What to do on the Big Island - Hawaii.
Sometimes your body knows what you need before you realize it. You can get caught up in the chaos that is life and forget your real purpose: to live. Taking time to pause and care for yourself is important. And a tropical getaway can be just what you need.
Just a hop, skip, and jump over the Pacific Ocean lies breathtaking floral landscapes and ocean views of Hawaii. To read more about the Big Island click here.
To help you plan your own incredible trip, here’s my guide to 20 incredible things you absolutely must do on the Big Island - Hawaii.
1. Swim with Manta Rays
Book a night dive excursion to swim with manta rays. There are many tour companies to book with, but we had an amazing experience with Manta Ray Dives. We headed out in the evening on a boat with a couple other people to the 'campfire' which is a ring of lights under the water where fish come to graze on plankton. Once there you jump into the water with goggles, fins, and a cozy wetsuit. Light shines up from the campfire and illuminates the plankton which manta rays eat, so the rays swim up, barrel roll, and open their giant mouths to scoop up their late night snacks. The rays come inches from you and even smack your goggles. This was by far the most amazing experience I have had.
2. Cliff Jump at the 'End of the World'
Near Captain Cook you will find clear blue water where you can submerge from a high drop. On the trail to the coastline you will see goats on lava rock terrain. All you adrenaline junkies can eat your heart out. There are a couple different levels to jump from, but make sure to talk to the locals (waiter, bartenders, anyone within talking distance) about the best time to jumping. Also make sure to wear water shoes because the cliffs can be rocky and sharp.
3. Off-Road to Green Sand Beach (Papakolea)
The trip to the beach is a 5 mile roundtrip hike or you can pay a local for an off-road adventure to the beautiful destination (choose this option!) For this thrill of a lifetime get there before 1pm to avoid the crowds. The off-roading truck drive was a blast and the Green Sand Beach was the most amazing beach I have ever enjoyed. Jump off the cliffs and float in the waves. An all-around absolutely incredible experience and my favorite memory of the trip.
4. Black Sand Beach (Punalu’u)
This beach is one of a kind with completely black-as-night sand. It is easily accessible from Volcano Village. Walk along the shiny black sand and watch the turtles soundly sleep on the shoreline. This is a beautiful place to catch the sunset.
5. Hike down Pololu Valley
Breathtaking views of the ocean surrounded by lush landscape. There is a semi-steep (but walkable) path that leads to a day picnic area, river, beach, rope swing, tire swing, and luscious jungle of trails to explore. Definitely a hike to remember with greenery like no other.
6. Explore Waipio Valley
Just like Pololu Valley, but more south down the coastline, you can marvel at the sweeping sea vistas from the lookout or spend some time hiking down into this valley to explore the beach, waterfalls, and jungle below. Make sure to bring proper hiking and day-trip necessities. You can swim at the beach below as well, so bring a suit!
7. Farmers Market in Waipio Valley
We stumbled upon the best Farmer's Market (Saturdays 7am-1pm) for tasty treats and beautiful crafts. Indigo dyed fabrics, coffee samples, açaí bowls, cultural food, and more. See the link below for a map of more Farmer's Market's on the island. Kings' Shops weekly farmers market with pastries & jams too (on Wednesdays).
8. Chase Waterfalls
Many waterfalls occupy the north & east side of the island beaus the climate is more jungle-like and wet. Here is a list & pictures of chase-able falls. Rainbow falls was one of the prettiest.
9. Take a Day Trip to Narnia
You won't be walking through any fur coat-filled wardrobes, but you will traverse through some trees. It is called Narnia for a reason though, it is not the easiest to find. I recommend making friends with a local and having them take you. If you make the trip you know you will be close because you can hear it before you can see it. Multiple waterfalls rush and roar creating contrasting white foam against dark lava rock. Comment below and I will leave you some travel hints.
11. Bask Above the Clouds on Mauna Kea
This dormant volcano is the tallest mountain in the world from bottom (under the water) to top. Its peak is 4,207 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in the state of Hawaii and the second-highest point above sea level of any island on Earth. Even at the summit you are above the clouds. Make sure to fill up on gas before you go and have an off-road vehicle. Bring lots of snacks and water. Also be wary of altitude sickness.
12. Go Coffee Tasting
There are so many coffee plantations to choose from. They are all amazing and provide great tours as well as bottomless tastings. Check one out on an early morning road trip.
13. Eat Where the Locals Eat
In Captain Cook you need to stop at Shred Town Taco Truck. The serve up the best tacos and burritos I have ever had. Homemade hot sauces, super friendly service, and super reasonable prices for the quality and quantity of food you are fed. Big Rob's Bakery is the place to stop if you want homemade local grub. He makes fresh baked bread that melts in your mouth. Definitely not a healthy stop, but a tasty one served with local love.
