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The Big Island feels completely different from the opposite Hawaiian islands. It’s bigger and youthful with extremely numerous landscapes.
From the stark black lava fields and white sand seashores on the west coast to the rolling ranch land and dramatic valleys of the north to the plush rainforest and waterfalls of the east.
Wherever you’re on the island, the volcanoes dominate the view and the possibility to see an energetic eruption is among the highlights.
Aside from watching lava spewing and climbing into volcanic craters, there are such a lot of wonderful issues to do on the Big Island.
Our absolute favorite exercise was a magical night time snorkel with big manta rays—don’t miss it! We additionally did some glorious snorkelling, relaxed on white and black sand seashores, paddled an outrigger canoe, learnt about Hawaiian historical past, and a lot extra.
In this submit, we share our prime picks for what to do on the Big Island, plus tips about the place to remain and a map with all these suggestions.
Contents
Best Place to Stay for These Big Island Activities
As the identify suggests, the Big Island (formally referred to as Hawaii) is the most important Hawaiian island, and it’s tougher to discover the entire island from one base.
It’s value contemplating dividing your time between the west coast and both Hilo or Volcano within the east.
We break up our keep between Waikoloa, a resort space on the Kohala Coast (west coast) and Volcano village within the east.
To save journey time, we flew into Kona Airport and out of Hilo Airport. You’ll positively wish to hire a automotive to discover all these Big Island points of interest.
Kohala Coast
We spent most of our time in this two-bedroom Vrbo apartment within the Fairway Villas advanced. It was a little bit dated however well-equipped, and we loved having the ability to prepare dinner and having extra space than a lodge room (it’s extra reasonably priced too).
It was inside strolling distance of A-Bay seashore and varied outlets and eating places.
We additionally splurged on an evening on the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. The rooms had been nothing particular for the value, however the grounds are gorgeous, and the placement proper on Hapuna Beach is ideal. It has a extra secluded really feel than the A-Bay space.
Volcano
We adored this cosy suite within the rainforest of Volcano village, very near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. See under for extra particulars.
Big Island Must Dos: Our Top 5 Picks
If you’re quick on time and might’t make it to all these points of interest on the Big Island, listed below are our absolute favorite experiences:
- Manta ray night time snorkel – Magical, awe-inspiring, unmissable! Book your tour prematurely right here.
- Snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay and Two Step – We noticed so many tropical fish.
- Staying within the rainforest in Volcano village – Our cabin within the forest was extremely enjoyable and so completely different from the remainder of Hawaii.
- Kilauea Iki Trail – Hike right into a volcanic caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- Relax on Hapuna Beach – This Kohala coast seashore is among the most lovely on the island.
Best Things to Do in Big Island Hawaii: Kona
These Big Island actions happen within the Kona space on the west coast of the island.
The essential city is Kailua-Kona (simply south of Kona airport), however probably the most attention-grabbing points of interest are 20-Half-hour additional south round Keauhou and Captain Cook.
1) Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
By far our favorite Big Island exercise was snorkelling with big manta rays. It’s one of the crucial unimaginable experiences we’ve ever had!
The excursions happen at night time and contain minimal effort—when you do put on a snorkel, you don’t really transfer round, simply maintain onto a light-weight raft and float on the floor.
The manta rays come to you to feed on the plankton that’s drawn to the sunshine.
We couldn’t consider how shut the rays obtained (inside inches of us!) or how enormous they had been—as much as 16 toes wing span! We needed to keep very nonetheless to keep away from touching them (which isn’t allowed as it might hurt them).
We noticed no less than six manta rays they usually saved coming again to feast, so we misplaced observe of what number of sightings we had.
They swam proper under us so we obtained an up-close take a look at these unusual and majestic creatures, wanting proper of their eyes and staring into their enormous gaping mouths and skeletal gills.
Once they’d their fill, they’d flip, roll, and spin beneath us—a swish ballet that left us in awe.
