An Ultimate Travel Guide to the Big Island of Hawaii [2026]

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and one of the best places in Hawaii to learn about active volcanic landscapes. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park includes Kīlauea, but eruption visibility changes over time, so check the National Park Service and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory updates before you go. You can also read our guides to Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.

Hawaii’s Big Island offers volcanic terrain, tropical rainforests, black-sand beaches, coral reefs, coffee farms, and high-elevation stargazing areas. It is one of the most varied islands in Hawaii.

On Hawaii’s Big Island, you can walk, ride, snorkel, and take helicopter rides to see a variety of natural sights, and enjoy a variety of activities, such as snorkeling, surfing, and zip lining, or take a slow walk through the city to experience authentic Hawaiian local culture and food at a variety of farms and farmer’s markets.

If you are planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, you can prepare your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii in terms of traveling, eating, and playing.

What to see on Hawaii’s Big Island What to do?

The Big Island of Hawaii as a whole can be divided into two regions, East and West, with different climates and attractions spread out on each side.

  • East side: Volcanoes and tropical rainforests are the main scenic spots, generally for sightseeing.
  • West side: The coast is the main scenic spot, generally featuring a variety of amusement programs.
夏威夷大岛位置

What to see on the Big Island of Hawaii

  • Hawaii Volcanoes: Dominated by the Hawaii Volcanoes Park, you can view a variety of volcanic geologic scenery including craters, flowing lava, geothermal steam, and underground lava tubes.
  • Visit a rainforest: There are many large and small rainforests scattered throughout the Big Island of Hawaii, especially in the Hilo area on the west side of the island. You can walk through the rainforest and see a variety of rainforest sights and animals, including Rainbow Falls and the endangered Hawaiian state bird, Nene.
  • Stargazing: One of the world’s best spots on Hawaii’s Big Island, travelers can enjoy sunset views from the slopes of the island’s Maunakea mountain, above a sea of clouds, and then capture stunning nighttime views of the starry sky at midnight. Or drive up the rugged mountain road to the top of Mauna Kea, a volcano that has been dormant for 4,000 years, and observe the vastness of the universe through the specialized telescopes of the Mauna Kea Observatory. For the more experienced you can drive yourself, or for the novice stargazer, join a local stargazing tour and follow the professionals up the mountain.
  • Night Dive for Devil Fish: This is a signature tour on Hawaii’s Big Island, where schools of devil fish reside around the island and locals know their habits well. At night, you can follow a local night dive team down into the sea to see the devil fish up close.
  • Attend the Luau Show: The hula is a Hawaiian icon, and the Luau Show is a must-see local specialty for every Hawaiian vacationer.
  • Visit a Farmer’s Market: The Hilo Farmer’s Market is one of the most popular of the many farmer’s markets dotting the coastal shores of Hawaii’s Big Island. At the farmers’ markets, people can buy fresh ingredients, sample freshly prepared food, or purchase local souvenirs.
  • Dolphin and Whale Watching: Many species of dolphins and whales live around the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s not uncommon to see pods of dolphins jumping out of the water in offshore areas, so you can snorkel along dolphin-frequented coasts such as the Kona and Kohala coasts and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see a dolphin swimming right next to you.

What to do on the Big Island of Hawaii?

  • Snorkeling: In Hawaii, many shallow waters with slow currents and good visibility are perfect for snorkeling, making it easy to enjoy the amazing experience of floating in the ocean and seeing marine life.
  • Diving: The crystal clear waters provide excellent conditions for diving. On the Big Island of Hawaii, many small stores sell or rent scuba diving equipment. With a certified scuba diving license, you can dive into the sea on a free trip or with a tour group and enjoy the unique experience of being surrounded by marine life.
  • Surfing: As the birthplace of surfing, Hawaii’s Big Island is home to a variety of oceanic areas that bring waves of varying sizes to surfers of all skill levels, whether they are novices or expert surfers.
  • Helicopter Experiences: On the Big Island of Hawaii, several heliports have been established offering a variety of helicopter flight experiences such as visiting lava rocks and volcanoes, enjoying sunsets from the air, visiting waterfalls and cliffs, or taking an aerial tour of the island, etc. You can book a helicopter experience based on the purpose of your trip on the Helicopter Reservations page.
  • Horseback Riding Experience: In addition to helicopter rides, on the Big Island of Hawaii, you have the option of taking a sightseeing tour by horseback, offering a wide and well-established range of excursions to make the most of the marvelous experience of traveling on horseback. You can view all the routes, schedules, and cost information provided on the official riding website and book according to your formation.
  • Zipline Experience: Scattered throughout the volcanoes and rainforests of Hawaii’s Big Island, thrill-seekers can choose between ziplines ranging in height from 30 feet to 200 feet to experience the thrill of a fast ride.

