31 Best Things to Do on the Big Island Hawaii
I always say that the Big Island is…well, BIG.
It’s almost twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined, which means there’s a lot to see and do: black sand beaches, waterfalls, active volcanoes, manta rays, coffee farms…the hard part is deciding which ones deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Having spent countless hours exploring the island, I’ve got a pretty good idea of which experiences are worth it.
This is my list of the best things to do on the Big Island (in no particular order), from iconic bucket list experiences to a few lesser-known gems you might not have heard about.
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1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona
If you do one thing on the island, you must take a manta ray night snorkel tour.
There are very few places in the world where you can come face to face with these graceful giants and it’s one of my favorite travel memories.
2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The “celebrity” site on the island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can visit an active volcano.
Currently, eruptions are sporadic and often last under 12 hours at a time, but if you’re lucky enough to catch one, it will literally rock your world.
Even if lava isn’t flowing, there’s still a ton to see and do in the park like steam vents, sulphur banks, Thurston Lava Tube, countless craters, petroglyphs, and a sea arch.
3. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is the most famous black sand beach on the island and has almost guaranteed green sea turtle sightings. I’ve never gone there and not seen one!
4. Akaka Falls
There are many waterfalls to see on the island, and most are charging entry fees now. So if you’re going to pay for one, Akaka Falls is worth the price of admission.
It’s one of the tallest waterfalls you’ll see, and there’s a nice paved 0.5-mile walking path where you can enjoy some nature along the way.
5. Kona Coffee Farm Tour
I became a coffee snob living here because of all the coffee farms that grow and roast their own beans.
Touring a Kona coffee farm is a must, even if you don’t drink coffee. Hawaii is the only state that commercially grows coffee in the US and it’s fascinating to learn what kind of effort goes into a cup of morning coffee.
Of course, a coffee farm tour would never be complete without free samples. Not all sampling requires a tour though.
6. Malasadas
Malasadas are a Portuguese fried dough treat that’s a Hawaiian staple.
Everyone argues who has the best malasdas on the island (it’s Punalu’u Bake Shop btw 😛), so you’ll just have to taste them all and decide for yourself!
7. Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Papakolea Green Sand Beach is 1 of only 4 green sand beaches in the world, which definitely makes it a unique thing to do, but I find it a tad disappointing because the sand has more of a golden hue than actual green.
It’s about a 5-mile roundtrip hike or a $25pp fee for a local to drive you in the back of their pickup truck.
8. Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District with historical and natural significance. It’s considered one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
The easiest way to access it is by tour boat or renting something to paddle it. You can also hike the Captain Cook Monument Trail to snorkel on your own and see the spot where Captain Cook died. Just be prepared for the long, steep hike back up.
9. White Sand Beaches
There are too many white sand beaches to pick a best. Each one has different things to offer like soft sand like Hapuna Beach, convenient water sport rentals at Waikoloa Beach, or family friendly like Spencer Beach.
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10. Chocolate Farm Tour
Taking a chocolate farm tour is a fun way to see cacao pods in person, try their fresh fruit inside, learn how the pods are processed into chocolate, and of course sample it all!
11. South Point
This one is for the danger seekers.
South Point is famous for cliff jumping, and yes, I’ve done it once (and paid for it!). The cliffs are roughly 40ft high and after jumping you gotta climb back up a rickety, rusty ladder.
People do die jumping, often from drowning or getting swept away in the currents, so be forewarned!
12. Snorkeling
Snorkeling always makes me feel like I’ve entered another world and the Big Island has some pretty great snorkeling beaches.
Spots like Two Step and Kahaluʻu Beach Park are easy places to see yellow tang, parrotfish, octopus, and so many other varieties of sea life.
13. Hula Dancing
While you’re on the island, you should definitely find a way to take in some Polynesian dancing.
Of course you can attend a luau like Voyagers of the Pacific. But you can also find free performances throughout the week without paying the big bucks.
14. Catch Sunset
What’s a Hawaiian vacation without catching a sherbet sunset?
From the Kona side of the island, you can park yourself at almost any beach or even the Walmart parking lot for an amazing painted sky show.
I’ve been lucky enough to see the green flash too, so it does exist!
15. Humpback Whale Watching
Humpback whales migrate down from Alaska to Hawaii during the winter and put on quite a show.
The best way to see them is by taking a tour, but you can also keep your eyes on the ocean horizon for the occasional breach.
16. Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is technically the tallest mountain in the world from base to tip, but it “only” rises about 13,000 feet above sea level.
