This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, without charge to you, in case you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
They name it Hawai‘i Island, however you might need heard of it referred to easily as The Large Island – not simply because it’s the biggest in measurement, however as a result of it packs in BIG wow moments that you just gained’t discover anyplace else on this planet. On the Large Island, lava bleeds into jungles, oceans sparkle towards black sand, and the aloha spirit lives on in its pleasant residents.
Whether or not you need to snorkel with manta rays or hike by otherworldly lava fields or attain the summit of Mauna Kea at Golden Hour, there are such a lot of issues to do on the Large Island in Hawaii, you’ll need to keep ceaselessly to discover all of them.
Though the Large Island is understood for having the tallest mountain in Hawaii, boiling pots and lava flows, humpback whales breaching off the shore and dramatic landscapes, a lot of the Large Island’s true magic lies in its quiet moments: a roadside fruit stand promoting recent pineapples, a hula dance to the rhythm of the waves, and the light sounds of tropical birds singing within the day. Sounds idyllic, proper?
If you wish to expertise the true magic of the Large Island, then don’t miss these sights and actions…
Video Spotlight: Issues to do on the Large Island of Hawaii
When you’re quick on time, click on play to look at movies of our adventures on the Large Island of Hawaii!
1. Admire the majestic Misty Akaka Falls
The Akaka Falls plunges 442 toes right into a stream-eroded gorge and is probably one of the gorge-ous waterfalls in Hawaii, if not the USA. It’s definitely probably the most well-known waterfall on the Large Island and is continuously visited by vacationers.
It’s situated within the Akaka Falls State Park, which is a superb space to go climbing. The paths listed below are fairly straightforward and it solely took us half-hour to get to the falls.
Additionally within the park is the 100-foot Kahuna Falls which you’ll be able to see on a looped stroll. It was closed for us once we visited, however in case you get the prospect to see it then it’s stated to be stunning.
Parking could be a nightmare. You may park up the street, as we did, and nab a less expensive worth than the official automobile park!
HOT TIP: Plan your go to for the morning. We went within the afternoon, and the solar was within the worst place behind the falls. It made it arduous to see something not to mention get an excellent photograph.
2. Go to the beautiful Rainbow Falls
Simply outdoors Hilo City Heart is Rainbow Falls. It’s smaller than Akaka Falls, however no much less fairly. There’s additionally a brief path from the car parking zone that takes you to a viewpoint over the waterfalls summit.
Then from the lookout level, you will note some steps into an beautiful rainforest that takes you to the underside of the waterfall and the river. The steps are fairly slippery so watch out in your descent. While you’re on the backside, you may be fortunate sufficient to see how the waterfall acquired its title.
Warning: it’s not suggested to go swimming anyplace on the island of Hawaii that’s not the seashore. That is due to unseen lava tubes, which may very well be anyplace on the island. Sadly, lives have been misplaced due to this.
3. Dine at The Booch Bar, Hilo
Once we requested our social media neighborhood for recommendation on issues to do on the Large Island, we have been flooded with locations to eat and drink. One title that was beneficial a number of occasions was The Acutely aware Tradition Cafe in downtown Hilo, which is now generally known as The Booch Bar.
It had every thing I cherished, from ginger and turmeric kombucha, wholesome smoothies with bee pollen, and natural, vegetarian meals. The vibe was additionally nice. We heard music from the 60’s Vietnam period, reminiscent of White Shades of Gray to When you’re going to San Francisco.
The employees have been so useful and gave us strategies on locations to go to.
4. Go to Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park
In fact, no journey to the Large Island can be full with out visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park.
Visiting Volcano Nationwide Park was my favourite homeschooling lesson for our daughters. Principally as a result of I didn’t should do something! I let Mom Nature take over and train the ladies about land formation, development, and ecosystems.
There usually are not many locations on this planet the place you will get shut (however not too shut) to an lively volcano.
Some methods to see the park are to take an 8-mile return hike to see the lively lava move, or you’ll be able to take a ship tour. Once we visited, visibility on the time wasn’t good, so it truly is a stroke of luck whether or not you see them or not.
We have been additionally warned that it’s not a good suggestion to hike or take a ship to the lava flows with younger youngsters. This was due to the excessive sulfur content material, which may injury their creating lungs. For us, not well worth the danger.