Best time to visit the Big Island of Hawaii?

Since the weather on Hawaii’s Big Island doesn’t change much throughout the seasons, it’s a great time of year to visit Hawaii’s Big Island.

Among them, June to the end of August falls in the summer vacation, so all the charges, the price will be higher, and at the same time, the attractions will be more crowded.

If you are in a position to do so, you can choose to come in the two time periods from September to May of the following year, and you can enjoy a lower-priced leisure Hawaii travel experience.

Temperature of the Big Island of Hawaii

What are the airports on the Big Island of Hawaii?

There are two main airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, located on the east and west sides of the island.

  • West side: Kailua-Kona Airport, airport code KOA
  • East side: Hilo Airport, airport code ITO

Of these, KOA Airport on the west side has the most airplanes.

Several airports are offering direct flights to Hawaii’s Big Island from the west coast of the United States and other small islands in the Hawaii area, below are the airports that offer direct flights to Hawaii’s Big Island and the flight times required.

Airports of the Big Island of Hawaii

Direct flights to Kailua-Kona Airport (KOA):

Direct Flight City
(Airport code)
flight timeairline company

Maui, Hawaii

(OGG)

35 minutes.


Honolulu, Hawaii

(HNL)


Los Angeles, CA

(LAX)

45 minutes

Hawaiian

Southwest

Los Angeles, CA (LAX)

5 hours and 55 minutes

American

Hawaiian

United

Delta


San Francisco, CA

(SFO)

5 hours and 35 minutes

United


San Diego, CA


(SAN)

6 hours and 8 minutes.

Alaska


San Jose, CA

(SJC)

5 hours and 32 minutes

Alaska

Southwest


Denver, CO

(DEN)

9 hours and 19 minutes.

United

Seattle, WA

(SEA)

6 hours and 10 minutes.

Alaska

Delta

Denver, CO (DEN)

7 hours and 43 minutes

United

Oakland

(OAK)

5 hours and 30 minutes

Southwest

Phoenix, Arizona

(PHX)

6 hours and 31 minutes

American

Direct flights to Hilo Airport (ITO):

Direct Flight City
(airport code)
flight timeairline company


Los Angeles, CA

(LAX)

1 hour

Hawaiian

Southwest

Los Angeles, CA (LAX)

5 hours 46 minutes

United

Maui, Hawaii

(OGG)

59 minutes

Southern Airways Express

What are the traffic and road conditions on the Big Island of Hawaii?

The easiest way to get around the Big Island of Hawaii is by car, and you can rent a car at two major airports.

While driving on the Big Island of Hawaii, you will encounter many rough mountain roads, and even the highways can be undulating due to the terrain, so it is recommended to rent a 4WD off-road model vehicle for a better ride.

For public transportation, the bus system on Hawaii Island is called the “Hele-on bus”, with stops around the island, and the fare is very cheap, $2 for a single ride, with an additional $2 for large luggage.

However, the disadvantage is the low frequency of buses. If you miss a bus, you will have to wait for a long time for the next bus, which will take more travel time.

If you need a ride you can achieve this by checking the official Hele-on Bus website to get a map of stops and a schedule. Alternatively, you can download the moovit program and search for Hele-on in it to get bus information.

Another more common form of transportation is to use Lyft or Uber, which is now operating on a more mature scale on the Big Island of Hawaii, where riders can easily call for a shared vehicle. The downside is that they are more expensive.

Where is the best place to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Near the KOA airport on the west side: better suited for beach fun, while restaurants and other amenities are plentiful, with the most popular being Waikoloa Village Resort, which, as the most established resort on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a wide range of complementary and exclusive recreational activities.

The east side near ITO airport: better for sightseeing, volcanoes, and rainforests are located on the east side.

