There are so many things to do in Hawaii Big Island, choosing our favorites was no easy task. Luckily, having fun here IS easy. Use this as your guide when planning a Hawaii vacation to the Big Island!
A Vacation of Beauty and Adventure
Discover a chain of islands isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Go east and find the youngest of the Hawaiian islands, where volcanoes erupt and lush gardens emerge from the ashes.
Palm trees sway above glistening beaches, and winding roads traverse through quiet, tropical countryside. This is Hawaii Island, a destination for travelers who love adventure and beauty.
Maybe you came here to learn – learn about volcanoes, Hawaiian history, astronomy, or farming. Or, perhaps, you came here for pure, unfiltered fun – to swim and fish and sour through the sky. Or, maybe you’re here to relax.
No matter what, there are things for you to do in Hawaii’s Big Island. Read along as we reveal our favorite activities, including big adventures and simple sightseeing. Bring your partner, your kids, your family, your friends. Or, come alone. This is a place for all travelers, as long as you visit with an open mind and heart, ready for discovery.
Top Things to Do in Hawaii Big Island
Discover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of Hawaii’s top destinations is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is where you can see the often-erupting Kilauea Volcano, take the unique Crater Rim Drive, and see the varied landscapes of Hawaii Island’s lava-clad land.
Stargaze on Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the tallest point in all of Hawaii, so here you can get a close-up look at the night sky. Daytime tours of Mauna Kea offer incredible views, but a nighttime tour is an unbeatable experience. You can drive up to the Visitors Center on your own and get the best views of the stars. Or, join a guided Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour to reach the summit after dark.
Swim with Manta Rays in Kona
Kona’s waters are teeming with elegant manta rays, and at night, they come out and feed. Want to swim among these creatures? Join a swim-out or boat tour to snorkel after dark.
Take a Hawaii Road Trip
Since Hawaii is such a vast island, it’s a great place for a road trip. Our favorite route? The Hamakua Coastal Drive is a 40-mile stretch between Hilo and Waipio Valley. Some of our favorite things to do in Hawaii’s Big Island lay along this road. You can see grand waterfalls, stand by the ocean, and look out over the lush Waipio Valley.
Here are other fun drives to take on the Big Island:
- Crater Rim Drive in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Saddle Road, which connects Kona and Hilo
- Napo’opo’o Rd, south of Kona
Tour Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley is mostly closed to visitors, but you can join a guided tour if you want to descend down the narrow, steep road into a sparsely inhabited community. It’s amazing to stand at the feet of such tall sea cliffs and see how residents live off the grid. But, if you aren’t up for a guided tour, you can drive to the lookout and admire the valley from above.
Visit a Black Sand Beach…
Don’t leave Hawaii Island without seeing a black sand beach. These wanders formed when lava flowed toward the ocean, creating a shoreline of lava rock. Hot lava that hit the sea exploded into small pieces of black sand. One of the best to visit is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, which isn’t great for swimming but is a fantastic place to picnic and take in the scenery.
… AND a Green Sand Beach
Ok, this one isn’t for the faint of heart! Hawaii Island’s green sand beach is difficult to access. But for experienced hikers up for the challenge, you’ll be able to see one of the most unique sights in Hawaii. Papakōlea Beach is one of the few green sand beaches in the entire world. The hike is an exerting 5.5-mile round-trip trek, and swimming here isn’t recommended.
Help Farm Seahorse
Looking for things to do in Hawaii’s Big Island with kids? Visit a seahorse farm! Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm is located in Kona. Environmentalists raise seahorses that people buy and use in aquariums. Farmed seahorses reduce strain on natural resources, and visiting here offers insight into how these adorable sea creatures live.
Tour a Coffee Plantation: Free Things to Do in Hawaii Big Island
Here’s a free thing to do in the Big Island of Hawaii: tour a coffee plantation. That’s right: several of Kona’s coffee growers offer free tours AND free samples. Learn how coffee is grown and harvested, taste the freshest coffee you’ll ever find, and maybe buy a bag to bring home. Here are some free coffee tours in Hawaii Island:
- Mountain Thunder Coffee
- Greenwell Farms
- Hala Tree Coffee
- Rooster Farms
Walk through Liliʻuokalani Gardens
You won’t spend a ton of time at Liliʻuokalani Gardens, but you’ll probably treasure a walk here. Located in the heart of Hilo, this quaint green space features beautiful paths, ponds, and scenery. Another easy and free thing to do in Hawaii Big Island.
