Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Big Island Of Hawaii
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Hiilawe Falls
Hiilawe Falls isn’t just high—it's higher than the highest elevation in seven U.S. states. Located in the back of historic Waipio Valley—a lush cleft in the Kohala mountainside where King Kamehameha was raised—Hiilawe Falls is a thin ribbon of white that plunges 1,450 feet, thereby making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the entire state of Hawaii. For all of the superlatives about its height, however, rarely is the waterfall very wide, since the river above the falls is diverted. Only after a heavy rain—which is fairly common in Waipio—will Hiilawe Falls swell to life to become a rushing torrent of water.
Accessing the base of the falls, however, requires passing over private land that isn’t accessible to visitors, so the best view you can get of the falls is from the road through Waipio Valley. Some travel publications encourage trespassing over the private land, but doing so has strained relations between valley residents and visitors.
To get an up close view of the famous falls, there are many Big Island helicopter tours that offer a bird's-eye view of the waterfall. Watch from above as millions of droplets free-fall their way toward the sea, and get a sense for Waipio's seclusion on this corner of the Kohala Coast.
Practical Info
Waipio Valley is one hour from Hilo and 90 minutes from Kona. The road leading into Waipio Valley is one of the steepest in the nation, so visitors without a 4x4 vehicle will have to walk down the road. To get the best view of Hiilawe Falls, walk along the dirt road that leads away from the beach. There are also guided horseback tours that offer occasional views of the falls, and since clouds gather in the afternoon, mornings are best for viewing the falls.
Address: North Hamakua Coast, Hawaii, USA
From $ 186
Banyan Drive
Set back a block from Hilo’s coastline are scores of towering and sprawling banyan trees with their thick and unique trunks. Similar trees can be found throughout the state, but what makes these fifty specimens unique is their planters. Between 1933 and 1972, many famous celebrities, political figures, authors and Hawaiians personally planted or dedicated these banyan seedlings as a way to commemorate their visit or honor friends. In front of the Hilo Hawaiian hotel, a particularly large road-shading tree has a small sign indicating it was planted by George Herman “Babe” Ruth, and across Banyan Drive are trees planted by King George V, Queen Elizabeth and Richard Nixon. Other famous names visible on placards along the leafy corridor are Franklin Roosevelt, movie star Cecil B. DeMille and his wife Constance, Amelia Earhart, volcanologist Dr. Thomas Jaggar (whose name is given to the Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) and musician Louis Armstrong. Perhaps even more remarkable is the fact that the many of the trees here have persevered through three city-devastating tsunamis. Giant waves swept through Hilo in 1946, 1960 and 1975, and though these trees were not lost, a combined 222 people were.
Practical Info
Banyan Drive is located directly off downtown Hilo’s main drag, Kamehameha Avenue. It’s the second left turn over the bridge after Bayfront Park as you’re heading toward the airport, and across from the popular Ken’s House of Pancakes. You can also access it via Lihiwai Street. The Hilo Seaside Hotel, the Hilo Naniloa and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel are all set along Banyan Drive, which forms a loop that also holds access to Coconut Island and the Liliuokalani Gardens. The loop’s interior encloses the Naniloa Volcanoes Golf Club and it’s said that trees on the course grounds may have also had famous planters, though they do not bear plaques.
Address: Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 99
Hualalai Volcano
Hualalai is massive, and yet it’s unknown. For all of its size and volcanic grandeur—gradually rising behind the town of Kona and fading into the clouds—this dormant volcano is shrouded in obscurity by its famous, more active neighbors.
At 8,200 feet in height, Hualalai isn’t nearly as high as Mauna Loa, and having last erupted in 1801, it isn’t considered nearly as active as the currently erupting Kilauea. Nevertheless, Hualalai remains an active volcano just miles from populous Kona, and experts feel that this sleeping volcano is on the brink of waking up.
It’s believed that Hualalai will erupt again within the next 100 years, potentially adding more black lava rock to Kona’s volcanic landscape. As the volcano sleeps, however, coffee farms continue to dominate its flanks and resorts now dot its shoreline. The odd hiker will occasionally venture up to its fog-lined, uppermost reaches, although since much of the land is private property, Hualalai mostly sits stoically behind Kona and silently lays in waiting.