We drove alongside Crater Rim Drive, stopping off in locations to see craters, big fields of lava rock, and observing their textures and form. The women have been fascinated by the rock, particularly Savannah who began writing a narrative about volcanoes and lava from what she realized.
We additionally visited the Jaggar Museum & Overlook and realized extra about earthquakes and the formation of volcanoes, in addition to to see the effervescent lava within the crater. We additionally realized in regards to the folklore and legends in regards to the Island of Hawai’i.
It’s stated that Pele, the Hawaiian Hearth Goddess and creator of the Hawaiian Islands, lives contained in the Halema’um’a Crater on the summit of Kilauea. The locals consider she is the one who sends lava from the volcano, which grows the island chain.
You may see a few of Pele’s work spurting up through the day, however it’s greatest to return again at night time when the volcano is actually on hearth.
The most effective methods to see the Volcanoes Nationwide Park is to take one of many helicopter excursions, which flies over the craters. It’s the easiest way to see the lava exercise from a protected distance.
5. Witness the lava in Kilauea at night time
Some of the unimaginable issues I’ve ever witnessed was the lava spewing out of Kilauea at night time. It was wonderful to see it transferring round and see the lava lake within the crater. We have been fortunate that it was a bubbly day once we visited, and we noticed lava bubbles refill and spew over.
When you look fastidiously, you may even discover strands of Pele’s hair, which are literally glistening golden threads of fragile volcanic fiberglass. These are fashioned when lava is thrown into the air and small droplets get caught by the wind and cools into skinny strands.
6. Discover the Thurston Lava Tube: A Lava Cave
Simply outdoors the Volcanoes Nationwide Park, South of Crate Rim Drive is the Thurston Lava Tube. It is a community of underground lava caves, generally known as Nāhuku, or Thurston Lava Tube.
The cave is claimed to be greater than 500-years-old and was fashioned by rivers of lava which steadily lower by the rock and constructed a stable wall and ceiling. The caves fluctuate in measurement and size and there are a number of that you would be able to go to, however Nāhuku is probably the most simply accessible.
The cave is 600 foot lengthy and 20 toes excessive in locations. It’s the proper instance of how the liquid lava and all its molten power can create this fascinating and distinctive rock construction. It’s not one for the claustrophobic, however in case you can abdomen caves, it’s fairly cool.
7. See the Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles at Punalu’u, Black Sand Seaside
One other advice from our neighborhood was to go to the Punalu’u Black Sand Seaside. Not solely is the Black Sand Seaside fascinating to have a look at, however it’s additionally the place you’ll be able to see the Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles who nest right here.
We have been fortunate to see one mendacity within the sand on the water’s edge once we visited.
This offered one other nice homeschooling alternative. We had classes on how volcanoes form the land and talked about how the jet-black sand was fashioned.
It was fashioned by molten lava from Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, which flowed into the water, cooled, after which washed ashore in little fragments.
Scorching tip: When visiting the ocean turtles, please bear in mind to respect the turtle’s house. They get distressed when people get too shut, and also you’ll see loads of indicators reminding you to maintain your distance. It’s unhappy to see folks nonetheless proceed to stay their cameras inches from their face. Get a digicam with a zoom lens – that’s what we used to get this photograph while nonetheless retaining a respectful distance away.
8. Hike to Papakolea Seaside, Inexperienced Sand Seaside
Inexperienced Seaside, in any other case generally known as Papakolea Seaside, is taken into account among the finest seashores in Hawaii. No, it’s not just like the white sand seashores of Hapuna Seaside or these alongside the Hamakua Coast and Kohala coast, however it’s no much less stunning.
The seashore is beautiful and is accessible by a picturesque 2.5 mile hike (a technique) and takes 2-3 hours relying on how briskly you might be. The seashore can also be very distant so it’s attainable you can have it to your self.
We’d say {that a} go to to Papakolea Seaside is a full-day journey due to this hike, so plan forward. Pack loads of water as it might probably get deceivingly sizzling when climbing in Hawaii.
9. Snorkel at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park
Though we couldn’t pronounce Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park, even after the park ranger gave us a lesson on it, we nonetheless assume it’s among the finest locations we visited on the Large Island.
Puuhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park is a 180-acre historic park that the previous royal grounds and a spot of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers. It’s stated that if a lawbreaker was in a position to make it right here, they have been absolved of their sins. As such, the Pu’uhonua is taken into account a sacred web site due to the air of forgiveness and peace it tasks.