While we watched, our guides taught us about these fascinating animals. How they stay as much as 100 years (a few of the ones we noticed have been round for the reason that Seventies), weigh as much as 1000 kilos, and might swim 35 miles per hour.
The mantas haven’t any enamel or stingers, to allow them to’t harm people.
Seriously, don’t miss the night time swim with manta rays. It’s such a singular, awe-inspiring expertise that it’s value visiting the Big Island only for this.
Details: Many tour operators supply manta swims. We went with Sea Quest, who had been unbelievable. They had been very effectively organised and supplied wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation noodles (on your legs), and cookies and scorching chocolate for afterwards (we actually appreciated this!).
They go away from Keauhou Harbor, which is only a five-minute boat trip from probably the most dependable manta viewing spot. Avoid boat excursions from additional afield, because it’ll be a chilly journey again to base.
Sea Quest manta excursions price $134, happen twice an evening (instances range all year long), and final 75 minutes. We did the sooner 6.45pm tour. The minimal age is 7, and you should be capable to swim and have some snorkelling expertise.
If you don’t see any mantas (extremely unlikely), you possibly can be part of one other tour at no cost.
Check availability for the Sea Quest manta swim right here.
2) Kayak or Canoe in Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine reserve with the most effective snorkelling on the Big Island (and our private favorite in all of Hawaii).
It’s additionally the location of the Captain Cook Monument, which marks the place the British explorer was killed in 1779.
Getting to Kealakekua Bay requires some planning. Here are your choices:
- Hike – The solely free choice is a reasonably difficult 4-mile hike that takes round 2.5 hours return. The warmth put us off this feature.
- Boat tour – The best alternative however prone to be extra crowded. This Kona deluxe snorkel tour begins early to keep away from the crowds.
- Kayak – You can hire a kayak or take a guided tour. You can solely land on the monument in case you are on a guided tour with considered one of three firms (together with Adventures in Paradise). To keep away from touchdown, you possibly can tow your kayak when you snorkel. A DIY rental means you will get an early begin.
- Outrigger Canoe – This is a much less well-known choice and the one we did. It’s simpler than kayaking and extra eco-friendly than a ship tour.
We selected to do that guided outrigger canoe with Ehu and Kai Adventures as we preferred the thought of paddling a standard Hawaiian canoe.
There are just a few benefits to the canoe tour. It begins early earlier than the boat excursions—it’s an actual bonus to take pleasure in a peaceable snorkel.
The canoes are extra secure and simpler to paddle than kayaks (and your information steers)—best in the event you don’t have kayaking expertise.
They present a ladder so it’s simpler to get again in after snorkelling, and your information takes care of the canoe while you’re within the water, so that you don’t must tow it round like with kayak leases.
It took us about 20 minutes to paddle throughout the gloriously clear and calm water within the lovely bay surrounded by sheer inexperienced cliffs. Sadly, we didn’t see any spinner dolphins (a typical sight), however the snorkelling was excellent with glorious visibility and plentiful coral.
We noticed many various fish together with an eel, trumpetfish, needlefish, bluefin trevally, reef triggerfish, black triggerfish, longnose butterflyfish, Moorish idol, bullethead parrotfish, noticed boxfish, and plenty of yellow tangs.
We had been the one individuals on our journey, so we might spend so long as we needed within the water. The complete expertise was very informal, and our information was pleasant—it felt extra like an area exhibiting us round than a industrial tour.
The solely draw back was that we anticipated to study extra in regards to the Hawaiian historical past of the world. While he did inform us in regards to the lava tubes within the cliffs that had been used as burial websites for Hawaiian royalty, this portion was temporary. The promised refreshments didn’t materialise both, so take some water.
We didn’t actually thoughts, although, and I feel it is dependent upon which information you get—we had the principle information’s nephew.
However you select to get there, snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay is among the prime issues to do within the Big Island.
