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If you're reading this, I'm going to bet that you have decided to visit The Big Island of Hawaii and are looking for a list of fun activities to include in your itinerary. Or maybe you're hoping to be convinced to finally book that trip to Hawaii and/or are trying to decide which of the Hawaiian islands to visit. Whatever your reason for reading this post, you’re in the right place!
The Big Island offers a diverse range of experiences, from lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches and charming small towns. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone who just wants to relax and soak up the Aloha lifestyle, this island has something for everyone. Here is a list of some of my favorite activities, sights, and hidden gems I experienced during my trip there that I promise will make yours an unforgettable one.
How To Be an Eco-conscious Traveler in Hawaii:
How to Be a Conscious Eco-Traveler in Hawaii
If you travel to Hawaii, please consider these steps you can take to respect local communities, Hawaiians, and the beautifully biodiverse land:
Take care of the reef – Coral reefs are an incredibly vital ecosystem to the animals that live on them, as well as to humans. But coral reefs are becoming increasingly threatened by climate change. Refrain from damaging or polluting the reefs around Hawaii by “leaving no trace,” not damaging corals while swimming or snorkeling, and using reef-friendly sunscreen.
Support eco-friendly tour companies and experiences – Do your research before booking your tours! Opt for experiences with low carbon emissions, like kayaking tours and hiking, and never trust a company that allows you to do things like swim with wild dolphins or feed wildlife.
Respect the wildlife – Respect the native wildlife by cleaning up after yourself (it is their home, not yours) and keeping your distance from animals you spot during your travels. In fact, Hawaii has strict laws stating how far away you need to stay from popular wildlife, including Monk seals, Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) and dolphins.
Prevent the spread of invasive species – Do not bring in or remove living things, including animals, plants, nuts, seeds, etc.
Consider a donation to a local nonprofit or environmental organization – If you can, consider giving back to Hawaii by making a donation to a local non-profit or charity. Or even better – spend some time cleaning up trash you see on the beach or side of the road. There is nothing greater than the gift of your time!
Akaka Falls located in Akaka Falls State Park
Where to Stay:
When planning your stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, your choice of location can make all the difference. For a blend of convenience, beautiful views, and access to some of the island’s top attractions, consider staying on the sunny west side in Kailua-Kona. I stayed at the Royal Kona Resort in this area, and it proved to be an excellent home base. Only 20 minutes from the Kona Airport and situated right along the waterfront, the resort offered stunning ocean views and easy access to downtown Kona’s shops, restaurants, and historic sites. There is onsite parking ($25/night for hotel guests), and it is the location of the Voyagers Of The Pacific Luau. Don's Mai Tai Bar and Restaurant is located within the hotel, and the resort fee you pay covers two free mai tais (we loved the convenience of it and ate there multiple times during our stay). Royal Kona also has a luxurious pool area as well as a private lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, where we spotted multiple tropical fishes and urchins. Plus, it's a short drive to popular beaches, snorkeling spots, and coffee farms, making it an ideal spot to both relax and explore. On our first morning there, we stepped outside of our hotel tower and spotted spinner dolphins in the distance!
Another popular area to stay is Hilo, located on the lush east side of the island. Known for its tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo offers a completely different vibe from Kailua-Kona. The weather there is cooler and rainier, creating a verdant, serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a slower-paced, nature-centric getaway. But if that's not the vibe you want for the entire trip, it's at least worth while to plan a day-trip to this side of the island to explore the rainforests and waterfalls.
While both sides of the island have their unique charm, it’s worth considering what kind of experience you’re after when choosing your base. No matter which location you choose, you'll need to do a little planning in order to be able to get around easily.
Getting Around the Big Island:
The Big Island gets its name for a reason - it's big! It is so large that all seven of the other Hawaiian islands could fit inside of it. It takes a solid two hours to get from one side of the island to the other by car (and that's not taking unexpected traffic and/or weather into consideration). That being said, there really aren't too many options for getting around without a car. Yes, public transportation exists on the island and it is always something to consider if you're traveling on a tight budget. There are also ride-share services, like Uber and Lyft, but they can get pricey after awhile. So if you are looking to maximize your time and want to experience a variety of activities while you're on the Big Island, renting a car is going to be your best option. We booked a compact-sized car through Dollar Rent A Car because it was the most affordable option and we weren't looking for anything special or specific. This was the first time we ever used Dollar, and were a bit hesitant after reading how the reviews are less-than-great. However, we had no issues going through them whatsoever! If you want a smooth experience, here are a few of my tips for renting a vehicle in Hawaii:
Drive with Aloha: When you're in Hawaii, you might notice a slower, more laidback vibe than most places in the continental U.S. Embrace the island spirit by driving patiently and respectfully, which ensures a safer and more pleasant journey for everyone.
Make sure you have rental car insurance: Double-check your policy or purchase additional coverage to avoid unexpected expenses. A lot of times rental car insurance is included in credit card memberships, so be sure to look into that option as well!
