10 Best Things to Do on Hawaii's Big Island: Expert 5-Day Travel Itinerary
Hawaii's Big Island
We spent 5 unforgettable days discovering Hawaii's stunning waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, and wildlife. Discover the top things to do on the Big Island for an epic adventure!
While Oahu draws the biggest crowds, Hawaii's Big Island—also known as Hawai'i Island—is the largest and still expanding due to active volcanic activity.
Years ago, as a cash-strapped college student on Oahu, I couldn't afford inter-island trips. Our recent road trip changed that, revealing the incredible experiences I missed!
With diverse adventures, a relaxed vibe, and fewer tourists, the Big Island showcases the unique character of each Hawaiian island.
Planning a Hawaii trip? Here are 10 fun, unique things to do on the Big Island, ideal year-round. Table Of Contents
- Big Island Hawaii Highlights Map
- Current Big Island Travel Requirements
- Best Things To Do On The Big Island
- 1: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- 2: Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- 3: Kayak Kealakekua Bay
- 4: Sunset On Mauna Kea Volcano
- 5: Unwind In Holualoa Town
- 6: Papakolea Green Sand Beach
- 7: Snorkel/Dive With Manta Rays
- 8: Coffee Tasting In Kona
- 9: Visit Akaka Waterfall
- 10: Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park
- Getting To The Big Island
- Where To Stay In Hawaii
- Big Island Travel Tips & Advice
Big Island Hawaii Highlights Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Explore the interactive map above highlighting key Big Island attractions. Click the top-left menu for layers showing routes and points of interest. Toggle layers, click icons for details, "star" to save to Google Maps, or open in a new tab for full view. Happy travels!
Current Big Island Travel Requirements
Hawaii has lifted its COVID-19 quarantine and testing requirements as of 2023. Always verify the latest guidelines on the official State of Hawai'i or Hawaii Tourism Authority websites before your trip.
Top 10 Things to Do on the Big Island
1: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Start your Big Island adventure at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to the active Kīlauea volcano and the fire goddess Pele in Hawaiian lore, residing in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
The Hawaiian Islands are volcanic peaks, with the Big Island actively growing over a mantle hotspot. The last major eruption was in 2018.
Open 24/7 year-round, the park offers endless exploration, perfect for photographers.
Volcanoes National Park Tour
Visit a Kona coffee farm, black sand beach, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a professionally guided tour.
Book Online NowPark Highlights
Crater Rim Drive: An 11-mile scenic loop with overlooks and stops—ideal for self-driving.
Jaggar Museum: Exhibits on volcanology with prime Halemaʻumaʻu Crater views.
Thurston Lava Tubes: Walk through a fern forest to explore ancient lava tunnels.
Kīlauea Iki Trail: 4-mile loop across a 1959 lava lake with 1,900-foot fountains.
Guided tours cover essentials efficiently.
Viewing Lava Flows
Spot glowing lava from Jaggar Museum at night. For closer views, head to Kalapana Lava Viewing Area (1-hour drive from park; 3-mile hike/bike). Tours or self-guided with bike rentals/maps available. Check daily updates from the National Park Service.
Kilauea Lava Flow Hike
Hike across the active volcano of Kilauea. See historic lava flows dating from 1881 to the most recent flow from 2018.
Book Online Now2: Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Punaluʻu's black sands formed from lava exploding into fragments upon meeting the ocean.
Spot endangered Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles basking—observe from a distance to protect them per regulations.
Great for swimming, snorkeling, walks, or permitted camping.
Sea Turtles & Black Sand Beach
Swim in a lagoon full of sea turtles, colorful fish, and sometimes dolphins on this beach snorkeling tour.
Book Online Now3: Kayak Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with fish and coral—site of Captain Cook's historic encounter.
Prime snorkeling spot; kayak rentals (e.g., Kona Boys) allow independent exploration.
Dolphin & Turtle Sightings
Spinner dolphins and turtles frequent the bay. East side features Hikiau Heiau temple to god Lono.
Hawaii Snorkeling & Dolphin Trip
Discover Kona’s underwater paradise on this 4.5-hour snorkeling cruise and dolphin watching trip.
Book Online Now4: Mauna Kea Volcano Sunset
Hawaii sees snow, and Mauna Kea is the world's tallest mountain from base to peak at 33,476 feet (10,204m)—surpassing Everest.
Summit hosts 13 telescopes at Mauna Kea Observatory. Drive up for sunset, stargazing, or winter snow hikes.
Volcano Star Gazing Tour
Observe the deep sky through a large aperture telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea with a professional astronomer.
Book Online Now5: Relax in Holualoa Town
Perched on Hualalai Volcano slopes above Kailua-Kona, artistic Holualoa offers galleries, coffee shops, and charm—our base for west-side stays.
Holualoa Inn in Kona Coffee Country provides homegrown produce, zen gardens, pool, and lanai massages.
6: Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
This rare green-sand beach, from Mauna Loa's 49,000-year-old olivine crystals, requires a 5-mile round-trip hike (2 hours). Pack water; limited crowds reward the effort.
7: Snorkel or Dive with Manta Rays
Off Kona, massive manta rays feed on plankton nightly. Tours start with sunset sails, then night snorkel using lit SUP boards attracting plankton.
Scuba options available too.
Manta Ray Snorkeling Trip
Enjoy a magical moment at night with huge manta rays gracefully gliding through the water under you.
Book Online Now8: Kona Coffee Tasting
Kona's volcanic soil yields premium low-acidity coffee from 600+ farms. Tour Greenwell Farms or cafes like Holuakoa Gardens and Kona Haven.
9: Akaka Falls State Park
Hawaii's tallest waterfall at 442 feet, plus 100-foot Kahuna Falls. $5 entry; 0.4-mile lush loop trail (30 mins). Best in late morning light.
Big Island Waterfall Tour
Explore the sacred Waipio Valley, see the tallest waterfall on the island, and visit an ancient lava cave.
Book Online Now10: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Ancient Hawaiian kapu laws were strict; puʻuhonua offered refuge. Explore sacred temples, chiefs' bones, and guardian kiʻi statues.
Getting to the Big Island
Fly into Kona (KOA) west or Hilo (ITO) east; connect via Honolulu (40 mins). We flew into Hilo for our road trip.
Renting a Car
Best via Discover Cars for competitive rates. Expect narrow, winding roads: Hilo-Kona ~3 hours (Hwy 11), north shore ~2 hours (Hwy 19).
Rent A Car In Hawaii
Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.
Check Latest Prices Here
Where to Stay on the Big Island
We loved Holualoa Inn for relaxation. Other options:
Best Accommodations
Budget: Kona Islander
Midrange: Kona Beach Hotel
Luxury: Holualoa Inn
Big Island Travel Tips
- 5 days was great; aim for 7+ to fully explore.
- Don't miss Kohala cowboy country and Waipio Valley waterfalls/jungles.
- At 4,028 sq mi, driving takes time—plan accordingly.
- Focus is volcanoes over beaches; enjoy the uncrowded, laid-back vibe.
The Big Island's magic ensures our return. Hawai'i ranks among our top U.S. destinations. ⭐