Right up the street from Big Rob's is a fruit stand where they sell the biggest, creamiest, butter-i-est avocados I have ever tasted! You have to grab one and make homemade guacamole! Another tasty find is Lilikoi Butter. This stuff tastes like heaven! Grab a jar to bring home as a souvenir.
On the other side of the island in Hilo, Le Magic Pan (the most delicious sweet and savory crepes) and The Conscious Culture Cafe (kombucha flights and crazy good unique smoothies).
14. Relax with Kava
Bayfront Kava Bay in Hilo serves up freshly brewed, locally grown kava root in coconut shells. Waning, this brown earthy-tasting liquid may make you feel giggly and tingly. Great to enjoy as you relax after a long day out in the sun.
15. Take the Scenic Routes
Rent a car (4x4 not needed most places) and take a scenic drive to the south coast to see the green and black sand beaches. If you have time (two whole days) drive around the whole island. There is so much to explore and nothing is too far away.
14. Tide-pool + Snorkel
Walk around the grounds at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park and even tide-pool. This scenic walk offers tropical fish right off the shore. (Heads up: You are not allowed to swim here.) However, just to the north of this park is an area where you can jump in and snorkel with the fishes and turtles. Side note: tours are NOT overrated. Check out TripAdvisor for reviews and sign up for some whale watching or shark swimming!
15. View Lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Sunset or later is the best time to see the lava bubbling from the cavern on the earth's crust. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (entrance fee $25/vehicle) Visitor Center is open 9am-5pm and the Volcano Art Center Gallery is open 9am-5pm. Hawaii has two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kīlauea (Kīlauea volcano is the most active). Hiking trails take you through old lava tubes, lush rainforest, over old and new, still fuming, lava flows. If you choose to travel by car the crater rim drive takes you around the Kilauea Crater.
While you are in the park you must see Halema’uma’u crater overlook at the Jaggar Museum (10am-8pm). Here you can see lava flowing (best before sunrise or after sunset). Another must-see is the Thurston lava tube which is a 20 minute 1/3 mile walk through a tree fern forest. Kilauea ‘iki Crater is a short hike to cross the crater floor formed 50 years ago. And lastly, the Chain of Craters Road is a scenic drive that takes you past some of the recent craters of the park and eventually ends down at the ocean where a lava flow has literally overtaken the road.
16. Have a Beach Day
The south coast offers sand beaches (the Green and Black being the neatest) as well as cool views. The east coast includes Isaac Hale Beach Park/Pohoiki, which lacks a solid beach, but is popular for its surf & hot ponds. Also there is Richardson Beach Park which is the #1 place to snorkel south of Hilo. On the north coast (near Waimea/the Kohala resorts), Kauna’oa (Mauna Kea) Beach is the prettiest swimming spot with white sand. Hapuna Beach State Park is voted the best beach in the world for swimming. Waialea Bay Beach is more secluded, also has white sand, but can be a busy swim spot on weekends. The west coast (near Kona) is where you can find Kuki’o Beach that is home to many sea turtles, but is not the best for swimming. Kua Bay Beach/Maniniowali Beach offers snorkeling, swimming, and is the prettiest. But again, it can be very busy on weekends. A more extensive list and description of beaches can be found here.
17. Melt in a Hot Pond
Ahalanui Park is warm water from volcanic energy. The weekends get busy, so I recommend visiting on a weekday if you can. Pohoiki warm springs are part of the Isaac Hale Beach Park in Puna and offers the biggest pond. Check these ponds out for a chance of pace.
18. Wander Through a Botanical Gardens
A great place to stop for lunch showcasing tropical plants.
19. Surf
Most surf schools and beginner surf spots can be found on the Kona side of the Island. Check them out for a fun day in the sun.
20. Donuts + Coffee at Daylight Mind Coffee Co.
Always end on a sweet note. As you may or may not know I am a donut connoisseur and these were the best donuts I have had to date. Hawaii is known for its portuguese donuts called 'malasada' which is a Portuguese confection, made of egg-sized balls of yeast dough that are deep-fried in oil and coated with granulated sugar. But if you are craving a cake-like circle of heaven check out this cafe for creative and one-of a kind flavors combos.
+ Other fun ideas
If you are interested in kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, or dolphins swimming there are plenty of places to do that too! The downtown area of Kona has many attractions, shops, and tour companies to explore. Lava Java Restaurant and Basic Cafe (smoothies + açaí bowls) are also downtown and offer great service and food. Make sure to pick up some chocolate covered macadamia nuts for all your road-trips.
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