Big Island of Hawaii Travelers Recommend

Snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii offers a peek at one of nature’s great ocean creatures. Swimming alongside a fully grown manta is akin to flying with a massive, underwater bird, and here are the best way to experience it on a manta ray snorkeling tour. 

Highlights

• Swim alongside rays with wingspans of up to 16 feet (five meters).

• Watch a Hawaiian sunset before hopping in the water for an unforgettable swim.

• Experience Hawaii’s underwater world and marine life at night, when mantas come to feed on plankton that accumulates just off the Kona coast.

• Learn about manta rays, their habits, and the environment in which they live.

• Combine your manta ray night snorkel with a sunset cruise on Keauhou Bay or a guided kayaking tour.

Things to Know

• Most manta ray night and sunset snorkeling tours depart Kailua-Kona or Puako.

• All necessary snorkeling equipment is included.

• Depending on which manta ray tour you choose, amenities might include warm water for rinsing off, drinks, snacks, and souvenir photos of the experience.

• Snorkeling tours can last anywhere from 60 minutes to four hours, depending on the selected experience.

• Snorkel tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a tropical paradise boasting everything from picturesque beaches and vibrant jungles to jagged coastlines and an active volcano. The impressive diversity of the island means that you can have very different experiences of the island depending on which region you visit, the activities take part in, and your mode of travel. You can see stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, and tropical gardens on a small-group tour that maximizes your time on the island by taking you to all the highlights in one day. Alternatively, you can slow things down and focus on the details during a hike, bicycle ride, snorkeling tour, or sailing excursion. For a bird’s-eye view of the scenery, take a helicopter tour of the island. To make the most of your vacation, check out our top activities, listed below. 

The scenery, weather, accommodations, and atmosphere of the Big Island all vary dramatically depending on location, from the lush rainforests on the west side of the island to sunny white sand beaches on the east. To pick a vacation home base, here's what to know about the island's top towns and what they have to offer.

Kona

Set on the sunny eastern side of Hawaii, Kona is a common entry point to the island. Its proximity to the international airport, picturesque bays, shopping, and historic attractions makes it ideal for those looking for a classic tropical vacation. Enjoy the area’s white sand beaches and historic parks or book a kayaking, snorkeling, or parasailing adventure. 

Hilo

Surrounded by lush mountains and waterfalls, Hilo is an adventure lover's paradise. Set on the west side of the island, Hilo is the opposite of Kona when it comes to geography and climate. Plus, it has its own international airport, making it a great spot to stay if you want to explore the alternate side of the island. For spectacular views accompanied by an adrenaline rush, take an open-door helicopter tour or zipline over the region’s many waterfalls. 

Waikoloa Village

A historic village set on dramatic black lava fields, Waikoloa has blossomed into a hamlet of luxury resorts. History buffs and nature lovers can get a window into ancient Hawaiian culture on a tour that combines historic sites with splashing in waterfalls. Plus, take advantage of the area's sunny weather and vibrant marine life on a cruise and snorkeling adventure along the Kohala Coast.  

Volcano Village

Ideal for those who prefer an intimate vacation rental and mountains over expansive resorts and beach towns, Volcano Village is nestled in the jungle close to the entrance of Volcano National Park. If you want to see the famous volcano, staying in the quaint village saves you time you would otherwise spend traveling there on a tour. Here you can spend the whole day exploring the park on a hiking or biking tour. 

The Big Island of Hawaii is world-famous for a long list of attractions—natural landscapes, active volcanoes, lush greenery, and warm blue waters. With three days to spend, you have time for an overview, active adventuring, and a visit a neighboring island. Here are our picks for three days on the Big Island.