Practical Info
The summit of Hualalai is often clear during early summer mornings, and the best way to get a view of the summit is during a helicopter tour from Kona. Visiting a Kona coffee plantation is another way to see the mountain and to learn how this land that gives rise to coffee may one day be its destruction.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, USA
From $ 185
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
Hawaii is known for its tropical flowers, but the orchid isn’t one of them. At the Big Island’s Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, however, over 1,000 of these symmetrical, blossoming beauties create a vibrant greenhouse of color.
The owner of the gardens, Moriyasu Akatsuka, has been skillfully cultivating orchids for centuries here in the mountainside enclave. Considered a master of hybridization, Akatsuka creates orchids that will bloom more frequently and are unlike any others in the world. One orchid, an exceptionally rare type of Paphiopedilum, was found in Thailand and nursed back to health before being displayed here at the garden. Due to its symmetry and singular characteristics, the orchid is valued at $20,000, and travelers who visit between May and September can see it in bloom. Like many of his other unique orchids, this famous plant was given its own name and is now known as the “Volcano Queen” due to its regal home on the mountain.
While all visitors will undoubtedly be impressed by the breadth and size of this collection, orchid lovers and green thumbs will have found their favorite corner of paradise.
Practical Info
The Akatsuka Orchid Garden is 45 minutes south of Hilo in the rural town of Volcano. The showroom is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is a convenient stop when traveling between Hilo and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There is no admission fee for visiting the showroom, although guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays cost $35 for adults and $25 for children.
Address: 11-3051 Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii, USA
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
From $ 25
Hulihee Palace
Though this stately two-story lava rock and stucco home in downtown Kailua-Kona is no castle, it did serve as a vacation home for royalty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Built by Hawaii’s second governor John Adams Kuakini in 1838, the six-room estate was handed down to Princess Ruth Keelikolani after his death, and she opened its doors to many visiting members of the Hawaiian royal family including King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiolani. The palace today is run as a museum of Hawaiian artifacts downstairs—including kapa (bark) cloth, King Kamehameha’s own giant spears, royal busts—and a showcase of royal life with original Victorian furniture and details—koa wood furniture, original bed frames and quilts—upstairs. Docent-led tours give a brief overview of Hawaiian and palace history including the rapid adoption of European tastes evident in the home’s décor.
Set on prime ocean-front real estate in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona off Alii Drive, the palace is close to other historic attractions including the islands' oldest Christian church (1820) across the street and the final residence of Island-uniting King Kamehameha I visible from the palace’s top floor lanai (porch). A small gift shop on the property outside the palace sells Hawaiian cultural books and souvenirs, and one Sunday a month, traditional music and hula performances take place on the palace lawn.
Practical Info
The palace is located at 75 -5718 Alii Drive and open from 9am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, except major holidays. Admission is $8 for adults and $1 for children 17 and under. Docent-led tours are on-demand (for a $2 additional charge for adults only) before 3 pm.
Address: 75 - 5718 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–4pm
Admission: Adults $8; Children 17 and under $1
From $ 124
Kahaluu Beach Park
Yellow tang, surgeon fish, multi-colored parrot fish, pufferfish, humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaii’s state fish) and over 100 other species can be spotted in this crystal clear and protected cove south of Kailua-Kona. Kahaluu Beach Park’s small stretch of white coral and black lava beach makes this one of the great and rare Hawaii Island snorkeling spots that also affords easy ocean access. Couple that with its picturesque setting—fringed with palms and bookended by the tiny white-clapboard 1880s Saint Peter by the Sea mission—shallow u-shaped bay, and year-round water temperatures hovering between 75 and 81 degrees, and Kahaluu is a strong a contender for the Island’s best snorkeling locale. Beyond the ancient rock wall said to be built by Menehune (a hard-working race of little people in Hawaiian legends), seasonal breakers around five feet high entice both beginner and moderately experienced surfers. During the winter months, monster waves rage and bring out the experts as they have for centuries—it’s said this was a popular surf spot for alii (Hawaiian royalty). With all of these great features, Kahaluu Beach Park’s charms are no secret—after around 10 a.m. it can be challenging to find a spot in the parking lot or on the sand.
