What To Do Big Island Hawaii 🌴 Ultimate Travel Guide

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island, notable for being taller than Mount Everest from its ocean floor base and offering breathtaking summit views.

This park on the Big Island protects two shield volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, allowing visitors to witness volcanic power and explore geological and cultural sites.

Also known as the Thurston Lava Tube, this is a popular attraction within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, allowing visitors to walk through a large lava tube.

Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall located in Akaka Falls State Park, known as the crown jewel of Hawaii's many waterfalls.

This state park on the island's northeast side, about 30 minutes north of Hilo, is home to the majestic Akaka Falls.

Also known as Waianuenue, Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall near Hilo, famous for the rainbows often visible in its mist, especially in the morning.

Peepee Falls is located upstream from Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park, feeding into the unique 'boiling pots' natural pools.

Hilawe Falls is the tallest waterfall on the island, plunging 1450 feet into the sacred YPO Valley, though its flow can be inconsistent.

Hau'una Beach is a popular white-sand beach on the Big Island, known for its long crescent shape, warm waters, and waves suitable for swimming and body surfing.

Wai'ale Bay, adjacent to Hau'una Beach, is a protected marine life conservation district ideal for snorkeling among vibrant ecosystems.

Also known as Kauna'oa Beach, this beautiful stretch of sand is excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, where you might spot sea turtles and rays.

Spencer Beach is a less crowded, family-friendly beach option on the Big Island, also offering camping facilities.

Located near Kona, Kahalu'u Beach Park is a beginner-friendly spot with protected bay waters perfect for snorkeling and observing marine life like sea turtles and tropical fish.

Papakolea Beach, near the southern tip of the island, is one of the world's few green sand beaches, colored by the volcanic mineral olivine, and set within an eroded cinder cone.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is famous for its black volcanic sand and is a prime location for spotting endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles.

Palu Valley, near the northern tip of the Big Island, is a breathtakingly lush valley with dramatic cliffs and dense rainforest, offering a Jurassic Park-like atmosphere.

This easily accessible lookout point provides a spectacular panoramic view of the lush, cliff-lined Palu Valley.

Palu Beach is a secluded black sand beach at the bottom of Palu Valley, accessible via a steep and slippery trail.

The sacred YPO Valley, known as the 'Valley of the Kings,' is a dramatic and lush area once home to Hawaiian royalty, featuring towering cliffs and Hawaii's tallest waterfall.

The YPO Lookout provides accessible, stunning views of the majestic YPO Valley and its dramatic landscape.

Lapakahi State Historical Park preserves an ancient Hawaiian village dating back to 1500 AD, offering insights into pre-contact life with remnants of houses and a shoreline fishery.

This historic landmark was the royal residence of King Kamehameha, the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, and includes the remains of his palace and surrounding structures.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau is a sacred historical site with temples and royal grounds, offering a deep sense of Hawaiian spirituality and preserving ancient structures and petroglyphs.

The Hilo Farmer's Market is a vibrant marketplace offering some of the freshest and most delicious tropical fruits on the island.

Hilo is home to beautiful botanical gardens, including Liliuokalani Gardens, which offers a serene Japanese garden experience honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Liliuokalani Gardens is a serene Japanese garden in Hilo, designed to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani, featuring elements of Edo period Japanese gardens.

Kaumana Caves are a system of lava tubes near Hilo, offering a less crowded alternative to exploring lava tubes within the national park.

South Point (Ka Lae) is the southernmost point in the United States, offering dramatic coastal cliff views and opportunities for cliff diving.

Kalalua Kekua Bay, also known as Kealakekua Bay, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it excellent for snorkeling.

Located in Kealakekua Bay, the Captain Cook Monument marks the spot where the British explorer Captain James Cook was killed in 1779.

Kona, located on the sunny western side of the Big Island, is a popular tourist hub known for its historic sites, coffee farms, and vibrant atmosphere.

Hilo, situated on the rainy eastern side of the Big Island, is known for its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and local small-town charm, offering a more affordable alternative to Kona.