Top Things to See & Do on Big Island Hawaii

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Top Things to See & Do on Big Island Hawaii

The Big Island is not called so for nothing. This largest island in Hawaii is home to some of the biggest things you’ll encounter on an island. From world-famous sites like Mauna Kea, the volcano that has a summit higher than any mountain east of the Rockies, to hidden gems worth exploring time and again.

In this post, we take an in-depth look into the top things to see & do on Big Island Hawaii. There are so many to choose from, but these are the ones we think should be at the top of your list when visiting this beautiful place.

There’s much more than meets the eye on the Big Island. There are dormant volcanoes that put most active ones to shame, a river that slices through what feels like another planet, lush green forests full of waterfalls and hidden hot springs, blue holes with drop-dead views where waterfall spray almost appears fake, and perhaps best of all – a point where you can get up close and personal with red-hot lava from K Volcano.


Mauna Kea: Top Things to See & Do on Big Island Hawaii

Visiting Mauna Kea Observatory is where it is truly worthwhile to take Hawaii's Big Island Volcano Tour. A well-regarded place, scientifically and culturally, Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, which last erupted about 4000 years ago. Located at the northern tip of the island, Maunakea is a dormant volcano that last erupted approximately 4000 years ago.

Maunakea is one of the five volcanoes that make up Hawaii Island, the largest and youngest island in the Hawaiian-Emperor Seamount Chain. The five volcanoes of Hawaii are venerated as sacred mountains, and its summit is the most sacred. Each summit of the Hawaiian big island is considered sacred, but the largest, Mauna Kea, is among the most culturally significant and venerated.

Mauna Kea volcano towers over the landscape high above the northern part of the island of Hawaii, rising to 13,796 feet (4205 meters) over the beaches on the coast of Kohala. The frequently snow-capped Mauna Kea stands as Hawaii's highest mountain and is considered to be the world's highest mountain if measured from the seafloor to its peak. This mammoth Mauna Kea Island is an incredible sight. The 13,796-foot-high top of Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its ocean floor base. The 13,796-foot-high top of Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its ocean floor base. The Mauna Kea is one of the best places on Earth to observe
astronomy, thanks to the clear, nonpolluting skies, the pitch-black nights, and its tropical setting.

Hapuna Beach and Waianuenue River

1. Hapuna Beach
The Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is located at the end of Kamehameha Highway (Route 11) near Keauhou Bay. This area was once home to ancient Hawaiian royalty. Today, this park offers visitors a chance to experience nature at its best. The beach is lined with coconut palms, ironwood trees, and tropical flowers. There are many trails that lead through the lush vegetation and along the shoreline.
2. Waianuenue Valley
Waianuenue Valley is a protected watershed and recreational area located in North Kohala. The valley has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the United States Department of Interior. It is known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural history, and diverse wildlife.

Kilauea Volcano and Tours


Most volcano tours take you sightseeing in Hawaii as well as taking you through the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park. There are many volcano tours on Hawaii island, but not all will take you to see lava flowing into the ocean. Volcano-related tours usually lead you to enthralling treks in Hawaii's volcano national park, privately owned lava tubes, and a host of other incredible places difficult to find or get to without a guide.

If you want an active volcano tour with less walking, check out the Twilight Volcano & Stargazing tour, which we have listed in our volcano tours menu, too. The trip from the Kona side of the island to the active volcano takes approximately three hours each way. If you arrive early enough, we may take you up the road to Kilauea Volcano for an initial viewing, intro, and walk to explore the area around the rim of Kilauea Volcanos caldera, which has lush rain forest on one side, and dry, desert-like, lava terrain on the other.

Hale Kamahina Cultural Tour

The Hale Kamahina was built in 1832 by King Kamehameha III. This palace was used as a residence until 1849 when Queen Emma moved into the newly constructed Iolani Palace. In 1852, after the death of his wife, King Kamehameha III returned to live at the Hale Kamaaina. He died here in 1863. Today, this historic site serves as a museum that showcases Hawaiian culture through art, music, dance, food, and storytelling.
2. Keauhou Sugar Mill Ruins
These sugar mill ruins were built in 1834 by King Kamehameha II. It was destroyed in the great Keauhou fire of 1859.
3. Kawaiahao Church
Built in 1835, this church was designed by King Kamehameha III. It is the oldest standing structure in Hawaii.


Blue Hole and Black Sand Beach
1. Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is located at Kaimana Beach Park, just north of Waikiki. This is a popular swimming hole that has been around since the early 1900s. It was named after the blue color of the water caused by the high concentration of minerals from volcanic activity.


2. Black Sand Beach

Black sand beach is located at the end of Kalanianaole Highway in Waimanalo. It is a beautiful white sandy beach that stretches along the coastline of Oahu. It is known for its black sand and clear waters.

