My family and I just had the best visit to The Big Island of Hawaii. It is a breathtaking destination and the biggest island in the Hawaii archipelago. The Big Island is hard to describe, it is in some parts Jungle, in other parts large lava fields, in other parts forests, and yet others what you would imagine traditional Hawaii to look like.

That’s what makes The Big Island awesome! You have have an entirely new experience every single day.

Here are the things that we liked and a few things we wish we had time to do.

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Big Island. The park has two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa . Visitors who love to hike will be thrilled for the  150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes.

Some of the most popular trails include the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes hikers through a rainforest and across a volcanic crater, and the Devastation Trail, which offers stunning views of the aftermath of a volcanic eruption.

In addition to hiking, visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Chain of Craters Road, which winds through the park and offers views of lava fields, steam vents, and other volcanic features. ( I recommend this if you don’t have an enitre day to spend at the National Park.

Lava Tubes

There is a fabulous Lava tube you must visit while you are there. Lava tubes in Hawaii are fascinating geological formations created by the flow of lava beneath the surface. When the surface of a lava flow cools and hardens while the molten lava beneath continues to flow, it can eventually drain away and leave behind a hollow tube.

The Thurston Lava tube is at Volcanoes National Park,  this is one of the most accessible and popular lava tubes for visitors. It offers a short, easy walk through a lush rainforest leading to the tube itself.

There are other lava tubes throughout the Big Island

1. Kazumura Cave: This is the longest and deepest lava tube in the world, also located on the Big Island. It stretches over 40 miles and reaches depths of up to 3,614 feet. Tours are available for those interested in exploring its extensive passages.
2. Kaumana Caves: Situated near Hilo on the Big Island, these caves are part of a lava tube formed by an 1881 Mauna Loa eruption. Visitors can explore the caves, which offer a more rugged and adventurous experience compared to the Thurston Lava Tube.
3. Kipuka Kanohina: This is another extensive lava tube system on the Big Island, known for its complex network of passages and diverse geological features. It is often explored by researchers and cavers.

Enjoying the Sun at Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach State Park is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the sun and sand on the Big Island of Hawaii. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft white sand, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Visitors to Hapuna Beach State Park can take advantage of the park’s amenities, including picnic areas, showers, and restrooms. The park also has lifeguards on duty during the day, making it a safe place to swim and enjoy the water.

If you are looking for a classic beach, this is really it on the big island. Most of the other beaches are black sand, rocky or have a postage stamp sized beach.

Snorkeling and Diving in Kealakekua Bay

While the beaches may not be large and sandy, the snorkeling on Hawaii is fabulous! You can snorkel right off the beach in most places and the sea life is fabulous. (This is a good photo of what the other beaches look like on the Big Island.)

Snorkelers and divers can explore the coral reefs enjoy the undersea life of  the bay. Visitors should be aware that the marine area is protected, and it is illegal to touch or harm any of the marine life. Signs are all over reminding you to wear reef-safe sunscreen like this one.

There are lots of places to rent snorkel equipment so that you can enjoy the bay. We chose Snorkel Bobs in Kona and were very happy with our rentals.

Discovering the Captain Cook Monument

One of the most popular attractions in the bay is the Captain Cook Monument, a white obelisk that marks the spot where the famous British explorer was killed in 1779.

To reach the monument, visitors can take a boat tour or kayak from the nearby Napoopoo Pier. Snorkelers and divers can also swim from the shore, but it is a long and challenging swim.

The monument is located in a protected marine area, so visitors are not allowed to touch or climb on it.

Hiking to Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a 422-foot waterfall located in the Akaka Falls State Park, and it is a popular spot for anyone visiting the island. The park is open every day from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, and there is a small entrance fee.

The hike to Akaka Falls is a short but beautiful one. It is a circular trail that is less than a mile long, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

The trail is well-maintained, and there are several viewpoints along the way where hikers can stop and take pictures of the lush vegetation and the waterfall.

The hike is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

It is a relatively easy hike, with only a few stairs and inclines. However, Rainbow Falls in Hilo is beautiful and doesn’t require any hiking at all.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls in Hilo is one of those must-see spots on the Big Island. It’s right in town, which is great because you don’t have to set out on a long drive. The falls are pretty impressive and they say you can sometimes see rainbows in the mist, but don’t hold your breath. We didn’t see one, but the falls were still cool.

The best part? It’s super easy to get to. There’s a viewing platform just a short walk from the parking lot, so you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. We spent maybe 10 minutes there, snapping photos and enjoying the view.

Night Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

The Big Island of Hawaii is known for its unique and exciting activities, and the Night Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure is no exception. This adventure takes place after sunset, giving you the opportunity to witness manta rays up close in their natural habitat.

We did not choose to do the night snorkel with the Manta Rays, partially because we were so jetlagged that we couldn’t stay awake past 9 pm and partly becuase it is nearly $200 per person. But next time we will do it for sure!

