Top 50 Things to Do on the Big Island
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Witness active volcanism (Kīlauea & Mauna Loa), steam vents, volcanic craters, lava tubes, and dramatic landscapes. Great for hiking (Crater Rim Drive, Kīlauea Iki Trail), viewing volcanic features like Halemaʻumaʻu crater, etc.Akaka Falls State Park
A lush rainforest setting with an easy loop trail to 420+ ft Akaka Falls, plus views of Kahuna Falls and smaller cascades—rich foliage, ferns, orchids.Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing
Drive up (or take a guided tour) to Mauna Kea’s summit for sunset, then descend a bit and stargaze in some of the clearest skies on earth. The mountain provides multiple climate zones in one trip.Night Snorkeling / Diving with Giant Manta Rays (Kona Coast)
A magical experience: underwater lights attract plankton, mantas flutter down to feed—you float among them. Very safe and mesmerizing.Punaluʻu (Punaluu) Black Sand Beach
Black volcanic sand, sea turtles (often basking), plus dramatic scenery. Swimming can be tricky but the views are unbeatable.Pololū Valley Lookout & Trail
A dramatic northern valley with cliffs and a black sand beach. The lookout gives sweeping views; the trail down gives more immersive experience.Waipiʻo (Waipio) Valley Overlook / Explore Waipiʻo Valley
View from the rim (overlook) or hike/drive/tour down into the valley. Features waterfalls like Hiʻilawe Falls, lush valley floor, taro lands, steep cliffs.Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
One of the best white-sand beaches on the Kona side. Great for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, relaxing in turquoise water.Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
Snorkel here, visit Captain Cook Monument (by kayak or boat), and enjoy beautiful marine life and coral reefs. Historical & natural significance.Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
A sacred “place of refuge” in old Hawaiʻi. Heiaus, preserved structures, cultural sites, and beautiful coastal views often with turtle sightings.Hilo Farmers Market
Fresh produce, crafts, local food vendors, lots of local flavor. Great for exploring Hilo’s community vibes.Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Walk through rainforest boardwalks, see thousands of tropical plants, multi-tiered waterfalls, Onomea Bay views.Rainbow Falls (Wailuku River State Park, Hilo)
Easily accessible waterfall, often with rainbows in the mist.Helicopter Tour of Island / Volcano / Waterfalls
From the air you get grand views of volcanoes, coastlines, waterfalls, lush valleys—not possible from roads.Relax at secluded beaches (e.g. Makalawena Beach)
Trails/boat access + pristine sand = peaceful hideaways away from crowds.Visit the Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea Beach)
One of only a few in the world. The walk to it is scenic; the sand’s green hue from olivine crystals is unique.Steam Vents & Sulfur Banks
In the volcanic areas, you can get close to geothermal activity: see steam rising, smell sulfur, see altered landscapes.Lava Tubes (e.g. Thurston Lava Tube, Nahuku, Kazumura Cave tour)
Walk or hike through tunnels formed by lava flow. Kazumura is the longest + deepest lava tube in the world.Lava Fields & Coastal Lava Creations (Hōlei Sea Arch etc.)
Along Chain of Craters Road and the lava flow regions you’ll see sea arches, fresh lava fields, coast where lava meets the ocean.Puʻukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Historic temple built by King Kamehameha I; significant in Hawaiian unification history. Great for culture + scenery.Parker Ranch (Waimea area)
One of the largest ranches in the U.S., with history, art, landscapes. Visiting the house, museum, seeing cattle country.Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
Beautiful gardens, many orchid varieties, peaceful walks. Good for plant lovers or relaxing time.Attend a Luau
Experience food, hula, music, traditional ceremonies—deep dive into Hawaiian culture.Horseback Riding Through Countryside / Forest
Especially in places like Waimea or upcountry; scenic, relaxing way to see parts of the island.Ziplining Adventures
Over forests, valleys, waterfalls — fun adrenaline + scenery.Whale Watching (in season Nov–Apr)
Look for humpback whales migrating through Hawaiian waters. Great from boats or lookouts.Dolphin Tours
Safely cruise and sometimes snorkel in areas with dolphins—exciting marine life encounters.Surfing / Surf Lessons
Some beaches on Kona & Hilo are beginner-friendly; otherwise enjoy watching.Farm Tours (Coffee, Chocolate, Macadamia Nut, etc.)
Kona coffee farms; chocolate/cacao, vanilla, and macadamia nut operations. Learn production + sample.Hot Ponds / Natural Hot Springs (Puna District etc.)
Soaking in naturally heated pools near the coast—relaxing and scenic.Cultural & Historical Museums (e.g. Pacific Tsunami Museum, Huliheʻe Palace, etc.)
Dive into the history of Hawaiʻi: tsunamis, royalty, ancient Hawaiʻian traditions.Shopping & Strolling in Kailua-Kona Town
Aliʻi Drive, local shops, cafes, art galleries; plus oceanfront walks. Historic churches & heiaus are along the main roads.Taste Local Treats (e.g. Big Island Candies, shave ice, malasadas, etc.)
Sampling sweets & local food is part of the Big Island magic.Scenic Drives
Drive the Hamakua Coast, Kohala Coast, Saddle Road – experience waterfalls, cliffs, rainforest, coastal views.Explore Botanical Gardens / Plantations
Beyond Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: smaller gardens, orchid farms, cacao plantations — nature + education.Hiking Across Diverse Terrain
Many trails: easy rainforest loops, crater hikes, coastal paths, valley descents. Examples include Kaūmana Trail, Kīlauea Iki, etc.Camping
In Volcanoes NP, in rainforests, along coast. Waking up in wildlife and nature.ATV or Off-Road Tours
For exploring rougher terrains, remote valleys, pastures — adds adventure.Visit Southernmost Point of the U.S.
Near Kaʻū, exploring that remoteness and rugged coastline.Spot Native Wildlife (Nēnē, Sea Turtles, Monk Seals, etc.)
Being respectful and quiet, you can see Hawaiʻi’s state bird, marine turtles, sometimes monk seals.Walk Banyan Drive and Liliʻuokalani Gardens (Hilo)
Scenic coastal walk, tranquil setting, lush gardens, Japanese-style features.Visit Holualoa Town
Art galleries, coffee farms, charming small-town vibe. Great stop near Kona.See the Ahuʻena Heiau & Huliheʻe Palace (Kailua-Kona)
Historic sites, royal history, architectural beauty along Aliʻi Drive.Bodyboard / Boogie-board at Magic Sands Beach
When the surf is right, fun waves; when it’s calmer, relaxing on the sand.Swim at Manini‘ōwāli (Kua Bay / White Plains)
Beautiful white sand, crystal water for swimming and snorkeling.Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District & Malama Trail
Ancient Hawaiian rock carvings, walking trails with coastal views.Umauma Experience
Includes botanical gardens, waterfalls, zip line or rope swing options in a lush valley setting.Golfing with Views
There are several scenic golf courses on the island, combining sport with lush/volcanic/coastal landscapes.Volunteer or Give Back Activities
Whether beach cleanups, local community work, helping preserve ecosystems – meaningful way to connect.Relax & Unwind
Sometimes the best plan is no plan: enjoy sunrise/sunset from your balcony, slow mornings, local music, casual meals. The island supports both adventure and peaceful time. (Though less “touristy,” it’s essential.) — implicit in many sources.