Practical Info
Kahaluu Beach Park is located at 78-6740 Alii Drive and is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk. There is an onsite lifeguard as well as several showers, bathrooms and half a dozen picnic tables under a small gazebo (though there is no place within walking distance to get food, so pack a snack!). Recently, a large truck-turned-information center run by an area non-profit has begun parking in the onsite lot. Its volunteers are expert locals who care about the ocean life and promote safe snorkeling habits (like not standing on the reef), and can tell you more about “that orange fish” you saw. The truck also sells reef-safe sunscreen and rents snorkeling gear. Other popular rental options include Kahaluu Bay Surf and Sea, which also offers surf and SUP lessons from its shop across the street, and Snorkel Bob’s in downtown Kailua-Kona.
Address: 78-6740 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA 96740, USA
Hours: Open daily dawn-dusk
From $ 103
Honokohau Harbor
Steep drop-offs beckon just off Kona’s coast, the dominion of pelagic beasts—marlin and billfish some topping 1,000 lbs. Most journeys to catch one begin the 262-slip marina at Honokohau Harbor, just before the entrance to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. Nearly all of Kailua-Kona’s fishermen, independent sportfish tour operators as well as charter boats departing for scuba sites and popular manta and dolphin snorkeling adventures dock and depart from Honokohau Harbor.
The full-service marina also sports two noteworthy restaurants: Harbor House, a burger and beer joint with views of vessels from their open-air dining room, and Bite Me Fish Market Bar & Grill serving seafood delivered direct from the ocean to their door. ATMs, two full service restroom blocks with hot showers and a convenience store for snacks and sundries round out the facilities here.
Just behind the marina proper, a snaking road ends at a lava rock parking lot with a trail leading to a small beach with decent snorkeling and popular with area dog owners.
Practical Info
Harbor offices are located at 74-380 Kealakehe Parkway and a large sign announces the entrance between mile marker 97 and 98 from Highway 19—it’s three miles north of town and five miles south of the Airport. The Charter Desk, located above the marina’s fuel dock, sells spots on 60 sportfishing boats—expect to pay between $450 and $600 for a half day or $750 and $3,500 for an entire boat’s full-day charter. Most Pacific blue marlin, the big catch here, are reeled in between June and August. Tickets for most other excursions are available from booths in Kailua town. Many popular tourist activities include transport from area hotels or central locations; if they don’t, you’ll need a rental car or taxi to reach the harbor. Note: Restaurants here close between 7 and 9 p.m.
Address: 74-380 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA 96740, USA
From $ 64
Captain Cook Monument
British explorer Captain James Cook met his death at Kealakekua Bay on February 14, 1779, after a skirmish with the king of Hawaii in a local village. Today, a white obelisk in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park stands sentinel over the lush coast and its crystal clear waters, commemorating his death.
The Basics
Admission to the state historical park is free, and many visitors come to take advantage of the area’s black rock beaches and the excellent snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and dolphin-watching opportunities just off the Kona coast in Kealakekua Bay. Popular tour options include sailing the bay in Zodiac rafts, outrigger canoes, and on lunch or dinner cruises; the monument can be spotted from the water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Captain Cook Monument is a must-see for history buffs.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you’re planning to spend time out on the water.
- Tours of Kealakekua Bay tend to last from three to five hours.
- Historical lunch and dinner cruises are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The monument and state historical park are situated 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Kailua-Kona on the western coast of the Big Island. The easiest way to get there is by private car or on an organized tour.
When to Get There
The park is open during daylight hours. For the best snorkeling conditions just offshore from the monument, book a snorkel tour first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon when fewer people will be in the water.
