10 Best Things to Do in Big Island, Hawaii
What is Hawaii’s Big Island Most Famous For?
The best things to do on Hawaii’s Big Island can’t boast the same fame as Oahu’s many and varied attractions, but you’ll still find plenty of exciting things to see and do. Best of all, the lesser-known destination is refreshingly uncrowded. But get in quick, because the Big Island is growing at breakneck speed, both in popularity and literally in landmass every time the Mauna Kea Volcano blows her top.
Savvy vacationers are quickly starting to discover the vast array of awe-inspiring activities the island has to offer. From hiking to history and everything in between, here are the top things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.
What are the best things to do on Hawaii Big Island?
1. Volcanoes National Park
A mesmerizing real-life lava show
Categoría: Aventura, Fotos, Viajes diferentes
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see for travelers visiting the Big Island. Though the enormous Mauna Loa is the largest subaerial volcano on earth, it’s her little sister, Kilauea, who’s the real star of the show. Kilauea has been spewing out hot liquid magma non-stop since 1983, earning the enviable moniker of “the most active volcano in the world.” Though there’s never any guarantee, travelers are in with a pretty good chance to glimpse liquid lava as it flows its way down the volcano.
Stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center to inquire about current conditions. The park is about a 2-hour drive from Kailua-Kona.
Ubicación: Hawaii, United States
Teléfono: +1 808 985 6011
Volcanoes National Park
2. Waipio Valley Lookout
A Garden of Eden experience
Categoría: Aventura, Parejas, Fotos
Waipio Valley is the cream of the crop for nature lovers: a lush mile-wide valley whose fertile soil once supported some 10,000 indigenous inhabitants. Though Hawaii may be famous for its picture-perfect coastlines, the Big Island has inland natural splendors like this valley to explore.
Flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs on either side, the verdant valley’s lush vegetation is ripe for exploration. Keen hikers enjoy embarking on a strenuous hike, while horseback rides and minibus tours afford a more leisurely day out. Either way, you’ll pass panoramic lookouts, a beautiful black-sand beach, and a string of cascading waterfalls, the best of which is the thunderous Hi’ilawe.
Ubicación: Hawaii 96727, USA
Waipio Valley Lookout
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3. Mauna Kea
Some of the best stargazing in the world
Categoría: Aventura, Parejas, Vida nocturna
At Mauna Kea, you need only look up at night to see Hawaii’s other great natural attraction: a dazzling display of twinkling stars. Favorable atmospheric conditions and a lack of light pollution make the Big Island one of the top stargazing destinations on Earth, and the tip of its tallest mountain is the top spot to marvel at this heavenly display.
Stargazers can either join a tour to the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea or drive up themselves (you’ll need a 4x4 with a full tank). At the peak, the Visitor Information Station welcomes you with a free stargazing session given by a group of knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. Arrive in time to watch the sun set over the clouds.
Ubicación: Hawaii 96720, United States
Mauna Kea
4. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
One for the true garden lover
Categoría: Familias, Fotos, Aventura
The Big Island has numerous lush regions to explore, but the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is among the best. Since opening its doors in 1977, this secluded 17-acre estate has been attracting naturalists for its dense forests and jungles that are teeming with over 2,000 species of exotic plant life.
A self-guided 90-minute walking tour takes in all the top sites, passing gushing waterfalls, thick coconut groves, and towering giant ferns. Many of its elevated sections afford spectacular views over the Pacific. You can find the gardens near Onomea Bay on the east end of the island, almost 2 hours from downtown Kailua-Kona.
Ubicación: 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781, United States
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +1 808 964 5233
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
5. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Exciting ancient monuments amid gorgeous tropical surrounds
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Fotos, Aventura
For a quick history fix, make your way to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau on the west coast of the island, about 40 minutes from Kailua-Kona. Upon breaking the sacred laws of the Gods, indigenous Hawaiians would flee to this “refuge place” to seek forgiveness from a priest, thus avoiding the death penalty in their home village.