It’s a great place to feel like you’re on top of the world while watching sunrise or sunset, and then find a quiet spot to stargaze with minimal atmospheric pollution.
17. Waipio Valley Shuttle
I cannot express enough how adventurous and magical it was to take the Waipiʻo Valley Shuttle.
The steep ride down was a bit harrowing, even though my driver was clearly skilled enough to handle it. And once we reached the valley floor, the world felt incredibly quiet. No buzzing electricity. No airplane noise. Just nature.
18. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Also known as the City of Refuge, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a fascinating historical site that was once a haven for those seeking refuge after breaking kapu (ancient Hawaiian laws).
You’ll see reconstructed hales and carved kiʻi (tiki statues), and get a chance to try playing konane, a Hawaiian checkers-type game.
I like exploring the tidepools along the lava flats.
19. Farmers Market
Farmers markets are a-plenty on the Big Island and are a great way to find locally grown produce, handmade souvenirs, and yummy foods.
My favorite ones are in Waimea and Naalehu.
20. Kaumana Caves
Kaumana Caves feels like a hidden gem hiding in plain sight. It’s a huge lava tube that you can hike through, with two cave entrances to explore.
This also makes for a good nighttime activity since it’s dark already and you will need a good headlamp or flashlight.
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21. Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Pu’ukohola Heiau was built by King Kamehameha I, and it’s said the stones were passed hand to hand in a human chain all the way from Pololu Valley.
It’s a massive heiau, though you can’t get very close to it. Still, the walking trail around the base and along the bay is nice.
22. Macadamia Nut Visitor Centers
Macadamia nuts are another product grown on the Big Island that’s quintessentially Hawaiian.
You can pop into a visitor center like Mauna Loa or Hamakua, but be warned, they’re basically just glorified gift shops with free samples, not farm tours.
23. Helicopter Tour
If you have the opportunity to see the Big Island from above, take it!
A helicopter ride will give you angles of the island you won’t see otherwise, from flying over an active volcano to passing Jurassic Park-like verdant cliffs to landing at waterfalls inaccessible to the average human.
24. Zipline Tour
For the adrenaline junkies out there, there are multiple ziplining opportunities on the island.
I absolutely had the best time with Kohala Zipline and there are other companies that will zip you over waterfalls.
25. Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs are mysterious, fascinating, and fun to hunt for.
There’s quite a few petroglyph fields to explore on the island and each one is different so it’s hard for me to pick a favorite.
26. Paradise Meadows
If you do just one farm visit on your trip, it needs to be Paradise Meadows.
When I say they have endless free samples, I mean it! I guarantee you will even start turning them down.
They sample Ka’u coffee, macadamia nuts, chocolate, cookies, and honey. And they’re the BEST of all of those things you’ll find on the island!
27. Pohoiki Hot Springs
Pohoiki Hot Springs is the only hot spring left on the Big Island.
It’s not very big and sits behind a new black sand beach. If you don’t feel like getting all the way in, I like to just sit on the edge and dangle my feet in.
28. Pololu Valley Lookout
If you’re just going for a view, Pololu Valley is a better valley view than Waipio Valley, imo.
From the lookout, you can see all the way to the back of the canyon. You can also hike down into Pololu Valley and wander the black sand beach and ironwood forest.
29. The Painted Church
I love the little detour of St. Benedict Catholic Church, also known as the Painted Church. It’s a quaint little church with an interior that was hand-painted by Father John Velghe in 1899.
Everything inside is still original with no major restorations having been made.
30. Banyan Drive
I don’t think Banyan Drive gets enough love.
This row of banyan trees was planted starting in 1933 by notable visitors to the island. The two names I find crazy to have planted them are Babe Ruth and Amelia Earhart.
📍🗺️ Don’t forget to get my Big Island Things to Do Map with all these and more easily labeled into your Google maps! Grab it here!
31. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Even if you don’t consider yourself a plant person, like myself, I haven’t yet met a person who disliked the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
This 40-acre park has thousands of plant species packed into it, plus a waterfall and beautiful views of Onomea Bay.
How to Fit Them All Into One Trip
As you can see, there’s a ton of things to do on the island. And it’s true, you won’t be able to do them all in one trip.
However, I have a non-FOMO 7 day itinerary that’ll help you see and do the highlights to get you started planning your trip. It’s efficient so you won’t be doing too much backtracking, the days are full, and you won’t feel like you missed out on too much.