The Life and Death of Captain Cook
Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii in 1778 on the island of Kauai, marking the first contact between British explorers and Native Hawaiians. He returned to the islands late in 1778, landing at Kealakekua Bay, where he was welcomed and treated as a god. He set sail again in 1779, but was forced to return to repair a broken mast. After Hawaiians snatched one of Cook’s small boats, Cook attempted to capture the Hawaiian king and was stabbed and bludgeoned to death. His memorial is controversial, as some locals see it as a tribute to an invader and a historical moment that would forever change the character of Hawaii.
Address: Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Kaawaloa Road, Kealakekua Bay 96750, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 70
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The Big Islands Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is 17 acres of lush greenery, with pathways inviting visitors to explore. The garden began taking shape in 1977, when the land was purchased by a couple from San Francisco. Over eight years, they cleared paths through what was thick jungle, and in 1984 they opened the garden to the public. It's now run by a nonprofit.
The botanical garden and nature reserve includes waterfalls and streams among more than 2,000 species of plants. One side of the property is on Onomea Bay, where there's a boardwalk overlooking the ocean. The garden is home to some wildlife, too, including geckos, frogs, and several types of local birds.
Practical Info
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located 7 miles north of Hilo on the scenic route off Route 19. It's open daily from 9am-5pm (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day), and the last admission is at 4pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-16.
Address: 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Open daily from 9am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Admission: Adults: $15; Children (6-16) $5
From $ 311
Anaehoomalu Bay
This popular stretch of Kohala Coast beach, commonly called A-Bay, offers beachgoers a little bit of everything needed for a fun day. Known for its fairly calm surf, Anaehoomalu Bay offers rentals of an assortment of water toys ranging from kayaks to boogie boards. It’s also a popular spot to snorkel, so if you packed your gear, bring it along. The earlier you go, the smaller the crowds. Palms trees add to the picturesque setting, framing sunset views in the evening and providing shade in the heat of the day.
The beach has a bit of a wild side when it comes to creatures you’ll see. Turtles seem to like it here just as much as people so take plenty of pictures to show everyone back home, but keep a safe distance. They enjoy relaxing on the beach just like you. You can also see a collection of feral cats that are cared for by volunteers.
Practical Info
The beach is located next to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. There’s plenty of free parking, restrooms and picnic facilities. The sand can be a bit on the rocky side, so shoes that can get wet can come in handy.
Address: Puako, Hawaii 96738, USA
From $ 29
Chain of Craters Road
For as overly dramatic as the name might sound, this road is literally a winding journey that weaves past volcanic craters—many of which still steam with life from magma within their core.
Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Chain of Craters Road drops 3,700 feet over 20 scorched Earth miles. It's the main conduit for exploring the park and accessing its numerous hikes, and it ends at the point where lava crossed the road in a 2003 eruption. There are numerous trailheads that start from the road, although hiking can be hazardous across the sharp lava rocks and there are no facilities or supplies.
Even if you don’t venture out the trails, the views simply from driving the road are spectacular in their geologic beauty. Patches of rainforest over a thousand years old appear as islands amidst a sea of lava rock, and pit craters that formed from collapsing Earth lie pockmarked just off the road. Towards the bottom of the journey where the road reaches sea level, steam can occasionally be viewed on the coastline as lava meets with the sea. At night, the rugged coast can glow eerily orange depending on the strength of the flow, and the spiritual power of Madame Pele can be felt in the Kilauea darkness.
Practical Info
Chain of Craters Road is open 24 hours, and there is a $10 entrance fee when visiting the National Park. There are no gas stations or any supplies at any point along the road, so visitors and hikers need to be prepared with water, fuel, and snacks. Also, since conditions on the volcano can literally change daily, check for updates at the Visitor Center before setting out down the road.
Address: Chain of Craters Road, Pāhoa, HI 96778, USA
Hours: 24/7
Admission: $10
From $ 167
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
When you stand in front of spouting lava at Kilauea volcano, or marvel at steam as it rises from vents in Halemaumau Crater, it's easy to see that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park isn't just a national park, but also a place to get a front-row seat to the beauty of Earth's creation. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this park offers everything from lush rainforest to lava tubes and rolling black lava fields, where hot steam still rises from fissures and rifts that dot the rugged landscape.