夏威夷大岛住宿区

Recommendations for hotels or B&Bs in the west side area:

#1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 43 reviews |9.0 rating/10

#2. Fairmont Orchid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 128 reviews |8.6 rating/10

#3. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 70 reviews |8.5/10

#4. Paniolo Greens Resort ⭐⭐⭐ 541条评价 |8.9分/10

#5. Ka’awa Loa Plantation (民宿) ⭐⭐⭐39条评价 |9.9分/10

#6. Hale-Hoola B & B (民宿) ⭐⭐⭐ 224条评价 |9.3分/10

Recommendations for hotels or B&Bs in the east side area:

#7. SCP Hilo Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 568 reviews | 8.3/10

#8. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 179 reviews | 8.9/10

#9. Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast民宿 ⭐⭐⭐ 126条评价 |9.3分/10

What are some good restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Most of the good restaurants on Hawaii’s Big Island are located on the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island, near the KOA airport:

夏威夷大岛餐馆

Here are a few of the more highly-rated restaurants:

  • Big Island Grill: Map
  • ULU Ocean Grill: Map
  • Merriman’s Big Island: Map
  • Huggo’s: Map
  • Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering: map
  • Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill: map
  • Brown’s Beach House Restaurant: Map
  • Da Poke Shack: Map
  • Quinn’s Almost by the Sea: Map
  • Foster’s Kitchen: Map

Hawaii’s Big Island has a wide range of must-try cuisines, including delicacies made with fresh fish, pork, and vegetables, shaved ice with fruit, and a variety of traditional classic desserts. You can sample them all at large restaurants and roadside snack bars.

Hawaiian Plate

This is one of the most common home-cooked dishes in Hawaii and usually consists of a scoop of rice followed by some pork, chicken, beef, and salmon together with boiled and mashed taro (kalo) and other vegetables. There are no strict types or proportions of accompaniments for a Hawaiian plate, just keep to the basic ingredients. You can buy ready-made dishes or DIY a Hawaiian plate to your liking.

Poke

This is a Hawaiian classic that has spread around the world. Using fresh diced raw fish and seaweed salad as the main ingredients, or sometimes lime juice marinated fish instead of diced raw fish, and then sprinkled with Hawaiian salt, a seasoning mix of roasted and crushed nuts and salt, Poke is not only a dish for the Hawaiians, but also represents their attitude towards life, simply enjoying the gifts of nature.

vegetable salad in white ceramic bowl 1

Kona Coffee

This coffee is roasted and ground using coffee beans grown in the Kona region on the Big Island of Hawaii, and is brewed with a distinctive Hawaiian flavor.

Loco Moco

Also a classic Hawaiian dish, it’s essentially rice topped with eggs, and beef patties, and finished with a drizzle of brown gravy. In Hawaii, it’s usually a breakfast dish, though it’s appropriate to eat it anytime. Nowadays, some restaurants also change the recipe, such as adding sausage, ham, oysters, etc. to the toppings, or replacing the rice with something like macaroni, to cater to your tastes in different regions.

Luau Luau

A classic stew that uses mostly pork and fish, or brisket and fish, seasoned with Hawaiian salt and other seasonings, then wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. You’ll find other recipes on the Big Island as well, and it’s a dish that carnivores love.

Lomi Lomi Salmon

This is a cold dish, mainly supported by salted salmon, tomatoes, scallions, and onions, simple to prepare and lighter in flavor, perfect for serving in the summer, feeling refreshing and comforting.

Lomi Lomi Salmon

Butter Mochi

A ubiquitous Hawaiian dessert, it is a soft, sticky dessert with a texture like Chinese rice cakes.

Haupia Pie

A traditional Hawaiian dessert supported primarily with Hawaiian coconut milk. The bottom is a pie crust, topped with soft chocolate and then layered with whipped cream for a rich, long-lasting aftertaste. Locally, it is usually a dish eaten with Luau Luau.

Malasada

A Portuguese treat that is not native to Hawaii but is now an iconic Hawaiian dessert. The deep-fried doughnut is filled with whipped cream and the outer layer includes a generous amount of granulated sugar, and some restaurants may add a few more toppings like guava and chocolate to enrich the flavor. A must-try Hawaiian dessert for almost all of you.

Shave Ice

A shaved ice dessert soaked in syrup, the cold, soft shaved ice with sweet syrup is a must-try when in Hawaii.

