Top Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

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Hawaii is an archipelago of islands recognized for its wild, untamed nature, among the world’s most energetic volcanoes, and thriving marine life. 

Whereas every of the Hawaiian islands provides one thing completely different and distinctive, for me, the Massive Island is all about journey.

There are such a lot of issues to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii and every of those points of interest provides unbelievable wow moments – you would possibly simply spend your complete trip together with your jaw on the ground!

Whereas the Massive Island’s official identify is Hawaii, and as such, individuals have typically mistaken Hawaii as singular and never plural, however there are over 137 islands in Hawaii so we’ll check with the Massive Island by its nickname to keep away from confusion.

When you’re unsure what to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii, then enable us to introduce to you the highest Massive Island points of interest…

The High Issues to Do on The Massive Island of Hawaii

1. Discover the Misty Akaka Falls

The Akaka Falls plunges 442 ft right into a stream-eroded gorge and is presumably one of the crucial gorge-ous waterfalls in Hawaii, if not the USA. It’s actually essentially the most well-known waterfall on the Massive Island and is steadily visited by vacationers.

It’s situated within the Akaka Falls State Park which is a good space to go mountaineering. The paths listed below are fairly straightforward and it solely took us half-hour to get to the falls.

Additionally within the park is the 100-foot Kahuna Falls which you’ll see on a looped stroll. It was closed for us once we visited, however for those who get the prospect to see it then it’s mentioned to be lovely.

Because it’s one of the crucial well-liked issues to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii, parking could be a nightmare. You’ll be able to park up the highway as we did and nab a less expensive worth than the official automobile park!

• Hours: 8.30am – 5.00pm each day
• Deal with: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728

2. Go to the Beautiful Rainbow Falls

Simply outdoors Hilo City Heart is Rainbow Falls. It’s smaller than Akaka Falls however no much less fairly.

There’s additionally a brief path from the parking zone that takes you to a viewpoint over the waterfalls summit. 

Then from the lookout level, you will notice some steps into an beautiful rainforest that takes you to the underside of the waterfall and the river. 

The steps are fairly slippery so watch out in your descent. 

Once you’re on the backside, you is likely to be fortunate sufficient to see how the waterfall obtained its identify. 

• Hours: opens at dawn, closes at nightfall
• Deal with: 967 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo

3. Dine at The Booch Bar

After we requested our on-line neighborhood for recommendation on issues to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii, we have been flooded with locations to eat and drink. 

One identify that was advisable a number of instances was The Acutely aware Tradition Cafe in Hilo, which is now often known as The Booch Bar.

It had all the pieces I liked, from ginger and turmeric kombucha, wholesome smoothies with bee pollen, and natural, vegetarian meals. 

The vibe was additionally nice. We heard music from the 60’s Vietnam period, equivalent to White Shades of Gray to When you’re going to San Francisco.

This place was certainly one of our hidden gems in Hawaii. The workers have been so useful and gave us solutions on locations to go to.

• Hours: 8.00am – 8.00pm
• Deal with: 110 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720

4. Go to the Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, Massive Island

In fact, no journey to the Massive Island could be full with out visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park.

 

Visiting Volcano Nationwide Park has been my favourite homeschooling lesson for our daughters to this point. Principally as a result of I didn’t need to do something! I let Mom Nature take over and educate the ladies about land formation, development, and ecosystems.

There are usually not many locations on the earth the place you may get shut (however not too shut) to an energetic volcano. This was actually one of the crucial instructional issues to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii.

Some methods to see the park are to take an 8-mile return hike to see the energetic lava circulate, or you possibly can take a ship tour. After we visited, visibility on the time wasn’t good, so it truly is a stroke of luck whether or not you see them or not.

We have been additionally warned that it’s not a good suggestion to hike or take a ship to the lava flows with younger kids. This was due to the excessive sulfur content material which might injury their growing lungs. For us, not definitely worth the threat.

We drove alongside Crater Rim Drive, stopping off in locations to see craters, big fields of lava rock, and observing their textures and form. 

The ladies have been fascinated by the rock, particularly Savannah who began writing a narrative about volcanoes and lava from what she realized.

We additionally visited the Jaggar Museum & Overlook and realized extra about earthquakes and the formation of volcanoes, in addition to to see the effervescent lava within the crater.

It’s mentioned that Pele, the Hawaiian Hearth Goddess and creator of the Hawaiian Islands lives contained in the Halema’um’a Crater on the summit of Kilauea. The locals consider she is the one who sends lava from the volcano, which grows the island chain. 

You’ll be able to see a few of Pele work spurting up throughout the day, however it’s finest to come back again at evening when the volcano is admittedly on hearth.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Deal with: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, HI 96718

5. Witness the Lava in Kilauea at Evening

One of the vital unbelievable issues to do on The Massive Island at evening is to witness the lava spewing out of Kilauea. 

It was wonderful to see it shifting round and see the lava lake within the crater. We have been fortunate that it was a bubbly day once we visited, and we noticed lava bubbles replenish and spew over.