The Basics
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is made up of two different Hawaii volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. While 13,000-foot Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, Kilauea has been constantly erupting since 1983 and is known as one of the world's most active volcanoes. The park is often visited on circle island tours of the Hawaii that also include stops at sights such as Rainbow Falls and the Hamakua Coast. Hawaii Volcanoes can also be experienced on a coach bus tour or a Kilauea volcano bike tour, or even seen from above on a helicopter ride.
How To Get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 45-minute drive south of Hilo and a 2.5-hour drive from Kona. The most popular ways to experience the park are as part of a Hawaii volcano tour, or on a self-guided driving tour of Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.
When To Get There
Because volcanic activity is tough to predict, it's almost impossible to plan your trip around lava flow. Weather at the park can range from 45°F (7°C) with rain and wind at the summit of Kilauea to 85°F (29°C) by the shoreline; visitors should travel with multiple layers that are suitable for all conditions.
Has Kilauea Volcano Caused Any Destruction?
The Basics
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is made up of two different Hawaii volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. While 13,000-foot Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, Kilauea has been constantly erupting since 1983 and is known as one of the world's most active volcanoes. The park is often visited on circle island tours of the Hawaii that also include stops at sights such as Rainbow Falls and the Hamakua Coast. Hawaii Volcanoes can also be experienced on a coach bus tour or a Kilauea volcano bike tour, or even seen from above on a helicopter ride.
Stop in at the park's Jaggar Museum to learn about earthquakes, geology, and seismology; discover how lava still flows to the sea and occasionally covers roads; and hear the legend of Madame Pele, Hawaii's volcano goddess.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Volcanic activity changes on a daily basis, so no two trips are the same.
- Volcano tours get you close to the action, visiting popular sites such as Halemaumau Crater, the Kilauea Iki crater, and Devastation Trail.
- Bring a jacket for the brisk air at the 4,000-foot Kilauea summit, and pack a rain jacket for the lush environment around the Thurston Lava Tube.
- Some guided hiking tours go through rugged terrain, which isn't recommended for wheelchairs or travelers with limited mobility.
- It's important to hike the area around Kilauea safely; consider traveling with a professional tour guide.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 45-minute drive south of Hilo and a 2.5-hour drive from Kona. The most popular ways to experience the park are as part of a Hawaii volcano tour, or on a self-guided driving tour of Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.
When To Get There
Because volcanic activity is tough to predict, it's almost impossible to plan your trip around lava flow. Weather at the park can range from 45°F (7°C) with rain and wind at the summit of Kilauea to 85°F (29°C) by the shoreline; visitors should travel with multiple layers that are suitable for all conditions.
Has Kilauea Volcano Caused Any Destruction?
Kilauea has destroyed nearly 200 structures over the course of its most recent eruption. The entire village of Kalapana was covered up by the molten lava, and over 500 acres of new land have been created since 1983. As you'll learn on guided tours, parts of the ground are still very brittle due to the surface being so young.
Address: Crater Rim Drive, Volcano 96785, USA
Hours: Daily 7:45am–5pm
Admission: US$10 for vehicles or US$5 for individuals for a seven day pass
From $ 80
Jaggar Museum
For the last several years, the Jaggar Museum and its overlook have enjoyed one of the best vantages for spotting glowing lava in Kilauea's summit lake. A must-stop location for all Hawaii Volcanoes National Park visitors, the elongated, single-room rock building houses exhibits on volcanology and Hawaiian culture, with large windows facing the Halemaumau crater. Regular displays include real-time monitors where you can cause your own “earthquake” by jumping; historical volcanic measuring and data gathering equipment; artifacts including the various and unusual types of Hawaiian volcano eruptive material; historical photographs; and a massive mural detailing the fire goddess Pele's relationship to other Hawaiian deities.
Though it’s possible to see the fumes coming out of the crater during the day, or even the nene, Hawaii’s endangered and endemic goose in the parking lot, nature’s real show here happens at night. That’s when the glowing lava, reflected by the vog (volcanic fog) emits a bright orange glow that can be seen for miles. If you’re really lucky—as some visitors were during a brief period in April and May 2015—levels in the lava lake could rise, bringing with it the chance to see lava itself with your own eyes, day or night, as it spills onto the crater floor.
