Things to Do in Big Island Hawaii: 35 Incredible Experiences You Can’t Miss
The Big Island of Hawaii is unlike any other Hawaiian island. While Maui is known for beaches and Oahu for city energy, the Big Island stands out because of its incredible diversity.
You can experience:
- active volcanoes
- black sand beaches
- waterfalls
- lava landscapes
- tropical rainforests
- snorkeling
- mountain summits
All on one island.
The variety of things to do in Big Island Hawaii makes it one of the most adventurous destinations in the state.
If you are comparing islands, read:
Is Maui worth visiting – honest Hawaii guide:
https://stepwisewonders.com/is-maui-worth-visiting/
🌴 Why the Big Island Feels Different
The Big Island is much larger than most travelers expect.
In fact:
👉 it is bigger than all other Hawaiian islands combined.
Because of this, the scenery changes dramatically across the island.
You will see:
- volcanic deserts
- lush jungles
- white sand beaches
- black lava fields
- high mountain landscapes
Sometimes all within the same day.
🌋 1. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of the most famous things to do in Big Island Hawaii is exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This is one of the only places in the world where you can witness volcanic landscapes this closely.
Highlights include:
- lava fields
- volcanic craters
- scenic drives
- hiking trails
Official park information:
https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
🌊 2. See Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
One of Hawaii’s most iconic beaches.
Known for:
- black volcanic sand
- sea turtles
- dramatic scenery
The contrast between lava rock and ocean creates unforgettable views.
🐠 3. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
One of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii.
Why travelers love it:
- crystal-clear water
- colorful fish
- coral reefs
- dolphin sightings possible
Captain Cook Monument is located here as well.
🌺 4. Explore Akaka Falls State Park
One of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Features:
- lush rainforest scenery
- easy walking trail
- dramatic waterfall views
Official information:
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/akaka-falls-state-park/
🌋 5. Drive Saddle Road
One of the most scenic drives on the island.
The route crosses:
- volcanic landscapes
- lava fields
- mountain scenery
Driving here feels completely different from tropical coastal Hawaii.
🌴 6. Relax at Hapuna Beach
One of the best white sand beaches on the Big Island.
Perfect for:
- swimming
- relaxing
- snorkeling
- sunsets
The island’s beaches vary dramatically depending on region.
🌊 7. Visit Kona
Kona is one of the main tourist areas on the Big Island.
Known for:
- beaches
- snorkeling
- restaurants
- coffee farms
This side of the island is generally:
- sunnier
- drier
- more resort-focused
☕ 8. Explore Kona Coffee Farms
The Big Island is famous worldwide for Kona coffee.
Many farms offer:
- tastings
- tours
- scenic views
One of the best cultural experiences on the island.
🌌 9. Stargazing at Mauna Kea
One of the most unforgettable Big Island experiences.
Because of the elevation and clear skies:
👉 Mauna Kea offers some of the best stargazing in the world.
Official information:
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/
🐢 10. See Sea Turtles at Beaches
The Big Island has many turtle-viewing opportunities.
Popular areas:
- Punalu’u Beach
- Kona coast
👉 Always keep respectful distance from wildlife.
🚗 Big Island Driving Reality
One major thing travelers underestimate:
👉 the island is huge.
Driving times can be long between attractions.
This makes planning very important.
🌴 Best Areas of the Big Island
The island is often divided into:
- Kona side
- Hilo side
- Volcano area
- Kohala Coast
Each feels completely different.
🌊 Kona Side
Known for:
- beaches
- snorkeling
- resorts
- sunny weather
Best for:
- relaxation
- beach vacations
🌧️ Hilo Side
Known for:
- waterfalls
- rainforests
- local atmosphere
- volcanic scenery
This side receives much more rain.
💡 Why Travelers Love the Big Island
The Big Island feels:
- adventurous
- raw
- less touristy in some areas
Compared to Maui or Oahu, it offers a much stronger connection to:
- geology
- nature
- Hawaiian landscapes
🌴 Mid-Conclusion
The incredible variety of things to do in Big Island Hawaii is what makes the island so unforgettable.
Few destinations in the world allow travelers to experience:
- volcanoes
- waterfalls
- beaches
- lava fields
- stargazing
All within one trip.
🌴 More Things to Do in Big Island Hawaii
The Big Island rewards travelers who enjoy exploration and variety. Beyond the most famous attractions, there are many incredible things to do in Big Island Hawaii that most tourists never fully experience.
Because the island is so large, every region feels different.
🌊 11. Visit Rainbow Falls
One of the most famous waterfalls near Hilo.
Why travelers love it:
- easy access
- lush tropical scenery
- rainbows often visible in morning light
Perfect quick stop while exploring the Hilo side.
🌺 12. Explore Hilo
Hilo feels completely different from Kona.
Known for:
- local atmosphere
- waterfalls
- rainforests
- farmers markets
Compared to Kona:
👉 Hilo feels greener and more authentic.
🏖️ 13. Relax at Mauna Kea Beach
One of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the island.