Visiting the Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)

Kailua Village, also known as Kailua-Kona, is a historic town located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It was once the residence of Hawaiian royalty and is now a popular tourist destination with a rich cultural heritage.

Visitors to Kailua Village can take a stroll down Alii Drive, which is lined with historic buildings and quaint shops. The Hulihee Palace, a former royal vacation home, is open for tours and showcases Hawaiian artifacts and furnishings from the 19th century.

Kailua Village is also known for its snorkelingbeaches, such as the popular Kailua Beach Park. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the white sandy beaches and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The farmers market that is there eveyday is a great place to grab some fresh produce.

Queen Liliuokalani Park

Liliuokalani Park and Gardens is a  calm and quiet public park located near downtown Hilo. Named after Queen Liliuokalani, the last queen of Hawaii, the park is well loved for its Japanese-style gardens and scenic views.

We enjoyed the tranquiltiy of this park and enjoyed the ocean breeze off the nearby water.

Plus there was this amazing tree in the center of the park that was so spectacular, we must have taken a dozen photos.

Driving or Hiking up Manua Kea

Driving up Mauna Kea is a an experience that is like no other, stunning views and the opportunity to see the sunrise or sunset from the highest point on Hawaii. Here are some key points to consider if you plan to drive up Mauna Kea:

Keep in Mind

1. Vehicle Requirements: The road to the summit is steep and unpaved for a significant portion. A 4WD vehicle with low-range gearing is required. Rental car companies often have specific policies about driving to the summit, so check your rental agreement.
2. Altitude Considerations: The summit of Mauna Kea is 13,796 feet above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness. Make sure to acclimate by spending time at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet before heading to the summit.
3. Weather Conditions: The weather can change rapidly, with temperatures often below freezing and the potential for snow. Check the forecast and road conditions before your trip.
4. Let a Tour Take You: Many tours offer a drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea to look at the stars. This is probably the best way to get up but you will need to reserve in advance. Also prepare for sticker shock…prices are around $200 per person.

Want to Hike?

My husband and son hiked to the summit and back down in 6.5 hours, but they both said it was harder than they expected. To give you some perspective, my husband is runner in great shape, and my son is young and lives at a high altitude. They started at 5 am to take advantage of cooler weather at the start.

This shouldn’t be done without knowning that it is a hard slog and it is straight up.

You need to bring:

• At least 2 liters of water per person.
• Layers, it gets cold at the top.
• Good hiking boots.
• Snacks.

You will check in with the park ranger before being cleared to hike. They will make sure you are safe for the trip.

Exploring the Waipio Valley

The Waipio Valley is a stunning natural wonder located on the northern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a lush, green valley that stretches for six miles and is surrounded by towering cliffs that rise up to 2,000 feet above sea level.

The valley is home to a variety of plant and animal species and is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers.

To explore the Waipio Valley, visitors can take a guided tour or hike down to the valley floor.

The hike down to the valley is steep and can be challenging, but it is worth it for the stunning views and the chance to experience the natural beauty of the valley up close.

Once on the valley floor, visitors can explore the black sand beach, swim in the river, or hike to the nearby waterfalls.

One of the most popular activities in the Waipio Valley is horseback riding. Visitors can take a guided tour on horseback and explore the valley at a leisurely pace while taking in the stunning views.

Learn About Coffee on a Kona Coffee Farm

Coffee plantations are everywhere on the Big Island, and even though I don’t drink the stuff, we decided to check one out. We picked the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, mostly because it sounded like it might be interesting beyond just the beans. Turns out, it was a pretty cool experience.

The tour was surprisingly interesting. We learned about the history of coffee farming on the island and got to see some of the old tools they used. The guide was great at explaining everything without making it feel like a lecture.

While I skipped the tasting at the end, my coffee-loving co-tourers were in heaven. Even though I’m not rushing out to become a coffee convert, it was a neat way to learn about a big part of Hawaiian agriculture and history. Plus, the farm itself was beautiful – all tropical and green. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, coffee drinker or not!

Taking a Helicopter Tour Over the Island

A helicopter tour of the Big Island is an experience you won’t forget. We decided we couldn’t afford that and a luau this time but , think it might be a fun way to see the volcanoes.

The helicopter tours offer lots of different options for trips but all cost in the $200 per person range.

Friends who’ve done it say the diversity of the island really hits you from up there. One minute you’re over a moonscape of lava fields, the next you’re hovering above a rainforest and then you are zipping over volcanos.

While we couldn’t swing it this time, we’re definitely adding it to our “maybe next trip” list. If you do go for it, don’t forget your camera – and maybe pack some motion sickness pills if you’re the queasy type.

Visit a Vanilla Farm

Vanilla grows in Hawaii and you can visit a farm where it is grown. We chose to visit the Hawaiin Vanilla Company, one of very few farms on the Big Island.

The tour was sensational! Truly a highlight of our time in Hawaii if you can believe it. We learned about the difficulty of growing and harvesting vanilla. We also learned a ton about agricultural initiatives on the Big Island and how vanilla is sustainable.

