Stephen Conn, Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Troy Mckaskle, Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Lost in Transliteration, Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Thomas Tunsch, Photograph: Courtesy CC/Wikimedia Commons/Bob Linsdell, Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Joel Abroad, Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Mark Goebel, Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/James Walsh, how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world. Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. We spent 5 amazing days exploring Hawaii’s waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, and wildlife. Explore the Big Island of Hawaii. The museum details the height of Hawaii’s Consolidated Railway until its irreparable damage caused by the 1946 tsunami. The water of Kealakekua Bay is crystal clear, and full of colorful fish and coral reefs. Paths wind through rainforests and towering palms from around the world, offering up-close encounters with more than two thousand species of plants. Take a drive along the Hāmākua Coast to Honokaa, a historic village on the northeast side of the island. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. Your visit to the Big Island needn’t be dominated by coffee alone. The light attracts millions of microscopic plankton, and the graceful manta rays swim under you to scoop them up in their massive mouths. At a towering 442 feet tall, Akaka Falls is Hawaii’s largest waterfall. Driving up to the observatory for sunset is a popular activity, and so is late-night stargazing. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Entry into the park costs only $5 per car. And that Hawaii is technically home to the tallest mountain in the world? It’s also where Captain James Cook, the first Westerner to visit Hawaii, was killed in a skirmish with Native Hawaiians. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any dolphins that day… but we heard they were spotted further down the coast. If measured from the sea floor, Mauna Kea towers 33,476 feet (10,204 meters). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Life moves a bit slower than the neighboring Hawaiian islands here, and due to its massive size there is no shortage of outdoor activities for nature-loving visitors and locals to enjoy. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. Which is great for early-bird landscape photographers like me. Akaka Waterfall can be viewed from several points along the trail through the park, but the best spot is from high above on the edge of the gorge. There’s no end to things you can do in Hawaii, so keeping within your budget can be challenging. The easiest way to see dolphins up close, Dolphin Quest offers family-friendly opportunities to get in the water with these amazing creatures. Zooplankton is drawn to the cove lighting along Kauna‘oa Bay and manta rays show up for nightly feedings. Take a self-guided tour of the Mauna Loa macadamia nut orchards and processing plant where you’ll see husking and roasting in action, then visit the on-site shop to sample flavored nuts you won’t find in stores. This is a popular destination for tourists and wildlife alike; be aware and respectful of the green sea turtles resting along the beach. Did you know that it actually snows in Hawaii? Sitting along the fertile slopes of the Hualalai Volcano above Kailua-Kona lies the artist-friendly town of Holualoa, where we based ourselves on the western side of the Big Island. The dogs benefit from social interaction and exercise, while you might be tempted by a possible adoption! We spent 5 days exploring things to do on the Big Island, but I wish we’d stayed longer — at least a week. In the winter, the summit can be covered with snow. Enjoy! Kona International Airport (KOA) to the west, or Hilo International Airport (ITO) in the east. Click to Sign Up! Visit a Kona coffee plantation tucked along on the slope of active volcano Hualālai. Hōlei Sea Arch: On your way down Chain of Craters Road, there are plenty of lookouts where you can see sweeping views all the way up the coastline as you make your way to the sea arch. Whether by zipline, ATV, horseback, boat, or on foot, the best things to do on Hawaii’s Big Island are right at your fingertips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Because the Big Island of Hawaii is so big (4,028 square miles, about the size of Connecticut) — driving around it takes a long time. If you prefer to get your feet wet, a visit to a black sand beach is a must. If you’ve ever been mesmerized watching surfers at play, why not try it out for yourself? Every Hawaiian island has their unique take on shortbread cookies and you’ll find Big Island flavor in Hilo. Big Island Guide can help you discover all the exciting vacation activities that will let you enjoy your visit and create lasting memories for you and your family. Punaluu Beach is also a great location for snorkeling, but be mindful of strong currents. Watch mist rise from the vents of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, then follow the narrow path into Thurston Lava Tube for an underworld volcanic experience. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this travel guide. Shopping on the Big IslandThroughout the Big Island, small farmer’s markets and private art galleries line the streets and storefronts, but visitors seeking out a high-end shopping experience will find plenty to pique their interest during their stay. Things to Do in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii: See Tripadvisor's 218,894 traveler reviews and photos of Island of Hawaii attractions. All Rights Reserved. 