Intro

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a wide range of things to do. From jungle hikes, to old lava tubes to stunning beaches, there is no shortage of things to enjoy. 

Whether you are spending just a few days or a couple weeks, you won’t be bored by the stunning scenery and natural landscapes of the Big Island. From Hilo to Kona and everything in between, let me show you some of the best activities and stunning things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

*Note* This post does have affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my affiliate links, I would make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s not required, but it is very much appreciated!

Things To Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Chasing Waterfalls

Rainbow Falls

Gushing at 80 feet stands Rainbow Falls. This stunning waterfall is definitely one of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. You do not need to hike to it. The parking lot takes you directly to Rainbow Falls. You can take a nice, short walk around the front to get a good view. There are also some steps you can climb to get a great view of the top of the falls. It is a wonderful sight worth stopping for and you don’t really need more than 20-30 minutes here. 

With that being said, just be aware that this is a very popular destination which means it does get crowded. It wasn’t too bad for my fiancé and I when we arrived but as we were leaving around 12:30 pm, multiple giant tour buses and extra cars started showing up. And this was in mid January.

Another thing I want to address is the signage. It is very clearly marked where you are and aren’t allowed. Do not be that tourist and think you are above the law. The pools located at the top of Rainbow Falls are off limits because they are dangerous. This article from SF Gate explains how many people have died here and how local authorities are trying to inform people of the dangers here. So take your pictures from a distance and stay out where you are not welcomed.

COST: Completely free!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: If you are interested in reading more about Rainbow Falls, you can check out their official website here.

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls State Park offers visitors a short 0.4 mile hike loop to see this plunging 442 foot waterfall. The small hike takes you through some majestic jungle foliage where you will see many different flowers and banana trees. You do have to pay to enter but the fees are what allow Hawaii to keep Akaka Falls looking nice and safe for visitors. 

This was a great place to visit, but it certainly is a one-and-done experience for me. Once I saw it, I was satisfied and I don’t feel like I need to pay to see it again. Also note that this hike won’t take you to the bottom of the falls. The best view will come up randomly along the trail and you can’t really see the bottom of Akaka unless you are very tall or you elevate your phone or camera to get the whole thing. It is still a spectacular waterfall though and a great activity for first time visitors! 

COST: It is $5 per person and a $10 parking fee for non-residents.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: To read more about Akaka Falls, you can check out their official website here.

Exploring Beaches

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

What was once a cinder cone volcano named Pu’u Mahana is now a popular destination for beach lovers and adventurers. Papakōlea earned its name due to the green sand which is caused by a mineral called olivine. It stays on the beach because it is heavier than the other lava components.. And yes, the sand is really green (like an olive green, hence the minerals name but it’s still green). You can see the green color more when the sand is wet. 

This beach is only accessible via a 2.5 mile one way (or 5 miles round trip) moderate hike. There isn’t really a “trail” so much as very deep, uneven dirt roads with tire tracks that you follow along the ocean until you reach Papakōlea. What makes the hike moderate is that there is no shade coverage and the terrain is unstable. Once you arrive at Papakōlea, it is a very steep drop to get to it. You have to climb down a ladder and step over steep rocks. I would not recommend this hike for any small children or anyone who struggles to bend their knees and climb.

Your GPS should take you to a lot where you will see other parked cars. From there, you have two choices. You either grab your gear and take off on foot or there is a local family who lives nearby that offers shuttle services for a fee. My understanding is that it’s $20 roundtrip during the morning and early afternoon or $15 once the sun is starting to set.  

Shuttle Information

These shuttles are old beat up pickup trucks. When you pay to take them, you will be standing in the beds. You will not be physically inside the cabin with anyone. There are usually many people who you will see taking these shuttles. I personally opted to take the shuttle back because I was so exhausted from the hike to Papakōlea and I felt very safe.

This is an unofficial shuttle service. It is not a licensed company but a local family. After talking with Claudeen, I learned that her and her family were born and raised on the Big Island and they do what they can to protect the land and the people who come and visit . While it is a nice side gig that people will definitely pay money for, she also said they do it because they want to help people stay safe. Lots of visitors get stranded out there. And if anyone has a medical emergency, an ambulance can’t get to you. You have to get a helicopter. So a big mahalo to Claudeen and her family. If you do decide to take the shuttle service, bring cash. 

COST: None unless you decide to take the shuttle which is $20 in the morning and early afternoon, $15 in the late afternoon/evening.

