Things to do & places to visit in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii, United States

Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.

Island of Hawaii island in Hawaii, United States. Timezone: Pacific/Honolulu, current date and time: Friday, April 26, 2024, 20:54.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (25 attractions)

5.0 Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden (2.251 reviews)
- An amazing tropical experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens

The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a 501(c)(3) Scientific and Educational non-profit, whose mission is to serve as a nature preserve and sanctuary, a living seed bank, and a study center for trees and plants of the tropical world. The Garden is dedicated to the collection and display of the world's tropical plants, and to the education of both children and adults about the plight of the world's rainforests. At a time when rainforest plants are disappearing at an alarming rate, the Garden is working to preserve as many species as possible for the benefit of future generations. See more..
5.0 Kilauea Iki Trail (1.465 reviews)
- A Must-Do in Volcanoes National Park!
Hiking Trails

A moderate 4 mile hike into a an old volcanic crater. See more..
5.0 Kona Coffee Living History Farm (291 reviews)
- The Staff Make This Place Special
Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Farms • History Museums

Kona Historical Society's Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook is a "must see" Hawaii attraction and the only living history coffee farm in the nation. Stroll through this Smithsonian-affiliated, outdoor museum that tells the story of Kona's Japanese immigrants that became Kona's coffee pioneers during the early 20th century. A self-guided experience, you're free to walk among the coffee trees, meet a "Kona Nightingale", or watch how farmers used the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry their world-famous coffee. Visit the original 1920's farmhouse where you may find the homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for the farmer's lunch. "Talk story" along the way with living history interpreters and discover the story behind Kona's gourmet crop. See more..
4.5 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (8.567 reviews)
- So amazing to see
Volcanos

Get up close and personal with a volcano at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center to pick up a map and ask a ranger for their recommendation on the best route. Hike the Kilauea Iki lava field, check out the Nahuku Thurston lava tubes, and drive the Chain of Craters Road. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and don’t forget headlamps and binoculars if you’re planning to experience the molten lava’s glow at night. There’s so much to do at this experience of a lifetime—consider extending your visit by booking a stay at the Volcano House Hotel. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Akaka Falls State Park (6.332 reviews)
- Falls - if you have time…make your way to it!
Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Waterfalls

The one thing we realized the park was helping with human foot traffic was posting a sign that said ONE WAY - you enter to the right and walk and enjoy the local trees and fauna. Follow the trail and it will lead you to the falls itself! There are two lookout points for photo ops. Easy walk.ONE VERY short trail. Parking was a bit of a challenge / park outside the park lines and it’s free. Park inside the very small lot it’s 5.00 and it’s entry fee is 5.00 as well. There’s a machine that takes credit card and local attendants are checking. See more..
4.5 Mauna Kea Summit (4.611 reviews)
- Star gazing experience of lifetime
Mountains

At 13,796 feet, this peak offers an incredible view of lava, desert, the valley and Mauna Loa. See more..
4.5 Saddle Road (3.719 reviews)
- Nice paved road
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives

We took Saddle road driving from Kona to Hilo. It is a nice easy drive. It was pretty at sunset with the sky changing colors around the volcanos. We did drive past the Mauna Kea entrance and the protest was going on at the time so we saw all the tents and people camped out. It is a pretty dark road at night tho, tho only light was the reflectors on the roads. See more..
4.5 Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (2.738 reviews)
- Best Beach on Kona
Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Beaches

One of the nicest sand beaches on the Kohala coast. See more..
4.5 Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (2.279 reviews)
- Interesting and beautiful spot
Historic Sites • National Parks • Beaches

This 182-acre park contains the Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge, as well as other temples and coastal sites. See more..
4.5 Papakolea Green Sand Beach (2.154 reviews)
- Cool place to see!
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

The big island of Hawaii's southernmost point features the Green Sand Beach. See more..
4.5 Punalu'u Black Sand beach (1.763 reviews)
- Giant turtles, black sand, ancient art and giant turtles!
Friday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Beaches • Parks

This easily accessible beach lies between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu, and is a popular detour when visiting the Volcanoes National Park. It draws both locals and travelers to its shores for its gorgeous black sand—a result of underwater volcanic activity—and for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive and endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. If you're lucky, you might spot these creatures resting on the warm, black sand. Hawaiian monk seals sometimes make a rare appearance, too. Tours of the Big Island often include a stop at this black sand beach, along with Akaka and Rainbow Falls. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Maunakea Visitor Information Station (1.668 reviews)
- Lesson for Jeep renters
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Visitor Centers

Absolutely spectacular to watch the sunset from the top. But I’m writing this review mostly because we had a very stressful time with our fuel. We got to the visitor center with half a tank. The guys that assess you for driving to the top advised against it since the nearest gas station is over 30 miles away. But we are idiots on vacation so we went! The remaining range went down pretty quickly, but then really plummeted on the way down, with an indicated 22 miles of range left when we got back to the visitor center. Yikes! Put the Jeep in 2 wheel drive and started to limp to the closest station, only to find that the range just kept going up and up. We drove the 50 miles back to Waikaloa and STILL had 120 miles of range! Lesson: if you have half a tank of gas at the visitor center you are totally fine to go up. The top itself is other-worldly. Do it! See more..
4.5 Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube (1.623 reviews)
- Favorite part of the Park
Geologic Formations