The site features a collection of solid stone and wood carved sculptures that look spectacular upon a backdrop of powdery white sand. Throngs of swaying palm trees and rows of traditional thatched huts enhance the tropical aesthetics, and you may be lucky enough to see some of the cute green sea turtles that live in the area.
Ubicación: State Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726, United States
Horario: Daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 808 328 2326
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
6. Kaunaoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
One of the best stretches of sand on the island
Categoría: Familias, Fotos, Opciones económicas
Beaches are a major drawcard in Hawaii, and the best of the Big Island’s offerings is the Instagram-worthy Kaunaoa Beach. Flanked by ritzy resorts and blessed with blindingly white sand, it’s popular among locals and vacationers alike, so try to arrive early to get a parking spot and some solitude.
The snorkeling is fantastic at one end of the crescent-shaped beach, dip in to explore the colorful corals and local marine life. The waves are ideal for bodyboarders after a quick thrill, too.
Ubicación: Hawaii 96743, United States
Kaunaoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
7. Hilo Farmers Market
An authentic Hawaiian shopping experience
Categoría: Opciones económicas, Gastronomía, Compras
Hawaii is famed for its artisanal products, and the best place on the Big Island to sample the local merchandise is at the bustling Hilo Farmers Market. If possible, come during the busier days of Wednesday or Saturday when a small army of local farmers comes to display their wares. Aim to arrive in the morning for the liveliest atmosphere and remember to bargain hard.
The produce on sale includes anything from cheese to coffee and kettle corn to macadamia nuts, all of which are fresh and delicious. Aside from foodstuffs, traditional Hawaiian handicrafts such as bongo drums, jewelry, and artwork make for superb souvenirs.
Ubicación: Corner of Kamehameha Avenue and, Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720, United States
Horario: Daily from 7 am to 3 pm
Teléfono: +1 808 933 1000
Hilo Farmers Market
8. Kona Coffee Living History Farm
The best smelling farm you’re likely to find
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Viajes diferentes
Step back in time at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, the only living history museum in the U.S. dedicated to coffee farming. Located in the town of Captain Cook, this charming farm offers a glimpse into the daily life of Japanese immigrant farmers in the early 20th century.
Visitors can explore historic buildings, watch traditional farming demonstrations, and learn how Kona coffee is cultivated and processed. The aroma of freshly roasted beans fills the air, making it a sensory delight. It’s a must-visit for coffee lovers and history buffs seeking an authentic, hands-on cultural experience in Hawaii.
Ubicación: 82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704, United States
Horario: Tuesday and Friday from 10 am to 2 pm
Teléfono: +1 808 323 3222
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
9. Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
One of the world’s rarest sights
Categoría: Aventura, Familias, Fotos
Located near South Point, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is a rare geological wonder: one of only four green sand beaches in the world. Its striking olive-colored sand comes from olivine crystals eroded from the surrounding cinder cone, Puʻu Mahana. This remote beach has an otherworldly quality you won’t want to miss.
Reaching the beach requires a scenic 2.5-mile hike across rugged terrain or a ride with local drivers in 4WD vehicles. The beach itself is secluded, with dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, making it a unique and unforgettable destination for adventurous travelers seeking something off the beaten path.
Ubicación: Naalehu, HI 96772, United States
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
10. Night manta snorkeling trip
The gentle giants of the sea
Categoría: Aventura, Parejas, Vida nocturna, Viajes diferentes
Though snorkeling and diving opportunities abound all around Big Island, none are as exciting as a nighttime manta ray excursion. Adventurous souls hit the Kohala Coast by moonlight to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and watch as they glide gracefully through the water and feast on plankton with their mouths agape.
Guides are on hand to attract the microscopic organisms with a spotlight, which almost guarantees you’ll see a school of mantas. Expect these graceful 12-foot creatures to perform an array of summersaults and spins as they cruise for their next meal. It’s an unforgettable aquatic experience that’s a highlight of any trip to Hawaii.
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