Big Island Vibes: A Trip to the Heart of the Volcanic Aloha
Enjoyable Activities to Explore on Hawaii's Large Island (Travel Agenda)
Welcome y'all travellers to the Land of the Volcanoes! We spent an epic 5 days traipsing through Hawaii's incredible waterfalls, jaw-dropping beaches, Jurassic-looking volcanoes, and exotic wildlife on the Big Island. Here's a lowdown on gotta-see spots for your Big Island rollercoaster ride!
Hawaii’s largest baby is still growing—and yes, we're talking about a volcano, not a teenage boy. After living on the bustling island of Oahu for a lifetime and being a broke student, I finally experienced the island of my dreams. The Big Island revealed its adventures like, 'What the bloody hell was I missing?'
The Big Island is chock-full of adventures, a laidback attitude, and the lacking crowds one often finds on touristy Oahu. If you’re yearning for a Hawaii vacation, I’ll uncover some fun and offbeat experiences to help you soak up the Big Island's essence. Without further ado, let's dive into the volcanic heart of aloha!
- Big Island Hawaii Highlights Map | Pin this Map to Save it for Later!
- The Must-Dos on the Big Island: Your Action Plan
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Tread in the Footsteps of the Volcano Goddess
- Punalu'u Black Sand Beach: Glistening Sands and Turtle Tales
- Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay: Adventure Awaits Where Captain Cook Met His Fate
- Sunset on Mauna Kea Volcano: Sip on Kona Coffee as You Bear Witness to a Sunset on the Peak of Volcanic Majesty
- Unwind in Holualoa Town: Grab a Brew, Then Take a Stroll Down the Aloha Aisle
- Papakolea Green Sand Beach: Counting down to Where the Rainbow Sand Clears!
- Snorkel/Dive with Manta Rays: Plunge into the Night for a Surreal Swim With Gigantic Manta Rays
- Coffee Tasting in Kona: Bean There, Drank That!
- Visit Akaka Waterfall: Dare to Journey to the Oasis of Fresh Water and Fresh Breaths
I, our worker, am a globetrotter who’s covered the world for over 10 years as a professional photographer and writer. I won't be shy in sharing my Big Island travel hacks to help make your Big Island escapade as unforgettable as mine was. Let's start exploring!
Big Island Hawaii Highlights Map
Map Legend:
- Blue: Water and Beaches
- Brown: Volcanoes and Parks
- Green: Nature Reserves and Natural Features
- Black: Towns and Cities
- Red: Highlights
To navigate the map, tap the top left corner to view the map layers. Select layers to show or hide. Click on map icons for place names and more info.
The Must-Dos on the Big Island: Your Action Plan
From dynamic volcanic landscapes to sunbathing sea turtles and towering waterfalls, the Big Island has something for every type of traveller. Ready to soak up some Hawaiian sunshine? Here's a list of our handpicked essential Big Island adventures, all worth a spot on your itinerary.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
- Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay
- Sunset on Mauna Kea Volcano
- Unwind in Holualoa Town
- Papakolea Green Sand Beach
- Snorkel/Dive with Manta Rays
- Coffee Tasting in Kona
- Visit Akaka Waterfall
- Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Tread in the Footsteps of the Volcano Goddess
Forget rushing to see your high school crush in the school hallway: if you're on the Big Island, make the crater a priority. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park brings you tantalizingly close to active lava flows and fuming volcanic vents, delivering an adrenaline rush to you hardcore adventure lovers.
Remember Pele, the fiery Hawaiian volcano goddess with a real penchant for creating chaos? Well, she's hanging out in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater of the volcano Kilauea.
Imagine that; I lived on the (smaller yet elite) Oahu island for years, armed with dreams of seeing Hawaii beyond the bright lights and shiny shopping malls. And now, sailing past these volcanic wonders, I realize my northeastern island was just the tip of the magnified Hawaiian experience.
The island is continually being born as lava flows from Kilauea Volcano and erupts, shaping new coastlines. Last time the eruption rocked the Big Island was in the summer of 2018, oh goody!
Volcanoes National Park Tour
Jumpstart your adventure with a guided tour that covers all the highlights of the Volcanoes National Park. Sip on a Kona coffee while relaxing on a panoramic vehicle with your expert guide, as you soak up knowledge, views, and a cold brew.
Book your Volcanoes National Park Tour Now!
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach: Glistening Sands and Turtle Tales
Brown-Black Beach with Natural Landscape and Wildlife, Best for Relaxing, Snorkeling and Swimming
The dark black sands of Punalu'u Beach were born from the Big Island's long history of volcanic activity. A delightful spot to sip on your pina colada and watch the endangered Hawaiian Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles roam.
Aside from saying Wowza! at the turtle sightings and dipping your toes into the calm waters, Punalu'u Beach promises some good time for swimming, snorkeling, and even camping (if you're into that kind of rugged adventure).
