8 Awesome Things To Do On Hawaii’s Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island offers incredible adventures for every traveler. From active volcanoes to pristine beaches, this paradise island packs diverse landscapes and experiences into one unforgettable destination.
I’ve explored the island extensively and compiled my favorite activities that showcase the natural wonders and cultural treasures of this Pacific gem.
1. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Standing at the edge of Kīlauea’s crater feels like peeking into Earth’s fiery heart. The steam vents hiss around you while the vast caldera stretches before your eyes.
Night visits reveal an otherworldly orange glow from active lava flows. During daytime, hike the Devastation Trail to witness nature’s rebirth after eruptions – tiny ferns pushing through black lava rock.
The Volcano House hotel offers spectacular crater views if you want to extend your visit. Rangers lead fascinating walks explaining how these volcanoes continue shaping this dynamic island.
2. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
Crystal clear waters teeming with vibrant coral gardens make Kealakekua Bay a snorkeler’s paradise. Schools of yellow tangs and rainbow-colored parrotfish dart between ancient lava formations just beneath the surface.
The historical significance adds another layer to your adventure – this is where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii. A white monument marking this spot stands visible from the water.
Access requires some effort, either by boat tour, kayak rental, or a challenging hike down. Your reward? Some of the healthiest reef systems in Hawaii and water visibility often exceeding 100 feet.
3. Stargaze on Mauna Kea
Perched above the clouds at nearly 14,000 feet, Mauna Kea’s summit offers the clearest night skies on Earth. International observatories dot the mountain’s peak for good reason – the star visibility is unmatched anywhere else.
Free nightly stargazing programs at the Visitor Information Station (at 9,200 feet) let you peer through powerful telescopes. Friendly volunteers point out constellations and explain how ancient Hawaiians used stars for navigation.
If you’re driving up yourself, remember to acclimatize at the mid-mountain station for at least 30 minutes. The temperature drops dramatically, so bring warm clothes even in summer!
4. Relax at Hapuna Beach
Imagine half a mile of perfect white sand meeting crystal-clear turquoise waters – that’s Hapuna for you. Consistently ranked among America’s best beaches, this stretch of paradise offers ideal swimming conditions most of the year.
Morning visits reward early risers with peaceful walks and occasional dolphin sightings offshore. By midday, the beach comes alive with families enjoying the gentle waves and soft sand.
Facilities here are excellent with showers, restrooms, and picnic areas making day trips comfortable. Winter months occasionally bring larger surf to the normally calm waters, creating exciting boogie boarding opportunities for more adventurous beachgoers.
5. See Akaka Falls
Hidden within a lush rainforest gorge, Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet in a single spectacular drop. The short paved loop trail takes you through a tropical paradise of wild orchids, bamboo groves, and hanging vines.
Morning visits often reveal rainbows dancing in the mist at the waterfall’s base. The thundering sound grows louder as you approach the main viewing platform, where you’ll feel tiny beside this natural wonder.
The entire walk takes only about 30 minutes, making it perfect for families or those with limited mobility. Don’t rush through – take time to spot the smaller Kahuna Falls and listen for native birds calling from the dense forest canopy.
6. Explore Waipio Valley
They call it the “Valley of the Kings” for good reason – Waipio Valley’s dramatic black sand beach sits beneath 2,000-foot cliffs draped in waterfalls. Hawaiian royalty once called this lush valley home.
Looking down from the overlook takes your breath away, but adventuring into the valley rewards you with even more beauty. Wild horses sometimes roam freely near the beach where powerful waves crash against the shore.
Getting down requires a 4WD vehicle or your own two feet on a steep 25% grade road. Most rental agreements forbid driving here, so consider a guided tour if hiking isn’t your thing.
7. Walk through Thurston Lava Tube
Stepping into Thurston Lava Tube feels like entering another planet. This 500-year-old tunnel once carried rivers of molten lava but now welcomes explorers into its cavernous interior.
The short walk through dense fern forest suddenly opens into this massive tube where your footsteps echo against ancient walls. Lights illuminate the main section, revealing fascinating lava formations and drip patterns frozen in time.
For the adventurous, the unlit section beyond the tourist area offers a genuine caving experience – bring your own flashlight! Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this geological wonder pairs perfectly with other volcanic attractions nearby.
8. Visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
The contrast is striking – jet black sand against turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. Punalu’u’s unique shoreline formed when hot lava met cold ocean water, shattering into the fine black sand beneath your feet.
Hawaiian green sea turtles frequently bask on this beach, their dark shells sometimes perfectly camouflaged against the volcanic sand. Remember to keep a respectful distance from these protected creatures.
Swimming conditions can be rough, but the beach offers excellent tide pooling opportunities where you might spot colorful fish and sea urchins. The nearby freshwater spring was once vital to ancient Hawaiians and adds to this beach’s cultural significance.