Practical Info
The museum is located off Crater Rim Drive, about 2.5 miles from Volcano House, the only hotel in the park. The museum is open daily from 8:30am until 5pm, but sometimes stays open later for geology talks by park rangers or during certain times of the year. A small gift shop sells HVNP-branded apparel and trinkets as well as informative book and DVDs. Because the summit lake eruption is a natural phenomenon, there is no guarantee the eruption will be occurring in the park during your visit.
Address: Crater Rim Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5pm
From $ 99
Hilo Farmers Market
There are some wonderful farmers markets in Hawaii, but the Hilo Farmers Market is often cited as the best of the bunch. It's a great place to get an overview of the local bounty. The fruits and vegetables for sale are locally-grown, as are the herbs and nuts. There are also vendors selling jams and baked items made with local produce, as well as people selling excellent souvenirs – clothing, jewelry, and other handcrafted goods.
The market is open daily, but to get the full effect go on either Wednesday or Sunday when all the vendors are out. Even if you don't have a kitchen, a stroll through the Hilo Farmers Market is the perfect way to find out what's in season so you know what's fresh on menus.
Practical Info
The larger market with 200+ vendors is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6am-4pm, and the smaller market with 30+ vendors is open every other day of the week from 7am-4pm. The outdoor market is located in downtown Hilo at Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue.
Address: Kamehameha Ave & Mamo Street, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
From $ 186
Akaka Falls
When you first set eyes on Akaka Falls you can be forgiven if your heart skips a beat. After all, the beauty of this 422 ft. waterfall has been known to catch travelers off guard, as there is something about its vertical perfection that casts a hypnotic, time-stopping trance.
Or, perhaps it’s the dramatic jungle surroundings that give the falls their grandeur, where the heavily eroded theater of green seems to gently cradle the plunge. Either way, Akaka Falls is one of the Big Island’s most popular and scenic attractions, and the short hike to reach the falls makes it easily accessible for visitors.
Located 25 minutes north of Hilo, the waterfall is found within the confines of Akaka Falls State Park. A short loop trail leads from the parking lot towards the overlook for the famous falls, and along the way offers peek-a-boo views of 100 ft. Kahuna Falls. In the morning, when the angle of light is just right for illuminating the canyon’s foliage, colors seem to explode through the mist as it rises from the pool below. The half-mile trail requires a slight degree of fitness to reach the Akaka Falls overlook, although the sight of this symmetrically perfect cascade is one that you won’t want to miss.
Practical Info
Akaka Falls State Park is located 11 miles north of Hilo by the town of Honomu. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is an entry fee of $5/vehicle to access the trailhead to the falls. Rain is common along this stretch of coast, so be sure to pack a jacket, and morning hours are often best for beating the weather and crowds.
Address: Akaka Falls State Park, Honomu, Hawaii 96728, USA
Hours: Daylight hours
Admission: $5 car, $1 on foot
From $ 145
Big Island of Hawaii Cruise Port
Go big or go home on the Big Island of Hawaii. The largest and southernmost island in Hawaii is home to active volcanoes, secluded beaches, rainforests and island-grown coffee. Shore excursions include a Kona coffee tour, a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or ziplining over waterfalls.
If you don’t want to take an organized tour, a rental car is the best way to get around, as the island’s most popular features lie outside the villages and there is little in the way of public transport.
How to get to the Big Island
Cruises dock in either Kailua-Kona, on the west side of the island, or Hilo, on the east side. If you pull into Kailua-Kona, ships anchor in Kailua Bay and you’ll be tendered to Kailua village. In Hilo, ships dock in the cargo port a couple of miles from downtown. Taxis, a bus and rental car shuttles pick up at the port for trips to downtown Hilo or the airport to pick up rental cars (reserve your rental car in advance – they book up fast).
One day in Hilo
Downtown Hilo is a walkable historic area, and there are several museums and cultural sites. Start at the Pacific Tsunami Museum, a memorial to the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that destroyed parts of the town and killed many residents. Located in an old bank, the museum includes a wave simulator that allows you to experience the feeling of moving water. Don’t be afraid to get chatty with volunteers – you may meet one who is a tsunami survivor.