Day 1: Around the Island

One way to see the island when you’re pressed for time is a guided circle island tour. Plan for an early start as you head out to see highlights of the Big Island. Soak up views from the Waipio Valley lookout, stop at the spectacular waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast, look for sea turtles on the black sand Punaluu Beach, watch an active volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, tour a Kona coffee plantation, and learn about the cultural heritage of the island at Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge. If you prefer less time on the road, opt for a helicopter tour above the island to see its highlights, giving you more time in the afternoon to explore Hilo or Kailua-Kona or relax on the beach. End your day with a beachside luau and traditional Polynesian feast.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Now that you’ve seen what the Big Island has to offer, it’s time for an outdoor adventure. There’s an adventure for all thrill levels. Go snorkeling or dolphin-watching on Kealakekua Bay, head beneath the surface of the sea aboard the Atlantis Kona submarine, go on a zipline through the verdant Kohala canopy, cycle around an active volcano, or trek past waterfalls (with a stop for a swim) along the island’s northern coast. No matter what you choose to do by day, plan for an unforgettable evening under the stars with a guided tour to the summit of Mauna Kea, the Big Island’s highest point and a prefered setting for sunsets and stargazing.

Day 3: Off-Island Exploration

You’ve experienced the best of the Big Island on and off the water. On your last day, take the opportunity to visit one of the other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, Oahu. There’s a lot to see on Hawaii’s most populated island. Opt for a day trip to explore downtown Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, where a Japanese attack launched the US into World War II, or choose a circle island tour to see Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head Crater, and the charming town of Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore. With an early departure and a late return to the Big Island, consider a low-key dinner at your resort or in one of the many restaurants in Hilo or Kailua-Kona.

Summer is high season on the Big Island. It’s also the best time to soak up the beach culture, play in the water, and take advantage of the extra hours of sunlight and the dryer weather. Here are some ideas on how best to enjoy summer on the island.

• Get a birds-eye view of the island on a doors-off helicopter tour.
• Go sailing and snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay, or along Waikoloa and the Kohala coastlines.
• Learn to stand-up paddleboard in calmer waters.
• Experience the culture and food of the islands at a traditional luau.
• Enjoy the sunshine on a white sand, green sand, or black sand beach.
• See manta rays feed on a night snorkel or dive with manta rays.
• Go sport fishing for marlin and yellowfin tuna.
• Look for sea turtles at Punaluu, Kahaluu Beach Park or Kiholo Bay.

Sample the many flavors of a refreshing shave ice.

The Big Island earns its name. From waterfalls to coffee farms, beaches to volcanoes, there are a lot of attractions and a lot of ground to cover—the island is bigger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. Here’s how to make the most of a single day on Hawaii’s largest island.

Morning: Waipio Valley and the Hamakua Coast

One way to see the Big Island’s highlights in a single day is on a circle island tour. Get an early start for the trip to Waipio Valley, where King Kamehameha was raised as a child. Stop at several waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast, usually including Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls. Alternatively, kick off your day with a helicopter flight above the island. You get to see the island’s volcanoes, valleys, and waterfalls from above, while learning about the geology of the Big Island and Hawaiian archipelago.

Afternoon: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Spend your afternoon touring one of the Big Island’s star attractions, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Explore the lava fields, steam vents, volcanic craters, and lava tubes at your leisure. Those on a full-day circle island tour usually drive through the park before continuing along the coast. Popular stops include Kealakekua Bay, the spot where Captain Cook was killed; Punaluu Beach, a black sand beach known for its Hawaiian green sea turtles; and a Kona coffee farm in the highlands. 

Night: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling

A tour of the Big Island in a single day can take upwards of 12 hours, but if you have free time (and energy) in the evening, you’re in luck. The waters off the coast of Hawaii are one of the best places in the world to see giant manta rays in the wild. On a nighttime snorkeling tour, you head offshore, don snorkeling gear, and hop in the water to observe these magnificent creatures feed on microscopic plankton in their nighttime habitats. Some tours offer guaranteed manta sightings.

From beaches and volcanoes to waterfalls and wildlife, the Big Island of Hawaii offers plenty of options for families, groups, and solo travelers on spring break. Here are some of the best springtime activities.

Spend Time at the Beach and in the Water

There are more than 80 beaches on the Big Island, including white, black, and even green sand beaches, so spend at least one day on the beach. There are plenty of ways to get on or in the water as well; although surfing is somewhat limited on the Big Island, there’s plenty of marine life. Go swimming with dolphins and turtles; snorkel or scuba dive with manta rays at night; or catch the tail end of whale watching season.

