Imagine standing on a dormant volcano, looking out at a stunning landscape. You see rugged lava fields, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests. This is the Big Island of Hawaii, a place that draws travelers from everywhere. But what makes it so special, and what are the top places to visit? Let’s find out the best things to do on Hawaii’s Big Island.
The Big Island is full of different landscapes and unique experiences. You can hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or snorkel with manta rays. The island’s natural wonders are amazing. Plus, there’s great food, coffee tours, and stargazing to enjoy.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian islands, offering a diverse range of landscapes and activities.
- Top attractions include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea summit, black sand beaches, and world-class snorkeling spots.
- The island is divided into the Kona (western) and Hilo (eastern) sides, each offering unique experiences.
- Visitors should plan for at least a week-long trip to fully explore the island’s offerings.
- The Big Island is known for its exceptional dining, coffee tours, and stargazing adventures.
Planning Your Visit to Hawaii's Big Island
Planning a trip to the Big Island in Hawaii needs careful thought. You’ll want to know the best time to go and how to get around. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to this amazing island.
Best Time to Visit
The spring and fall, from April to June and September to November, are the best times to visit. You’ll find fewer people and lower prices than in the busy summer and holiday seasons. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for seeing the island’s natural beauty.
Getting Around the Island
Renting a car is key for exploring the Big Island. With its wide range of landscapes and attractions, having your own car is best. Kona International Airport makes it easy to pick up your rental right after you arrive, starting your adventure smoothly.
How Many Days to Stay
Spending at least a week on the Big Island is recommended. This time lets you see both the Kona and Hilo sides and Volcanoes National Park without rushing. The island’s vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich culture deserve your full attention.
“The Big Island of Hawaii is a true natural wonder, with endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.” – Travel Enthusiast
Where to Stay: Kona vs Hilo Side
Planning your Big Island trip? Choosing between Kona and Hilo sides matters a lot. Each area has its own charm and attractions. Knowing the differences helps pick the right place to stay.
The Kona side is famous for its beautiful beaches, top-notch resorts, and lively food scene. It gets only 18 inches of rain a year. This makes it perfect for those wanting a tropical beach vacation. You can stay at places like Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Fairmont Orchid, and Mauna Lani. They offer luxury and direct beach access.
The Hilo side is greener, with easy access to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. It rains more here, with 127 inches a year. This creates a lush, calm atmosphere. Stay at Grand Naniloa Hotel or Hilo Hawaiian Hotel for a local feel. Or try Inn at Kulaniapia Falls for a rainforest experience.
Choosing between Kona and Hilo depends on what you want. Kona offers beaches and resorts. Hilo has volcanic landscapes and natural wonders. The Big Island promises an amazing trip, no matter where you stay.
Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a top spot on the Big Island. It spans 333,259 acres and features two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. You can see solidified lava fields, lush rainforests, and the Halema’uma’u crater’s glow at night.
Crater Rim Drive Highlights
The Crater Rim Drive is a scenic route with amazing views. It’s 11 miles long and takes you to key spots like the Kilauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum. Don’t miss the 4-mile Kilauea Iki Crater Trail hike.
Chain of Craters Road
The Chain of Craters Road is a 23-mile drive to the coast. It shows off volcanic craters and ends at recent lava flows. You’ll see the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs and the Hōlei Sea Arch along the way.
Night Viewing at Halema'uma'u Crater
Seeing the Halema’uma’u crater glow at night is unforgettable. When lava is flowing, the crater lights up the sky. Visit after sunset for the best view.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is always changing. It’s a place of wonder, with hiking, diverse ecosystems, and volcanic sights. It’s a must-see on your Big Island trip.
Best Beaches on the Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island has many stunning beaches. You can find black sand beaches and green sand beaches here. No matter what you’re looking for, the Big Island has a beach for you.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is famous worldwide. Its black sand is from lava flows. The beach is perfect for seeing sea turtles and has turquoise waters.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a natural wonder. It’s one of only two green sand beaches in the U.S. The green sand comes from olivine. Getting there is a bit of a hike, but it’s worth it.
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach is known for its white sand. It’s great for swimming and sunbathing. The beach’s shape makes it perfect for fun in the water.
Snorkeling Spots
- Kealakekua Bay: It’s one of Hawaii’s top snorkeling spots. You can see many fish and sometimes dolphins or sea turtles.
