Big Island of Hawaii is where you can have an adventure of a lifetime. Go on a helicopter tour over majestic volcanoes, hang gliding and parasailing along the Kona coast, horseback riding, hiking, scuba diving, and island hopping.
A Hawaii vacation on the Big Island is a trip that you will never forget. This tropical paradise is the ideal travel destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Don’t know which places to visit on the Big Island? We have some suggestions for you.
The Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island is the largest of all the islands in Hawaii. With a total area of 4,028 square miles (10,430 square km.), it is bigger than all the islands in the Hawaiian archipelago combined. At approximately 400,000 years old, Big Island is also the youngest of Hawaii’s islands.
Aside from the majestic volcanoes, this amazing island has so much to see. White sand and black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, lava caves, and rainforests. If you’re lucky, you can see dolphins, sea turtles, coral reefs, manta rays, and Humpback Whales.
Places To See On the Big Island
HAPUNA BEACH
This beach is a very popular destination for tourists. The golden sand and clear blue waters are perfect for having fun with family and friends. Hapuna Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States.
Have a family picnic at the beach pavilions. The beach provides a great snorkeling spot for those who want an underwater adventure. Check out different species of fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. As a precaution, observe the waves and weather conditions before taking a plunge.
A nice little restaurant on the beach – the Paradise Grill. Hapuna Beach is complete with facilities: showers, cabins, and restrooms. After having a great time, you can relax and check in at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
People who love nature, hiking, and adventure will have a great time in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Check out the Halema’uma’u Crater, Nahuku-Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Trail, Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, Crater Rim Trail, and the Volcano House.
This World Heritage Site is the best place to see two of the most famous volcanoes in the world. Kilauea is probably the most active volcano on the planet, which has been erupting and spewing red-hot lava since January 3, 1983, up to now (that’s 33 years and counting).
Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth in mass and volume. With a height of 13,677 feet, the volcano encompasses a huge chunk of the island of Hawaii.
MAUNA KEA
If measured from the base (from the sea floor) to the summit, technically speaking, Mauna Kea is not only the tallest volcano; it will be the tallest mountain on Earth. A large part of the volcano is submerged underwater. However, today’s standards define elevation as the height above sea level.
At the summit of this dormant volcano, you will see the Mauna Kea Observatories – research facilities run by different countries equipped with powerful telescopes. It is one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation.
Have a stunning view as the sun sets on the horizon. Watch the night sky and have a great time stargazing. Just remember to bring thick clothes as it can get cold in the summit area. The summit can be accessed by using a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Mauna Kea is a great destination for your Hawaii vacation.
AKAKA FALLS
The Akaka Falls State Park is located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast. The gorgeous waterfall is 442 feet high and is surrounded by lush tropical flora – giant Ti plants, bamboo, birds of paradise, and split-leaf philodendron.
POLOLU VALLEY OVERLOOK
Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, amazing sea cliffs, and lush vegetation – you can see all that when you’re atop the Pololu Valley. Located on Highway 270 in North Kohala, this place has a hiking trail leading to the bottom of the valley, where you can find a black sand beach.
KUA BAY BEACH
Also known as Manini’owali Beach, this white sand beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Sometimes, big waves can be threatening, so monitor conditions carefully before taking a plunge. It is a popular spot for visitors so parking can be an issue, especially on weekends.
Fun Things to Do on the Big Island Of Hawaii
HELICOPTER TOURS
Get a bird’s eye view of active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and breathtaking waterfalls. Nothing beats the view from up above as you fly over the famous sites on the Big Island. Helicopters can accommodate 4 to 6 passengers; if you’re adventurous, you can fly with the doors off!
PARASAILING
Imagine yourself flying through the air in a big parachute, being pulled by a boat in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sounds like fun, right? If you’re afraid of going solo, how about parasailing in tandems or triples? You’ll be able to do it for one full hour. Awesome! You should try this at least once in your lifetime. It’s fun!
WATER ACTIVITIES
Have an adrenaline rush by surfing the waters of the Big Island. See dolphins, manta rays, and different species of marine life by snorkeling/scuba diving. If you want a more thrilling adventure, try kiteboarding or kitesurfing. Whatever activity you prefer, you are sure to have a great time on the Big Island.
WATERFALLS TOUR
The island of Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in this part of the world. Tour the enchanting falls of the Hamakua Coast and walk the trails once used by ancient Hawaiians.
Check out the towering 442 feet waterfalls of the Akaka Falls State Park. See the Rainbow Falls and its amazing color display as the sun’s rays form a prism on the waterfall’s mist. Don’t forget to bring a camera.
HIKING
Go on a hiking expedition on the Crater Rim Trail and the Kilauea Iki Trail. See the incredible landscapes sculptured by Hawaii’s active volcanoes. Check out the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old lava cave. Bring a flashlight so you can explore the inner sections.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Explore the gorgeous Big Island countryside. Marvel at the amazing sights and majestic landscapes. See the diversity of Hawaiian flora and fauna – plants, fruits, flowers, and amazing wildlife. Have a spectacular view as the sun sets on the horizon.
COFFEE TOURS
Kona coffee in the Big Island is one of the world’s finest and most expensive coffees. The rich volcanic soil, nice climate, and high elevation all combine to provide the best environment for cultivating coffee. Visit a coffee farm and learn more about the rich history of Kona coffee.
Discover The Big Island of Hawaii
Have a once in a lifetime vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii. This paradise is the perfect setting for an amazing adventure. See majestic volcanoes, towering waterfalls, national parks, forest trails, and white and black sand beaches.
Have a great time by taking a helicopter tour, parasailing, hang gliding, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, hiking, and sightseeing. A Hawaii vacation on the Big Island is an adventure you will never forget.