Chase Waterfalls and Hike Lush Valleys

The Hilo side of the Big Island is replete with lush valleys and waterfalls, including Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, go zip-lining over a waterfall. The Big Island is also home to one of the most scenic valleys in all of Hawaii—Waipio Valley, aka Valley of the Kings. Hike or drive down to the valley to see Hi'ilawe Waterfall, one of the tallest in Hawaii.

Go Stargazing

The dormant Mauna Kea volcano towers 13,796 feet (4,138 meters) above sea level and, due to limited pollution, is an ideal stargazing sport. Head to the summit or to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center—located at 9,300 feet (2,790 meters)—to watch a sunset or sunrise, and get the clearest view of the stars.

Get Close to an Active Volcano

The Big Island is home to Kilauea and Mauna, two of the most active volcanoes in the world, and you can find both at Volcanoes National Park. Depending on when you visit, you might see active lava flow or other volcanic activity. You can also take scenic drives and stop at overlooks, or go hiking to discover craters, lava tubes, and ancient petroglyphs.

Experience a Traditional Luau

Experience local culture and cuisine at a traditional luau. In addition to sampling traditional delicacies such as Kalua pig (roasted in an underground oven called an imu ), lomi-lomi salmon, and taro root paste ( poi ), guests are treated to a dazzling performance that includes music, hula, and fire dancing.

Hawaii has been called a land of fire for good reason: three of the Big Island’s five volcanoes are still active, including Mauna Loa, the world’s largest. These fiery outcrops continue to work their magic creating mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Here’s how to decide which volcano tour is best for you.

For the Time-Crunched Visitor

The Big Island is named appropriately–there’s a lot to see and much ground to cover. Travelers with limited time to explore the island can benefit from a comprehensive Big Island day tour. A full day touring the island might include visits to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and its Chain of Craters Road, plus other notable attractions such as Akaka and Rainbow Falls and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Day trips to experience the Big Island’s volcanoes are possible for travelers staying on the island of Oahu too.  

For the Bucket Lister

If there’s any destination for a bucket list-style splurge, it’s Hawaii. One of the best ways to see the island’s volcanoes is from above, aboard a helicopter. Soar over an active volcano, feeling the heat on your skin as you watch lava flow steaming into the ocean. Helicopter tours that include lava viewing range in length from 45 minutes to two hours.

For Couples

Turn up the romance on an already steamy Hawaiian vacation by combining visits to some of the island’s top volcanic sites–Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, Kilauea volcano, and the Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park–with a romantic dinner at Kilauea Lodge. Finish your day together gazing at the nighttime glow of Halemaumau Crater.

For the Active Traveler

Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers can explore Hawaii’s volcanic landscape from the seat of a bike on a cycling tour of the island’s active Kilauea volcano. Peddle past lava fields and steaming caters, stopping for a walk through the Thurston Lava Tube and a visit to the Jaggar Museum with its excellent volcanic activity viewing area.

Spring is a great time to visit the Big Island, in part because there are fewer travelers. Other pluses: Lush flora and lower temperatures that are ideal for outdoor exploration. As well, it's usually possible to see migrating humpback whales. Here are a few ways to make the most of spring on the island.

• Chase waterfalls or hike lush valleys on the Hilo side of the island.
• Go sailing and snorkeling along the coastline.
• Go whale watching and look for migrating humpback whales.
• Soar above the island on a helicopter or small plane tour.
• Explore Hawaii Volcano National Park with fewer crowds.
• Snorkel or scuba dive with manta rays at night.
• Experience the culture and the cuisine of the islands at a luau.
• Go sport fishing for marlin and spearfish.
• Sample Kona coffee at its source on a plantation tour, and see red and green coffee berries.

Filled with kid-friendly activities such as snorkeling, ziplining, and exploring waterfalls, the Big Island of Hawaii is the perfect spot for a family vacation. Tours that include everything from transportation and gear to educational guides ensure that parents can enjoy activities with their kids—without having to worry about logistics.