Give yourself extra time when picking up and returning your rental vehicle: Allow for potential lines or delays to keep your schedule stress-free (as a rule, I always try to avoid scheduling anything time-specific on the day I am scheduled to land somewhere). If you're flying into Kailua-Kona, you will ride a short shuttle to and from the rental car desks. Follow the signs to the median and wait for your designated shuttle (it will have your rental company's logo on it).
Have the right vehicle for your itinerary: Choose a car that fits your plans, whether it’s navigating rugged trails or cruising scenic highways. For example, if making the drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea is on your itinerary, you'll want to make sure you rent a larger-vehicle with four-wheel drive.
Be aware of weather and sudden changes in visibility: Stay informed about the forecast, as rain or fog can quickly appear in Hawaii’s diverse microclimates. One day when we were traveling from Kailua-Kona to Hilo, the weather literally turned from sunny and clear to down-pouring rain with very limited visibility.
Never leave valuables in your car: This is pretty much a given no matter where you are traveling, but protect your belongings by keeping them with you or out of sight to prevent theft and car break-ins.
Coordinate parking ahead of time: Parking anywhere in Hawaii can be tricky and expensive! Research parking options in advance to save time and avoid frustration at popular destinations. Plan to arrive to certain places, like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, early to secure a parking spot and check into the parking and overnight rates at your hotel. We paid $25/night as hotel guests to park in the Royal Kona Resort lot.
The 10 Best Activities To Do On The Big Island of Hawaii:
Try a Flight of Beer at Kona Brewery
Nothing beats the island heat like relaxing with a cold, locally brewed beer after a day of exploring. Kona Brewery’s outdoor patio is the perfect spot to sample a flight and enjoy the island breeze. You can also do a brewery tour, but I recommend booking ahead. We missed out on taking a tour while we were there, but we still enjoyed a few brews at their pub and bought a six pack of Kona Big Wave to bring back and drink on our hotel lanai.
Snorkel With Manta Rays at Night
This experience was actually the reason why I wanted to go to the Big Island for this trip, and it did not disappoint! I used to work at an aquarium (writing and teaching educational content), so having the chance to admire these magnificent animals up close (and I mean REALLY up close) in the wild was unreal. I'll admit that the idea of jumping into the ocean at night sounds like a daunting task, but I felt incredibly safe the entire time. We booked this experience with Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours. What I loved about the tour was that is was with a smaller-sized group than other companies, and they were truly "no-nonsense" in that they gave us exactly what we signed up for without any of the "fluff" that you sometimes get with group activities. The entire experience lasted about 1.5 hours (approximately 30 minutes in the water) from check-in to end and we spotted multiple manta rays feeding on the tiniest of plankton. I do recommend you consider paying the extra fee for a wetsuit, as it does get to feel a bit cold after being in the water after a while. This is truly an unforgettable bucket-list activity!
Go Hiking at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This was the other absolute "must do" for me while visiting The Big Island. Hiking through lava fields and standing near the edge where lava meets the ocean made me feel like I was on another planet! The National Park is approximately two hours from Kailua-Kona, and there are plenty of trails and sights to keep you busy there the entire day. We got to the park at approximately 9am, and parked at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.
We did the Kilauea Iki Trail (4 mile loop through differing terrain), walked through the Thurston Lava Tube, and then drove down the Chain of Craters Road (a 45 minute drive) to see the Hōlei Sea Arch. We were pretty tired and hungry by that point (we clearly didn't bring enough snacks with us!), so we headed back towards Kona. However, we also considered the Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs trail and Kīlauea Overlook if you're wanting to see a little more while you're there.
Experience Hawaiian History and Culture at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (aka 'the city of refuge')
Walking through the sacred grounds of this “City of Refuge” gave me a deeper appreciation for ancient Hawaiian traditions and the breathtaking beauty of the island’s coastline. This historic site was once a place of sanctuary for those who broke kapu, or sacred laws, offering them a second chance at life. As I explored the reconstructed hale (houses), carved wooden kii (statues), and the lava rock walls that have stood for centuries, I felt a deep connection to the stories and spirit of Hawaii. The serene setting, with waves gently crashing along the shore, made it one of the most moving places I visited on the island. This Historical Park is located right next to Two Step Beach, which is considered one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. While the tide was a bit too high for me to be comfortable enough to get into the water, we still walked over to view the beach.
Snorkel at Kahalu'u Beach Park
This highly recommended beach park had some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. While we weren’t fortunate enough to spot turtles the day that we went, but we were treated to an underwater show of colorful corals, spiky sea urchins, and a variety of fishes, including the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa. It’s an easy-access snorkeling spot that’s perfect for all skill levels and a must-visit for anyone who loves exploring beneath the waves. It was about a 15 minute drive from the Royal Kona Resort and parking costs $12 in the lot, which we felt was well worth it since onsite volunteers are there to provide snorkeling advice, distribute reef-safe sunscreen, and provide educational information about the reef. We brought our own amateur snorkel gear (linked below) on this trip, but there are plenty of places to rent equipment, like Snorkel Bob's, on the island.