MORE INFORMATION: While is it not an official site, you can read more about Papakōlea here.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Due to a wildfire in the area, I was unable to make it to Punalu’u despite my excitement to see it. While I was unable to make it to this beach, I am still listing it out because of its popularity. I want to live vicariously through you all by knowing someone will see this and decide to visit.

Black Sand Beach is known for its black sand. Its color is formed from basaltic lava that meets the ocean and cools down from the ocean temperatures. Ocean waves break up the lava pieces and viola! It now becomes black sand. Due to strong ocean currents, this beach is not recommended for swimming. Although I have seen photos and videos of people who do it anyway. 

Regardless if you’re hiking to it just to see the black sand or you intend to get into the water, just exercise caution.

COST: None!

MORE INFORMATION: While not an official website, here is a blog that offers a lot of information on Punalu’u you can read at here.

Two Step Beach/Honaunau Bay

This beach is very well known for its snorkeling and doesn’t actually have much beach to it. Upon arrival, you will notice that it is mostly hardened lava and that you need to step down to get into the water. Hence the name “Two Step” beach.

I did not get into the water sadly, but I did walk down and enjoy the view and the hustle and bustle of this location. There were lots of adults and families with young children swimming and snorkeling here. I visited in the mid-afternoon and it was very busy so I would plan on arriving as early as possible if you are wanting to snorkel. This is located right next to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park but it’s important to emphasize that you can not access the water from Pu’uhonua because it is a sacred site.

There is a small parking lot across from the beach where you will have to pay to park. You could also stay parked in your spot if you visited Pu’uhonua beforehand, but the park discourages this so just be aware.

TIP: I would not recommend getting an Uber/Lyft into or out of this beach. When I was there, I noticed multiple people who were left stranded because Uber/Lyft struggles to work and it isn’t considered the most reliable on the Big Island. It is best to see the Big Island with a rental car. If you plan on relying on Uber/Lyft, be prepared for the possibility of longer wait times.

COST: A parking fee (I believe it’s $10) if you’re using the Honaunau Bay lot.

MORE INFORMATION: You can read more about Two Step Beach on the National Park Service website here and from Big Island Guide here.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

About 45 minutes north of Kona lies one of my personal favorites: Hapuna Beach. This is a great beach for boogie boarding, couples, families or for those of you who are looking to watch the sunset over the water. It is very sandy so you don’t have to worry too much about sharp rocks. And unlike other beaches on the Big Island, you do not have to hike to reach Hapuna. It is just a short walk (or slightly longer depending where you are parked) from the parking lot downhill to the beach.

I actually spent my 27th birthday here and I couldn’t have pictured any other way to celebrate. I was boogie boarding for the first time with salt in my hair, a gentle ocean breeze and feeling the crashing waves over my body. It was a freeing and gratifying feeling. Visiting this beach is without a doubt one of best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

COST: There is a $10 parking fee along with a $5 entry fee per person.

AMENITIES: There are picnic tables, restrooms and outside showers to give yourself a rinse after being in the water. 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: To read more about Hapuna Beach, you can look at their official website here.

Great Hikes

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Another personal favorite and what I consider to be one of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii is visiting the national park! Whether you plan on staying for a few hours or a few days, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has enough sightseeing for everyone.

To the West of the Crater Rim Drive, you have the Sulfur Banks Trail, steam vents and multiple viewing points to get a really good view of the inside of the volcano.

To the East of the Crater Rim Drive, you will see much more dried up lava and stunning views of the ocean. This side of the drive is longer and in my opinion, more fun than the West. There are also multiple viewpoints and lots of trailheads to keep anyone busy. The Thurston Lava Tube is on this side and I would definitely recommend making the stop to see inside.

Make sure to stop, either when you arrive or before you depart, at the Visitor Center to learn more about how life came to the Hawaiian Islands. If you have the time, I would recommend eating lunch at Volcano House. It’s a little spendy, but I would say that you are there for the experience. Although the food is very good despite the price. But the restaurant has a spectacular view of the volcano. You can also take a walk outside and around Volcano House if you would rather bring your own lunch. 

Whatever you decide, spending an hour, afternoon or an entire day here will certainly be worth your time.

COST: You either pay the $30 when you arrive or you can buy a national park pass. If you’re interested in obtaining a pass, you can read more about it here.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: To learn more about the national park, how to plan a day trip there, you can check out their official website here.

