Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Big Island Of Hawaii
ShowingFilter 41-52 of 52 listings.
Waikoloa
The town of Waikoloa Village is near the western shore of the Big Island of Hawaii, just south of the Kohala Peninsula.
Waikoloa Village is less than nine miles inland from the beach (following the road – not as the crow flies), but it's home to several hotels and resorts. There's also a popular golf resort at Waikoloa Village. There are even more resorts along the water, however, a short drive from the town.
The town of Puako is the narrow strip of land that sits between Waikoloa Village and the ocean, where you'll find many of the resorts. Waikoloa is more residential, whereas Puako is more tourist-centric.
Practical Info
Waikoloa is roughly 32 miles from Kailua-Kona – the drive takes less than an hour if you don't stop to sightsee along the way.
Address: Waikoloa, Big Island of Hawaii, USA
From $ 29
Waipio Valley
Forming a deep natural amphitheater that’s washed by the sea and waterfalls, the Waipio Valley, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a natural wonderland marked by rain forests and hiking trails. Cliffs thousands of feet high plunge to the valley floor, where a curved black-sand beach meets the sea.
The Basics
Known for its rich history and its natural beauty alike, the “Valley of the Kings” offers experiences for just about every type of traveler. Ride ATVs while learning about the valley’s lore, snap photos from the Waipio Valley Lookout, soar above 2,000-foot (610-meter) cliffs in a helicopter, or spend the day visiting some of Hawaii’s most famous waterfalls, including the towering Hi’ilawe Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waipio Valley is a must-see for adventure travelers, history buffs, or first-time visitors to the island.
- Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Don’t attempt to drive a rental car into the valley; the road is extremely steep and many rental agreements prohibit it.
- Hiking down to the black-sand beach requires a high level of physical fitness, but anyone can enjoy the views from the Waipio Valley Lookout.
How to Get There
The stunning Waipio Valley is located on the Big Island’s northern Hamakua Coast. The roads here are notoriously steep and should only be accessed by four-wheel drive, horseback, or organized tour (from Kukuihaele).
When to Get There
Since the views are one of the biggest draws, plan to visit on a clear, sunny day. November is the wettest month on the Big Island, and rain tends to impact how much of the valley is visible. Organized tours typically don’t run on Sundays.
Sacred, Mythical, Historical Waipio Valley
The Waipio Valley was once the home of many of Hawaii’s past rulers, and has great sacred and mythical significance. It was here where Kamehameha the Great (the first ruler of a unified Kingdom of Hawaii) was proclaimed the future ruler of the islands by Kakailimoku (a Hawaiian god). It’s also the site of several important Hawaiian temples, or heiaus.
Address: Highway 240, Honokaa 96727, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 182
St Benedict's Painted Church
An active Roman Catholic parish, St Benedict’s is a small but beautiful church set in South Kona overlooking Kealakekua Bay. The Painted Church is listed in the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places because of the paintings on the inside walls.
After erecting the church in 1899, Father John Velghe began painting the inside walls. A self-taught artist, his work was inspired by a gothic cathedral in Spain. Using ordinary house paint, Velghe painted biblical scenes until his health deteriorated and he returned to Belgium in 1904.
At the time of Velghe’s painting, few Hawaiians could read, so the murals helped teach parishioners in addition to beautifying the site. The church was never completed, but you can see the unfinished panels when you go inside.
Mass is celebrated every day except Monday at St Benedict's. Many services are early in the morning, so if you are interested in attending mass, you should plan ahead. Visitors are welcome.
Practical Info
The Painted Church is easy or hard to get to, depending on who you talk to. Take Highway 11 and head toward the water onto Route 160 near mile marker 104. After about a mile, take the first right opposite the King Kamehameha sign. You’ll travel about a quarter of a mile on a winding, narrow road before coming to the church up a driveway on the right. There is no admission fee, but donations are always welcome.