Remember to leave these beautiful turtles alone; they've got important business to attend to, like basking in the sun. Inappropriate behavior will land you in hot Hawaiian water, both literally and figuratively.
Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay: A Clear Watery Haven and Plenty of Sea Life
Clear Blue Shallow Water, Rich in Marine Life, Best for Snorkelling
The turquoise waters of Kealakekua Bay are as clear as a daydream, hiding a treasure trove of colorful fish, coral reefs, and marine life. This magical place is also famed for its connections to Captain James Cook, the first European to step foot on Hawaiian soil.
Book a guided snorkeling tour by boat or brave those deeper waters with your own rented kayak, like the intrepid couple Anna and I did. Splash and mingle with tropical fish, and be on the lookout for dolphins and sea turtles. Unfortunately, Cook's dolphins eluded us, but there were dolphin sightings further down the coast.
Sea Turtles & Black Sand Beach
Get your snorkeling gear on for a day filled with swimming with sea turtles and spying stunning Hawaiian fish.
Book your Sea Turtles & Black Sand Beach Tour Now!
Sunset on Mauna Kea Volcano: Pink Skies and Astronomically Wicked Adventures
Peaceful Summit, Stunning Sunsets, and Top-tier Stargazing
Can it do anything bigger, Hawaii? Yes, as it turns out, Mauna Kea Volcano is the tallest mountain in the world—hovering 13,796 feet over sea level or rising 33,476 feet above the ocean floor. Remember, that's even taller than Mount Everest!
Driving to the summit MT Everest-style may be the high(est) point of your Big Island adventure, but getting there isn't a walk in the park; it's more like a 4WD vehicle climbing competition. The 8-mile drive along the winding road from 6,500 feet to 13,700 feet will give you the feat-feat-feebie s that Wim Hof himself would envy.
Once you arrive, pop the champagne (or spiked pina colada) and grab a Kona(veniently found near the summit) before witnessing a sunset out of a dreamworld. The pastel hues melting over the summit will drench your soul in awe.
While you're up at the peak, take advantage of being in one of the world's premier star-gazing locales and sign up for a nighttime stargazing trip. Five minutes in the cold Hawaiian air might have you resembling a Popsicle, but trust me: the galactic views make it worth it.
Volcano Star Gazing Tour
Get your eyes dialed on the universe with stunning live views through a large aperture telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea Volcano with a professional astronomer.
Book your Volcano Star Gazing Tour Now!
Unwind in Holualoa Town: Heart of Kona Coffee Production and a Slice of 'Old Hawaii'
Antique Shops, Art Galleries, Tiny Cafes, and Majestic Pacific Ocean Views
Nestled on the fertile slopes of the Hualalai Volcano above Kailua-Kona lies Holualoa, an artist-friendly hamlet imbued with old-Hawaii charm and warm, down-to-earth locals. Its charming, winding two-lane road is lined with art galleries, coffee shops, and friendly faces.
Sitting snug in the heart of Kona Coffee Country, the Holualoa Inn is nestled among lush, zen gardens with comfortable accommodations that will pamper your senses. In fact, the inn grows its own coffee, fruits, veggies, and super fresh eggs each morning.
Holualoa is the perfect place to unwind after your volcano adrenaline rush. Whether it's strolling the romantic streets, lazing by the pool, or enjoying a much-needed massage on your lanai, Holualoa Inn is the ideal way to embrace the 'long, slow days' of the laid-back Big Island lifestyle.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach: A Rare and Unforgettable Experience
Lantern-Sized Green Crystals, Off-the-beaten-Path Beach, Perfect for Relaxing and Taking it All In
It’s not Everybody Loves Raymond - it's rarer—that the Hawaiian islands boast beaches of mesmerizing green sand. Papakolea Beach, located on the Southwest coast of the Big Island, is an anomaly created by billions of olivine crystals over millions of years.
The road to this hidden gem isn't straightforward; you'll need to hike a 5-mile round trip, which ( speeds things up a bit to a 2-hour hike) could be a challenging journey if the sun is beating down. However, the isolation of the beach plus the effort required to get there mean you'll only be sharing the breathtaking scenery with the most intrepid surfers.
Snorkel/Dive with Manta Rays: A Magical Encounter Under the Stars
Nighttime Swimming Experience, Floating on a Specially Designed SUP Board, Surrounded by Manta Rays
By night, just off the coast of Kona, gargantuan manta rays with wingspans up to 20 feet take to the ocean floor hunting for plankton. Jump in the water with a custom floating SUP board that comes equipped with a handy ultraviolet light, and have these magnificent creatures swoop up RIGHT BESIDE you in the moonlit waters.