Free and Outdoorsy

Kaumana Caves

Located in between Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls is Kaumana Caves. The parking lot and the cave entrance are separated by a busy road so be cautious when crossing the street. There is signage saying you should wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight. Heavy emphases on bringing a flashlight. I got too excited about exploring other places that I forgot to pack my headlamp. Because of this, I wasn’t able to go very far into the cave just because it was so dark (duh, it’s a cave). However, you can still go there just to see it and enjoy it without having to go too deep into it. 

When you get to the cave entrance, there will be a concrete staircase that takes you down into the opening of the cave. There are two openings on both the left and the right side. After the staircase, you will be walking on loose rocks so just be aware of your surroundings. Whether you venture into them or not, the caves are still neat to look at. If you don’t plan on exploring then you don’t need much more than 20-30 minutes there. If you are going in, then bring really bright lights and be aware of signage that tells you to turn around. The caves eventually cross into someone’s private property so when advised just make sure to turn back otherwise you will be trespassing.

COST: It is completely free!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: You can read more about Kaumana Caves from Big Island Hikes here.

Reeds Bay Beach Park

Nestled on the Hilo side near some very fancy hotels lies Reeds Bay Beach Park. This park felt like a local hangout. I saw people having parties, barbecuing and just enjoying the slow paced island life. Many children were here playing and swimming in the water. Other people were paddle boarding in the shallow water. The beaches are sandy make for a great couple hours of swimming, snorkeling or just lounging and relaxing.

I wasn’t able to stay too long here but if I had more time, I definitely would have considered taking a swim! 

COST: It is free to enter.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: You can read more about the Reeds Bay Beach Park here.

Lili‘uokalani Gardens 

Just north of Reeds Bay Beach Park is the Lili‘uokalani Gardens. Here you will find beautiful Japanese inspired bridges and structures. Outside of Japan, it is actually the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden. It was named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Lili’uokalani. Dedicated as a tribute to the Japanese immigrants working in the sugar cane fields of the Big Island in 1917, this picturesque park has over 24 acres and offers amazing views of the Hilo Bay.

This is a great park for nature walks. There are many little crabs that you will see along the rocks near the water. You may also see some nene either taking a swim or munching in the grass nearby. My fiancé and I discovered Lili’uokalani while killing time to check into our next Airbnb. You could spend anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour here. It’s really up to you how much time you want to spend! But I would certainly consider this a hidden, tucked away gem and it certainly a great thing to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

COST: Entirely free to park and enter!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: There is some brief information found on The Hawaiian Islands website which you can read here.

Cultural, Historical & Supporting Locals

Hilo Farmers Market

The Hilo Farmers Market offers tourists a chance to purchase locally handmade souvenirs and other goods over mass produced items. But it is also a fabulous place to get affordable local produce! From guavas to passionfruit to papaya, you will find an endless supply of tropical goodies. The market is open 7 days a week so there really is no excuse for skipping this one. This really is a must see when you’re prioritizing things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. I ended up coming here twice and both times I left with local fruits and juices. It was quite a fest!

TIP: Bring cash. Vendors really do prefer cash and if you want to buy produce, those vendors will only take cash and nothing else. So be sure to carry enough. Another thing I would suggest is to pick your souvenirs carefully. What I mean by this is as I was looking around, I noticed a few vendors who were just selling the same kind of stuff you could get at the airport like cheap plastic leis, keychains, shot glasses, etc. It was pretty obvious that these vendors didn’t make any of this stuff but are just trying to sell you a cheap product. Now obviously if that is something you are looking for, then great. But if you are wanting something that is truly handmade from the Big Island, then just make sure to skip the giant tents that are filled with cheap stuff. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: You can check out more information about the market here.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

What used to be a place that only allowed the highest priests and figures is now a historical site for visitors to see from all over the world. Pu’uhonua has a very rich history and is considered a sacred site. Many chiefs are buried here and you will see the mausoleum as you walk around. Beyond the mausoleum you will see a wall made of lava rocks. Beyond the wall was what was considered to be a place of refuge during times of war.

Pu’uhonua has a small walking trail you can take as well as outside displays for you to look at and learn more about the area. They have nice restrooms and a small gift shop if you are interested in souvenirs. You don’t really need more than 30-40 minutes here and it is a great place for children and family friendly. 

Do be considerate of what the land means to the native Hawaiian people. You are a guest. Follow the signs and take only pictures and memories.

COST: If you have a national park pass, then it is free. Otherwise it is $10 per person.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: To learn more, you can read more on the National Park Service page here.