Managua

This dish looks almost exactly like a Chinese bun, as it is indeed a dim sum that was introduced to Hawaii as a Chinese bun and modified by the locals, with an inner filling usually such as black pork or bean filling, which can be steamed or baked.

Saimin

A type of soup noodle, using local wheat and egg to support the noodles, with fragrant chicken broth and Hawaii’s unique seafood seasoning, the noodles will be covered with chicken, egg, pickled fish, and shredded seaweed, which looks similar to Chinese chicken noodle soup but has a strong Hawaiian flavor.

What equipment to bring?

Because you may experience a variety of temperatures and weather in Hawaii, such as sweltering heat in the rainforest, cold in the mountains, and refresh on the beach, you need to prepare several thicknesses of clothing, such as warm clothing, long-sleeved thin clothing, short-sleeved clothing, and bathing suits.

Visiting an active volcano is a must when visiting the Big Island, so having hiking shoes and a jersey is also a must, preferably an all-in-one, waterproof jersey so that it can be used in a variety of attractions.

Columbia Womens Redmond Shoe
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OTU Womens Waterproof Rain Jacket Lightweight Hooded Raincoat for Hiking Travel Outdoor
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CAMEL CROWN Womens Waterproof Ski Jacket 3 in 1 Windbreaker Winter Coat Fleece Inner for Rain Snow Outdoor Hiking
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Additionally, prepare sunscreen and mosquito protection.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body Face Sunscreen SPF 60 Oil Free Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin Sport Sunscreen Lotion Sun Protection and Sun Skin Care Oxybenzone Free
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Water Resistant and Non Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70
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OFF Botanicals Insect Repellent Plant Based Bug Spray Mosquito Repellent
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What are the can’t-miss attractions on Hawaii’s Big Island?

Generally on the Big Island of Hawaii, you can arrange for about 7 days of formation.

Day one:

  • Arrive at KONA airport, this airport has more flights.
  • Check into your hotel and make reservations for the evening Luau Show to experience the warmth of the people of Hawaii.

Day two:

  • Hāpuna Beach is accessible during the day for a relaxing beach vacation.
  • Visit Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park in the late afternoon.

Day Three:

  • Dolphin-watching trips can be booked out during the day.
  • Then take a water excursion such as surfing or scuba diving, or a zip line tour.

Day Four:

  • Head to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach to see if you will foresee marine animals such as hawksbill turtles or green sea turtles.
  • Take a short break during the day and book a night dive for manta rays in the evening.

Day Five:

  • Transfer to a hotel in the Hilo area.
  • Arrange sightseeing tours of Lava Tree State Monument, and Akaka Falls State Park.
  • In the evening you can visit Waipio Valley and Pololu Valley Lookout, from where you can enjoy the magnificent evening sea view.

Day Six:

  • Sightseeing in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park during the day and transfer to Mauna Kea Observatories in the afternoon, remember to fill up your car with gas before heading up the mountain.

Day 7

  • Go sightseeing at the Hilo Farmers Market and buy some souvenirs.
  • If you have time you can stop by Rainbow Falls and see the sights.
  • Hawaii Big Island tour ends with a return trip, or continue on to your next vacation destination.

Vacationing on the Big Island of Hawaii offers an abundance of things to see and do, and here are some of the highlights:

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Mauna Kea Observatories
  • Manta Ray Night Snorkel
  • Hilo Farmers Market
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Akaka Falls State Park
  • Lava Tree State Monument
  • Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
  • Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
  • Hāpuna Beach
  • Pololu Valley Lookout
  • Waipio Valley
  • Luau Show
  • Dolphin and Whale Watching
  • Snorkeling
  • Diving
  • Zipline
Points of Interest of the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 (10,169 reviews)

Google Mapss

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a landmark site on Hawaii’s Big Island, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also an International Biosphere Reserve.

Inside the park, you can see magma that has solidified and blackened after flowing out of the crater, as well as the white-hot air that keeps coming out of the crater, and in the evening, you can see the red glow of magma coming out of the crater.

Entry to the park requires a car trip and then a walk, so entry is billed by vehicle and a single ticket is valid for 7 days, so if you want to come back to see it within 7 days, you can enter for free. When climbing the volcano, you need to wear good hiking shoes and other sports equipment.

You can visit the park’s official website to check operating hours and ticket prices and packages, etc.