• Explore the beaches, volcanoes, and waterfalls of Hawaii on a small-group tour that ensures individual attention for the kids.
• Discover the underwater world on a snorkeling excursion or—if the kids aren’t up to snorkeling—choose a submarine tour that lets you see stunning marine life without having to swim.
• Get a view of the picturesque coastline on a sunset cruise or sailing excursion.
• Give the kids the ride of a lifetime on a helicopter tour of the island’s active volcanoes and thundering waterfalls.
• If the family is ready for an adrenaline rush, embark on a zip lining tour through the island’s lush canopy.
• Experience Hawaii’s food and culture at a traditional luau that entertains the whole family with hula dancing, fire shows, and live music.

Visit Hawaii in fall and you find weather that's mostly dry and pleasant enough for enjoying the beach. With students in school, there are fewer crowds at the Big Island’s most popular sites. Here’s how to enjoy the best of the island this season.

• Experience the culture of the islands and try local dishes at a traditional luau.
• Learn to surf as the swells pick up but before they get too big.
• Chase waterfalls or hike the lush valleys on the Hilo side of the island.
• Go sailing and snorkeling around the island.
• See the sights of Hawaii Volcano National Park with fewer crowds.
• Check out island museums and cultural attractions, such as Hulihee Palace and the City of Refuge.
• Look for turtles at Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Kahaluu Beach Park, or Kiholo Bay.
• Get a birds-eye view of the whole island on a helicopter or small plane tour.
• Sample Kona coffee at the source and attend the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

A favorite Big Island thrill is the sight of wild green sea turtles popping their heads above the surface or swimming next to you underwater. Here are the best places to spot the inspiring shelled creatures, known locally as honu.

And wherever you go to spot turtles on the Big Island, remember to respect these wonderful, wild animals. It is illegal to touch a sea turtle in Hawaii. Also, be sure to avoid feeding turtles or swimming above above them, as this can prevent them from surfacing for air.

Kahaluu Beach Park

One of the Big Island’s most reliable turtle-spotting destinations, this beach park right in Kailua-Kona makes an easy pit stop during a day of sightseeing. While not an official marine sanctuary, the protected, shallow lagoon is a big draw for novice snorkelers as well as the sea turtles and fish they come to admire.

Kiholo Bay

Visitors who tackle the hike down from the highway to reach this rocky lagoon in Kohala are often rewarded with excellent, uncrowded views of sea turtles. Bring snorkeling gear, as you may be able to get a close look if water conditions are calm.

Honaunau Bay

Bordering a former place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians fleeing persecution, today this historic site south of Kailua-Kona offers shelter from sea swells. The protected, clear waters are a big draw for snorkelers, and sea turtles are often seen swimming in the bay. Try to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

If you’d prefer to glimpse sea turtles without getting wet, try Punaluu Beach. Keep an eye out for turtles bobbing in the surf or sunning themselves on the distinctive black sand and lava rocks. No snorkeling mask or fins required.

December through February sees the coldest and wettest weather on the Big Island, but it’s still a pleasant time to visit. The winter weather makes for better surfing and waterfall chasing. It also brings the best chance of sighting whales, whale sharks, and hammerhead sharks. Here’s what to do on the Big Island in winter.

• Join a whale watching tour and search for migrating humpback whales in the shallow waters.
• Take advantage of the clearer skies over Kona and go stargazing on Mauna Kea.
• Go chase waterfalls, which will be at their fullest in winter.
• When there’s enough snow, go skiing or snowboarding on Mauna Kea.
• Go ziplining over roaring rivers, waterfalls, or lush jungles.
• Take advantage of the higher swells and go surfing.
• Sample Kona coffee at its source on a plantation tour, and see coffee plants in bloom.
• Look for hammerhead sharks and whale sharks while scuba diving.
• Check out island museums and cultural attractions, such as Hulihee Palace and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

On the central west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona is known for its coffee farms and proximity to the island’s best snorkeling and diving sites, but tours to the rest of the island are available as well. Here are some of the top activities.

Volcano Tours

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa, one of the biggest on the planet, and Kilauea, one of the world’s most active. Located on the Big Island’s southeast coast, the park is roughly a 90-mile (145-kilometer) drive from Kona, depending on the route you take, so tours often last a full day and may include other stops such as a Kona coffee plantation. While helicopter tours are shorter and provide hard-to-beat views of smoke and flowing lava, a ground tour allows you to actually walk through a lava tube and listen to the hiss of steam rising from the ground.