Joining your magical nighttime manta ray swim includes a picturesque sunset cruise along the coast. Once you've slid into the water and anchored yourself to the SUP board, let your jaw drop as the manta rays feed silently under you in the blue abyss.
It's a truly a one-of-a-kind experience that will etch itself into your memory forever. Diving with manta rays was the crowning moment of my Big Island adventure.
Manta Ray Snorkeling Trip
Let Yes! Holiday guide you on a magical nighttime adventure as you marvel at the graceful dance of enormous manta rays under starry skies.
Book your Manta Ray Snorkeling Trip Now!
Coffee Tasting in Kona: A Heavenly Beverage Steeped in Hawaiian Culture
As a hardcore coffee lover, I was in paradise on earth when I arrived in Kona. Home to more than 600 farms, Kona Coffee is a household name that rivals the world's most luxurious coffee brands. It's dark, rich, and has a decadent lip-smacking savor.
Scoring the best brews can be as simple as popping into one of the many cafes, like Holuakoa Gardens Cafe and Kona Haven, situated in lush and peaceful surroundings. Want to take the journey from bean to cup and truly immerse yourself in Kona coffee culture? Try visiting a farm or arranging a tasting tour. If you're eager to stock up on sourvenirs, grab a handful of stunningly packaged beans or other caffeine-infused products to enjoy at home.
Visit Akaka Waterfall: Impressed by a 147-Meter High Waterfall
You won't find a taller waterfall on the island, extolling itself at 147 meters. Some call Akaka Waterfall the show-stealer! Make the journey to Akaka Falls State Park, about 11 miles north from Hilo, and pay the inexpensive $5 entry fee per car for the privilege of witnessing this breathtaking sight for yourself.
Two hiking trails weave their way through verdant jungles, lesser spotted, 100-foot Kahuna Falls, and the exceptionally photogenic Akaka Waterfall. Lose yourself in the awe of Akaka's spray, though keep an eye on the surrounding jungle and perhaps even catch a glimpse of that elusive rainbow.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park: A Haven for Those Escaping Fate
Hawaii before it was a state befriended its sacred laws with extreme penalties, including capital punishment for even the slightest offense. However, malefeints could find respite from death and retain their lives if they managed to reach a pu'uhonua, or place of refuge.
At Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, enter the sanctuary of this ancient refuge and witness its sacred temples, imposing wooden statues, and awe-inspiring vibe. Wander through the park at your leisure and breathe in its past mystique.
Getting to The Big Island
Flying to the Big Island can be done in two ways: landing at Kona International Airport (KOA) in the west or Hilo International Airport (ITO) in the east. Up for a scenic flight? A 40-minute hop from Honolulu will get you closer to the Big Island’s excitement. For those opting for wheels, renting a car will enable you to venture off the beaten path and explore the island in style.
While roads on the Big Island can be skinny and twisty, they'll deliver stunning vistas that are well worth the journey. Head 3 hours south from Hilo to reach the bustling town of Kona, or 2 hours east past Waimea along the scenic eastern coast.
Where to Stay in the Big Island
During my trip, I was set up in the beautiful Holualoa Inn on the western side of the Big Island. A retreat in the serene village of Holualoa, the inn is perfect for anyone craving a peaceful little pocket of Hawaiian paradise outside Kona. Nestled in Kona coffee country, the inn offers gardens, beaches, zen spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere.
For travelers on any budget, these are some Big Island accommodation options well worth considering:
Budget
- Kona Islander
Midrange
- Kona Beach Hotel
Luxury
- Holualoa Inn
Big Island Travel Tips & Advice
- I wish I could've spent more time on the Big Island; we promise you, you'll need a week minimum to really soak up its volcanic splendor.
- Delve into the jaw-dropping landscapes of the lush Kohala Coast and the jaw-dropping vistas of Waimea Canyon.
- Keep in mind that the Big Island's sheer size means traveling between spots can take a while. Add at least twice the Google Maps driving time to your schedule, just to be safe.
- The Big Island of Hawaii isn't your typical postcard beach destination; instead, consider it the ultimate spot for adventurers and volcano enthusiasts.
- Taking a break from island hopping and crowds, the Big Island offers a slower, countryside vibe that harks back to earlier, simpler island days.
I say aloha and goodbye for now, dear traveler, but I promise I'll be back to revel in the Big Island's volcanic wonders once again. Certainly one of the most memorable escapades of my life, I can't wait for my next adventure on this magical Hawaiian island. Enjoy your time on this Live-Action Jurassic Park!
- Discover the unique lifestyle of the Big Island by immersing yourself in its travel experiences: From lounging on black sand beaches with turtles to snorkeling with Manta Rays and savoring Kona Coffee, there's something for everyone.
- Plan your adventure using the Big Island highlights map to make the most out of your trip and remember: Big Island travel is all about experiencing the essence of Aloha!
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