Chase Waterfalls on the Windward Side of the Island
Even if you aren't staying in Hilo, a day trip to the east side of the island is well worth it. We started with Rainbow Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall just minutes from downtown Hilo. We made sure to arrive early to catch the morning sun creating rainbows in the mist (the phenomenon that gives the falls its name). From there we continued through Hilo. One waterfall you definitely don't want to miss is located in Akaka Falls State Park, where a short, lush hike leads to the 442-foot Akaka Falls. It started down-pouring rain when we left the park, so our waterfall chasing stopped there for the day. But adventurous types should consider exploring the Umauma Falls area, where you can combine waterfall views with thrilling activities like ziplining or river kayaking. The windward side's abundant rainfall ensures these falls are always flowing. On our way back to Kailua-Kona, we stopped to eat a late lunch at The Fish And The Hog in Waimea.
Wander Through Hawaiian Tropical Botanic Garden
During our day trip to the east side of the island, we also stopped at the Hawaiian Tropical Botanic Garden. Nestled along the scenic Hamakua Coast, this garden was the perfect complement to our day of exploring waterfalls. The garden is by no means huge, but we really enjoyed taking our time wandering through the lush pathways and taking in the views of the tropical plants and the sounds of crashing waves and waterfalls. Ticket prices were a bit steep at $32/person, but the gardens are beautiful and well-maintained. Along with the beautiful tropical plants, we spotted multiple birds and even a couple mongooses!
Sip Kona Coffee during a Coffee Farm Tour
No trip to the Big Island is complete without experiencing the world-famous Kona coffee. There are dozens of coffee farms sprinkled throughout the Kona region of the island. There is no way you could visit all of them, but it is definitely worth visiting a few! Many of them offer free tours and coffee samples. We visited two back-to-back. The first was Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. Located within a cloud forest, this Kona coffee farm is one of the highest in elevation on the island. Both the tour and coffee tasting were free, with tours taking place every half hour. We learned so much on the tour that we felt like experts when we visited the next farm - Greenwell Farms. This second farm was located farther down in elevation, and was a lot larger in size. Much like Mountain Thunder, the tour and coffee sampling was completely free. If you plan on doing the tour, be sure to have sunscreen and/or protective clothing on, as the tour was pretty lengthy and required quite a bit of walking in the sun.
Kayak in Kealakekua Bay
This was one of the activities we debated doing, but after remembering how much we loved our kayaking adventure in Oahu a couple of years ago (read about that and more things to do on Oahu here), we decided to book it—and we were so glad we did. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The bay is a marine sanctuary filled with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish, and gliding across the calm water felt like exploring a real-life aquarium. As we kayaked toward the iconic Captain Cook Monument, we were surrounded by stunning views of the island's cliffside. One of the reasons we decided to do this experience was because we really wanted to see dolphins on our trip. We actually did end up seeing a pod of them while kayaking, but they were zooming across the water so fast that by the time we realized what they were, they had already sped off into the distance! Since you're not allowed to dock anywhere in the bay and we weren't super confident in our ability to get in and out of the kayak in open water without tipping, we forewent snorkeling, but I was still able to get some great, clear underwater footage with my GoPro from the kayak.
Visit a Black Sand Beach
The Big Island’s black sand beaches are a direct result of its volcanic origins, formed when molten lava meets the ocean, cools rapidly, and shatters into tiny fragments. We decided to take a brief detour and stop at Punalu‘u Beach, one of the island's most famous black sand beaches, on our way back from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The stark black sand against the turquoise waters was breathtaking, and the beach’s unique texture made it unlike any other we’d visited. We did not stay too long, as we were tried and hungry after a full day of hiking, but I was glad that we stopped to snap a few photos and see it for ourselves. Kehena Beach, located in the Puna district, is another popular black sand beach on the Big Island.
Bonus: Attend Voyagers of the Pacific Luau
You didn’t think I could actually keep this list to only 10 things, did you? One of the experiences I couldn’t leave off was attending the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort. Tickets are steep at about $170/person when not on sale, but the experience lasts for approximately 3 hours and food and drinks are unlimited. This traditional Hawaiian luau was the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the island’s cultural heritage. It was a plus that the entrance was just steps away from our hotel tower! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a warm aloha spirit and treated to an evening of delicious Hawaiian cuisine, including kalua pig, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. The highlight, however, was the spectacular Polynesian-inspired performance—dancers, drummers, and fire performers who brought the stories of the Pacific to life. Watching the sunset while enjoying this vibrant celebration of Hawaii’s traditions made it an incredible experience.
Final Thoughts
The Big Island of Hawaii is a destination like no other, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that truly sets it apart. From its dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests to its pristine beaches and rich cultural experiences, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
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