Next, check out another Hilo museum, the Lyman House Museum, whose exhibits detail Hawaii’s missionary history. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Then enjoy a stroll around town, checking out historical Hawaiian landmarks like the King Kamehameha statue and the Naha Stone.
Make your way to Lili'uokalani Gardens, Japanese gardens built on the waterfront to honor Hawaii’s Japanese immigrants. Have a bite of sushi here or just soak up the serene environment.
If you don’t want to take an organized tour, a rental car is the best way to get around, as the island’s most popular features lie outside the villages and there is little in the way of public transport.
How to get to the Big Island
Cruises dock in either Kailua-Kona, on the west side of the island, or Hilo, on the east side. If you pull into Kailua-Kona, ships anchor in Kailua Bay and you’ll be tendered to Kailua village. In Hilo, ships dock in the cargo port a couple of miles from downtown. Taxis, a bus and rental car shuttles pick up at the port for trips to downtown Hilo or the airport to pick up rental cars (reserve your rental car in advance – they book up fast).
One day in Hilo
Downtown Hilo is a walkable historic area, and there are several museums and cultural sites. Start at the Pacific Tsunami Museum, a memorial to the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that destroyed parts of the town and killed many residents. Located in an old bank, the museum includes a wave simulator that allows you to experience the feeling of moving water. Don’t be afraid to get chatty with volunteers – you may meet one who is a tsunami survivor.
Next, check out another Hilo museum, the Lyman House Museum, whose exhibits detail Hawaii’s missionary history. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Then enjoy a stroll around town, checking out historical Hawaiian landmarks like the King Kamehameha statue and the Naha Stone.
Make your way to Lili'uokalani Gardens, Japanese gardens built on the waterfront to honor Hawaii’s Japanese immigrants. Have a bite of sushi here or just soak up the serene environment.
Port Information
The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. English is the official language, as is Hawaiian, which many locals also speak.
Address: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
From $ 69
Kailua Pier
Kailua Pier is the northern bookend to most of Kailua-Kona’s restaurants, shops and bars, a stretch of concrete wide enough to host four-lanes of traffic (if it wasn’t closed off to cars). The historic pier was first built as a downtown fishing dock in 1900 and utilized rocks from deconstructed Hawaiian palace and fort walls, but today few boats moor here. Instead, the pier is mostly used for large events and festivals including the annual Kona Ironman World Championships, which starts and finishes at the pier, and the Kona International Billfish Tournament whose daily catches of sometimes-massive fish species including Pacific blue marlin are weighed from pier-side scales for all to see.
On the pier’s northern side, a small beach fronting the King Kamehameha Marriott Hotel has public showers, restroom blocks and hosts community events such as the Kona International Surf Film Festival and the Kona Brewers’ Festival. Aside from the beach, the best vantage for
Ahu’ena Heiau, a still-revered thatch-roof temple dedicated to Lono and dating to the early 19th century, is from Kailua Pier. Some say the temple is just 1/3 of its original size when built by Island-uniting King Kamehameha I. Because it is believed the monarch also died here, the site and its tiny man-made island remain sacred and off-limits to the public, despite being on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
Practical Info
The pier is located on Kaahumanu Place at the bend where Alii Drive becomes Palani Road. It is next door to the King Kamehameha Marriott Hotel and across the street from the Fish Hopper Restaurant and ABC Store.
Address: Kaahumanu Place, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, USA
From $ 116
Hamakua Coast
Curvy, cozy and impossibly green, the Hamakua Coast is a verdant time portal on the Big Island’s northeastern side. Often referred to as the “Hamakua Heritage Corridor,” this 50-mile stretch of two-lane road passes through small, historic towns and offers a sumptuous buffet of scenery around every hairpin turn. Sugar was once king along this coast, and though the last field was planted in 1994, vestiges of the plantation past lay scattered along the trail.
