outside the Volcanoes National Park, South of Crate Rim Drive is the Thurston Lava Tube. This is a network of underground lava caves, known as Nāhuku, or Thurston Lava Tube.
The cave is said to be more than 500-years-old and was formed by rivers of lava which gradually cut through the rock and built a solid wall and ceiling. The caves vary in size and length and there are several that you can visit, but Nāhuku is the most easily accessible.
The cave is 600 foot long and 20 feet high in places. It’s the perfect example of how the liquid lava and all its molten force can create this fascinating and unique rock structure. It’s not one for the claustrophobic, but if you can stomach caves, it’s pretty cool.
7. See the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at Punalu’u, Black Sand Beach
Punaluu Beach
Another recommendation from our community was to visit the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Not only is the Black Sand Beach interesting to look at, but it’s also where you can see the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles who nest here.
We were lucky to see one lying in the sand at the water’s edge when we visited.
This provided another great homeschooling opportunity. We had lessons on how volcanoes shape the land and talked about how the jet-black sand was formed.
It was formed by molten lava from Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, which flowed into the water, cooled, and then washed ashore in little fragments.
Hot tip: When visiting the sea turtles, please remember to respect the turtle’s space. They get distressed when humans get too close, and you’ll see plenty of signs reminding you to keep your distance. It’s sad to see people still continue to stick their cameras inches from their face. Get a camera with a zoom lens – that’s what we used to get this photo whilst still keeping a respectful distance away.
8. Hike to Papakolea Beach, Green Sand Beach
Green Beach, otherwise known as Papakolea Beach, is considered one of the best beaches in Hawaii. No, it’s not like the white sand beaches of Hapuna Beach or those along the Hamakua Coast and Kohala coast, but it’s no less beautiful.
The beach is stunning and is accessible by a picturesque 2.5 mile hike (one way) and takes 2-3 hours depending on how fast you are. The beach is also very remote so it’s possible you could have it to yourself.
We would say that a visit to Papakolea Beach is a full-day trip because of this hike, so plan ahead. Pack plenty of water as it can get deceivingly hot when hiking in Hawaii.
9. Snorkel at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Even though we couldn’t pronounce Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, even after the park ranger gave us a lesson on it, we still think it’s one of the best places we visited on the Big Island.
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a 180-acre historic park that the former royal grounds and a place of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers. It is said that if a lawbreaker was able to make it here, they were absolved of their sins. As such, the Pu’uhonua is considered a sacred site because of the air of forgiveness and peace it projects.
The location is beautiful, overlooking Honaunau Bay. This is where the Kings once resided so you can be sure it’s one of the most stunning parts of the island. We visited the Hale o Keawe temple where the bones of the chiefs are laid to rest.
It’s also considered the second best snorkeling spot on the Big Island. So pack your snorkel and fins when you visit!
You have to pay for your vehicle to enter, but if you combine your ticket with the park’s pass from the Volcanoes National Park then it’s essentially free.
PRO TIP: If you’re traveling during the winter months of December – February, you’re in luck, because it’s humpack whale season! While there are many whale watch tours that take you out to see the whales, you can see them from the shore if you have some patience. The best spots to see the whales are on the North side of the Big Island or in Hilo, but our personal favorite place to see them is the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Of course, as with all wildlife, seeing them in the wild really comes down to luck. But while you’re in the park, keep an eye on the ocean to see if these allusive mammals make an appearance.
10. Swim with manta rays on a boat tour
Incredible experience
Remember those wow moments I mentioned earlier? This is definitely the biggest wow you’ll have on your trip to Big Island. I wasn’t sure I wanted my five-year-old to do it, but she did it, and I was so proud of her.
We set off on a traditional Hawaiian 40-foot double-hulled Hawaiian sailing canoe with Eka Canoes as the sun was setting. The best time to see the manta rays is in the dark, because the light from the boat attracts plankton which the manta rays eat.
The rays are like gentle butterflies of the sea, and it was amazing to get close to them without feeling intrusive. It was definitely one of the best wildlife encounters I’ve had.
It’s difficult to get great photos due to it being nighttime and the illuminated lights, but the memories will be lodged in our brains forever.
11. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
On the way to Kealakekua Bay
How does sliding down a slide into a gorgeous marine bay filled with colorful fish and coral sound? Snorkeling and swimming in the ocean is a must when you visit the Big Island, and Kealakekua Bay is the perfect place to do just that. It’s an underwater marine sanctuary just a short drive south on the Kona Coast.
It’s famous for its pristine beauty, as well as for being the place where Captain Cook lost his life. Being Australians, we have a deep historical connection to Captain Cook, and were in awe of seeing the place where he was murdered.
If you’re traveling with kids, the boat tours offer flotation devices for unconfident swimmers and small children.
Hawaii Travel
The best place for snorkeling is the area near the Captain Cook monument. Since it’s illegal to land a vessel along the shore near the monument, this is the best way to see it.
12. Check out Kona Town
Kona Town is only really one street and it runs along the water’s edge, but it still has plenty to see and do. We saw plenty of cafes and restaurants and a few boutique shopping places.
It’s a historical town and was once a place to retreat to for Hawaiian royalty, so a lot of the history is reflected in the Hulihee Palace and the Mokuaikaua Church.