When you look rigorously, you would possibly even discover strands of Pele’s hair, which are literally glistening golden threads of fragile volcanic fiberglass. These are fashioned when lava is thrown into the air and small droplets get caught by the wind and cools into skinny strands.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Deal with: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, HI 96718

6. Witness the Thurston Lava Tube: A Lava Cave

Simply outdoors the Volcanoes Nationwide Park, South of Crate Rim Drive is the Thurston Lava Tube. It is a community of underground lava caves, often known as Nāhuku, or Thurston Lava Tube.

The cave is claimed to be greater than 500-years-old and was fashioned by rivers of lava which progressively reduce via the rock and constructed a strong wall and ceiling. 

The caves differ in measurement and size and there are a number of which you could go to, however Nāhuku is essentially the most simply accessible.

The cave is 600 foot lengthy and 20 ft excessive in locations. It’s the proper instance of how the liquid lava and all its molten power can create this fascinating and distinctive rock construction. 

It’s not one for the claustrophobic, however for those who can abdomen caves, it’s fairly cool.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Deal with: #52, Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, HI 96718

7. See the Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles at Punalu’u, Black Sand Seaside

One other advice from our neighborhood on one of the best issues to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii was to go to the Punalu’u Black Sand Seaside.

Not solely is the Black Sand Seaside attention-grabbing to take a look at, however it’s additionally the place you possibly can see the Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles who nest right here.

We have been fortunate to see one mendacity within the sand on the water’s edge once we visited.

This supplied one other nice homeschooling alternative. We had classes on how volcanoes form the land and talked about how the jet-black sand was fashioned.

It was fashioned by molten lava from Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, which flowed into the water, cooled, after which washed ashore in little fragments.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Deal with: Punaluʻu Seaside

8. Hike to Papakolea Seaside, Inexperienced Sand Seaside

Inexperienced Seaside, in any other case often known as Papakolea Seaside, is taken into account probably the greatest seashores in Hawaii. 

No, it’s not just like the white sand seashores of Hapuna Seaside or these alongside the Hamakua Coast and Kohala coast, however it’s no much less lovely.

The seashore is beautiful and is accessible by a picturesque 2.5 mile hike (a method) and takes 2-3 hours relying on how briskly you’re. The seashore virtually distant so it’s doable you may have it to your self.

We’d say {that a} go to to Papakolea Seaside is a full-day journey due to this hike, so plan forward.

High tip: Pack loads of water as it will probably get deceivingly sizzling when mountaineering in Hawaii.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Deal with: Papakolea Seaside

9. Snorkel at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park

Though we couldn’t pronounce Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park, even after the park ranger gave us a lesson on it, we nonetheless suppose it’s probably the greatest issues to do on the Massive Island.

Puuhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park is a 180-acre historic park that the previous royal grounds and a spot of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers.

It’s mentioned that if a lawbreaker was in a position to make it right here, they have been absolved of their sins. As such, the Pu’uhonua is taken into account a sacred website due to the air of forgiveness and peace it initiatives. 

The placement is gorgeous, overlooking Honaunau Bay. That is the place the Kings as soon as resided so that you might be positive it’s one of the crucial beautiful elements of the island. 

We visited the Hale o Keawe temple the place the bones of the chiefs are laid to relaxation. 

It’s additionally thought-about the second finest snorkeling spot on the Massive Island. So pack your snorkel and fins whenever you go to!

It’s a must to pay to your automobile to enter, however for those who mix your ticket with the park’s go from the Volcanoes Nationwide Park then it’s basically free.

• Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm
• Deal with: State Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726

10. Swim with Manta Rays on a Boat Tour

Keep in mind these wow moments I discussed earlier? That is undoubtedly the most important wow you’ll have in your journey to Massive Island.

This was undoubtedly our favourite factor to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii with children. I wasn’t positive I needed my five-year-old to do it, however she did it and I used to be so happy with her.

We set off on a conventional Hawaiian 40-foot double-hulled Hawaiian crusing canoe with Eka Canoes because the solar was setting. 

The most effective time to see the manta rays is at the hours of darkness, as a result of the sunshine from the boat attracts plankton which the manta rays eat.

The rays are like light butterflies of the ocean, and it was wonderful to get near them with out feeling intrusive. It was undoubtedly probably the greatest wildlife encounters I’ve had.

It’s troublesome to get nice photographs because of it being nighttime and the illuminated lights, however the recollections will likely be lodged in our brains without end.

• Hours: Sundown
• Deal with: Departs from Keauhou Bay finger pier

11. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay

How does sliding down a slide into a beautiful marine bay stuffed with colourful fish and coral sound? 

Snorkeling and swimming within the ocean is undoubtedly one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii, and Kealakekua Bay is the proper place to do exactly that. 

Kealakekua Bay is an underwater marine sanctuary only a quick drive south on the Kona Coast. It’s well-known for its pristine magnificence, in addition to for being the place the place Captain Prepare dinner misplaced his life.