Address: 84-5140 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704, USA
Hours: Mass: Tues, Thurs, Fri 7am; Sat 4pm; Sun 7:15am
From $ 69
Wailuku River State Park
Best known for Rainbow Falls, Wailuku River State Park is a collection of waterfalls and eroded pools only 10 minutes from downtown Hilo. Make a stop at Rainbow Falls to watch colors dance in the mist, and then continue five minutes up the road to the area known as “Boiling Pots.” These deep, circular, roiling pools seem to boil during periods of high water, and Pe‘epe‘e Falls toward the back of the pools cascades 60 feet toward the rocks below.
The waterfalls and pools here are at their most dramatic after a period of heavy rain. Flash flooding is a common occurrence, so swimming in the pools is a high-stakes gamble no matter how enticing they might seem. Since the trails down to the pools can often be slippery, the pools and falls are best enjoyed from the easily accessible lookouts. Bring a picnic and linger in the grass with rushing water as your soundtrack, or simply kill an hour in Hilo with a quick jaunt up to the falls. Not only is this Hawaii’s longest river, but it’s also one of the most popular getaways for Hilo locals and families.
Practical Info
Rainbow Falls is two miles from Hilo off of Waianuenue Avenue, and Boiling Pots is 1.5 miles past the turnoff for Rainbow Falls. The park is open during daylight hours seven days per week, and there is no entrance fee for enjoying the beauty.
Address: Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Daily during daylight hours
From $ 167
Puako Bay
For what it lacks in a sandy beach, Puako Bay more than makes up for with its pristine waters for snorkeling. Tucked away on the Kohala Coast at the end of a residential road, Puako Bay is a favorite spot of local snorkelers and divers. Mornings offer the best conditions before the wind comes up, and while the rocky entry might be a difficult for beginning snorkelers or children, the reward that competent snorkelers will find is a vertical wall in crystal water that's covered in vibrant marine life. When conditions are calm in Puako Bay, visibility can often extend to 60 or 70 feet, and during the winter months on the Big Island, it's possible to hear the distant song of migrating humpback whales. On shore, at the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, visitors will find nearly 3,000 rock drawings that date to Ancient Hawaii"”which is the largest collection of petroglyphs found anywhere in the state.
Practical Info
To reach Puako Bay, drive north from Kona on Highway 19. By mile marker 70, make a left on Puako Road and choose one from one of the six different points of public access. In winter, during northwest swells, the conditions at Puako can be very hazardous, so always be sure to assess the conditions before you enter the water.
Address: Puako, Hawaii, USA
From $ 158
Hawi
If you're like most travelers, Hawi is a town that you didn't plan on visiting but you end up not wanting to leave. A one-street thoroughfare of art galleries and charm, browsing and lingering are about the fastest pace you will ever manage to attain.
Stop to nibble on locally made fudge and poke your head into art galleries, and browse the local bulletin board to get a feel for the sense of community. Cool off with a guava juice in a funky mom and pop restaurant, and watch as fellow passersby become ensnared by the small-town charm. The wet climate in North Kohala is a welcome change from Kona, and the lush surroundings and fresh tradewinds almost come as a surprise.
Inland from town on Kohala Mountain Road, the winding journey through the pastures toward Waimea is one of the most scenic drives in Hawaii, and in the other direction toward the north end of town, the verdant recess of Pololu Valley is only a short, eight-mile drive. Visitors will soon find that despite the proximity of further adventures and the beauty of the surrounding area, trying to pry yourself away from Hawi is easier said than done.
Practical Info
The town of Hawi is located one hour from Kona and 30 minutes from Waikoloa. Afternoons are characterized by tradewinds and showers, and morning hours are the best time to visit for clear, sunny skies. Hawi is also the turn-around point for the bicycle portion of the Ironman, the world championship triathlon race that is held every October.
Address: Hawi, Hawaii, USA
From $ 192
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls create a rare instance where a Hawaiian name and an English name actually mean the same thing. Known to Hawaiians as waianuenue, the name is a reference to the arcing rainbows that can be seen in the waterfall’s mist. The image, it seems, is a natural occurrence of such beauty and wonder that it transcends linguistic lines, and today the waterfall is one of the most popular attractions when visiting the town of Hilo.