Details: We booked this Outrigger Canoe Tour, which prices $125 and lasts from 8am – 10.30am. They can present snorkel gear and dry luggage. You can even hire double kayaks for $65.
The tour departs from the top of Kahauloa Rd. You’ll want to seek out road parking earlier than you get to the top. There are not any bogs, however public restrooms are a couple of minutes away close to Kealakekua Bay Boat Ramp.
Be positive to put on reef-safe sunscreen or, even higher, a rashguard, as sunscreens bleach the reef. It’s vital to not contact or stand on the reef.
3) Snorkel at Two Step
Our second favorite snorkelling spot on the Big Island was Honaunau Bay (extra generally generally known as Two Step), 10 minutes south of Captain Cook.
It’s additionally standard, so arrive early to get parking and keep away from the crowds. At 7.45am there have been a good variety of individuals round and it solely obtained busier.
Access to the water is from two steps carved into the lava rock (simply watch the place everyone seems to be getting in). Water sneakers might assist however we managed with out.
We noticed a variety of tropical fish and loved the attractive underwater panorama that felt extra epic than Kealakekua with some large drop-offs.
Details: Snorkelling at Two Step is free, however you’ll have to deliver your individual snorkel gear. We rented ours for every week from Snorkel Bob’s, which has branches in Kona and Waikoloa.
It’s subsequent to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (which we visited after snorkelling). Before coming into the park, flip proper onto the one-way highway that results in Two Step.
There is proscribed free parking (we obtained a spot), $5 parking throughout the highway, or park again on the principle highway. There are just a few moveable bogs however no different services.
If you’d reasonably take a ship tour that mixes Two Step and Kealakekua Bay, take a look at this early morning Kona deluxe snorkel tour.
4) Learn Hawaiian History at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Next to Two Step is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, top-of-the-line locations to go to on the Big Island to study Hawaiian historical past and tradition.
The web site contains royal grounds and Puʻuhonua, a spot of refuge in historical Hawaii for individuals who broke kapu (sacred legal guidelines). Violators would often be punished by dying, but when they managed to get right here throughout tough ocean and sharp lava, they discovered a protected haven.
Pick up a park map and observe the 0.5-mile self-guided path to crucial cultural websites on this lovely coastal park.
The Royal Grounds offers a way of conventional Hawaiian villages. It was a centre of energy solely open to aliʻi (royal chiefs) and people who served them.
You can see the Hale o Keawe Temple, which housed the bones of the aliʻi, a canoe home, fishponds, and even video games like kōnane, which is performed with small stones on a board.
The Great Wall, an enormous lava barrier, separates the Royal Grounds and Puʻuhonua sanctuary.
As it is a sacred web site, no snorkelling or swimming is allowed. Head to Two Step subsequent door for that. Food is simply allowed within the devoted picnic space.
Details: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is a US National Historical Park managed by the NPS. If you’ve an America the Beautiful annual move, you should utilize it right here. Otherwise, it prices $20 per automobile.
It’s open from 8.15am till sundown on daily basis besides federal holidays.
5) Walk the 1871 Trail
The 1871 climbing path is a part of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and was as soon as utilized by Hawaiians to get across the island.
The two-mile round-trip stroll takes you from Honaunau to Ki’ilae, an deserted fishing village.
It’s a rugged path alongside coastal cliffs via fields of black lava with inexperienced mountains on one facet and the ocean on the opposite. It was very peaceable—we solely noticed one different particular person.
You can flip round at any level—we solely did a part of the stroll because it was too scorching (there’s no shade), even at 9.30am.
Details: See Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau above for entrance particulars. The path is partly sand and partly lava rock. We had been nice in climbing sandals, however I wouldn’t suggest flip-flops. Take water and a hat.
6) Try Kona Coffee
The Big Island is known for Kona espresso, which is grown on the volcanic slopes above Kona.
The lush inexperienced espresso area is a wonderful place for a drive and might simply be visited after the actions above.
You can cease at many espresso farms to pattern the beverage and find out how the espresso is grown and processed.