- Honaunau Bay (Two-Step): Known as Two-Step, it’s easy to snorkel here. A rock formation makes getting in the water simple.
| Beach | Unique Feature |
|---|---|
| Punalu’u Black Sand Beach | Formed by lava flow, with the potential for sea turtle sightings |
| Papakolea Green Sand Beach | One of only two green sand beaches in the United States |
| Hapuna Beach | Renowned for its pristine white sand and excellent swimming/boogie boarding |
| Kealakekua Bay | One of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii, with diverse marine life |
| Honaunau Bay (Two-Step) | Offers easy access to excellent snorkeling conditions |
The Big Island has beaches for everyone. You can find black, green, and white sand beaches. The snorkeling spots are also amazing. Exploring these beaches is a must on any Big Island trip.
Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing Adventures
Start an amazing journey to Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Dive into the night sky’s wonders. Mauna Kea Summit Adventures has been leading sunset and stargazing tours since 1983. They offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Summit Tours
The Mauna Kea summit tour lasts about 7.5-8.5 hours. You’ll see the stunning sunset and visit top observatories. With over 1,705 five-star reviews, it’s a hit for stargazing, succeeding more than 90% of the time. Prices start at $273.14, making it a great deal.
Visitor Information Center
Before reaching the summit, visit the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center at 9,200 feet. It offers free stargazing programs. Here, you can get used to the high altitude and learn about the island’s astronomy history.
Best Time for Stargazing
The best time for stargazing is after sunset. As it gets darker, the sky’s clarity and visibility are unmatched. You’ll see stars, planets, and the Milky Way. Remember to wear warm clothes, as it can get cold at the summit.
Mauna Kea’s high altitude, location, and lack of light pollution make it a top spot for stargazing in Hawaii. With great tour guides, stunning views, and cosmic observations, visiting Mauna Kea is a must for the Big Island.
“The Mauna Kea summit tour was the highlight of our trip to the Big Island. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and the stargazing experience was truly breathtaking. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Hawaii.” – Jane D., Tripadvisor
Snorkeling and Marine Life Encounters
The Big Island of Hawaii is a snorkeler’s dream, with its rich marine life and beautiful underwater scenes. Places like Kealakekua Bay and Pawai Bay are full of colorful coral reefs and amazing sea creatures.
Don’t miss the manta ray night dive/snorkel. At sunset, these gentle giants swim by, feeding on plankton. Seeing them is a memorable experience and a top highlight of visiting the Big Island.
The Big Island is also famous for its dolphin watching tours. These tours let you see dolphins in their natural home. They teach us how to watch wildlife responsibly and with respect.
| Snorkeling Spot | Depth | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Kealakekua Bay | 5-15 feet | Designated Marine Life Conservation District, vibrant coral reefs, and the historic Captain Cook Monument |
| Pawai Bay | 5-15 feet | Secluded location accessible through Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, with a stunning coral reef backdrop |
| Richardson’s Ocean Park | 5-15 feet | Convenient snorkeling spot with a range of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles |
It’s a good idea to bring your own snorkel gear. It makes exploring easier and keeps you comfortable. Also, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine life while snorkeling in Hawaii.
“The underwater world of Hawaii’s Big Island is a true natural wonder, teeming with vibrant life and captivating sights. Exploring these waters is an experience that will stay with you long after your visit.”
Big Island, Hawaii: Best Things to Do - Top Picks
The Big Island is in the heart of Hawaii, full of natural wonders and culture. It has activities for everyone, from thrill-seekers to culture lovers. You’ll find something exciting to do here.
Volcano Activities
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the island’s geology up close. Hike on lava fields, look into the Halema’uma’u Crater, and see lava glow. Explore lava tubes for amazing formations.
Ocean Adventures
The Big Island’s waters are perfect for ocean fun. Snorkel or scuba dive to see colorful sea life. Try night diving or snorkeling with manta rays. Surf or paddleboard on calm waves.
Cultural Experiences
Learn about Hawaiian culture at a luau. Enjoy local food, watch dances, and hear stories. Visit historic sites and try activities like lei-making or hula lessons.
The Big Island is a special place for Hawaii activities, Big Island adventures, and Hawaiian culture. It has beautiful landscapes, marine life, and traditions. Come for an amazing journey of discovery.
Coffee Tours and Farm Visits
The Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its Kona coffee. Coffee farm tours let you explore the world of coffee production. You’ll see the lush slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa mountains.
These mountains are home to over 650 coffee farms. They stretch along the Kona Coffee Belt, a 20-mile area. Here, you can learn about growing, harvesting, and roasting Kona coffee beans.
The Big Island is not just about coffee. It’s also known for chocolate, vanilla, and macadamia nuts. Farms in Hilo and Hamakua offer tours and tastings of these treats. It’s a chance to connect with the land and local produce.
Whether you love coffee or just want to see Hawaii’s farms, these tours are great. You can choose from free walks to in-depth cupping sessions. There’s something for everyone, no matter your budget.
So, dive into Hawaii’s coffee history and culture. Discover the flavors that make the Big Island a top spot for farm tours.