Only 50 yards from a paved parking lot in Wailuku River State Park, a large viewing area provides the best platform for gazing out at the falls. To see the waterfall’s namesake rainbow, visit the falls around 10 a.m. when the angle of light is just right. Behind the falls, a large cave forms the home of Hina—the mythological Hawaiian god who gave birth to the demigod Maui—and the turquoise pool and surrounding rain forest are the trademark photo of paradise.
Practical Info
Rainbow Falls is located two miles from downtown Hilo and is open from sunrise to sunset. There is no admission fee to Wailuku State Park, and while the crystalline pool looks inviting for swimming, this is a waterfall best enjoyed from afar.
Address: Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Sunrise-sunset
From $ 99
Parker Ranch
Before the cowboys of the American West, there were the Hawaiian cowboys, paniolos, of the Big Island. With over 17,000 head of cattle spread across the rolling country between Kohala and Mauna Kea, Parker Ranch is not only the largest active cattle ranch in Hawaii, but one of the biggest and most historic ranches in the United States.
The Basics
Explore cowboy life on the Big Island with a tour of Parker Ranch. Many guided tours of the Big Island include a a drive through the ranch’s scenic pastures, in addition to visiting island waterfalls, rain forest, and volcanoes. Those interested in learning more about the Parker family and Hawaii’s paniolo culture can take a free, self-guided tour of the ranch homes that includes a short film about the ranch’s history and exhibits about the Parker family.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parker Ranch is a must-visit for those interested in Hawaiian history.
- Self-guided tours of two Parker Ranch homes, Puuopelu and Mana Hale, are free.
- The Parker Ranch Store sells souvenirs such as Hawaiian-style beef jerky, handcrafted jewelry, and paniolo apparel.
- Taste grass-fed, pasture-raised Hawaiian beef at Village Burger in the Parker Ranch Center shopping mall near the ranch.
How to Get There
Parker Ranch is located in the town of Waimea, in the central northern region of Hawaii’s Big Island. Most visitors arrive by car on their way from Hilo to the Kona coast or as part of a guided tour of the Big Island.
When to Get There
Parker Ranch can be visited year-round, and the ranch homes are open for tours Monday through Friday. The ranch holds rodeos and horse racing events over the 4th of July and Labor Day weekends. Stop by the visitor center in Parker Ranch Center in Waimea to find out what’s happening at the ranch.
Parker Ranch Rodeos
See the Hawaiian cowboys in action during the annual Parker Ranch 4th of July Rodeo. The Independence Day tradition includes team roping events, barrel racing, and horse racing, as well as local foods and pony rides for the kids.
Address: 66-1304 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela, HI 96743, USA
From $ 120
Crater Rim Drive
Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Crater Rim Drive is an 11-mile road that allows you to easily explore a portion of the summit caldera or large pit crater of Kilauea. There are numerous scenic lookouts and hiking possibilities, so be prepared to get in and out of your car for the best views and experiences.
How much you do really depends on how much time you have to spend. It takes approximately a half-hour to complete the stretch of Crater Rim Drive one-way, but the more you stop, the more you'll see. Be flexible with your plans. It's not uncommon for sights and sections to be closed due to volcanic activity.
Start at the Kilauea Visitor Center to get the most up-to-date information, including ranger-guided hike schedules. Films are shown throughout the day to give visitors an introduction to the area and volcanology.
Practical Info
Weather can be cool, windy and wet, so come prepared with options to layer. If you plan on doing any walking or hiking, wear good shoes. It's also not a bad idea to bring water and snacks. From Hilo, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located 30 miles southwest on Highway 11. Plan on about a 45-minute drive.
Address: Kā«lauea Visitor Center, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
From $ 169
Saddle Road
Like a lonely ribbon of black asphalt across the Big Island’s empty bosom, Saddle Road provides the fastest means of driving between Hilo and Kona. There was once a time when this remote stretch of highway was one of the worst roads in Hawaii, but substantial improvements and re-paving have made it accessible and open to cars.