After our Kealakekua Bay canoe journey, we visited Greenwells Coffee Farm, which has free samples of a variety of espresso and free 45-minute excursions.
Simon thought the espresso was good however not likely well worth the excessive worth.
In the world, we additionally had breakfast on the Coffee Shack excessive up within the hills. The views all the way down to the ocean are attractive, however we discovered the meals simply okay.
Another place I’d hoped to go to was the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Here you are able to do a self-guided tour of a Nineteen Twenties espresso farm and study in regards to the lifetime of the Japanese immigrants who farmed many of the espresso plantations within the early twentieth century.
Details: Greenwells has espresso excursions each half hour from 9am – 3pm day by day. The Living History Farm is simply open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am – 2pm and prices $20.
Best Things to Do on the Big Island: Kohala Coast
This part covers the northern a part of the west coast. Sunny South Kohala (together with the resort space of Waikoloa) is the place you’ll discover barren lava fields subsequent to unbelievable golf programs and the most effective seashores on the Big Island.
Untouristy North Kohala could be very completely different and contains dramatic valleys, rolling inexperienced hills, and cattle ranches.
7) Stand Up Paddleboard at Night
One of probably the most distinctive issues to do on the Big Island is a sundown paddleboard tour with LightSUP Hawaii.
They’ve made customized boards with lights and a transparent panel so you possibly can see the reef under, even at night time. It’s a enjoyable mixture of get up paddleboarding and snorkelling.
We met our information Mark simply earlier than sundown at tranquil Puako Beach then paddled into the bay in the direction of a sky lit up in vibrant oranges and reds.
Once we reached a wholesome part of reef, we obtained onto our knees and peered via the panel on the sea life under. We noticed an eel, parrotfish, massive pufferfish, butterflyfish, needlefish, and reef triggerfish.
Once it turned darkish, we paddled on. At night time you possibly can typically see manta or eagle rays, however we solely noticed needlefish and little minnows. We nonetheless cherished paddling into the darkness as the celebrities emerged. It felt so peaceable.
Details: The sundown tour with LightSUP Hawaii prices $138 and lasts 1.5 hours (beginning at 5.30pm in October). It contains pictures your information will take. I like to recommend emailing proprietor Kelly in the beginning of your keep and she is going to advise which day has the calmest situations.
While novices are welcome, if it’s your first time on a SUP, I like to recommend attempting it at one of many seashores first (A-Bay has leases).
8) Watch the Sunset at A-Bay
Anaeho’omalu Bay is often known as A-Bay and was our native seashore on the Big Island.
This fairly bay is lined with palm bushes and options salt and pepper sand and clear, calm water.
It’s one of many best seashores to go to on the Kohala Coast as parking is plentiful and free, and the seashore isn’t overly crowded.
There’s a seashore gear rental stand and this could be a great place for paddleboarding or kayaking.
While the visibility for snorkelling wasn’t nice, I used to be stunned by what number of fish I noticed simply off the seashore.
Sunset is an particularly pretty time for a stroll on A-Bay (or deliver a picnic dinner) because it’s backed by historical fishponds. Head behind the ponds for an ideal view of the palm bushes silhouetted towards the colorful sky.
Lava Lava Beach Club is the perfect spot for a sundowner with stay music each night time.
Details: A-Bay is within the Waikoloa resort space. The essential parking zone is on the finish of Ku’uali’i Place close to Lava Lava. There are restrooms and showers at this finish of the seashore.
9) Eat Shave Ice
Enjoying a shave ice is a necessary a part of each Hawaii trip, and the most effective we’ve had is at family-run Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.
They’ve perfected each aspect—very nice, creamy ice, scrumptious pure fruit flavours, good syrup protection, and a tasty ice cream base.
The small shave ice is very large—we had ours for lunch. There are an awesome quantity of choices, however I cherished my alternative—lilikoi (passionfruit), pineapple, and li hing mui (bitter plum) with macadamia nut ice cream. So good!