Highlights:
- crystal-clear water
- calm swimming conditions
- luxury surroundings
Excellent for:
- relaxing beach days
- snorkeling
- sunset walks
🌋 14. Walk Through Lava Tubes
The Big Island has fascinating lava tube formations created by ancient volcanic activity.
Popular option:
👉 Thurston Lava Tube inside Volcanoes National Park.
Walking through lava tunnels feels surreal.
Official information:
https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
🐠 15. Snorkel With Manta Rays
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Hawaii.
Night manta ray snorkeling allows travelers to see:
- giant manta rays
- underwater feeding activity
- incredible marine life
Kona is one of the best places in the world for this experience.
🌴 16. Visit Waipi’o Valley Lookout
One of the most dramatic viewpoints on the island.
Known for:
- towering cliffs
- lush valley scenery
- waterfalls
The landscape feels almost prehistoric.
🌊 17. Explore Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is one of the rare green sand beaches in the world.
Why it’s unique:
- olive-green sand
- volcanic scenery
- remote atmosphere
⚠️ Reaching it requires hiking.
🌺 18. Discover Botanical Gardens
The Big Island’s tropical climate supports incredible plant life.
Popular gardens:
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
- Liliʻuokalani Gardens
Official information:
https://htbg.com/
🚗 19. Scenic Coastal Drives
The Big Island offers some of Hawaii’s most dramatic driving routes.
Highlights:
- lava coastlines
- ocean cliffs
- mountain scenery
- rainforest roads
Driving itself becomes part of the adventure.
☕ 20. Coffee Farm Tours
Kona coffee is world famous.
Many farms offer:
- tastings
- educational tours
- scenic viewpoints
A great mix of:
- culture
- food
- scenery
🌌 21. Sunset & Stargazing at Mauna Kea
One of the most unforgettable island experiences.
The elevation creates:
- incredible sunsets
- world-class stargazing
- clear night skies
Bring warm clothing because temperatures become cold at high elevation.
🐢 22. Turtle Watching
Sea turtles are commonly seen along:
- black sand beaches
- Kona coastline
- snorkeling areas
Responsible wildlife viewing is extremely important.
🌴 23. Relax at Anaeho’omalu Bay
Also called A-Bay.
Popular for:
- calm water
- paddleboarding
- sunset photography
Excellent for:
- couples
- families
- relaxed beach days
🌊 24. Visit South Point
The southernmost point in the United States.
Known for:
- dramatic cliffs
- ocean views
- rugged scenery
The landscape feels raw and untouched.
🥾 25. Hiking Adventures
The Big Island offers excellent hiking opportunities.
Popular hikes include:
- volcanic crater trails
- rainforest paths
- coastal lava hikes
The island’s geological diversity creates very different hiking experiences.
🚗 Big Island Itinerary Tips
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make:
👉 trying to see everything too quickly.
The island is much larger than:
- Maui
- Oahu
- Kauai
Driving times require realistic planning.
🌴 Best Strategy for Exploring the Island
Most travelers divide their stay between:
- Kona side
- Hilo/Volcano side
This reduces:
- excessive driving
- exhaustion
- rushed itineraries
💡 Kona vs Hilo
Understanding the difference is very important.
🌊 Kona Side
Best for:
- beaches
- snorkeling
- sunshine
- resorts
🌧️ Hilo Side
Best for:
- waterfalls
- rainforests
- volcanoes
- local atmosphere
⚠️ Common Big Island Travel Mistakes
Avoid these common problems.
❌ Underestimating Driving Distances
The island is enormous.
❌ Packing Only Beach Clothes
Higher elevations become surprisingly cold.
❌ Ignoring Weather Differences
The island has multiple climate zones.
Official weather information:
https://www.weather.gov/hfo/
❌ Trying to Do Too Much
The Big Island rewards slower travel.
🌴 Why the Big Island Feels So Unique
The incredible variety of landscapes is what separates the Big Island from other Hawaiian islands.
Few destinations allow travelers to experience:
- volcanoes
- lava deserts
- tropical rainforests
- white sand beaches
- black sand beaches
- stargazing
Within a single vacation.
🌺 Final Thoughts
The incredible variety of things to do in Big Island Hawaii makes the island one of the most adventurous destinations in Hawaii.
Whether you want:
- volcanoes
- snorkeling
- waterfalls
- scenic drives
- beaches
- stargazing
The Big Island offers experiences that feel dramatically different from the rest of Hawaii.
For travelers seeking scenery, adventure, and diversity, the Big Island becomes an unforgettable experience.
❓ FAQ
What is the Big Island of Hawaii best known for?
The Big Island is famous for volcanoes, black sand beaches, lava landscapes, waterfalls, and stargazing.
How many days should I spend on the Big Island?
Most travelers should spend at least 5–7 days exploring the island.
Is the Big Island worth visiting?
Yes, especially for travelers who enjoy nature, adventure, volcanoes, and diverse landscapes.
Which side of the Big Island is better?
Kona is best for beaches and resorts, while Hilo is better for waterfalls and volcanoes.
Do you need a rental car on the Big Island?
Yes, renting a car is essential because attractions are spread across the island.