Mauna Kea Tours

A dormant volcano with a seasonally snow-capped peak, Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii at 13,800 feet (4,207 meters) and is not part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, meaning it often takes a separate tour to visit or see it from Kona. The most popular way to experience the volcano is an evening tour to the summit for sunset and stargazing. Alternatively, a helicopter tour provides the best views while niche activities like bird-watching in Mauna Kea Forest Reserve offer opportunities to learn about the natural environment on the mountain.

Water Tours

Snorkeling is one of the most popular water activities on the Kona coast, typically in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Typical tours last 3.5 to five hours and include use of snorkeling gear so you can swim over the coral to spot tropical fish and other Hawaiian marine life. For something more adventurous, book a night snorkeling tour with manta rays. Whale-watching, parasailing, and submarine tours offer other ways to get out on the waters of the Pacific, while a tour to the Kohala waterfalls is a great way to get in a freshwater swim.    

Circle Island Tours

A circle island tour is a long day—about 12 hours, typically—but provides the best way to see the Big Island’s highlights in one big excursion. Just like it sounds, you’ll take a circle route around the island, usually by bus, to visit major attractions like Kealakekua Bay and a coffee plantation on the west coast, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the south, the Hamakua Coast on the island’s eastern side, and the Waimea area on the northern end.

With a rich native food culture and influences from Asia and the mainland, Hawaii provides foodies with a myriad of options and experiences. A visit isn’t complete without fresh fish served on a dinner cruise or slow-cooked pork at a traditional luau. Here are a few culinary highlights you won’t want to miss on a visit to the Big Island.

Must-Try Dishes

Kalua pork is a Hawaiian staple, and while you can try the dish at many restaurants or homes, don’t miss the chance to taste the traditional pit-roasted version at a luau. Alongside the melt-in-your-mouth pork, sample other signature Hawaiian dishes such as lomi lomi salmon and poi. Experience the island’s Japanese influence with fresh poke —raw fish mixed with vegetables and seasonings served over a bed of rice—and sushi made with locally-caught fish. The big island also has a long history of cattle ranching; try the local beef for breakfast in a dish of loco moco, which includes a patty on rice topped with gravy and an egg.

When you are ready for a sweet treat, be sure to try the island’s famous shave ice, mochi, and chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. Top it all off with a cup of fresh Kona coffee.

Must-Do Experiences

• Enjoy an evening of food, dancing, and entertainment at a luau. You’ll have the chance to try traditional dishes made using indigenous cooking methods and learn about the customs and history of this classic Hawaiian feast.
• Tour a coffee plantation, enjoy samples of freshly roasted Kona coffee, and take home beans to brew later or share with friends.
• Take in the beauty of the Hawaiian coast while indulging in fresh seafood on a lunch or dinner cruise.
• Learn how to prepare favorites like poke and mochi in a Hawaiian cooking class.

With two days on the Big Island, there’s time to explore the geological diversity of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as the beaches, waterfalls, and towns that make the Big Island so special. Here are some options for the ultimate 48 hours on the Big Island.

Day 1: A Day at the Beach

Morning: Kick off your stay on the Big Island with an early morning helicopter flight over its volcanoes, waterfalls, and lush valleys. Traveling by air allows you to see the highlights without spending valuable time driving. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, opt for a walking or Segway tour of Hilo or Kailua-Kona.

Afternoon: No trip to Hawaii is complete without some time at the beach. This afternoon is your chance to soak up some vitamin D. Find the nearest strip of sand for some relaxation, or opt for a more active afternoon of snorkeling, sailing, dolphin watching, or riding a banana boat just offshore.

Night: Wrap up your first night on the Big Island with a quintessential Hawaiian experience, a luau. These traditional feasts take place on the beach beneath the stars and include hula dancing, story telling, and a buffet of traditional Polynesian cuisine, such as roast pig, sweet potatoes, and poi (a sticky taro dish).

