Best Hawaii Activities
There is so much to do on the Big Island! Here are a few of my favorite activities to do on the island.
💚 Swimming with Manta Rays - This is one of the most popular and unique experience on the Big Island. You board a boat and they take you into the ocean at night. Once you are in the ocean, they have you hang on to some floats and wait for the manta rays to come over. The manta rays are large, but completely harmless. It’s a surreal experience as they will come right up to you. They are amazing creatures and it’s incredible to get a close look.
💚 Kona Coffee Farms - Hawaii is known for its famous Kona Coffee. There are many farms that grow this delicious coffee in the mountains of Hawaii. You can visit many of these farms and learn about how they grow and roast their coffee. You can also sample it and learn what makes Kona Coffee special. You can visit just one farm or check out a couple. Many farms have free samples where you can taste the coffee before you buy it.
💚 Wai’ipo Valley Lookout - Insanely gorgeous lookout just north of Hilo. Here you can see the green, lush mountains coming down in the ocean. On a clear day, you can even see Maui.
💚 Pololū Trail & Lookout - Located on the Kohala Coast, this trail and lookout are incredible. You can drive out to the lookout and see where the beautiful and rugged mountains meet the ocean. There is also a short trail down to the beach. This black sand beach is amazing. The sand is so fine. The water at this beach can be rough, so use caution. Once you are done at the beach, check out the nearby towns to see the Kamehameha Statue and get some lunch.
💚 Learn About Hawaiian History - There are three spots I highly recommend visiting on the Big Island to learn about Hawaiian history: Lapakahi State Historical Park, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. At each park you can learn about how the Hawaiian people lived. You’ll see what a village was like, how society was run, and much more. These parks are an amazing opportunity to learn about Hawaii. You’ll get a new understanding of the beautiful islands.
💚 Green Sand Beach - This beach is one of the few green sand beaches in the world. It really looks green too! There are two ways to get to the beach. You can either hike to the beach or take an off-road adventure out there. A local family runs a business where they will take you out there for $20 per person round trip. The hike out there is pretty long and hot, so we opted for the ride. It was a pretty fun and adventurous ride, so I think it was well worth the $20. The guy gave us plenty of time at the beach as well.
💚 Mauna Kea Summit - When visiting the Big Island, you can drive up to the summit. Most people drive up for sunset. It’s an incredible sunset as you are above the clouds. You first need to stop at the visitor center to acclimate to the climate, then you can begin your ascent. You must have a 4WD to make the drive. Mauna Kea summit is also a sacred spot to the Hawaiian people. Make sure to be respectful during your visit to the summit.
💚 Rainbow Falls - On a sunny day you can see a rainbow coming from these falls, which is why it is so appropriately named Rainbow Falls. It’s an impressive falls near Hilo. It’s free and located just a short walk from the parking lot. It’s great place to stop on your way in or out of Hilo.
💚 Hawaii Volcano National Park - This park is a must-do when visiting the Big Island. I recommend starting off by visiting Uekahuna Overlook, Kilauea Overlook, and the Steam Vents. Then head over to Kilauea Iki Overlook and Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Finally, end your day by driving the Chain of Craters Road and seeing Holei Sea Arch.
If you're planning a trip to Hawaii's Big Island, there's an abundance of unique and memorable activities beyond the usual beach visits. One of the standout experiences is swimming with manta rays. These gentle giants come close to night-time snorkelers and divers attracted by light, offering an extraordinary underwater encounter. It's important to choose reputable tour operators who follow environmental guidelines to protect these creatures. Coffee lovers will want to immerse themselves in the Kona coffee culture. The volcanic soil and microclimate of the Kona region create the perfect conditions for coffee cultivation. Visiting farms such as Greenwell Farms, mentioned in the accompanying image OCR content, offers the chance to taste a variety of roasts including Full City Roast, Dark Roast, and flavored blends combining chocolate, vanilla, and macadamia nuts. Sampling coffee at the source provides insight into the labor-intensive process of coffee farming and roasting. Nature enthusiasts can explore stunning viewpoints such as the Wai’ipo Valley Lookout and Pololū Trail on the Kohala Coast. These sites showcase Hawaii's lush mountains and dramatic coastline. Trekking to the black sand beach below Pololū Lookout is a rewarding adventure, but caution is advised due to potentially rough ocean currents. Nearby towns provide opportunities to appreciate local culture, including historic statues like that of Kamehameha. For a deeper understanding of Hawaiian history and culture, visiting state parks like Lapakahi State Historical Park, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, and Puʻuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is invaluable. These sites preserve ancient Hawaiian villages and sacred grounds, narrating the traditions and way of life of early Hawaiians. Adventurers looking for something extraordinary should consider a visit to Green Sand Beach, one of the few beaches worldwide known for its olivine-rich green sand. Whether hiking or taking an off-road vehicle tour, the journey itself is an experience. The Mauna Kea Summit offers sunset views above the clouds and an ethereal landscape, though visitors should prepare properly for altitude and respect the site’s cultural significance. Don't miss the Rainbow Falls near Hilo, especially on sunny days when rainbows form naturally, making it a perfect quick stop. Finally, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see, featuring volcanic landscapes, lava tubes like Thurston Lava Tube, and scenic drives along Chain of Craters Road to Holei Sea Arch. Each of these activities highlights a different facet of the Big Island, from natural wonders and outdoor adventures to cultural heritage and gourmet experiences like Kona coffee. Planning your itinerary around these highlights will ensure a well-rounded and enriching Hawaiian vacation.
My manta photos