25 Best Things to Do on Big Island Hawaii (2026)

Updated January 2026 • 12 min read

Kilauea volcano lava flows into the ocean

Big Island is twice the size of all other Hawaiian islands combined—and it packs in just as much diversity. Where else can you summit a 14,000-foot volcano, swim with manta rays, explore black sand beaches, and tour coffee farms in a single trip?

Here's our curated list of the absolute best experiences on Hawaii Island, from bucket-list adventures to hidden gems.

🌋 Volcanoes & Geology

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Home to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Walk through lava tubes, hike across crater floors, and witness the raw power of creation. Even without active lava flow, the park is extraordinary.

Must-do: Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Trail, and the park at night for potential glow viewing. Allow a full day minimum.

2. Mauna Kea Summit

At 13,796 feet, this dormant volcano is the world's best stargazing location. Sunset above the clouds followed by telescope viewing is unforgettable. 4WD required; guided tours recommended.

3. Black Sand Beaches

Punalu'u Beach is the most famous—jet-black sand and Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on shore. Pohoiki is newer, created by 2018 lava flows.

🐚 Ocean Adventures

4. Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Swimming with 12-foot manta rays is the Big Island's signature experience. They're gentle, curious, and utterly mesmerizing. Tours from $145.

→ Read our full Manta Ray Guide

5. Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling

Hawaii's best snorkeling—crystal-clear water, abundant marine life, and the Captain Cook monument. Boat tours or 4-mile kayak paddle to get there.

6. Dolphin Watching

Spinner dolphins are common along the Kona coast, especially in the morning. Many snorkel tours include dolphin encounters.

7. Deep Sea Fishing

The Kona coast is legendary for blue marlin, mahi-mahi, and ono. Charter boats depart from Honokohau Harbor.

☕ Food & Culture

8. Kona Coffee Farm Tour

The Kona coffee belt produces some of the world's most prized beans. Tour farms, learn the process, and taste direct from the source. Greenwell Farms and Mountain Thunder are popular options.

9. Farmers Markets

Hilo Farmers Market (Wed & Sat) is the biggest—tropical fruits, local food, and crafts. Kona also has excellent markets.

10. Luau at Island Breeze

The Big Island's best luau, set against the Kona coast sunset. Authentic Hawaiian food and Polynesian performances.

🥾 Hikes & Nature

11. Pololu Valley Lookout

Dramatic viewpoint at the northern tip of the island. Optional steep hike down to the black sand beach below.

12. Waipio Valley

The "Valley of the Kings"—1,000-foot cliffs, waterfalls, and taro farms. 4WD only to the valley floor, or hike down the steep road.

13. Akaka Falls

Easy loop trail through rainforest to a 442-foot waterfall. One of Hawaii's most accessible and scenic waterfalls.

14. Green Sand Beach (Papakolea)

One of four green sand beaches in the world. 2.5-mile hike each way across rugged terrain. The olivine sand is otherworldly.

🌴 Unique Experiences

15. Stargazing on Mauna Kea

World-class observatories at the summit, free stargazing programs at the Visitor Information Station (9,200 ft). No reservations needed for VIS.

16. Lava Tree State Monument

Eerie forest of lava molds left when flowing lava encased and burned trees. Quick stop near Pahoa.

17. Place of Refuge (Pu'uhonua o Honaunau)

Sacred Hawaiian site where lawbreakers could find absolution. Beautifully preserved with tikis, temple platforms, and excellent snorkeling nearby.

18. Kohala Coast Petroglyph Fields

Ancient Hawaiian rock carvings at Puako and Waikoloa. Easy trails, free, and fascinating glimpse into pre-contact Hawaii.

🏖️ Beaches

19. Hapuna Beach

Consistently rated Hawaii's best beach—half-mile of white sand, excellent swimming, and full facilities.

20. Mauna Kea Beach

At the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Limited public parking but worth the effort—calm water, great snorkeling, and upscale vibe.

21. Kua Bay (Manini'owali)

Pristine white sand beach with turquoise water. Limited parking fills early on weekends.

🎯 Day Trips

22. Hilo Day

Rainbow Falls, Hilo Farmers Market, Liliuokalani Gardens, and downtown boutiques. The rainy side has its own charm.

23. South Point (Ka Lae)

The southernmost point in the United States. Dramatic cliffs, cliff jumping, and the road to Green Sand Beach starts here.

24. Helicopter Tour

See active volcanic landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and the Hamakua Coast from above. Essential for grasping Big Island's scale.

25. Circle Island Drive

250+ miles around the island. Impossible in one day if you stop anywhere—plan for at least two days or pick one side to explore.

💡 Big Island Tip: The island has 11 of the world's 13 climate zones. Pack layers—you might be at sea level in 80°F heat, then at 9,000 feet in 50°F temperatures the same day.

Explore 598 Big Island Tours

Manta rays, volcanoes, snorkeling & more. Book direct with local operators.

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