From Hilo, Saddle Road climbs through residential neighborhoods towards a lush, mist-soaked rainforest. The green of ferns is gradually replaced by the brown of desert scrub brush, and fog is common as the road climbs toward 6,600 feet in elevation. Passing between the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa—Hawaii’s dueling 13,000-foot mountains that are often snowcapped in winter—the road passes the turnoff for the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center, where stargazers gather each evening.
Cell phone service is spotty on Saddle Road, and for the entire duration of its 48-mile stretch there are no gas stations or supply shops. While Saddle Road can be a time-saving alternative for driving between Kona and Hilo, visitors need to make sure they’re prepared to traverse a remote stretch of island. The journey is one of the most beautifully desolate and adventurously rugged stretches of road in the state, and it’s a convenient way for Kona visitors to access the east side of the island.
Practical Info
Also known as Route 200, Saddle Road reduces the Kona-Hilo driving time to one hour and 35 minutes. It’s a convenient alternative for visitors traveling to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and while the road is safest during the day, anyone driving the road at night must match out for feral cattle.
Address: Hawaii Highway 200, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
From $ 186
Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park
Because of the constant volcanic activity, sand comes in a variety of colors in Hawaii—along with white, you can also find green and black, the latter of which is found on the well-known Punaluu Black Sand Beach.
Located on the southeastern Kau coast, between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the town of Naalehu, this beach should be on your list of places to visit when on the Big Island of Hawaii. The coastline is framed by coconut palms, but what is often found at the edge of the sand tends to steal all of the attention. Large honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles, basking in the sun are a common sight here. Take as many pictures as you’d like, but be sure to stay a safe distance away.
Swimming isn’t ideal here due to waves and currents. There is an area for picnics, so plan ahead and come prepared to enjoy lunch with a view. Don’t take any black sand from the beach—legend says that a curse will also go home with you.
Practical Info
The sand may be coarser than you are used to, so be sure to have a pair of flip flops or beach shoes that can get messy and wet. Punaluu Black Sand Beach is located between Naalehu and Pahala, off Highway 11. Camping is allowed with a county permit.
Address: 96-876 Government Rd, Pahala, Hawaii 96777, USA
From $ 120
Thurston Lava Tube
Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Thurston Lava Tube is the most accessible lava tube on the Big Island. Discovered in 1913, this 500-year-old tube was created by subterranean lava that once flowed through this young section of earth. Today, the tube is illuminated to create an eerie glow for visitors who venture inside.
The Basics
The Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nahuku, is one of several points of interest located along the park’s Crater Rim Drive. From the parking area, a 15- to 20-minute walk leads down through a fern forest to the cave-like tube. The tube features on just about every guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as circle island and volcano-themed tours of the Big Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Thurston Lava Tube is a must-visit for first-time park visitors and anyone with an interest in volcanology.
- Watch your head: There are some low spots within the 600-foot (183-meter) tube.
- Bring a flashlight to take a closer look at some of the cave’s natural features.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- The Thurston Lava Tube is not wheelchair accessible, though there are accessible restrooms in the parking area.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the lava tube is to drive. The parking area and trailhead leading down to the tube sits 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) past the park entrance on Crater Rim Drive. From there, a short trail (0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometers) leads to the tube entrance.
When to Get There
Since the Thurston Lava Tube is one of the most accessible, and therefore most popular, natural features within the park, it’s a good idea to head there first thing in the morning to explore the tube with fewer people.
Other Attractions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If you’re visiting the national park independently, there are several notable points of interest you won’t want to miss. Smell the sulfurous gases of the volcano at Sulphur Banks, breathe in the warmth at the Steam Vents, take in the lunar-like landscapes of Devastation Trail, hike across the floor of Kilauea Iki crater, and watch the glow of the active volcano from the Jaggar Museum observatory.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, 1 Crater Rim Dr, Volcano, HI 96178, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 103