The placement is gorgeous, overlooking Honaunau Bay. That is the place the Kings as soon as resided so that you could be positive it’s one of the beautiful elements of the island. We visited the Hale o Keawe temple the place the bones of the chiefs are laid to relaxation.
It’s additionally thought-about the second greatest snorkeling spot on the Large Island. So pack your snorkel and fins if you go to!
You must pay on your car to enter, however in case you mix your ticket with the park’s cross from the Volcanoes Nationwide Park then it’s primarily free.
PRO TIP: When you’re touring through the winter months of December – February, you’re in luck, as a result of it’s humpack whale season! Whereas there are a lot of whale watch excursions that take you out to see the whales, you’ll be able to see them from the shore if in case you have some endurance. The perfect spots to see the whales are on the North aspect of the Large Island or in Hilo, however our private favourite place to see them is the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park. In fact, as with all wildlife, seeing them within the wild actually comes right down to luck. However whilst you’re within the park, keep watch over the ocean to see if these allusive mammals make an look.
10. Swim with manta rays on a ship tour
Bear in mind these wow moments I discussed earlier? That is positively the most important wow you’ll have in your journey to Large Island. I wasn’t positive I wished my five-year-old to do it, however she did it, and I used to be so happy with her.
We set off on a conventional Hawaiian 40-foot double-hulled Hawaiian crusing canoe with Eka Canoes because the solar was setting. The perfect time to see the manta rays is in the dead of night, as a result of the sunshine from the boat attracts plankton which the manta rays eat.
The rays are like light butterflies of the ocean, and it was wonderful to get near them with out feeling intrusive. It was positively among the finest wildlife encounters I’ve had.
It’s troublesome to get nice photographs on account of it being nighttime and the illuminated lights, however the reminiscences might be lodged in our brains ceaselessly.
11. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
How does sliding down a slide into a beautiful marine bay full of colourful fish and coral sound? Snorkeling and swimming within the ocean is a should if you go to the Large Island, and Kealakekua Bay is the proper place to just do that. It’s an underwater marine sanctuary only a quick drive south on the Kona Coast.
It’s well-known for its pristine magnificence, in addition to for being the place the place Captain Prepare dinner misplaced his life. Being Australians, we’ve a deep historic connection to Captain Prepare dinner, and have been in awe of seeing the place the place he was murdered.
When you’re touring with children, the boat excursions supply flotation units for unconfident swimmers and babies.
The perfect place for snorkeling is the realm close to the Captain Prepare dinner monument. Because it’s unlawful to land a vessel alongside the shore close to the monument, that is the easiest way to see it.
12. Take a look at Kona City
Kona City is just actually one avenue and it runs alongside the water’s edge, however it nonetheless has lots to see and do. We noticed loads of cafes and eating places and some boutique purchasing locations.
It’s a historic city and was as soon as a spot to retreat to for Hawaiian royalty, so plenty of the historical past is mirrored within the Hulihee Palace and the Mokuaikaua Church.
When you’re visiting in October, you’ll be able to catch the well-known Ironman World Championship right here!
Kona can also be an excellent place for rise up paddle boarding. You may rent a SUP from Kona Boys and revel in your trip on the waves. You may additionally be greeted by some dolphins.
13. Watch the sundown at Huggo’s Bar
Huggo’s on the Rocks was one other advice to us by our neighborhood, and is certainly the perfect place to go for sundown views. It additionally serves meals right here, and you may dine al fresco model of their out of doors seating space. Or you’ll be able to simply cling hear and drink some cocktails and watch the sundown.
14. Stroll the Lava Tree State Monument
If you wish to take a brief, straightforward hike, there’s a shocking 0.7 mile loop path within the Lava Tree State Monument. The park is understood for its lava bushes, that are uncommon volcanic phenomena attributable to lava move that swept by the forest. The result’s these distinctive lava molds of tree trunks.
They’re actually a bizarre, however great, sight to see. You may stroll the loop path or have a picnic at one of many picnic websites.
15. Go to the Hilo Farmers Market
You may’t go to Hawaii and never pattern among the native produce. All fruit and greens are grown on the island, and in downtown Hilo, the farmer’s market is the place you should purchase recent produce that’s organically grown.
Be sure that to move over to Plentiful Life Pure Meals simply throughout the road from the market to choose up some Kona Espresso. There are just a few locations in Hawaii that sells 100% pure Kona Espresso from the Kona Espresso Farm and that is considered one of them!