Eco-Friendly to Hawaii Guided Tours 

Whale Watching Tour

Whale watching season on the Big Island is from late November to late April. So if you are visiting during this time then it is a must to do a whale watching tour. Could you technically see them for free on a beach? Yes you could, but taking a whale watching tour allows you to get out onto the water and get yourself a closer look at these majestic giants.

I did my whale watching tour with Captain Zodiac and I had an amazing time. I would recommend booking this tour for multiple reasons. The first and single most important reason being that Captain Zodiac was one of several vendors recommended and approved by the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii. It was comforting and reassuring to know that a vendor like Captain Zodiac is licensed and registered (some vendors aren’t), follows all rules and regulations regarding environmental protections and actually cares. You can feel it with the staff when you’re on the tour. They aren’t just working to make an easy dollar, they actually care about the environment.

Additionally, I really enjoyed the small group size compared to other tours. The boat I was on had 12 people which felt like a great number. The boat is also much smaller which allows you to travel faster and also doesn’t disrupt the whales and other animals too much.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the boat you are in, use caution if you decide to bring a professional camera. While I brought mine and thankfully nothing happened to it, it was a little chaotic having it on me. It would have been easier to use my phone.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: If you want to peruse and learn more about Captain Zodiac, you can check out their official website here.

BOOK YOUR TOUR: If you’re ready to set out on an adventure in search for majestic humpback whales, you can book your tour HERE on TripAdvisor or down below via Viator!

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour

A very popular bay on the Kona side of the Big Island is Kealakekua Bay which is famous for its snorkeling. This bay was actually the inspiration for the drop off scene in the movie Finding Nemo!

This was a snorkel tour that I also did with Captain Zodiac that I enjoyed and would recommend. I actually purposely decided to not take pictures because I wanted to enjoy the experience. And I’m glad I did because the amount of fish blew me away. I am happy that I lived in the moment instead. 

You could also kayak or hike to Kealakekua Bay, but it’s not exactly convenient to do these. Both of these require you to exert a lot of energy to get to Kealakekua Bay. It takes up energy to snorkel and then you have to kayak or hike back. Yeah, no thanks! There is only so much physical activity I can do in a day. To me, it was worth paying for the tour. But if you are super active, then do what feels best for you.

I would much rather sit back and enjoy the fast boat ride there and get some local history along the way. When you book through Captain Zodiac, you will depart from the marina and head towards Kealakekua Bay. Because it was whale season, we took some breaks to look for whales while en route. Complimentary snacks and beverages come with the excursion. Another great reason for being on a giant raft is that it’s super easy to jump into the water. You just turn your body, dangle your legs over the edge and slide off! There is a ladder to help you get back into the boat and you will be hosed off by the captain with fresh water before you’re fully in the boat.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: You can check out and read more about Captain Zodiac here.

BOOK YOUR TOUR: If you are ready to book your tour with Captain Zodiac for a wild snorkeling adventure and see some beautiful tropical fish, click HERE to book your tour with TripAdvisor or down below via Viator!

Tour Booking Tips

When you are picking excursions for your trip, there are a few things that you should be mindful of. While Hawaii is a beautiful place and a great destination to enjoy nature and its wildlife, there are vendors who prioritize profit over literally anything else. While yes, tours intend to make money by providing a service, it should never come at a cost of harming the environment. Whether that’s the jungle or coral reefs, your tours should be as minimally invasive as possible. So when picking an excursion for your trip, consider the following:

• Avoid any tours that guarantee you seeing wildlife. In reality, the natural world does not work this way so any tours who are promising a whale or dolphin sighting should be avoided as they could be practicing unethical animal guidelines.
• Avoid tours with really large boats and/or large group sizes. The bigger the boat, the more damage that can be done to the coral reefs below. And the bigger the group sizes, the more an area is being flooded with visitors which is honestly not really fun for you either. No one likes snorkeling with 30-40 other people.
• Do some additional research. As I was planning my trip, I originally really wanted to do the manta rays night snorkeling tour. But after reading more on Ethical Wildlife Tourism in Hawaii and browsing Hawaii Ocean Watch, I decided against it. It’s always good to read ahead and stay informed as much as possible.

Conclusion

By now you will have read just how many things there are to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Big Island is very accommodating when it comes to activities. You can enjoy lounging on the beach, hearing the coqui frogs and the birds in the jungle at night, hiking around an active volcano and snorkeling around the Big Island’s stunning reefs. Whatever your interests are, the Big Island will warmly welcome you as long as you are also welcoming to the land. And you will be rewarded with a lush itinerary full of exciting and adventurous things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.