Be sure to check out our 10 Day Big Island Itinerary and the Hawaii Region page for other ideas around the best things to do in the Big Island of Hawaii!
*Last updated March 10, 2024
The Best Things to Do in the Big Island, Hawaii
Table of Contents
- How Long to Stay at the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park
- The Big Island, Hawaii
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Manta Ray Night Snorkel
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls
- Lava Tree State Monument and Isaac Hale Beach Park
- Waipio Lookout and Waipio Valley
- Horseback Riding
- Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
- Luau of Hawaii
- Coffee Tour
- Waikoloa Petroglyph Field
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
- Consider Visiting Nearby
How Long to Stay at the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park
In general, for Hawaii, I think there is enough to do on each island that you should spend at last a week on and island before considering jumping to other islands. For instance, if you have a week or less, just stay on the Big Island. As for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, I’d plan to spend one full day in the park. If you are interested in seeing the lava glow at night (assuming that the lava is flowing), plan to stay nearby.
the Big Island, Hawaii
The island of Hawaii, known as The Big Island, is big – all the other Hawaiian Islands combined are smaller. Without a doubt, our family had a great time here in paradise. There are so many wonderful beaches and activities to do. Additionally, we went in the summer and stayed in a VRBO condo in Waikoloa, which worked great as a home base.
We flew into Kailua-Kona airport. A travel tip: if you have Delta sky miles, you can use them to book Hawaiian Airlines flights between the islands (through Delta’s site). Absolutely, this is a good option as the inter-island flights have gotten more expensive.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Depending on conditions you have a chance to see lava at Volcanoes NP. Make sure to check with a ranger at the visitor center to see if and where there is lava flow.
In addition, the Kilauea Iki trail is an amazing 3.3 mile loop that goes down through a crater. It is one of my all time favorite hikes. Additionally, it stops by the Thurston lava tube, which is a hollow cave-like tunnel.
The drive to the Holei Sea Arch is fun to see the old lava flow. However, the arch itself is underwhelming.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
This is a magical experience and I would highly recommend you try to do a tour. We went with Analakai Adventures, which was excellent. You paddle an outrigger canoe out to the water and snorkel around a light suspended above the boat. Also, this worked great since one of our kids was only 5, so they could still see the action.
However, on other boats, you have to swim from the boat to the light. Additionally, all of the manta night boats enter the water in the evening just north of Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
This the most accessible black sand beach on the Big Island. Additionally, it is the home of sea turtles that are frequently sunning in the sand. It is a long drive all the way to the south of the island, but is worth it if the turtles are out. Also, you could make it a quick stop on the way to Volcanoes NP if needed. Lastly, the Punalu’u Bake Shop is also a tasty (and popular) spot just west of the beach.
Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls
Both are not far from the eastern town of Hilo. Rainbow Falls is just a few feet from the parking lot. Akaka Falls requires a short hike to get to the falls. Also, Akaka Falls is much taller and a bit more impressive. However, it does have a parking fee and is the viewing area is not as direct. Both are worth a stop.
Lava Tree State Monument and Isaac Hale Beach Park
We drove from Volcanoes National Park down to Isaac Hale Beach Park, where you can see the destruction that was ravaged during a 2018 eruption.
Additionally, you can visit the nearby Lava Tree State Monument. It is a small park that features these unique monuments that are created when lava flows and attaches to the trees.
Waipio Lookout and Waipio Valley
The Waipio Lookout is a picture-perfect postcard worthy photo spot. The road down to the valley has been indefinitely closed to visitors due to erosion and damage of the steep slope. However, the lookout is still worth visiting. Additionally, there is a shelter with picnic tables if you are looking for a scenic lunch spot. Afterwards, be sure to stop at nearby TEX Drive In for some malasadas (Hawaiian doughnuts).
Horseback Riding
We were surprised to learn that there are so many horse ranches on the Big Island. Horseback riding, was my kids favorite event when we were in South Dakota so we decided to do it again. However, I’m not sure horseback riding in Hawaii is any more special than doing it anywhere else. So if time is limited, I would recommend spending your time on more Hawaii-unique activities. We used 4D Quarter Horses (formerly known as Dahana Ranch). Our guide was pleasant and a good resource for questions about Hawaii.
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
Our family really enjoyed the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. My kids enjoyed the scavenger hunt that ensued when looking for each of the listed plants and flowers. The gardens cross a walking path, where numerous people were peeking in to try and get a glimpse of the beautiful gardens. However, I would not consider it stroller or wheelchair accessible as the first pathway goes down a steep hill.
Luau of Hawaii
The prevailing advice is that if you have never been to a Luau, you have to do it once. However, this was our second luau. I could skip it, but I don’t mind doing it either. They are all expensive, but Legends of Hawaii Luau does give you a lot of food and a show.
Our kids also enjoyed walking around the Hilton resort grounds, which are pretty amazing on their own. My 9 year old daughter proclaimed that it is where she wants to get married someday! However, if you have any sort of budget, a luau is probably something I would skip as you can probably find less expensive (or free) demonstrations that are more authentic.
Coffee Tour
Kona coffee is renowned for it’s amazing taste. Additionally, in Kona, there are numerous coffee farms you can tour. We did the tour with Greenwell Coffee Farms. Additionally, the tour is free, which is a bonus since we are a family of five. However, we did purchase numerous bags of coffee as gifts to bring home to family.
Waikoloa Petroglyph Field
The Waikoloa Petroglyph Field was located right next to our condo, which made it an easy stop to do anytime we had some free time. Additionally, it is not long and the kids had fun exploring. However, the rocks are sharp so make sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Puuhonua O Honaunanu National Historic Park
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is also known as the “place of refuge”. At the park there is a video as well as a shore area you can walk around.
Additionally, it is located directly next to some of the best snorkeling on the island, which is sometimes referred to as “two-step” for the double layer shelf that drops into deeper water.
Also Consider Nearby
Also, be sure to check out our Big Island 10 day itinerary! Additionally, if you have more than a week, you might consider visiting one of the other Hawaiian Islands.