If you’re visiting in October, you can catch the famous Ironman World Championship here!
Kona is also a great place for stand up paddle boarding. You can hire a SUP from Kona Boys and enjoy your time out on the waves. You might also be greeted by some dolphins.
13. Watch the sunset at Huggo’s Bar
Sunset drinks at Huggos Bar in Kona
Huggo’s on the Rocks was another recommendation to us by our community, and is definitely the best place to go for sunset views. It also serves food here, and you can dine al fresco style in their outdoor seating area. Or you can just hang hear and drink some cocktails and watch the sunset.
14. Walk the Lava Tree State Monument
If you want to take a short, easy hike, there’s a stunning 0.7 mile loop trail in the Lava Tree State Monument. The park is known for its lava trees, which are unusual volcanic phenomena caused by lava flow that swept through the forest. The result is these unique lava molds of tree trunks.
They are truly a weird, but wonderful, sight to see. You can walk the loop trail or have a picnic at one of the picnic sites.
15. Visit the Hilo Farmers Market
You can’t visit Hawaii and not sample some of the local produce. All fruit and vegetables are grown on the island, and in downtown Hilo, the farmer’s market is where you can buy fresh produce that’s organically grown.
Make sure to head over to Abundant Life Natural Foods just across the street from the market to pick up some Kona Coffee. There are only a few places in Hawaii that sells 100% pure Kona Coffee from the Kona Coffee Farm and this is one of them!
The Hilo Farmers Market was founded in 1988, and started with just four farmers who sold their produce from their parked cars and trucks. Now the market has over 200 vendors selling everything from organic island fruit and vegetables to native tropical flowers. You can also find special Big Island products, handmade crafts and gifts with that Aloha spirit.
It’s certainly the best place to pick up souvenirs before heading home. It’s considered one of the best open markets on the Big Island.
16. Swim with the rays from Muana Kea Beach Hotel
If you don’t want to get a boat tour to swim with the rays, then there’s also a chance to swim with them from the shore. There are few places where the rays come close to the beach, but one such place is from the Kaunaʻoa Beach, which can be directly accessed by Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
At night, the hotel turns on floodlights into the water which attracts plankton, and by extension, manta rays. You do need to stay at the hotel for this access, but the public can access the beach by a 0.9 mile hike.
Top tip: Apparently, parking is not so good in this area, so allow time to find a space.
17. Relax in Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens are located on the historic Onomea Bay outside of Hilo. Onomea Bay was one of the Big Island’s first natural landing areas and became a port in the 1800s. The ships bought in materials and exported raw sugar from the Onomea Sugar Mill that once stood on the site of the botanical garden.
The traders also came with plants. Some of the plants from this history still remain in the garden, such as palm trees, wild bananas, mango, coconut, guava, and monkey trees.
When the Onomea Sugar Mill closed, the area was overgrown with wild, invasive trees, until it was bought more than 40 years ago and turned into this Botanical Garden.
The garden aims to restore and maintain the beauty of this historic land. It’s a relaxing thing to do in Big Island before flying home from Hilo airport.
Where to stay on the Big Island
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa
The Big Island lives up to its name; it’s vast, diverse, and dramatically different from coast to coast. So where you stay can completely shape your trip. We recommend you stay on the Kona Coast (West Side), which has a sun-drenched and easygoing vibe, and is the most popular base for visitors. It puts you close to golden beaches, snorkeling spots, coffee farms, and fiery sunsets.
Hilo (East Side) is the island’s soulful, rain-kissed heart and has a lush, local, and full of character charm. Expect waterfalls, botanical gardens, and a walkable downtown with art galleries and farmers’ markets. It’s the best base for exploring Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park or diving into the island’s green side. Accommodations lean toward guesthouses, small inns, and eco-lodges rather than resorts.
We have hand-selected a couple of top rated hotels in The Big Island, which are also places we have stayed at ourselves during our trip to the Big Island.
Explore the map below to find other hotels and vacation rentals on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Getting around
Being twice the size of all the other islands combined, getting around the Big Island isn’t just about going from point A to point B — it’s about the spaces in between.
I highly recommend you hire a car and drive yourself, as you’ll be pulling over every 5 seconds to admire the lava fields that look like moonscapes, the rainbow valleys, and the ocean views that sneak up around every curve.
If you don’t drive, the Hele-On Bus serves most major towns, running between Hilo, Kona, and Waimea, with limited routes to Volcano and South Kohala. But the bus takes a lot of time, so you’ll be better off booking tours if you only have a short time on the island.
Final thoughts
While each of the Hawaiian islands offers something different and unique, for me, the Big Island is all about adventure. It’s known for its wild, untamed nature, some of the world’s most active volcanoes, and thriving marine life, and that’s exactly what we discovered.
We discovered so many things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, we were unable to do it all, but we’ll definitely be heading back one day to explore more of its natural beauty and visit more of the Hilo side of the island.
If you’re not sure what to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, then we hope you do now!
More Tips on Travel to Hawaii
Are you planning to visit other islands in Hawaii? Then you should check out these other resources:
What are you most excited to do on the Big Island of Hawaii? Let us know in the comments.
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