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The best things to do on the Big Island

Thank you for stopping by! If you’re looking for the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’re in the right place. I know you’re going to love the Big Island as much as I do.

The Big Island is… well, very big! You’ll definitely need a rental car, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best prices on rental cars in Hawaii. Trust me, you don’t want to wait until you arrive and pay “tourist prices” at the airport. Or even worse, arrive and realize there are no rental cars.

This post was originally written way back in 2016 and has been one of my most popular Hawaii travel tip blog posts ever! It has been completely rewritten for 2025 and 2026 and is has current information and tips!

Hawaii Travel Agent

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Maybe you want an expert to handle it all, and you just hop on the plane and be on your way? I can do that too! I’ve worked with clients who wanted to fully be part of it (but have someone there to help and be there if a problem arises) and those who want me just to tell them what to do. Whichever you are (or if you’re somewhere in between), I’d love to chat and help you plan the perfect Hawaii vacation for you. Contact me today to get started. 

Now, let’s get back to the best things to do on the Big Island. 

Top things to do on the Big Island

Commonly referred to as “The Big Island,” Hawaii is the largest and most diverse of the Hawaiian islands.

I’ve visited all of the major islands many times, but I have spent the most time on the Big Island. It was my favorite for a long time (Kauai has taken over, but the Big Island is a very close second). 

In this post, I will discuss the seven best things to do on the Big Island. There are so many amazing activities, but these are my top seven.

You can also check out 25 things to do in Kona for even more Big Island activities. 

1. Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the best things to do on the Big Island. Many visitors choose the Big Island just to see its active volcano, Kilauea. There are many trails that you can hike, and I recommend the Kīlauea Iki Trail.

This trail is about 4 miles and relatively steep, but it is entirely worthwhile. Ahu (stacked rocks) guide the trail across the floor of the crater. It is like being in another world.

While the park was closed shortly after the 2018 eruption, it is back open to visitors. As of 2022, there is active lava again, but it’s very safe if you take common-sense precautions.

If you aren’t into hiking, you can choose a fantastic Circle of Fire and Waterfalls helicopter tour that flies directly over Kilauea. It’s a splurge, but it’s also a tremendous experience that you’ll never forget.

Make sure to bring plenty of water, and either reef-safe sunscreen or a hat, and a rash guard. The entrance to the park is about $15 per vehicle. 

You can also check out our full Guide to Volcanoes National Park

2. The best waterfalls on the Big Island

Hawaii Island has many beautiful waterfalls, but Akaka Falls is one of the easiest to access. Akaka Falls State Park is on the eastern (also referred to as the windward or Hilo) side of the Big Island.

The park is approximately 10 miles north of Hilo, so if you’re on the windward side of the island, visiting the park is a must.

Parking is about $5, or you can pay $2/person for entry by parking outside and taking a short walk. There are two massive waterfalls visible on the trail, and it’s only 1/2 mile hike round trip.

Akaka Falls is a perfect hike for families or older adults, since it is shorter and safer than many other trails.

If you’re looking for more inexpensive or free things to do, check out 15 free things to do on the Big Island.

3. The best snorkeling on the Big Island

I’m not listing these 7 things to do on the Big Island in order. If I were, Kealakekua Bay would be number one. It is an absolute must! If you enjoy kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, or dolphins,

I can’t recommend this enough. A monument for Captain Cook is located at Ka’awaloa Flat (across the bay.)

One way to visit the Bay is by kayak.  I recommend a tour, although you can go out on your own. You can almost always see pods of dolphins in the area, and in the winter, you can even see whales! I have seen dolphins every time I have visited the bay except for one time.

Another way to snorkel at Kealakekua Bay is aon  boat tour. Snorkel tours to Kealakekua are one of my top Big Island adventure recommendations. I highly recommend the Kealakekua Deluxe Snorkel tour, which includes breakfast and lunch.