Leave the city of Hilo behind and venture north toward Akaka Falls, continuing past the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden to the town of Laupahoehoe. Here you’ll find the Laupahoehoe Train Museum, a small building that showcases the history of the Hawaii Consolidated Railway. The train was vital for transporting sugar from the fields to the port of Hilo, although a devastating tsunami in 1946 obliterated the tracks.
Continue along a serpentine road oft likened to the Road to Hana, and make a stop in sleepy Honoka‘a for a dose of small town charm. Ranching and farming are big in these parts, and the rural economy and coastal location make for a haven for free-spirited artists. Continue further to Waipio Valley, the official end of the road, and if your legs are feeling up for the journey, take a hike down the state’s steepest road to the taro-lined valley floor. Waipio is the valley where King Kamehameha was hidden away as a child, and the way of life and secluded surroundings have changed little since the days of the king.
Practical Info
If driven without stopping, the Hamakau Coast from Hilo to Waipio takes a little over an hour. This stretch of coastline is windy and wet, although the 80-some annual inches of rain keep the waterfalls and valleys alive. To avoid the rain and beat the wind, mornings are often the best time of day to see it before the afternoon tradewinds arrive.
Address: Hawaii, USA
From $ 123
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
At the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, terms like “lava lake” “vog” and “fissure eruption” are just part of the daily vocabulary. This informative center is one of the most popular stops while visiting the national park, as it precariously sits on the scorched rim of the Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Be careful of the noxious vog, however, as this sulphur dioxide emitted by the volcano can make it difficult to breathe. To take a break from the volcanic fumes, step inside the Jaggar Museum located next to the observatory. Watch as a seismograph traces the rumbles as they happen beneath your feet, and look at the clothes scientists wear while handling lava in the field. You can also gawk at old photos of fiery Kilauea explosions, with the current eruption running unabated since 1983.
As night falls around the park and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, a flickering, violent orange glow can be seen from the Kilauea overlook. This paved viewpoint is a short drive from the observatory and Jaggar Museum, and offers a panoramic view that gazes out at one of Earth’s most powerful corners.
Practical Info
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open every day of the year, and the Jaggar Museum is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is a park entrance fee of $10 when visiting the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: $10
From $ 123
Hilo
Overlooked by the Manua Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes, Hilo is a laid-back coastal settlement full of sprawling banyan trees, local produce markets, shops, and art galleries. While the town itself is a peaceful getaway, Hilo is most famous for its proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Wailuku River State Park.
The Basics
A variety of volcano tours visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Hilo and typically include attractions such as Kilauea Volcano (one of the island’s most active volcanoes), Thurston Lava Tube, and Kilauea Iki Overlook. Opt for a nighttime tour to see glowing molten lava and enjoy dinner at Volcano Winery, or choose a private excursion for a personalized experience.
To explore the city, choose a guided tour of downtown Hilo and see the daily farmers market on Kamehameha Avenue, the Big Island Candy Factory, and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. You can also experience Hilo’s natural attractions on a waterfall tour, guided hike, ziplining adventure tour, or helicopter tour. Other top activities include learning about ocean conservation at the headquarters of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, taking in Big Island history at the Lyman Museum, and visiting the Imiloa Astronomy Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hilo is on the wet side of the Big Island and rain is common; don’t forget to pack a light raincoat.
- Bring sun protection, bug spray, and plenty of water if you plan to visit the jungle.
- Hilo’s coast is boulder-strewn and tree-lined; head to Kona on the other side of the island for sandy beaches and snorkeling.
How to Get There
Hilo is located on the east coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. The town has a small international airport and is regularly visited by cruise ships. State Highway 11 links Hilo with other Big Island towns.
When to Get There
While Hilo receives relatively few visitors compared to Hawaii’s resort areas, the town is busiest during spring break, summer, and the winter holidays. To avoid rain, opt for a summer visit; the wettest month is November with most rain falling during late afternoon and early morning.
Exploring Waterfalls Near Hilo
In nearby Wailuku River State Park you can find Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot (24-meter) cascade famous for the rainbow that forms in its mist during sunny mornings. In the park’s Boiling Pots, you can explore a succession of pools connected by underground rivers, with water that constantly rolls and bubbles.
Address: Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo 96720, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 155