This is a cool, short hike. Our group of diverse ages and walking ability all enjoyed it. There's a one-way path you take down, go through the tube (lots of drips, a few puddles), then come out and go back up. The lush rainforest on the way down and up is really lovely. The parking right at the tube site is limited; you're only allowed to park for 30 min. (just enough time) According to our NP app, the time we visited was "as busy as it gets" and we were able to slide into a parking spot without difficulty. The other option is to park at the overlook nearby and hike there. See more..
4.5 Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay) (1.410 reviews)
- Great beach, go early
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Beaches

Great beach, white sand, good facilities. Hot tip, go as early in the day as possible to avoid the crowds and get a park close to the beach. We got there around 930am and by the time we left at midday, the beach was absolutely packed (too full). @cwenzel_ See more..
4.5 Liliuokalani Gardens (1.189 reviews)
- A treasure to Hilo
Gardens

The gardens were really beautiful and were a great place for taking pictures. The bridges, trees, water and mountain views, sculptures and plants were all so gorgeous. Driving through was peaceful, but it was so inviting that we also got out and took a little walk. It was easy to park and free to enter. What a treasure to Hilo! See more..
4.5 Pololu Valley Lookout (1.143 reviews)
- Nice hike
Spent 1-2 hours Lookouts • Valleys

One of many scenic valleys on the Big Island of Hawaii. See more..
4.5 Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm (1.111 reviews)
- Great Tour
Friday: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Aquariums

We loved this tour! Jim was a great guide, and it was fun to hear from a biologist about the research being done. He was very knowledgeable in his field. It was so fun to be able to hold a seahorse- only place in the world!! (according to Jim) It is a bit steep pricewise for what it is, but I felt okay about spending money to further the research and breeding being done at the facility. Unfortunately the sea dragons were under quarantine while we were there, so we couldn’t see them! See more..
4.5 Waipi'o Valley (1.053 reviews)
- Fantastic tour of Valley, Waterfalls and Lava Tube
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Walking Areas • Valleys

A scenic area of waterfalls and thousand foot cliffs. See more..
4.5 Kilauea (883 reviews)
- Must visit place in Big Island!
Volcanos

Active volcano built on the southeastern slope of Mauna Loa features a caldera approximately 4 by 3.2 kilometers wide and walls from zero to 120 meters high. See more..
4.5 Kealakekua Bay (827 reviews)
- Kealakekua Bay kayak rental
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

We rented a double kayak from Rocky at Bay Side Adventures. We paid $50.00 for use with unlimited time. They set you up with a dry bag for your cell phone and other valuable items that you don't want wet! We packed a lunch and paddled about 30 minutes over to Capt Cook's monument. You are not allowed to tie the kayak up to anything so they give you a long lead line that you tie around your wrist and drag the boat along as you snorkel. We brought our own snorkeling gear and easily got in and out of the boat. The color of the water is so pretty. It's a fun day to paddle, swim, snorkel, and eat on the water! Give Rocky a call 808-896-0610, you won't be disappointed! See more..
4.5 Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (817 reviews)
- Great place for family trip
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks

My family of four visited there on a recent day and found a snorkeling site (two steps) near the park extremely enjoyable. Easy access from the shore and the waters there offered a big variety of marine life. Corals are sadly dead, though. If you travel with young children or elderly, they can also chill there by staying in tidal pools which are safe and fun. There is a paid parking lot for $5 per car, but I also saw people parking on the street. I actually didn’t go to the park itself. See more..
4.5 Hula Daddy Kona Coffee (704 reviews)
- Farm to tongue coffee
Friday: Spent < 1 hour Farms

This truly is a family farm with husband and wife running every aspect. They grow a handful of different types of beans on different parcels and pick, wash, roast and package on site. They have won several international awards with their product and because their house roaster takes copious notes of every batch, they can duplicate the winning formula for us mere humans to buy and brew at home. We bought one each of a handful of bags and will see how well our notes match theirs. See more..
4.5 Mauna Kea Beach (452 reviews)
- Loved it!
Beaches

Located behind the Mauna Kea Hotel. See more..
4.5 Chain of Craters Road (356 reviews)
- Plan your trip
Scenic Drives

The round trip takes about 2 hours depending on how fast you drive or the other cars drive. There is no food, water, car gas or anything so plan ahead!! The trip is under 40 miles but depending on how often you stop to hike or take pictures, will determine just how long of a trip that you have. If you have not been here before then it is an awesome trip to take! See more..
4.0 Rainbow Falls (3.934 reviews)
- Tour Of Hilo 2.5hr
Waterfalls

Waterfalls located on the big island of Hawaii. See more..