Day 2: Hawaii Volcanoes

Morning: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a draw, no matter which side of the island is your home base. Get an early start for the drive to this remote section of the island. Sign up for a guided tour to make the most of your time, with opportunities to walk through a lava tube, warm your hands over volcanic steam vents, and observe the active Kilauea volcano.

Afternoon: You could easily spend the entire day in the national park, but if you prefer you can explore other attractions in the region. Look for Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in the sun at Punaluu black sand beach, tour the Mauna Loa macadamia nut factory, or stop to smell the flowers at Akatsuka Orchid Nursery.

Night: Head to the summit of Mauna Kea, the island’s highest point, at dusk to watch the sunset and enjoy guided stargazing. Most tours to the summit include a pre-trip picnic dinner, transportation in a 4WD vehicle, telescopes for use, hot chocolate, and dessert.

On the east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo offers better access than Kona to two of the island’s major regions—Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hamakua Coast. Read on for more info about the top activities on this side of Hawaii’s largest island.

Volcano Tours

Just 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Hilo—compared to 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Kona—Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Tours to the park typically last six to nine hours and may include other stops at other sites such as Rainbow Falls, a black-sand beach, or a macadamia nut farm. Helicopter tours from Kona run for about 45 minutes and provide hard-to-beat views of smoke, lava flows, and even nearby waterfalls. Meanwhile, ground tours allow travelers to walk through a lava tube and listen to the hiss of steam rising from the ground—the better experience if you’re interested in the geology. Opt for a hiking or biking tour for a more adventurous way to see the park.

Zipline Tours

Hilo’s location just south of the verdant Hamakua Coast makes it a great departure point for a zipline adventure among the lush rainforest environment, where you can fly over treetops, rivers, and waterfalls. Tours typically last two to four hours, unless you book a longer day trip that also includes a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Courses generally feature seven to nine ziplines, some of which boast Pacific Ocean views and reach more than 2,000 feet (600 meters) in length.

Water Tours

While Hilo enjoys proximity to the Big Island’s many waterfalls, such as Akaka Falls, not all of them are swimmable, so book a tour that includes visiting a site safe for swimming if you’d like to take a dip. Other opportunities for getting out on the water from Hilo include introductory scuba diving or a day trip to Papakolea Green Sand Beach, one of only a handful of green-sand beaches on Earth. For snorkeling, you’re better off booking a tour from Kona.

Fringed by a rainbow of coral reefs and teeming with tropical fish and marine life, Hawaii’s Big Island has no shortage of underwater wonders. Whether you opt to cruise along the coast, learn to scuba dive, or take part in water sports—there are ample options for underwater adventures on the Big Island. Here are some ideas. 

Swim with Wild Dolphins

Swimming in the ocean close to pods of wild dolphins is a quintessential Hawaii experience. The Kona and Kohala coasts are two top places to spot dolphins—most commonly spinner dolphins and Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Tours offer the chance to swim and snorkel in areas known for wild dolphin sightings, giving you the opportunity to observe the creatures in their natural environment. 

Snorkel at Night with Manta Rays

Thrill-seekers can brave a nighttime swim in the ocean and enjoy a rare opportunity to watch nocturnal marine life in action. Holding onto a light board that's designed to attract plankton, you’ll soon be surrounded by manta rays, swooping in to feast on the plankton. 

Venture Deep into the Ocean on a Guided Scuba Dive

The Big Island is home to some of Hawaii’s most impressive dive sites, and there are opportunities for both certified divers and first-timers. Head to the east coast around Hilo to scuba dive in an area known for its green sea turtles, explore the reefs along Kailua coast, and look out for octopus, Whitley's boxfish, and whale sharks.

Raft, Kayak, and Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay

The clear waters of Kealakekua Bay are a prime spot for snorkeling, and the entire bay is protected as a marine life conservation area. Paddle around the bay on a raft, sea kayak, or canoe; look out for spinner dolphins and humpback whales; and then dive underwater to snorkel amid live coral, sea urchins, and parrotfish. 