Details: OBISIC is within the Kings’ Shops outside mall in Waikoloa (close to A-Bay). It’s open Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays) from 11.30am – 6.30pm. Lines will be lengthy on weekends.
10) Relax on Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach is commonly referred to as the most effective seashore on the Big Island and I wouldn’t disagree.
There’s loads of area on the large, half-mile stretch of powdery white sand. In summer season, the bay is good for swimming and snorkelling (the most effective spot is on the far proper by the lodge), and in winter, you possibly can bodysurf.
There’s one lodge—the Westin Hapuna Resort. We cherished our keep there—having free sunbeds and umbrellas on the quiet finish of the seashore was a bonus, so we by no means even made it to the attractive swimming pools.
Non-guests can even have a cocktail or meal at Naupaka Beach Grill, the informal bar by the pool.
Details: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area has full services—restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and picnic tables. Parking prices $10 and entrance is $5 per particular person (bank card solely). It’s open from 7am – 6.45pm.
11) Walk the Coast to Mauna Kea Beach
Another contender for the prettiest seashore on the Big Island is Kauna’oa Beach, generally known as Mauna Kea Beach.
It’s just like close by Hapuna with powdery white sand and turquoise ocean, though it’s smaller and the snorkelling was horrible for me (possibly I used to be unfortunate).
It’s house to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which might be an excellent spot to remain. Non-guests can entry the Hau Tree beachside restaurant.
The main draw back is that parking is severely restricted for non lodge visitors and prices $21. You have to arrive by 8am to get one of many few public seashore entry passes from the lodge’s entrance gate.
An various is to stroll right here from Hapuna Beach, which is what we did. It’s about one mile every manner alongside the Ala Kahakai Trail and took us about 20 minutes.
The coastal path is pretty straightforward with gorgeous ocean views, however first rate sneakers can be useful for some rocky, slippery sections (climbing sandals had been best). We solely noticed just a few different individuals on the path.
Having a swim at Mauna Kea Beach is an excellent option to cool off after the stroll.
Details: You can discover the path to Mauna Kea Beach on the far finish of Hapuna Beach by the Westin Resort (head up on the garden above the seashore).
12) Hike to a Black Sand Beach in Pololū Valley
An hour’s drive north of Waikoloa is a really completely different a part of the Big Island the place it’s greener, cooler, and extra rural.
The Pololū Valley is among the dramatic, lush inexperienced valleys within the north of the island that had been fashioned when the Kohala volcano erupted 300,000 years in the past.
At the Pololū Lookout you possibly can see down into the valley and get a glimpse of the seashore under, nevertheless it’s actually value climbing down for the most effective view.
The steep path will be muddy and slippy, so first rate sneakers are a good suggestion. Although you’ll see locals climbing barefoot carrying a surfboard!
The one-mile return hike took us about 40 minutes plus time on the seashore.
On the way in which down via the forest, you’ll get glimpses under of the gorgeous black sand seashore beneath steep inexperienced cliffs.
The massive seashore is a component powdery gray sand, half volcanic rocks in black and gray and purple. Although it’s a well-liked place to go to, it feels secluded and there’s loads of area for everybody.
It’s not often protected to swim, however the waves had been small on our go to, and I needed I’d introduced my swim gear. Only go within the water in case you are a assured swimmer, and don’t exit too far. There are not any lifeguards or different services.
If you need a longer hike, you possibly can proceed on the much less maintained Honokane Nui path to the following valley (4.6 miles return from the identical trailhead).
Details: There’s restricted parking at Pololū Valley Lookout on the finish of Akoni Pule Highway however no restrooms. We began the path at 4.15pm when the path and many of the seashore had been in shade. Visit within the morning for higher mild. The cute city of Hawi is quarter-hour away if you would like a meal afterwards.
13) Drive Kohala Mountain Road
To go to Pololū from Waikoloa we drove up the 270 coast highway with unbelievable ocean views. On the way in which again we took the marginally longer inland route.
Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) is a winding 22-mile highway excessive up within the hills (over 3000 toes) that connects Hawi and Waimea.
Again, we had been impressed by how numerous the Big Island landscapes are—this felt completely completely different once more and much away from the seashore resorts (there have been just a few different vehicles on the highway).
We drove previous rolling emerald hills and farmland with views of the ocean and Mauna Kea volcano. It was particularly attractive at golden hour.
Details: Allow round 40 minutes to drive Highway 250 from Hawi to Waimea.
Top Things to Do in Big Island: Hilo and Volcano
Hilo is a city on the east coast of the Big Island. While it’s the capital of the island, it’s much less visited than Kailua-Kona and has a rainier local weather and greener panorama.
This part contains points of interest round Hilo and the entire jap facet of the island together with Volcanoes National Park (40 minutes from Hilo).
14) Admire Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls is among the prettiest waterfalls on the Big Island.
It’s simply accessible on a 15-minute paved path (we did the loop through the much less spectacular Kahuna Falls) via lush tropical vegetation.
While the 0.4-mile path is straightforward for many, it entails some stairs.
From the point of view, you possibly can see the waterfall plunge 442 toes right into a gorge under.
Details: Akaka Falls State Park is 25 minutes north of Hilo. We visited on our option to Volcano from the west coast. It’s open from 8am – 5pm. We had been there at noon and it was fairly busy. Early morning would have higher mild and fewer individuals.
Entrance is $5 and parking is $10 (or park simply outdoors at no cost) payable by bank card solely by app or machine. Restrooms can be found on the entrance.
15) Enjoy Pepeekeo Scenic Drive
From Akaka Falls we continued south to Hilo through the attractive Pepeekeo Scenic Drive on the Old Mamalahoa Highway.
This four-mile detour is effectively value it. The winding highway via the rainforest is lined with draping bushes. With its one-way bridges, it reminded us of Maui’s Road to Hana, nevertheless it was a lot quieter.
There are just a few stops you may make together with the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve Botanical Garden ($25) and the Onomea Bay Trail, however we didn’t have the power. Staying in Hilo would make exploring this space simpler.
We did have lunch at What’s Shakin firstly of the drive (see under).
16) Eat from a Food Truck
Our two favorite meals on the Big Island had been from informal meals vehicles and stands on this facet of the island. They are far cheaper than the resorts.
What’s Shakin is a farm meals stand on the Pepeekeo Scenic Drive with outside seating.
They have good veggie choices, and we loved the avocado wrap and veggie burger. The meals is fairly priced and comes with a facet of slaw and fruit. The smoothies seemed wonderful too.
They promote just a few homegrown merchandise—we purchased an enormous, completely creamy avocado and a few home made hummus.
What’s Shakin is open 10am to 3pm Tuesdays to Saturdays (closed Sundays and Mondays).
At the Tuk-Tuk Thai meals truck in Volcano village we had our favorite meal on the island. We’ve spent a number of time in Thailand and the meals right here is genuine and completely scrumptious.
You can get nearly every little thing vegan with tofu, and you’ll select your spice degree (degree 3 was good for us, degree 4 was fairly spicy). The basil stir fry was tasty, nevertheless it was the massaman curry that introduced us again two nights in a row.
Tuk-Tuk Thai is open from 11am to 6pm Wednesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). It’s takeout solely with no tables.
17) Wander Hilo
Hilo is the largest metropolis on the Big Island however has a tropical, laid-back vibe.
We solely handed via briefly on our option to Volcano, however it is a good place for procuring.
We went to the Hilo Farmer’s Market, which is open on daily basis from 7am to 3pm, however you’ll discover probably the most stalls on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There’s a mixture of contemporary produce, garments, and crafts.
The Kula Shave Ice store is subsequent to the market and best for cooling off afterwards. We discovered it a little bit icier than the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co, however the all-natural fruit flavours had been excellent. The lilikoi butter is a scrumptious topping.
