The Island of Hawaii is big — after all, the other seven major Hawaiian islands would fit within the Big Island. With its large mass, it offers a diverse range of experiences, from adventurous hiking and snorkeling to relaxing at beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for the best things, here is my list of the top 10 things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. (Also, don’t forget to check out my Big Island of Hawaii Restaurants Guide, where I share all the best places to dine!)
1. Check out Rainbow Falls.
There’s no entrance fee to see this 80-foot waterfall in Hilo. It’s easily accessible with a parking lot and requires no hiking. Unfortunately, we didn’t see a rainbow, but sometimes you can catch rainbows on sunny mornings.
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2. See Akaka Falls.
Also located in Hilo, you can easily visit Akaka Falls on the same day as Rainbow Falls. There is a $10 parking fee and a $5 per person entrance fee. This 442-foot waterfall requires a moderate hike that’s a 0.4-mile scenic loop.
3. Hike Pololu Trail.
There are many hiking trails on the Big Island; this was one of my all-time favorites! It’s less than a mile out and back but does include a steep, rocky trail down, although it’s not overly strenuous. The views are breathtaking along the trail, ending with the black sand beach (unfortunately not swimmable due to high surf, undertow, and rip tides). Be mindful of private property and burial sites nearby, so stay on the trail.
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4. Relax at Hapuna Beach.
Hapuna Beach is one of the island’s most expansive white-sand beaches. It’s also consistently been rated on international Top Ten lists of the island’s best beaches and certainly lives up to its reputation! The water was beautiful and perfect for swimming.
5. Spend a day at Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is the only national park on the Big Island and a must-see. Don’t forget to bring your America the Beautiful pass if you have one. With it being such a large park, here are the top 3 things I recommend doing:
1. Hike the Kilauea Iki & Crater Rim Trail.
This moderate 3.2-mile loop takes you from the rainforest on the crater’s rim and descends to the crater floor and across the crater a mile wide. I recommend going counter-clockwise to hike back up via gradually inclined switchbacks rather than steep stairs.
2. Walk through Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube).
A quick 10-minute walk takes you through this 0.4-mile lava tube. Many such lava tubes are on the island, but this one is across the road from the Kilauea Iki & Crater Rim trail, making it a popular one to hit after the hike.
3. See Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks).
Stroll through this thermal area where volcanic gases and groundwater steam seep from the ground. The gases smell like rotten eggs, and visitors with heart or respiratory conditions (such as asthma), pregnant women, or infants should avoid this walk.
6. Take a coffee farm tour at Greenwell Farms.
Greenwell Farms offers complimentary 45-60 minute guided tours of their coffee farm and facilities. Visitors get an inside glimpse at the process from seed to cup with samples of Kona coffee. Don’t forget to buy coffee and chocolate-covered mac nuts (my favorite) to take home!
7. Stargaze from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS).
If you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle or want to pay for a tour to the summit of Mauna Kea, you can stargaze from the Mauna Kea VIS for free. Hike up the trail across the road from the parking lot for a fantastic sunset spot; we even saw a couple get engaged at the top.
8. Snorkel with manta rays.
It’s one of the most popular things to do on the Big Island, and for good reason. I highly recommend Sea Quest, especially if you’re nervous. I’ve never snorkeled and am not a strong swimmer, but the crew was incredibly patient and kind, helping ensure I was comfortable.
9. Visit Papakolea Green Sand Beach.
This is a must-do as it is one of the few green sand beaches worldwide. To get to the beach, you’ll have to hike 2.8 miles there and back (5.6 miles total). Please refrain from accepting rides from the parking lot to the beach, as it’s illegal.
10. Book a catamaran cruise.
We booked a historical dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay through Body Glove Hawaii. It includes one complimentary co*cktail, a historical narration down the coast to Kealakekua Bay, a Hawaiian-style dinner, and live music. It’s a fun way to end a Hawaiian vacation!
I hope this list of things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii gives you ideas for your trip. If you have any questions or additional recommendations, please leave them in the comments. Also, if you’re visiting Kauai, don’t forget to check out myFirst Timer’s Travel Guide to Kauai, Hawaii. xo