Take in Views from a Stand-up Paddleboard

If you don’t fancy submerging yourself in the water, mount a paddle board instead for underwater views as you float along the surface. Rent a paddle board and head out on your own, combine it with kayaking and a glass-bottom boat ride in Anaehoomalu Bay, or even take a nighttime tour using a special light-up paddle board that allows you to observe underwater marine life.

Dedicated coffee drinkers know that some of the earth’s best brew comes from the Big Island’s “coffee belt” on the slopes above Kailua-Kona. See where the prized beans are grown and sip the product straight from the source on a Kona coffee tour.

Highlights

• Discover one of Hawaii’s oldest traditions and most famous exports.

• Visit a working coffee plantation to watch the journey of beans from crop to cup.

• Learn how to identify real Kona coffee and why it’s worth its steep price. 

• If you’re short on time, combine a coffee farm tour with other Big Island adventures like a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or a tour of Kona Coast highlights. 

Top Kona Coffee Plantations

Many of Kona’s more than 600 coffee farms are open to the public. Most are located on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mt. Hualalai, making the West Shore’s Kailua-Kona a good base for exploration. The best-known name on the island, Greenwell Farms has been winning awards for its coffee since 1873. Coffee tastings and tours of the fourth-generation farm are offered daily. At Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, learn the growing process from master cuppers who judge the cupping competition at the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. A little farther south, Hula Daddy Coffee promotes eco-friendly growing practices, while Kona Coffee Living History Farm boasts the distinction of being the only living history coffee farm in the US. 

Kona Coffee History

After first being planted on the Big Island in 1828 by missionary Samuel Ruggles, Kona coffee began pleasing the palates of coffee lovers around the world with its distinct aroma and flavor, even drawing rave reviews from Mark Twain after the writer’s visit to Hawaii. The island’s fertile volcanic soil and high, sheltered slopes that receive an abundance of both sunshine and rain make for near-perfect growing conditions. You can purchase a bag of beans to take home around the Big Island—just be sure to look for “100% Kona Coffee” on the label to guarantee you’re getting the real deal and not a blend. 

Home to some of Hawaii’s most beautiful scenery, the Big Island is the ideal place to get romantic. Here are a few of the best ways:

Surround Yourself with flowers

If you want something more impressive than a bouquet, arrange a traditional floral lei greeting when you land on the island or book a table at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, where you can learn about orchids and even take one home as a souvenir.

Book a Couples Massage

For some romantic relaxation, there are plenty of Hawaii spas that offer couples massages. And if you don’t feel like heading out, many therapists come directly to your accommodation. 

Fly Over the Island in a Helicopter

There are multiple options for travelers wanting to see the Big Island from above; choose between scenic sunset flights and helicopter rides that reveal the sea cliffs and waterfalls that line the Kohala Coast. Some itineraries even involve flying over molten lava flows.

Set Sail on Kealakekua Bay

No visit to the Big Island is complete without taking a trip on the water. Opt for a sunset dinner cruise or a more adventurous snorkeling trip in Kealakekua Bay; you may even spot spinner dolphins along the way.

Stare at the Stars from Maunu Kea

As the state’s highest point, Maunu Kea offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world—head up around sunset for beautiful views and prime stargazing. 

If you’re not planning a stay on Oahu, you can still experience the history of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu on a day trip from the Big Island. Here’s what you need to know for an island-hopping adventure, from World War II memorials to Waimea Bay.

Pearl Harbor Tours

Set foot on one of the nation’s most hallowed military history sites on a Pearl Harbor tour from the Big Island. At the location of the Japanese attack that launched the United States into World War II, pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the USS Arizona Memorial, floating above the sunken battleship Arizona, and walk the decks of the USS Missouri, where Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945. Delve into the details of the attack at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Combo Tours

See even more of Hawaii’s most populous island on a combo tour that combines a visit to Pearl Harbor with other Oahu highlights. Take a spin through downtown Honolulu with a tour guide to see landmarks like the King Kamehameha I statue, Kawaiahao Church, Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on American soil), and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Check out the supersized scenery of the island’s North Shore, including Pali Lookout and Waimea Bay, home to some of Hawaii’s most epic big-wave surfing.