Marvel at Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the most iconic sights in Hilo. The good news? It’s free to visit AND easy to view. The overlook is right off the parking lot, though you can walk a trail around the top of the falls when it’s open. Visit in the morning for the best chance to see the rainbow glow at the top of the falls. But this is a fun waterfall to visit any time of day.
Trek Through Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls State Park is a popular destination on Hawaii Island (definitely not a “hidden gem”), but it’s still a lot of fun to visit. This paved path has many stairs and incredible waterfall views. Plan for a $5 entrance fee and a half-mile loop that is a bit exerting. It’s a great way to stretch your legs while taking a scenic road trip around the island.
Shop Local
When we travel, we love supporting each destination’s local shops, restaurants, and artisans. Luckily, it’s super easy (and fun!) to shop local in Hawaii’s Big Island. One of our favorite things to do is visit the Kona Farmers Market, which has crafts and produce from local vendors. You can also spend time walking through Hilo Town or Kailua Village to find local shops.
Drink Kona Beer
Have you seen Kona Brewing Company beers on your local store shelves? This popular beverage is brewed right here in Hawaii, in Kailua-Kona. Eat, drink, and be merry at their fantastic pub, or tour their sustainable brewery.
Soak up the Sun at Hapuna Beach
Wondering about the best beaches in Hawaii Big Island? Of course, a beach day is one of the top things to do here, but knowing which beach to choose can be tough. One of our favorites is Hapuna Beach, which is the island’s longest beach. The sand is soft and white, and it typically has excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Here are other top beaches on Hawaii Island:
- Makalawena Beach in Kona
- Carlsmith Beach in Hilo
- ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay at Waikoloa
Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument
Kealakekua Bay is home to one of the most spectacular snorkeling conditions in Hawaii Island. This is also where you’ll find Captain Cook Monument. The waters around the monument are teeming with beautiful fish, and you can book a boat or kayak tour to access the area.
Go Deep Sea Fishing
Kona is the best place for deep-sea fishing in Hawaii. And if you’re looking to reel in some fun, a day on the water could be a great thing to do in Hawaii Big Island. Book a half- or full-day charter to go fishing with a local expert. Private charters allow you to fully customize your experience, while a shared trip costs a bit less.
Go to the Zoo
Looking for the best free things to do in Hawaii Big Island? You might be surprised that the zoo here doesn’t charge admission! We loved the sloths, tigers, and monkeys. Plus, the grounds have beautiful tropical plant life. The zoo is also home to some native birds and other unique wildlife.
Wonder Through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a 17-acre private preserve located in one of Hawaii’s most lush, scenic areas. Spend a little time meandering its verdant, blossoming paths, admiring its overlooks, and simply taking in the garden’s beauty.
Walk Through History at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
One of our favorite places to visit in Hawaii’s Big Island is Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. There are lots of things to do at this gorgeous locale. See historic Hawaiian sites, like a fishpond, temples, traditional hale, and carvings. Or, hike along scenic sea cliffs. This is also a fun place to snorkel and a popular fishing spot.
Zipline Through the Jungle
Want great views of Hawaii AND some thrills? A zipline tour is a fun way to experience the beauty of the islands. Umauma Falls offers ziplining, rappelling, and horseback riding. Or head to the most northern point of the island and visit Kohala Zipline, which also features a private waterfall swim.
Have a Spa Day
It’s your vacation – don’t skip out on the R&R. Hawaii Island is home to fantastic resorts with world-class spa services. Splurge on a day at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, or choose a local spa, like Hale Ho‘ōla. Whether you are looking for simple relaxation or a deeper healing, Hawaii is a great place to find wellness.
Hawaii Island Vacation Tips: Where to Stay, Things to Do
Want to begin planning a Hawaii Big Island vacation complete with all the best things to do? Hawaii Aloha Travel is here to help!
We typically recommend resorts in Kona, but we can talk more to decide the best area for your accommodations. We also can help book activities that require a reservation (like ziplining or spa services). Plus, we serve as local experts to ensure your vacation is planned well.
Don’t miss out on any of the best things to do in Hawaii Big Island: Work with us and discover a fun new way to vacation!