Stargazing at Mauna Kea Observatory

Mauna Kea Observatory (MKO) is home to some of the world’s largest telescopes, including the Keck I telescope, the world's first 10-meter optical/infrared telescope. Located on Hawaii's Big Island, MKO has been providing astronomers with unparalleled views of the night sky since 1984.
The observatory is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday. Visitors are welcome to come anytime, but reservations are recommended.
Hawaii’s Most Active Volcanoes
1. Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983. In 2018, lava from the summit flowed into the Leilani Estates subdivision. Lava flows destroyed at least 17 homes, but no injuries have been reported.
2. Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano in Hawaii. As of 2017, it was still spewing out ash and gas. Scientists are concerned that if the eruption continues, it could cause global warming.
3. Puu Oo
Puu oo is a cinder cone located on the island of Hawai'i. It's one of the world's youngest volcanoes. The last time Puu Oo erupted was in 2007.
4. Haleakala
Haleakala is the highest point on Maui Island in Hawaii. At 10,023 feet above sea level, it is the tallest mountain on any of the major islands of Hawaii.

Tips for Visiting Big Island Hawaii
1. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, then you should know that the island of Hawaii has two major islands, Oahu and Maui. Both of these islands have beautiful beaches, amazing
waterfalls, and plenty of activities to do. However, if you want to visit the island of Hawaii, then you should go to the island of Maui. This is because Maui is home to some of the best places to visit in Hawaii like Haleakala National Park, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and Iao Valley State Park. These parks offer great hiking trails, beautiful views, and many other things to see.

2. When visiting Hawaii, you should make sure that you bring sunscreen lotion with you. There are times when the sun can get really strong in Hawaii and this can cause your skin to burn easily. You should always wear sunscreen lotion while you are out in the sun.

3. Another thing that you should bring with you when going to Hawaii is mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes can be a big problem in Hawaii and they can carry diseases. So, you should always use mosquito repellent while you are in Hawaii.

4. When traveling to Hawaii, you should pack clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. In Hawaii, you will find yourself walking through mud and dirt a lot. So, you should pack comfortable shoes that you can walk around in.

5. Bring a camera with you when you travel to Hawaii. You never know what kind of photo opportunities you might come across.

6. Make sure that you bring enough money with you when you travel. Because Hawaii is expensive, you should bring enough cash with you just in case something happens and you need to buy food or anything else.

is Honolulu on the big island
Honolulu is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was founded in 1795 and has been the capital city since 1845. It is the only major city in the state that lies entirely on an island. Honolulu County is home to 1,500 businesses and over 400,000 residents. It is the largest county in population and land area in the state.

Big Island Adventures
The Big Island of Hawaii is located off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. This island has many different attractions that are fun for everyone. Some of these include white water rafting, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, parasailing, scuba diving, swimming, surfing, and much more! If you’re looking for some adventure, then this is the place for you!

1. Hilo

Hilo is the largest city on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to the majority of its population. You can easily find lodging since it’s right on the ocean. There are plenty of places to eat too! A great place to start your trip here is to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s a museum dedicated to Hawaiian culture and history. Here, you can learn about the customs of the native people who live here. Many of their activities are included in the price of admission.

2. Volcano National Park

Volcano National Park is a national park that lies just outside of Hilo. It was founded in 1916 and is named after Mount Vesuvius, a volcano that erupted in 79 AD. It is known for its beautiful lakes, lush rainforests, and amazing waterfalls. One particular area that I recommend visiting is called “Elepaio Trail.” It’s a short trail that takes you through a beautiful rainforest.


Big Island Hawaii Weather
Big Island Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean, west of Asia and north of the American continent. It has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round.


Big Island Airport

The Big Island International Airport (KILI) is located at Kona, Hawaii. This airport serves as the primary air gateway to the Hawaiian Islands. The airport is about 10 miles south of downtown Kailua-Kona.

Honolulu International Airport

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the largest airport serving the state of Hawaii. Located in Honolulu, Oahu, this airport is the major hub for American Airlines. HNL has two terminals that are connected by a free shuttle bus service called the Ala Moana Shuttle.

Kahului Airport

Kahului Airport (OGG) is a small public use airport located in Waihee, Maui County, Hawaii. It is owned by the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation.


Big Island Hotel & Resort

The Big Island Hotel & Resort is located in beautiful Kona Hawaii. This hotel offers many amenities to its guests. The resort has a spa, fitness center, restaurant, bar, pool, tennis courts, and free Wi-Fi access. Guests can enjoy the views of the ocean from their rooms. There are multiple rooms at this hotel including standard rooms, suites, family suites, and honeymoon suites. All the rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, ironing board, safe deposit box, and telephone.

1. Hilo Bayfront Hotel

Hilo Bayfront Hotel is a 4-star hotel that is located in downtown Hilo, Hawaii. This hotel features a full-service spa, outdoor swimming pool, business services, meeting facilities, and free Wi-Fi access. Each guestroom includes a private balcony, mini fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, irons, ironing boards, and flat screen TVs. Some of the rooms include whirlpool tubs, jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and king-size beds.

2. Kona Country Inn

Kona Country Inn is a 2-star hotel that is located near Keauhou Beach Park. This hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi access. The rooms feature a kitchenette, microwave, refrigerator, stove, dining table, sofa bed, and television. Some of the rooms offer garden views, while others have mountain views.


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