25 Things to Do in Hilo. Papakolea is a bit off the beaten track, and not easy to reach. There are roughly 600 coffee farms in the Kona area, and many offer tours to the public, some are free! You can try flying directly to these airports, or hop on a short 40-minute flight connecting from Honolulu. Offering both aerial tours of the Big Island and skydiving opportunities, B.I.G. But most of the volcano is actually underwater. An agricultural wonderland, the Big Island is the perfect locale for browsing farmers markets and investigating the local produce and handmade goods. You’ll also pass several waterfalls and get a nice view of the Pacific from this Onomea Bay sanctuary. Mauna Kea Volcano is Hawaii’s tallest mountain, at 13,796 feet (4205 meters). However, this also means only the most adventurous souls make the trek — limiting the number of people out there. Island-Hopping with Air & Room, from $909 for 6 nights, see the Big Island and Oahu! A favorite among locals, Malasadas are a decadent Portuguese donut made from egg-heavy dough, and are the go-to treat for Fat Tuesday, though you’ll find these sweet treats all over the island, year-round. Teeming with protected and endangered species, Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm allows you and your family to see all that makes the Big Island unique and special. It’s a bit of a scavenger hunt to get to Kapoho Tide Pools, but so worth it if you like the idea of wading in fresh water warmed by volcanic rock. No other island gives you a place to swim with manta rays, horseback ride and whale watch, all on the same visit. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. But, however long you plan to visit, you will want to maximize the adventure and relaxation time you have and find the best activities for you and your party. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Kīlauea Iki Trail: This is the most popular trail in the park and for good reason. Beaches on the Big IslandA primary attraction for most visitors to the Big Island, the sparkling beaches along the western side provide world-class surfing, snorkeling, and opportunities for relaxation. To avoid spending a lot of time driving, I recommend staying in three different areas during your stay: Waikoloa Village, Kailua-Kona, and Hilo. Above you’ll find a map of Big Island highlights. We already have this email. The original lava boat tour company on the Big Island, Lava Ocean Tours offers a variety of ocean adventures. You’ll tour a working coffee farm and then learn all about the roasting process, from green bean to perfect cup. Hawaii Island, referred to simply as the "Big Island," is known for being both the largest and youngest island in the state. © 2020 BIG ISLAND GUIDE. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in November. Discover Things to do in Hawaii With a seemingly endless number of things to do in Hawaii, getting a good idea of your party’s “must-do” activities is an important aspect of building your vacation itinerary. It was the perfect place to relax after our different adventures. The Hawaiian Islands are essentially a chain of massive volcanoes, and The Big Island is over the hot-spot right now, so the island is still being formed by these active lava flows & eruptions. Scuba diving with the mantas is also possible. Hawaii’s largest island may be the youngest, but it continues to grow—in volcanic size and in popularity. To see lava up close, you’ll need to visit the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area, an hour long drive away from the National Park entrance (and closer to the town of Hilo). We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out. Make the most of a short visit by flying over waterfalls, ocean cliffs and volcanic mountains on a helicopter tour. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurist looking for thrills or seaside leisure seeker who'd rather lounge at the hotel, the Big Island offers a host of natural and cultural attractions to explore—not to mention some great restaurants. In the hands of an experienced whale researcher, come aboard Captain Dan McSweeney’s Whale Watch Learning Adventures for a unique, scientific approach to whale watching. The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest, most diverse, and most adventurous island in Hawaii. Did you know Hawaii is the only US state growing commercial coffee? For most of our trip, we stayed at the beautiful Holualoa Inn outside Kona in the small village of Holualoa. The macadamia nut is not only one of the most popular treats from Hawaii, it’s also a staple in regional recipes. On the East side of the bay you’ll find the ruins of a Hikiau Heiau (sacred temple) dedicated to the Hawaiian fertility and music god Lono. Visit the town of Volcano, HI for a unique wine tasting experience. Here are some of the best things to do on the Big Island Of Hawaii during your visit! While the Big Island has some nice beaches, it’s really not a typical “beach” destination like Oahu is. Oahu might be the most popular and busiest Hawaiian island, but The Big Island of Hawai’i is the largest, and incredibly it’s still growing!

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