Mauna Kea Observatories

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 (1,068 reviews)

Google Mapss

Mauna Kea Observatories Observatory is located at the top of Mt. Mauna Kea, which is the highest elevation in the Hawaii area and has almost no light pollution, as well as low humidity, so it provides an excellent environment for stargazing.

It’s more of an astronomical area than an observatory, as there are 13 telescopes set up by different countries. You can visit the Visitor Information Station (VIS) at Mauna Kea Observatories to check the opening hours, as well as some things to keep in mind when entering Mauna Kea Observatories.

Night Dive for Manta Rays (Manta Ray Night Snorkel/Dive)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 (1,388 reviews)

Google Mapss

Off the Big Island of Hawaii resides a colony of manta rays (Mobula Alfredi), also known as reef manta rays, which are the second largest species of manta rays in the world, with a maximum wingspan of 5.5 meters!

Manta Ray Night Snorkel at the Big Island of Hawaii

Manta rays feed at night, filtering plankton from the water through their super-sized mouths, so dive into the water at night and enjoy watching manta rays swimming and feeding gracefully in the water.

Around the Big Island of Hawaii, there are several areas where it is easier to spot manta rays on a night dive, such as Manta Village south of Kona, Manta Heaven north of Kona, and the Kohala Coast off Waikoloa.

Kona on the west side of the Big Island is home to many companies that offer night dives for manta rays and have experience in knowing where to launch their boats for better encounters, such as the five-star rated Manta Ray Dive of Hawaii and Manta Adventures Inc.

Hilo Farmers Market

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 (4,234 reviews)

Google Mapss

The Hilo Farmers’ Market is one of the largest and most representative of the many farmers’ markets on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and freshly prepared dishes, as well as small local crafts and other specialties, making it one of the best places to visit to experience local life in Hawaii.

You can check out the Hilo Farmers Market’s official website for location, transportation, and hours of operation.

Rainbow Falls ( Rainbow Falls)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5 (851 reviews)

Google Mapss

Rainbow Falls is located in Wailuku River State Park, about a mile and a half from downtown Hilo.

The waterfall has a vertical drop distance of around 80 feet, and you can enjoy its magnificence with a free visit to the Rainbow Falls Overlook in Wailuku River State Park.

So, Rainbow Falls is a classic that can be viewed quickly and is suitable for scheduling a sight-seeing day trip.

Akaka Falls State Park

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 (5,146 reviews)

Google Mapss

Akaka Falls State Park is another great spot for sightseeing on the east side of Hawaii’s Big Island.

There are two waterfalls in the park, Kahuna Falls with a vertical drop distance of about 30 meters and Akaka Falls with a drop distance of about 134 meters, you can enjoy the spectacular view of these waterfalls, especially Akaka Falls, from the viewing platforms in the park.

Meanwhile, the park is paved with a circular trail suitable for hiking and sightseeing through the rainforest, so you can easily follow the trail to see a variety of tropical plants up close.

You can visit the park’s official website to check the park’s opening hours, entry ticket fees, and parking lot information.

Big Banyan Park ( Lava Tree State Monument)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5 (719 reviews)

Google Mapss

Big Banyan Park is located in the easternmost corner of the Big Island of Hawaii. The park’s most distinctive feature is the preserved lava model of the tree trunks that were formed after the 1790 eruption when lava flow solidified through the trees.

The park is free to enter, offers free parking outside, and provides amenities such as picnic tables and pergolas, as well as a loop trail where you can take your time viewing and then have a picnic and more.

You can visit the park’s official website to check transportation information, opening hours, etc.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach ( Punalu’u Black Sand Beach)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 (612 reviews)

Google Mapss

One of the very special attractions on Hawaii’s Big Island, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a black sand beach with black sand formed from basalt, formed when lava that flowed into the ocean solidified and washed up on land.

This side of the beach has a lot of large rocks in addition to coarse sand, and also the water is very murky, so it is not suitable for swimming in the water, but only for viewing.

However, at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, one can see large coconut trees and hawksbill turtles, and green sea turtles that are often seen sunbathing on the beach. It is important to note that these wild animals should be protected by keeping a distance from them and avoiding touching and feeding them.

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Par

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 (4,254 reviews)

Google Mapss

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, a U.S. National Historical Park, used to be an urban sanctuary, accepting Hawaiians, defeated warriors, non-combatants, etc., who had fled for violating ancient Hawaiian laws.