Other locations we missed in Hilo embody Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and Kaumana Caves.
18) Stay within the Volcano Rainforest
I knew that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be a Big Island spotlight, however I didn’t anticipate to fall in love with the entire Volcano space—it was my favorite a part of the Big Island.
It’s so completely different from the remainder of the island—a lot cooler and rainier (though be ready for all climate) with stark lava fields and luxurious rainforest.
We stayed within the tiny village of Volcano simply outdoors the National Park. There’s only one essential road with just a few outlets and cafes after which homes hidden amongst the forest.
We cherished the Volcano Village Serenity Suite the place we stayed. It’s connected to the house of welcoming hosts Jeffrey and Sally however feels personal.
It has a beautiful setting within the native forest. Snuggling underneath a blanket on the hammock on our lanai, listening to the birds and admiring the ferns and Ohia bushes was so restorative after a busy few weeks in Hawaii.
And we had been solely a five-minute drive to the park for late-night volcanic eruptions and early morning hikes.
Details: Book the Volcano Village Serenity Suite on Vrbo.
19) Drive the Chain of Craters Road
Chain of Craters is an interesting drive that takes you from 4000 toes at Volcanoes National Park all the way down to sea degree.
Along the way in which, you possibly can cease at volcanic craters and see outdated lava flows, principally from eruptions within the Seventies. The views are spectacular on the way in which down.
At the top of the highway, you are able to do a brief stroll to the Hohei Sea Arch.
Pack for all weathers—it was 60ºF on the prime and 80ºF on the backside.
Details: Entrance to Volcanoes National Park is $30 per automobile for seven days. We used our America the Beautiful NPS annual move. It’s open 24 hours.
Chain of Craters Rd is nineteen miles lengthy however enable round half a day to drive it. See the NPS for a listing of Chain of Craters stops.
20) Watch an Eruption in Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses two of the world’s most energetic volcanoes—Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Kilauea is probably the most energetic, though Moana Loa erupted in October 2022 for the primary time in 40 years. Both volcanoes stopped erupting in mid-December 2022.
As the standing of the eruptions is continually altering, verify the NPS web site or go to the customer centre within the park for the newest information.
If Kilauea begins spewing lava once more, it truly is a Big Island should see.
The finest time to see lava is at night time when it glows purple. During our go to in October 2022, the most effective viewing spot was from the overlook on Old Crater Rim Rd, a one-mile stroll from the Devastation Trailhead.
Avoid visiting at sundown when it’s extraordinarily crowded. Visit earlier than dawn or after 9pm.
It’s a simple stroll to the point of view, nevertheless it’s darkish, so deliver a flashlight. Binoculars are helpful for a more in-depth take a look at the lava effervescent and spurting.
Details: See above for National Park entrance charges.
21) Hike right into a Volcanic Crater
The finest hike within the National Park is the Kilauea Iki Trail, a four-mile loop that takes you from the rainforest into the caldera.
You stroll via a hardened lava lake from the 1959 eruption. There are nonetheless scorching rocks far under, and it’s thrilling to see cracks and steam vents.
The stroll via this dramatic panorama took us slightly below two hours together with a detour to Thurston Lava Tube. By beginning at 7am we had many of the path to ourselves.
Details: See above for National Park entrance charges. Parking and restrooms are at Kilauea Iki Trailhead, a five-minute drive from the park entrance.
22) See Turtles on Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
While we had been staying in Volcano, we drove to the south coast to Punalu’u, a wonderful black sand seashore lined with palm bushes.
It’s very completely different from the white sand seashores of the Kohala coast with darker, wavier ocean and coarse grains of black sand that shimmer like tiny jewels.
The essential attraction is the ocean turtles that may typically be discovered. We noticed two on the seashore and two within the sea. Make positive to maintain your distance.
Some individuals snorkel right here, however the ocean is sort of tough. The seashore is a stunning spot to linger with a picnic.