Being Australians, we have now a deep historic connection to Captain Prepare dinner, and have been in awe of seeing the place the place he was murdered.

When you’re touring with children, the boat excursions provide flotation units for unconfident swimmers and babies. 

The most effective place for snorkeling is the world close to the Captain Prepare dinner monument. Because it’s unlawful to land a vessel alongside the shore close to the monument, that is one of the best ways to see it.

 12. Discover Kona City

One of many enjoyable issues to do on the Massive Island of Hawaii is discover Kona city.

It’s solely actually one avenue and it runs alongside the water’s edge, however it nonetheless has lots to see and do. We noticed loads of cafes and eating places and some boutique buying locations.

It’s a historic city and was as soon as a spot to retreat to for Hawaiian royalty, so a whole lot of the historical past is mirrored within the Hulihee Palace and the Mokuaikaua Church.

When you’re visiting in October, you possibly can catch the well-known Ironman World Championship right here!

Kona can also be an incredible place for arise paddle boarding. 

You’ll be able to rent a SUP from Kona Boys and luxuriate in your day trip on the waves. You may additionally be greeted by some dolphins.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Deal with: Kona, Massive Island

13. Watch the Sundown at Huggo’s Bar

Huggo’s on the Rocks was one other advice to us by our neighborhood, and is certainly one of the best place to go for sundown views in Massive Island. 

Additionally they serve meals right here, and you may dine al fresco type of their outside seating space. 

Or you possibly can simply hold hear and drink some cocktails and watch the sundown. 

• Hours: 4.00pm – 9.00pm
• Deal with: 5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

14. Stroll the Lava Tree State Monument

If you wish to take a brief, straightforward hike, there’s a shocking 0.7 mile loop path within the Lava Tree State Monument.

The park is thought for its lava timber, that are uncommon volcanic phenomena attributable to lava circulate that swept via the forest. The result’s these distinctive lava molds of tree trunks.

They’re really a bizarre however great sight to see. You’ll be able to stroll the loop path or have a picnic at one of many picnic websites.

• Hours: 7.00am – 8.00pm
• Deal with: HI-132, Pāhoa, HI 96778

15. Go to the Hilo Farmers Market

Among the best issues to do on Massive Island is to pattern among the native produce. All fruit and greens are grown on the island, and right here you should purchase recent produce that’s organically grown. 

Be sure that to go over to Ample Life Pure Meals simply throughout the road from the market to choose up some Kona Espresso. There are only some locations in Hawaii that sells 100% pure Kona Espresso from the Kona Espresso Farm and that is certainly one of them!

The Hilo Farmers Market was based in 1988, and began with simply 4 farmers who bought their produce from their parked automobiles and vehicles.

Now the market has over 200 distributors promoting all the pieces from natural island fruit and greens to native tropical flowers. It’s also possible to discover particular Massive Island merchandise, handmade crafts and presents with that Aloha spirit.

It’s actually one of the best place to choose up souvenirs earlier than heading house. It’s thought-about probably the greatest open markets on the Massive Island.

• Hours: 7.00am – 3.00pm Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 4.00pm Saturday, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday
• Deal with: Nook of Kamehameha Avenue and, Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720

16. Swim with the Rays from Muana Kea Seaside Lodge

When you don’t need to get a ship tour to swim with the rays, then there’s additionally an opportunity to swim with them from the shore.

There are few locations the place the rays come near the seashore, however one such place is from the Kaunaʻoa Seaside, which might be straight accessed by Mauna Kea Seaside Lodge. 

At evening, the resort activates floodlights into the water which attracts plankton, and by extension, manta rays. 

You do want to remain on the resort for this entry, however the public can entry the seashore by a 0.9 mile hike.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Deal with: Mauna Kea Seaside Dr, Waimea, HI 96743

17. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens are situated on the historic Onomea Bay outdoors of Hilo. 

Onomea Bay was one of many Massive Island’s first pure touchdown areas and have become a port within the 1800s. The ships purchased in supplies and exported uncooked sugar from the Onomea Sugar Mill that when stood on the positioning of the botanical backyard. 

The merchants additionally got here with vegetation. A number of the vegetation from this historical past nonetheless stay within the backyard, equivalent to palm timber, wild bananas, mango, coconut, guava, and monkey timber.

When the Onomea Sugar Mill closed, the world was overgrown with wild, invasive timber, till it was purchased greater than 40 years in the past and was this Botanical Backyard.

The backyard goals to revive and keep the great thing about this historic land. It’s a calming factor to do in Massive Island earlier than flying house from Hilo airport.

• Hours: 9.00am – 4.00pm
• Deal with: 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781

Video Playlist: Massive Island of Hawaii with children

Click on play to look at movies of our adventures on the Massive Island of Hawaii

The place to Keep in Massive Island

Now we have hand-selected a few prime rated motels in The Massive Island so that you can prevent time researching. These are locations we have now stayed at ourselves.

Discover the map under to seek out different motels and trip leases on the Massive Island of Hawaii.

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