Activities on the Big Island
The Big Island of Hawai'i, which is bigger than all of the other islands combined, still has the true authentic feel of old Hawai'i. Unlike the other more developed islands in the chain, the Big Island feels primordial and wild. This tropical sanctuary is for health-conscious travelers, adventure loving enthusiasts, romantic traveling, and of course, cultural studies of Hawai'i is a favorite. Activities like hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, zip-lining, diving, whale/dolphin excursions and snorkeling play a big part in local life, which is primarily lived outdoors in the warm but trade wind-cooled breezes. If you're looking for a low-key, outdoorsy holiday in Hawai'i, the Big Island is the tropical sanctuary you seek.Hawai'i Island Highlights
- Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: Home to Kilauea Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes.
- Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona): Lively, historic gathering place in the heart of Kona.
- Hilo: Home to botanical gardens, waterfalls and off-the-beaten-path local shops and restaurants.
- Waimea: Experience the cool uplands of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country.
- Holualoa: Visit coffee country and taste why 100% Kona coffee is so famous.
- Beaches: Some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the world, from white sand to black sand beaches.
- Golfing: Crafted by the biggest names in course design, the island of Hawai'i is known as the “Golf Capital of Hawai'i”.
- Farmers Markets: Visit one of the many farmers markets that take place all around the island.
- Restaurants: Taking full advantage of the island's cattle ranches, fresh seafood and hearty vegetables grown in the island’s rich, volcanic soil.
- Water Activities: With more miles of coastline than any other Hawaiian island, the island of Hawai'i is a haven for marine life.
- Land Activities: No shortage of adventure on Hawai'i — the island has over 4,028 square miles of land (and it’s still growing!).
- Air Adventures: View the sheer scope and striking environmental contrasts of the island of Hawai'i from above.
Unique Things to do on Hawai'i's Big Island
- Snorkel with the turtles at Kahalu'u Beach Park or see them up close on the Black Sand Beaches of Punalu'u.
- Shop for antiques in Honoka'a and Hilo.
- Catch Marlin off the Kona Coast.
- Explore the colorful variety of displays and interactive exhibits of the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i in Hilo.
- Night Dive with Manta Rays in Kona.
- Sail aboard a double hull Hawaiian canoe.
- Stargaze atop Mauna Kea.
- Visit one of the most popular attractiions in all of the islands - Volcanoes National Park.
- Explore Ancient Petroglyphs on the Kohala Coast near Puako.
- Discover paniolo heritage in Waimea.
- Visit a flower farm in Puna.
- Gain deeper understanding of the ocean at Hilo's Mokupapapa Discovery Center.