Details: Punalu’u is Half-hour from Volcano and 1 hour 40 minutes from Kailua-Kona (most individuals appear to cease right here on their option to the park). Parking is free proper on the seashore and there are restrooms, picnic tables, and a snack bar.
23) Stargaze on Mauna Kea
One of the most well-liked issues to do on the Big Island is a sundown and stargazing tour to the 13,800 toes (4207m) summit of Mauna Kea. This dormant volcano is the best level of any South Pacific island.
Tours are standard as a result of you possibly can’t attain Mauna Kea summit and not using a 4WD automobile, and it’s troublesome to discover a rental that permits you to drive up. You can entry the customer centre in any automobile, however it’s nowhere close to as spectacular because the summit.
We did this Mauna Kea tour however can’t suggest it. It was disorganised and the automobiles had been substandard (one of many 4WD vans broke down on the summit).
This Mauna Kea tour with Hawaii Forest & Trail appears like a extra dependable choice (and contains dinner), however you’ll have to e book about three months prematurely for this standard journey.
Regardless of the corporate you go along with, we’ve blended emotions in regards to the expertise.
The good:
- Easy entry to tremendous excessive elevation—you’re above the clouds!
- Seeing the large telescopes on the summit (however you possibly can’t go inside).
- Beautiful sundown from the summit.
- The finest stargazing we’ve ever accomplished. Through a telescope we might even see Jupiter (with its moons) and Saturn (with its rings!).
- You can see snow in winter!
The unhealthy:
- Long journey (7-8 hours) with more often than not on a bus.
- Very bumpy journey on a winding gravel highway from the customer centre to the summit. I’m very glad I took Dramamine.
- Altitude can have an effect on some individuals (which is why you acclimatise on the customer centre for 40 minutes). We felt a little bit lightheaded however nothing severe.
- Extreme chilly. Tours present jackets and gloves, however even with a number of layers, we had been freezing for the stargazing.
- Mauna Kea is sacred to Hawaiians and lots of are against improvement right here.
- It’s costly.
I ought to say that we aren’t actually followers of excursions (all that ready round for different individuals) and our journey was significantly chaotic.
Many individuals have glorious journeys and name it a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Check out the critiques of the Hawaii Forest & Trail tour right here.
Details: Mauna Kea excursions have pickup places in Kona, Waikoloa (the closest) and Hilo. They often final from round 3-10pm.
Some present meals, however we needed to deliver a packed dinner. Bring loads of snacks and water, as there’s no store on the customer centre, and all the nice and cozy garments you’ve (together with additional socks).
Tours to the summit will not be suggested for these underneath 16 years outdated or with well being situations.
Big Island Activities Map
This map has all the most effective issues to do on Big Island Hawaii talked about on this submit.
On Our Big Island Bucket List for Next Time
Even although we spent two weeks on the Big Island, we nonetheless have extra we wish to do on our subsequent journey:
- Makalawena Beach – This secluded seashore north of Kona is a problem to succeed in (unpaved highway plus scorching hike), nevertheless it appears lovely.
- Papakōlea Green Sand Beach – A singular inexperienced seashore on the south coast. You’ll have to stroll 2.5 miles every option to get there or pay for a elevate in a 4WD (about $20 return).
- Puna space – The southeast nook has a free-spirited vibe and numerous landscapes of rainforest, lava fields, rugged shoreline, and black sand seashores.
- Waipio Valley Lookout – Another gorgeous viewpoint just like Pololū Valley. You can now not stroll all the way down to the seashore, although.
- Whale Watching in Winter – From mid-December to March, take a whale watching boat journey to see majestic humpback whales.
I hope this submit has given you some concepts of distinctive and enjoyable issues to do on the Big Island. It’s such a various island with one thing to supply everybody.
More Hawaii Posts
We’ve visited the 4 essential islands of Hawaii and have plenty of tricks to share in these posts.
General
Oahu
Maui
Kauai