🌴 10 Things To Do On The Big Island Of Hawaii

Stuck in a rut, scrolling endlessly for vacation ideas that don’t involve another basic beach resort? You’ve landed in the right place, friend.

The Big Island isn’t just big; it’s a whole vibe, packed with adventures that will make your Instagram jealous and your soul sing.

Ditch the decision fatigue, because I’ve rounded up the absolute coolest, must-do experiences for your next Hawaiian escape.

1. Chase Waterfalls at Akaka Falls State Park

• Best For: Nature lovers, casual hikers, anyone needing a dose of epic scenery.
• Vibe: Lush, serene, a little bit Jurassic Park.
• Why it works: It’s an easy, paved loop that delivers massive payoff with two stunning waterfalls.

Seriously, you walk a super chill, paved path through a rainforest, and suddenly, boom, a 442-foot waterfall is just showing off for you.

The path is surrounded by vibrant green bamboo and wild orchids, making for some truly postcard-worthy moments without breaking a sweat.

Pro Tip: Go early to beat the crowds and snag the best parking spot. Plus, the morning light hitting the falls is absolutely magical.

2. Stargaze at Mauna Kea Summit

• Best For: Astronomy enthusiasts, romantics, anyone who loves being dwarfed by the universe.
• Vibe: Otherworldly, humbling, incredibly cold (bring layers).
• Why it works: It’s one of the best places on Earth to see the cosmos, thanks to minimal light pollution and high altitude.

Imagine standing above the clouds, with the Milky Way so clear it feels like you could reach out and touch it. It’s an experience that truly puts things into perspective.

You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to reach the summit, or you can join a guided tour which often includes warm jackets and hot drinks.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to acclimate at the visitor center for at least 30 minutes on your way up to avoid altitude sickness. Your head will thank you.

3. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

• Best For: Adventurers, geology buffs, people who like their earth spicy.
• Vibe: Dramatic, raw, a constant reminder of Mother Nature’s power.
• Why it works: You get to witness active volcanic landscapes and learn about the island’s formation firsthand.

Walk across old lava fields, peek into craters, and maybe, just maybe, catch a glimpse of glowing lava if Kilauea is feeling generous. The park is constantly changing, so check conditions before you go.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, because exploring this alien landscape is surprisingly good exercise.

Pro Tip: Drive the Crater Rim Drive and the Chain of Craters Road for the most scenic views and access to various trails. The drive down to the sea arch is epic.

4. Relax on Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

• Best For: Beach bums with a twist, wildlife photographers, anyone needing a unique sunbathing spot.
• Vibe: Exotic, calm, a little bit mysterious.
• Why it works: It’s one of the few places where you can reliably spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basking on the jet-black sand.

This isn’t your average white sand beach; the sand here is made from volcanic rock, making it a striking contrast against the turquoise water.

Keep a respectful distance from the honu (sea turtles), but definitely snap some photos of these majestic creatures chilling out.

Pro Tip: The sand gets super hot, so wear sandals or water shoes. Also, don’t try to take any black sand home; it’s considered bad luck (and illegal).

5. Snorkel or Dive at Kealakekua Bay

• Best For: Snorkelers, divers, history buffs, anyone wanting to swim with vibrant marine life.
• Vibe: Underwater paradise, historically significant, teeming with fish.
• Why it works: It’s a marine life conservation district, meaning the coral reefs and fish are incredibly healthy and abundant.

This bay is not only stunningly beautiful, but it’s also where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii. You can only access the best snorkeling spots by boat or kayak, adding to the adventure.

Expect to see schools of colorful fish, vibrant coral, and maybe even some spinner dolphins playing in the distance.

Pro Tip: Book a morning tour; the water is usually calmer and clearer, and there are fewer people around. Plus, dolphins are often more active early in the day.

6. Visit a Kona Coffee Farm

• Best For: Coffee aficionados, foodies, anyone who appreciates a good brew.
• Vibe: Aromatic, educational, deliciously caffeinated.
• Why it works: You get to learn about the entire coffee-making process, from bean to cup, and taste some of the world’s best coffee.

Take a tour of one of the many family-owned coffee farms dotting the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. You’ll see the coffee trees, learn about harvesting, and, of course, enjoy generous tastings.

It’s a fantastic way to support local businesses and bring home some truly exceptional souvenirs.

Pro Tip: Many farms offer free tours and samples, so you can hop between a few to find your favorite roast. Just be ready to buy a bag (or ten).

7. Explore Hilo’s Historic Downtown

• Best For: Shoppers, culture seekers, anyone looking for a charming small-town feel.
• Vibe: Quaint, artistic, a delightful step back in time.
• Why it works: Hilo offers a different side of the Big Island, with unique boutiques, art galleries, and local eateries.

Wander through the colorful storefronts, grab a bite at a local cafe, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss the Hilo Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisan crafts.

It’s a great place to pick up authentic Hawaiian gifts that aren’t mass-produced tourist trinkets.

Pro Tip: Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday for the full Farmers Market experience. You’ll find everything from exotic fruits to handmade jewelry.

8. Swim with Manta Rays at Night

• Best For: Thrill-seekers, marine enthusiasts, anyone looking for an unforgettable encounter.
• Vibe: Magical, awe-inspiring, a little bit spooky (in the best way).
• Why it works: It’s one of the few places globally where you can reliably swim alongside these gentle giants feeding on plankton.

Imagine floating in the dark ocean, holding onto a lighted board, as massive manta rays glide gracefully beneath you, performing an underwater ballet.

It’s an incredible, bucket-list-worthy experience that feels completely safe and utterly surreal.

Pro Tip: Choose a reputable tour operator who prioritizes the safety and well-being of the mantas. They’ll provide all the gear, including wetsuits, which you’ll definitely appreciate.

9. Visit the Waipio Valley Lookout

• Best For: Photographers, sightseers, those who appreciate dramatic coastal views.
• Vibe: Majestic, ancient, a glimpse into old Hawaii.
• Why it works: It offers panoramic views of one of Hawaii’s most sacred and beautiful valleys, often called the “Valley of Kings.”

From the lookout, you’ll see towering cliffs, a black sand beach, and lush taro fields stretching into the distance. The road down into the valley is incredibly steep and often restricted to 4x4s or guided tours.

Even if you just stick to the lookout, the views are absolutely breathtaking and worth the drive.

Pro Tip: Go on a clear day for the best visibility. Pack a good zoom lens if you’re into photography, as the valley floor is quite a distance away.

10. Indulge in a Traditional Hawaiian Luau

• Best For: Culture seekers, foodies, anyone ready for a party.
• Vibe: Festive, delicious, deeply cultural.
• Why it works: It’s an immersive experience with traditional food, music, and dance that tells the story of Hawaii.

Feast on an incredible buffet featuring kalua pig, fresh poke, and haupia, all while enjoying mesmerizing hula performances and fire knife dancing.

It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Hawaiian culture and create lasting memories with good food and even better company.

Pro Tip: Book your luau in advance, especially during peak season, as they often sell out quickly. Look for one that emphasizes authentic cultural storytelling.

Our Top Recommended Finds

• A reliable waterproof phone pouch: Because you’ll want to snap pics of those manta rays and black sand beaches without risking your tech.
• High-quality reef-safe sunscreen: Protect your skin and Hawaii’s precious coral reefs. Win-win.
• Comfortable, sturdy hiking sandals: Perfect for navigating lava fields, beach walks, and light trails without sacrificing style.

Which of these will you try first?

So, there you have it, ten epic ways to make your Big Island trip anything but basic. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or stargazing, Hawaii is ready to blow your mind.

Tell me, which adventure is calling your name the loudest?