Top 48 Things To Do on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi
With timing, seasonal, and planning recommendations
“Best of the big island” annual awards - Paid Activity Providers (By Category)
Voted annually by readers, locals, and followers via our magazine & social media. Be sure to follow us on social media to nominate and/or vote for the 2027 winners! Winner’s will have the opportunity to be featured on our website, social media channels and our magaize! Winner’s will receive recognition and an award to display for winning “Best Of the Big Island” in their respective category!
Important note (for transparency):
Winners from 2027 and beyond will be determined by public voting and experience-based feedback.
Inclusion does not require an existing partnership. You cannot nominate free activity providers as this obviously gives an unfair advantage. Each respective category will feature three nominated companies for final voting in Fall of 2026. For now, you can DM any nominations to us on Facebook or Instagram.
OCEAN & MARINE LIFE EXPERIENCES
Best Paid Activity Provider – Ocean Tours & Wildlife
Nominee / Winner Slot:
Hawaiʻi Island & Ocean Tours
Why they stand out:
Exceptional safety record, small-group focus, knowledgeable crew, and consistently high guest satisfaction across manta ray night snorkels, whale watching, and ocean tours.
Other common nominees (rotating yearly):
Body Glove Cruises
VOLCANOES, GEOLOGY & EARTH WONDERS
Best Paid Activity Provider – Volcano & Earth Experiences
Nominee / Winner Slot:
Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail
Why they stand out:
Deep geological knowledge, expert naturalist guides, and access to remote volcano terrain with strong conservation ethics.
Other common nominees:
Hawaiʻi GeoTours
Wasabi Tours
RAINFORESTS, WATERFALLS & BOTANICAL BEAUTY
Best Paid Activity Provider – Zipline / Nature Adventure
Nominee / Winner Slot:
Botanical World Adventures
Why they stand out:
Award-winning zipline operation with waterfalls, Segway Tours, botanical gardens, and consistent top national rankings.
Other common nominees:
Kohalo Zipline
Best Paid Activity Provider – Valley & Land Tours
Nominee / Winner Slot:
Waipiʻo Valley Shuttle
Why they stand out:
Safe, respectful access to a culturally significant valley with experienced local guides.
Other common nominees:
Kapohokine Adventures
Hawaii GeoTours
HAWAIIAN CULTURE & HISTORY
Best Paid Activity Provider – Cultural Experience
Nominee / Winner Slot:
Island Breeze Productions (Marriott King Kamehameha)
Why they stand out:
Authentic storytelling, high production value, and a strong educational focus on Hawaiian history and hula.
Other common nominees:
Legends of Hawaiʻi Luau (Hilton)
ADVENTURE & ADRENALINE
Best Paid Activity Provider – High-Adrenaline Adventure
Nominee / Winner Slot:
Aloha Adventure Farm
Why they stand out:
Rugged terrain access, well-maintained vehicles, and consistently fun, high-energy experiences.
Other common nominees:
Hawaii Jeep Tours
FARMS, FLAVORS & LOCAL LIFE
Best Paid Activity Provider – Farm & Food Tour
Nominee / Winner Slot:
Greenwell Farms
Why they stand out:
Historic Kona coffee estate offering educational, approachable, and high-quality tastings.
Other common nominees:
Honoliʻi Orchards
RELAXATION, PHOTOGRAPHY & UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Best Paid Activity Provider – Unique / Specialty Experience
Nominee / Winner Slot:
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Why they stand out:
Top-tier aircraft, experienced pilots, and unmatched aerial perspectives of volcanoes and waterfalls.
Other common nominees:
Paradise Helicopters
Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
OCEAN & MARINE LIFE EXPERIENCES
1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel (Kona Coast)
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: After sunset (varies by season)
Tips: Ocean conditions are usually calm on the Kona side. Wear a wetsuit (Available to rent). Great for beginner swimmers since you float holding a light board. Book early—this sells out fast.
2. Whale Watching Tour
Best time of year: December–March (peak Jan–Feb)
Best time of day: Morning (calmer seas)
Tips: Sit on the outer rails for spotting breaches. Hydrophones add value. Not available outside winter months.
3. Dolphin Watching / Snorkel Tour
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Dolphins are protected—ethical tours observe without chasing. Snorkeling often happens at separate reef locations.
4. Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Best time of year: April–October
Best time of day: Early morning
Tips: Kayaking later in the day can be windy. We recommend a tour company for safety reasons. Physical but very rewarding. Reef-safe sunscreen only.
5. Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Monument Hike & Snorkel
Best time of year: Spring–Fall
Best time of day: Early morning
Tips: Steep hike—bring water and good shoes. No facilities at the bottom. Snorkel when seas are calm only.
6. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning for swimming, sunset for views
Tips: Winter swells can increase shore break. One of the safest large beaches overall.