Things to Know

• Day tours range in duration from seven to 14 hours. Be prepared for an early morning departure on some tours to make the most of the day.

• Tours to Oahu run by air only; the flight from Kona to Honolulu is a breezy 45 minutes.

• Bring everything you’ll need for a full day away, including comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket and umbrella in case of afternoon showers, water, snacks, and a camera to capture snaps of the world-famous landmarks.

Most visitors to the Big Island explore Volcano National Park and Mauna Kea and spend time on the Kona beaches. To escape the crowds—and see a different side of the island—go off the beaten path. Here are our picks of the top alternative attractions and things to do on the Big Island.

Green Sand Beach and South Point

There are plenty of white sand and black sand beaches on the Big Island, but there's only one green sand beach. Papakolea, located near South Point, is known for its olive-colored sand, formed from olivine from a nearby volcanic cinder cone. Reach the beach via a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) hike from the end of South Point Road. Not far away from Papakolea is South Point, the southernmost point of the United States.

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are a hidden gem on the Big Island and a great way to sample local favorites and pick up handmade souvenirs. There are farmers markets across the island. Popular options include the Hilo Farmers Market, Maku’u Farmers Market, Uncles Kaimu Farmers Market and Wednesday Night Market, Volcano Farmers Market, and the Kona Farmers Market.

Painted Church

There are two painted churches on the Big Island. The first, St. Benedict’s Painted Church, is on the Kona side, overlooking Kealakekua Bay. This small church has lavishly painted murals on the inside of the church walls, altar, and ceiling. The other church is Star of the Sea Painted Church in Kalapana, which has its own brightly painted interior.

Chocolate Farms

The Big Island is well known for its coffee and macadamia nuts, but what’s less well known is that it's also a major producer of chocolate. Visit a cacao farm to learn more about how cacao is grown, harvested, and processed, and sample several types of chocolate in the process. Options include the Hamakua Chocolate Farm, the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, and Lavaloha Chocolate Farm.

With its unusual mix of lunar-like lava fields and tropical jungle, the Big Island offers some of the most scenic hiking in the Hawaiian Islands. Here are a few of the most popular trails:

Mauna Ulu/Pu‘u Huluhulu Hike — 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)

This hike takes you through lava tree molds to the solidified remains of the Mauna Ulu flow. Most of the hike is fairly easy but one portion features a challenging 210-foot (64-meter) ascent to the Pu‘u Huluhulu cinder cone. Your reward? Views over Mauna Ulu and, on clear days, all the way out to the Pacific Ocean.

Ha'akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail — 1.2 miles (2 kilometers)

This trail is a good place to see volcanic steam and gases rising from solidified lava. It combines paved pathways with wooden boardwalks dotted with interpretive signs, and it’s wheelchair accessible.

Kaumana Trail  — 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers)

Situated in the Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve, this trail is a great option for families and those with less hiking experience. It's surrounded by misty forest and offers great views of Mauna Kea, without much elevation gain. 

Waipio Valley Trail — 3.8 miles (6.1 kilometers)

The lush, forested Waipio Valley is considered one of the prettiest places on the Big Island, and is best experienced on foot. This hike involves navigating some steep and muddy hills (and dodging the 4x4s that frequent the area) but if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll be rewarded with access to a secluded beach with unique ocean views. 

Whale-watching is one of the most popular winter activities in Hawaii, and for good reason; it's estimated that around two thirds of the world's North Pacific whales come to Hawaii to breed and give birth. See below for how and when to see whales in the wild.

When to Go

The North Pacific humpback whales, known as koholai, arrive in Hawaii as early as November and can be spotted as late as May. Your chances for spotting the migratory mammals are at their highest from January through March.

What You'll See

Though most whale-watching expeditions focus on spotting humpback whales, plenty of other species call the waters surrounding Hawaii home. These include short-finned pilot whales, dwarf sperm whales, and all sorts of dolphins, including bottlenose and spinner varieties.

How to Go

There's no shortage of whale-watching excursions leaving from the shores of the Big Island, with plenty of group expeditions and private options available. Most offer morning and afternoon departures, but there are also late afternoon cruises with cocktails served on board. See below for your options.