Established as a National Historical Park in 1955, the ruins of the refuge have been continuously rebuilt and are now almost completely restored to their most original form, making it one of the attractions you choose to visit if you want to learn more about part of Hawaii’s history.

Please visit the park’s official website to check opening hours, admission prices, and transportation information.

Hāpuna Beach

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (929 reviews)

Google Mapss

Located within Hapuna Beach State Park, Hāpuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii and one of the most popular white sand beach destinations in the world.

The soft sand, comfortable sea breeze, and gentler waves make it a favorite of people who like beach vacations, making it ideal for family travel. People can enjoy sunbathing, swim and surf in the sea or go snorkeling here. The scenic area also offers ample parking and restrooms, as well as showers, and picnic tables, so it’s pretty much the spot where you’ll come left and right to relax and unwind for the day.

Pololu Valley Lookout

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (1,446 reviews)

Google Mapss

Pololu Valley Lookout is one of the most fascinating spots on the northeast coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Visitors can enjoy the view of the black sandy beach formed by hardened black lava rock and horses grazing in green pastures, or climb to the top of the cliffs for a long view of the neighboring island’s hilltops in the offshore waters. It takes about 25 minutes to walk from the top of the cliff to the black sand beach, and it is a beautiful spot where you can easily browse and have a short stay.

Waipio Valley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (78 reviews)

Google Mapss

Waipio Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Kings,” is located on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island and is the childhood home of King Kamehameha I, Hawaii’s most important political and religious center.

The valley is about a mile wide and over five miles deep and is surrounded by cliffs with vertical heights of over 2,000 feet.

However, on February 25 of this year, the mayor of Hawaii issued an emergency order that the attraction was suspended for tourists and was only open to residents on a limited basis. So visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the Imperial Valley from a distance on the cliffside near the attraction.

Luau Show

As one of the most iconic cabaret shows in the Hawaii area, seeing the Luau Show becomes one of your bucket list items.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, almost all Luau Shows are held at hotels or resorts and are generally around 2.5 hours long, with the whole process including cultural presentations, buffet dinners, and live performances. During the show, one can see the most authentic and flavorful hula performances.

You can also participate in the Luau Show by either paying full price and enjoying the meal and show, or paying a portion of the price and just watching the show.

Since they are all performed in hotel areas or resorts, you can contact the hotel you are staying at early to check on show times, purchase prices for admission, etc.

Whale and Dolphin Watch

In addition to diving at night for manta rays, on the Big Island of Hawaii, it is possible to dive during the day to see if you are lucky enough to see dolphins, or just take a boat cruise and wait for a pod of dolphins to arrive at the surface. There’s also a good chance you’ll be able to view whales breaching the surface between December and May each year.

However, as people become more aware of wildlife protection, they realize that if you don’t regulate your interactions with wild dolphins, you could be harming them, so the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA) has established the SMART guidelines to ensure that wild dolphins are strictly protected. To ensure that wild dolphins are strictly protected, you need to check that your local tour operator adheres to the SMART guidelines to ensure that your trip does not harm wildlife. BODYGLOVE, for example, is a committed SMART operator with extensive dolphin and whale watching experience, as well as a wide range of other marine sports.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the most popular water sports you can experience off the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

You can bring your snorkeling gear, or buy or rent it at small local stores. Some of the best snorkeling spots are Kahalu’u Beach Park, Kealakekua Bay, and Honaunau Bay, where the waves are gentler and the water is clearer.

Diving ( Diving)

With a certified scuba diving certificate, you can enjoy an unparalleled diving experience on the Big Island of Hawaii. With a large number of dive service operators offering instructors, diving gear, and more, you can enjoy a safe and relaxing diving experience.

Some of the more recommended dive sites are Kealakekua Bay and Puʻuhonau o Honaunau.

Zipline ( Zipline)

Spread across the Big Island of Hawaii, the different zipline experience areas offer ziplines of varying heights, views, and numbers of ziplines, such as through a rainforest or a quick trip over a waterfall, making it a can’t-miss activity for those who love high-speed sports.

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By Editorial Staff

A team of travel enthusiasts with over 15 years of experience in traveling around the USA and the world. They have been creating travel guides since 2017, and "HowLifeUSA Travel Guide" has become one of the most popular free travel guides site in the industry.

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