The Hilo Farmers Market was based in 1988, and began with simply 4 farmers who offered their produce from their parked vehicles and vehicles. Now the market has over 200 distributors promoting every thing from natural island fruit and greens to native tropical flowers. You may as well discover particular Large Island merchandise, handmade crafts and items with that Aloha spirit.
It’s definitely the perfect place to choose up souvenirs earlier than heading dwelling. It’s thought-about among the finest open markets on the Large Island.
16. Swim with the rays from Muana Kea Seaside Resort
When you don’t need to get a ship tour to swim with the rays, then there’s additionally an opportunity to swim with them from the shore. There are few locations the place the rays come near the seashore, however one such place is from the Kaunaʻoa Seaside, which could be straight accessed by Mauna Kea Seaside Resort.
At night time, the resort activates floodlights into the water which attracts plankton, and by extension, manta rays. You do want to remain on the resort for this entry, however the public can entry the seashore by a 0.9 mile hike.
High tip: Apparently, parking is just not so good on this space, so permit time to discover a house.
17. Calm down in Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens are situated on the historic Onomea Bay outdoors of Hilo. Onomea Bay was one of many Large Island’s first pure touchdown areas and have become a port within the 1800s. The ships purchased in supplies and exported uncooked sugar from the Onomea Sugar Mill that after stood on the positioning of the botanical backyard.
The merchants additionally got here with vegetation. A number of the vegetation from this historical past nonetheless stay within the backyard, reminiscent of palm bushes, wild bananas, mango, coconut, guava, and monkey bushes.
When the Onomea Sugar Mill closed, the realm was overgrown with wild, invasive bushes, till it was purchased greater than 40 years in the past and was this Botanical Backyard.
The backyard goals to revive and preserve the fantastic thing about this historic land. It’s a soothing factor to do in Large Island earlier than flying dwelling from Hilo airport.
The place to remain on the Large Island
The Large Island lives as much as its title; it’s huge, numerous, and dramatically totally different from coast to coast. So the place you keep can utterly form your journey. We suggest you keep on the Kona Coast (West Aspect), which has a sun-drenched and easygoing vibe, and is the most well-liked base for guests. It places you near golden seashores, snorkeling spots, espresso farms, and fiery sunsets.
Hilo (East Aspect) is the island’s soulful, rain-kissed coronary heart and has a lush, native, and stuffed with character allure. Count on waterfalls, botanical gardens, and a walkable downtown with artwork galleries and farmers’ markets. It’s the perfect base for exploring Hawai‘i Volcanoes Nationwide Park or diving into the island’s inexperienced aspect. Lodging lean towards guesthouses, small inns, and eco-lodges moderately than resorts.
Now we have hand-selected a few high rated lodges in The Large Island, that are additionally locations we’ve stayed at ourselves throughout our journey to the Large Island.
Discover the map under to search out different lodges and trip leases on the Large Island of Hawaii.
Getting round
Being twice the scale of all the opposite islands mixed, getting across the Large Island isn’t nearly going from level A to level B — it’s in regards to the areas in between.
I extremely suggest you rent a automobile and drive your self, as you’ll be pulling over each 5 seconds to admire the lava fields that appear like moonscapes, the rainbow valleys, and the ocean views that sneak up round each curve.
When you don’t drive, the Hele-On Bus serves most main cities, working between Hilo, Kona, and Waimea, with restricted routes to Volcano and South Kohala. However the bus takes plenty of time, so that you’ll be higher off reserving excursions in case you solely have a short while on the island.
Closing ideas
Whereas every of the Hawaiian islands provides one thing totally different and distinctive, for me, the Large Island is all about journey. It’s identified for its wild, untamed nature, among the world’s most lively volcanoes, and thriving marine life, and that’s precisely what we found.
We found so many issues to do on the Large Island of Hawaii, we have been unable to do all of it, however we’ll positively be heading again at some point to discover extra of its pure magnificence and go to extra of the Hilo aspect of the island.
When you’re undecided what to do on the Large Island of Hawaii, then we hope you do now!
Extra Tips about Journey to Hawaii
Are you planning to go to different islands in Hawaii? Then it’s best to take a look at these different sources:
What are you most excited to do on the Large Island of Hawaii? Tell us within the feedback.
