View more places in Hawaii
The island of Hawai’i, also known as the Big Island, is a unique geographical wonder. It offers a diverse range of landscapes, from black sand beaches and snowy peaks to lava deserts and vibrant rainforests. What makes it even more fascinating is that it’s still growing. Since 1983, the active Kilauea volcano has been adding landmass to the island through its fiery eruptions. The most recent eruption in May 2018 resulted in volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the collapse of the Halemaumau crater.
If you were expecting a typical Hawaiian vacation filled with luaus and a romantic atmosphere, you may be disappointed. However, the island offers something extraordinary. Its hiking trails and state parks showcase sights that are unparalleled by any other Hawaiian island. The beaches here display colors that will amaze you, unlike anything you’ve seen before.
If you’re short on time but want to make the most of your visit, consider joining one of the best Hawaii tours. These guided trips allow you to benefit from the knowledge and insights of a local expert who knows the island inside out.
The ideal time to visit Hawaii’s Big Island is from September to November. During this period, the room rates are more affordable compared to other seasons. The temperature on the island remains consistent throughout the year, usually in the high 70s or low 80s. If you’re not into surfing, it might be best to avoid the peak season from December to March, as prices tend to be higher. Whether you decide to go during the off-peak or peak season, it’s a good idea to look into travel insurance options. There are various policies available, including travel medical insurance for activities like trekking in Volcanoes National Park, as well as COVID-19 travel insurance, which can be helpful if you or your travel companion falls ill.
Here are some of our favorite things to do near Hawaii - The Big Island. Choose your favorite!
‘Akaka Falls State Park In northeastern Hawai’i, you’ll find ‘Akaka Falls State Park in Hilo. Exploring this park is quite easy as it involves a short and low-intensity hike of just 0.4 miles. The highlight of the park is undoubtedly the breathtaking …
‘Anaeho’omalu Beach ‘Anaeho’omalu Beach, also known as “A-Bay,” is one of the most popular beaches on the Kohala Coast in Hawai’i. It’s a favorite destination for many frequent visitors to the island. This family-friendly beach offers a variety of …
Kailua-Kona, situated on the western side of Hawai’i, is a well-liked place for tourists. It boasts numerous eateries, stores, and hotels along Ali’I Drive. It’s important to note that the town itself is called Kailua, while the broader region is …
When it comes to stargazing, you can’t find a much better spot than the summit of Maunakea. This dormant volcano ranks among the top 10 places for stargazing due to its limited light pollution and dark skies. At an impressive height of 13,803 feet, …
Hapuna Beach, which translates to “spring of life” in Hawaiian, is a cherished destination for both tourists and residents in Hawai’i. It is situated along the South Kohala coast and offers an enchanting experience with its pristine white sand, …
Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden On the eastern side of the island, you’ll find a beautiful tropical garden that is teeming with over 2,500 unique and endangered plant species. Explore the trails as you hike through this lush paradise, …
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park In Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, you can find two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Among the two, Kilauea is considered a “must-see.” Standing at 4,000 feet tall, this volcano has been active since January …
Downtown Hilo is a gathering place for local farmers and artisans who come together daily to offer a wide variety of goods. Here, you can find an assortment of items ranging from fresh produce and seafood to handmade crafts and clothing. The vendors …
Hulihe’e Palace During your visit to Kailua-Kona, you should definitely check out Hulihe’e Palace, a fascinating historic attraction located on Ali’i Drive. This palace, constructed from lava rock, holds the distinction of being the residence that …
The Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park is located about 5 miles south of the Kona International Airport. It’s a special place filled with temples, petroglyphs, and fishponds that were built by Native Hawaiians. These fishponds were used to …
The Kaumana Caves are located around 5 miles away from downtown Hilo, specifically on Kaumana Drive. These caves were initially created in 1881 when lava from Mauna Loa flowed through the area. Now, visitors can enter the caves using a metal ladder. …
Kauna’oa (Mauna Kea) Beach Kauna’oa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea Beach, is a stunning white sand beach in Hawai’i. It is highly recommended by travelers to arrive early (before 9 a.m.) in order to secure one of the limited parking spots available …
Kealakekua, located on Hawai’i’s west coast, is a popular spot for snorkelers. They are drawn to this secluded bay because of the vibrant marine life that can be easily seen through the clear and tranquil waters. The bay is home to an array of …
Explore the Lyman Museum and Mission House, situated in the charming historic district of Hilo. This fascinating museum offers a variety of exhibits where you can learn about volcanoes, marvel at precious gems and minerals, discover Hawaiian …
If you’re searching for another option to visit instead of the Waipi’o Valley Overlook (which is now not recommended for tourists), you might want to consider the equally stunning Pololu Valley Lookout. Situated in North Kohala, this lookout offers …
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park In the past, Hawaiians had a special place where they could go if they broke sacred laws called kapu. This place was known as pu’uhonua, which means “place of refuge” in Hawaiian. If someone went to this …
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site Pu’ukohola Heiau, located on the Kohala Coast in Hawaii, is an ancient temple with great historical significance. Built by King Kamehameha I, it served as a sacred place for worship and offerings to the war …
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Punalu’u, located in southern Hawai’i (more specifically in Ka’u), is a beach that offers more than just swimming due to its rough and rocky waters. Its main attraction lies in the opportunity for picturesque photography. …
At Wailuku River State Park, you’ll find the famous Rainbow Falls. This 80-foot waterfall gets its name because the mist from the falls often creates a rainbow. According to legend, Hina, the mother of the demigod Maui, used to live in the cave …
In 1874, a memorial called the Captain Cook Monument was built to honor the place where Captain Cook passed away. This 27-foot tall obelisk marks the location where he lost his life during a clash between Hawaiians and Westerners in 1779. You can …
The beach known as White Sands Beach Park, or La’aloa, has earned the nickname Magic Sand Beach. This name comes from its unique quality of disappearing and reappearing at different times throughout the year, depending on the tides and surf …