Body Glove also offers an incredible sunset dinner cruise if you prefer a historical dinner cruise.

For more fun Big Island tours, check out the 10 best tours on the Big Island.

You can also hike down to Kealakekua Bay, and it’s one of the best hikes on the Big Island, but it is strenuous! 

4. Snorkel with manta rays

If you’re looking for an experience that’s unique to the Big Island, you might want to consider snorkeling at night with manta rays!

Snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii is unique to the Big Island and a truly uniqe experiece! As the sun sets, you can join these gentle giants who are drawn by the glow of underwater lights that attract plankton.

I recommend the manta ray snorkeling with Hang Loose Boat Tours. 

If you enjoy snorkeling, check out the best snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii.

5. Visit a Black Sand Beach

Punalu’u Beach (commonly referred to simply as Black Sand Beach) is something that you have to see to appreciate fully. The black sand is so unique, and you can often see honu (turtles) sunning themselves on the rocks.

Keep in mind that this isn’t the only black sand beach on Hawaii Island, but it is one of the easiest to access. Other black sand beaches on Hawaii include:

• Waipio Beach, in Waipio Valley, which is now off-limits for visitors so let’s skip this one!
• Kaima Beach Park in Kalapana
• Pololu Valley (the sand is more of a grey, also very pretty!) is a hike-in valley and easier to access than Waipio Valley. You’ll need to arrive early as parking is limited.
• Richardson’s Beach. The newest black sand beach on the Big Island, located near the town of Hilo.

You can also find black sand beaches on Maui.

Remember not to touch or go too close to the turtles if you do encounter them.

Punalu’u Beach is a great stop to make if you’re going from Kona to the Volcano National Park or Big Island Farm Sanctuary. This beach is completely free to visit thanks to free parking.

If you want more tips on how to see everything on the Big Island, check out my 7-day Big Island itinerary and my 4-day Big Island itinerary. 

6. Pololū Valley 

I used to recommend Waipio Valley, but now it is not allowed/recommended for visitors and so Pololu Valley is a great option!

Pololū Valley is another option that is entirely different and unique. Instead of driving into the valley, you will be able to park and walk down.

The hike is moderate but short. If you decide to hike into Pololu Valley, arrive early as parking is limited.

7. Take a Helicopter Tour

I already mentioned a helicopter tour as being one of the best ways to see Volcanoes National Park. It’s also one of the best ways to see ALL of the Big Island!

There are quite a few tour companies to choose from, but I recommend Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. They’re who I fly with and who I recommend to my clients. They offer several great tours of the Big Island, including:

• Big Island Spectacular (full island)
• Discover Hilo (waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park)
• Kohala Waterfalls and Valleys (Kona side, north side with the 7 valleys.) 

You’ll have to drive to the Hilo side for some tours, but some are on the Kona side too. Check out more helicopter tour options here. 

The best things to do on the Big Island

These are my top 7 best things to do on the Big Island, but there are so many other places to explore. Check out 50 things to do on the Big Island for more ideas!

I do recommend renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle if you can. If you don’t have access to a 4-wheel drive, several local companies offer tours of some of the harder-to-reach areas.

Big Island Travel Tips

• 7 best Big Island Resorts.
• The Best Luxury Resorts Big Island
• The 7 Best Happy Hours in Kona. 
• 7 day Big Island Itinerary.
• 4-day Big Island Itinerary
• How to plan a Big Island Vacation
• 15 free things to do on the Big Island
• Where to find sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii

You might also enjoy:

• The 7 best things to do on Maui.
• The 10 best things to do on Oahu.
• The 10 best things to do on Kauai.

Things to do on the Big Island

If you’re still planning your Big Island vacation, here are the 7 best resorts on the Big Island.

If you’d like to plan your trip with a Hawaii Travel Agent, contact me! I know that planning a Hawaii vacation can be challenging. I only take on a select number of clients, but fill out the form to check my availability. 

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