Get a snack while you are there, I highly recommend the vanilla milkshake. I have never had better vanilla flavor ever. We found out it is a brand you can buy at the grocery store called Rosealani. They use Hawaiin Vanilla and it is superb!

Visiting Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a unique and beautiful destination on the Big Island of Hawaii. The beach is located on the southeastern coast, between Naalehu and Pahala, and is easily accessible by car.

One of the most striking features of Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is its black sand, which is made up of tiny fragments of volcanic rock. The contrast between the dark sand and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean is spectacular.

This is one of the better beaches for swimming. There is a lifegaurd on duty and bathrooms.

It’s important to note that Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a protected area, and visitors are asked to respect the natural environment. This includes not removing any rocks or sand from the beach, and not disturbing any wildlife.

Experiencing Authentic Hawaiian Culture at a Luau

Attending a traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Big Island. It is an excellent way to experience the rich and vibrant Hawaiian culture.

A luau is a Hawaiian feast that is accompanied by traditional music and hula dancing. The feast usually includes a variety of dishes, including kalua pig (slow-roasted pork), poi (a paste made from taro root), and lomi salmon (a salad made from salted salmon).

During the luau, guests are entertained by hula dancers who perform traditional Hawaiian dances. The dancers wear colorful costumes and use a variety of props, including leis, poi balls, and feathered gourds.

Many luau experiences also include cultural activities, such as lei-making, coconut husking, and fire knife dancing. These activities provide guests with a hands-on experience of traditional Hawaiian culture.

We went to the Legends of Hawaii Luau at the Hilton and were very impressed with the food quality and the performance. The fire dancers were spectacular! However, this is not a cheap night…tickets were $216 each.

Shopping and Dining at Queens’ MarketPlace

So, Queens’ Marketplace isn’t just a place to empty your wallet (though you can definitely do that too). It’s like a little slice of Hawaiian fun, minus the sand in your shorts.

They’ve got weekly cultural activities where you can learn to shake your hips hula-style or make a lei that won’t wilt before you get home. There’s even a farmers market where you can pretend you’re going to cook all that fresh stuff instead of hitting the food court again.

And for those moments when you need a break from all that sunshine, there’s a fancy movie theater. Nothing says “tropical vacation” like watching the latest blockbuster in air-conditioned bliss, right?

Oh, and if you’ve got little ones who are bouncing off the walls, there’s a playground where they can burn off that shave ice sugar rush.

Learning at the Imiloa Astronomy Center

The Imiloa Planetarium in Hilo is where old-school Hawaiian know-how meets space-age tech, and it’s way cooler than your average museum.

Imiloa connects the dots between ancient Polynesian voyaging and modern space exploration, proving that Hawaiians were nailing celestial navigation long before GPS was a thing.

With hands-on exhibits and a native garden perfect for post-space-journey chilling, Imiloa is a solid reminder that Hawaii’s got more going on than just beaches and luaus.

Where to eat on the Big Island

We ate more fresh tuna that we have ever eated in our lives, and we are so happy about that. So if you love Poke and Sushi, you will love the Big Island.

Omeke’s

This was a fabulous meal at in Kona. The poke Nachos were some of the best things I have ever eated, and really enjoyed the sauteed  Mahi Mahi as well as the kaulha pork. It’s not cheap, and you will have to wait, but it is worthy of your time and money.

Take A Chef

We were gifted a private chef for one night of our stay by Club Wyndham and it was such an amazing experience. Chefs Connor and  Kristin prepared a delicious taste of Hawaii. They made poke, caeser salad,  braised beef with coconut rice, and a mango panna cotta. (See the above photo.)

The food was served to us on the lanai and we ate every single bit of it. If you head to the Big Island reach out to them for a tremdous meal.

Where to Stay on the Big Island

We were lucky enough to stay at the Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiin Resort. They sponsored our trip and we are so grateful.

If you visit, this is a fabulous spot. It is right near the beaches, great food, and an easy place to explore the island. The apartment was large and had a full kitchen, 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a spectucular view from the lanai. I truly can’t recommend it enough.

Check here for reservations.

How Will I Know If The Big Island of Hawaii is Right For Me?

There is a lot of debate about which Hawaiin Island is the best to visit, and I have only visited 2, so take this as you will.

• Don’t go to the Big Island expecting Oahu, this is a much quieter island that still has plenty of grocery stores and even a Target!
• Don’t go to the Big Island if you want a different beach every day. There are some lovely beaches, but much of the Big Island has very shallow and tiny beaches.
• Don’t go to the Big Island if you like night life. Night life on the Big Island is pretty much looking at the stars or going out to eat.
• Do visit the Big Island if you love rainbows. It seems to rain for a few minutes every day, and then the sun comes out and you see a rainbow. I saw one or more every single day we visited.
• Do visit the Big Island if you love to hike. The Big Island is made for hikers, and you won’t have a shortage of places to hike. From Mauna Kea to trails throughout every single park

Check out our experience in Hawaii here