VOLCANOES, GEOLOGY & EARTH WONDERS
7. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning for hiking, evening for glow (when active)
Tips: Weather changes quickly. Bring layers. Check eruption status before visiting.
8. Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour
Best time of year: Year-round (clearest skies summer)
Best time of day: Late afternoon into night
Tips: High altitude—no children under 16. Dress very warm. Guided tours are strongly recommended.
9. Helicopter Tour (Volcanoes & Waterfalls)
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning (best visibility)
Tips: Doors-off flights offer better photos. Great for travelers short on time.
10. Guided Volcano Hiking Tour
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning or late afternoon
Tips: Closed-toe shoes required. Guides adapt routes based on volcanic conditions.
11. Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Early morning or evening
Tips: Short walk, easy access. Slippery when wet.
12. Steam Vents & Sulfur Banks
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Anytime
Tips: Strong sulfur smell—limit time if sensitive. Stay on boardwalks.
RAINFORESTS, WATERFALLS & BOTANICAL BEAUTY
13. ʻUmaʻuma Experience
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Wear athletic clothing. Rain enhances waterfalls but may pause ziplining briefly.
14. Ziplining Adventure (Island-Wide)
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Weight limits apply. Book ahead during holidays.
15. Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
16. Akaka Falls State Park
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Rain increases flow. Short paved loop trail.
17. Rainbow Falls (Hilo)
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Best rainbows early with sun angle.
18. Liliʻuokalani Gardens & Banyan Drive
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning or sunset
Tips: Flat, peaceful walk—great rest day activity.
HIKES, VALLEYS & SCENIC LOOKOUTS
19. Waipiʻo Valley Guided Tour
Best time of year: Spring–Fall
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Valley access restricted—guided tours recommended. Respect taro farms.
20. Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea) Guided Tour
Best time of year: Spring–Fall
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Long, hot walk otherwise. No driving private vehicles to beach.
21. Pololū Valley Lookout & Trail
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Steep trail. Muddy after rain.
22. Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Fog can roll in quickly—go early.
23. Southernmost Point of the United States
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Midday
Tips: Rugged lava shoreline. No official facilities.
24. Hōlei Sea Arch & Chain of Craters Road
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Late afternoon
Tips: Combine with Volcanoes NP visit. Strong winds common.
HAWAIIAN CULTURE & HISTORY
25. Traditional Hawaiian Luau
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Evening
Tips: Arrive early for seating and cultural demonstrations.
26. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning or sunset
Tips: Very hot midday. Excellent turtle sightings near shore.
27. Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Bring sun protection. Informational visitor center onsite.
28. Huliheʻe Palace
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Midday
Tips: Guided tours add context. Closed some holidays.
29. Ahuʻena Heiau
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Sunset
Tips: Combine with Aliʻi Drive walk.
30. Pacific Tsunami Museum
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Midday
Tips: Great educational stop on rainy days.
ADVENTURE & ADRENALINE
31. ATV / UTV Off-Road Tour
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Expect mud. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
32. Horseback Riding (Waimea / Upcountry)
Best time of year: Spring–Fall
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Cooler temperatures upcountry.
33. Surf Lesson
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Kona side best in summer, north shores better in winter.
34. Bodyboarding at Magic Sands
Best time of year: Summer
Best time of day: Midday
Tips: Shore break can be powerful—check conditions.
35. Scenic Saddle Road Drive
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Watch fuel levels. Weather changes rapidly.
36. Kua Bay (Maniniʻōwāli)
Best time of year: Spring–Fall
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Limited parking. Strong shore break in winter.
🌱 FARMS, FLAVORS & LOCAL LIFE
37. Kona Coffee Farm Tour
Best time of year: Aug–Feb (harvest)
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Tastings often included.
38. Chocolate / Cacao Farm Tour
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Family-friendly and educational.
39. Macadamia Nut Farm Tour
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Short, casual stop—great add-on.
40. Parker Ranch Tour
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Cooler climate. Museum visit recommended.
41. Hilo Farmers Market
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Best selection Wed & Sat.
42. Holualoa Art & Coffee Town
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Afternoon
Tips: Combine with coffee tasting.
RELAXATION, PHOTOGRAPHY & CONNECTION
43. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Do not touch turtles. Hot sand midday.
44. Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Lava rock trail—wear sturdy shoes.
45. Sunset Along Aliʻi Drive
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Sunset
Tips: Great dining and photo opportunities.
46. Hot Ponds / Geothermal Pools (Puna)
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Evening
Tips: Check access conditions—volcanic activity can affect sites.
47. Volunteer Beach Cleanup / Conservation Activity
Best time of year: Year-round
Best time of day: Morning
Tips: Bring sun protection and water.
48. Intentional “Slow Day”
Best time of year: Always
Best time of day: Sunrise & sunset
Tips: Some of the best island moments happen when nothing is scheduled.
