Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
The Island of Hawaii is the biggest of all the Hawaiian islands and offers a wide range of unforgettable adventures waiting to be explored. From touring coffee plantations to hiking across volcanic landscapes or relaxing at the beach, there is so much to offer. Through its scenic adventures and relaxing hideaways, the Big Island promises experiences that will leave you feeling both accomplished and refreshed. Keep reading to uncover some of the best activities on the Big Island of Hawaii, how to make the most out of your vacation, and even where to stay.
Perched nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea offers one of the clearest night skies on Earth. It is away from city lights and provides unmatched views of constellations, planets, and the Milky Way. Whether you want to bring a blanket and set yourself up for stargazing or join a guided tour to learn about Hawaiian history, sights from Mauna Kea can be a breathtaking reminder of how vast and beautiful the universe is.
Located along the Kona coast, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park offers incredible snorkeling and diving experiences in the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. Keep in mind that the National Park does not offer snorkel gear for rent. However, there are plenty of nearby shops in Kona that do. In these waters, you can spot sea turtles, giant manta rays, and tropical fish swimming around the vibrant coral reefs. With its warm and calm waters and rich cultural history, this spot is perfect for divers and snorkelers of all skill levels looking to discover Hawaii’s underwater beauty.
Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a unique experience and is one of the best activities on the Big Island. It is home to two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. This volcano village offers a close-up look at nature’s incredible forces in action. Visitors can hike across volcanic landscapes while viewing the towering volcanoes, walk through steam vents, and even venture into the Thurston Lava Tube. The Thurston Lava Tube is a subterranean formation that was created by ancient lava flows. The park also highlights multiple diverse ecosystems, from desert-like terrain to tropical rainforests. Whether you are observing glowing lava flows or searching for volcanic steam vents, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is sure to amaze you.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a must-see destination on the Big Island of Hawaii. This beach is famous for its striking black sand, formed by volcanic activity. It is the perfect place to relax, take in the scenery, and see some sea turtles basking in the sun. Because of the strong currents, swimming is not recommended at this beach. However, its beauty makes it an excellent place for a walk and enjoying the natural wonders of the Big Island.
While in the Punalu’u area and looking for more of the best activities on the Big Island, be sure to also check out local shops. One of the most popular local shops in this area is the Punalu’u Bake Shop. This bake shop is a short drive from the beautiful black sand beach and is a local favorite. This bake shop offers delicious Hawaiian sweet bread and a variety of other baked goods. Whether you are craving a freshly baked pastry, a refreshing drink, or a savory snack, the bake shop has something for you. For this reason, it is the perfect pit stop to grab a treat before heading to your next adventure.
A Kohala helicopter tour offers a breathtaking perspective of the natural beauty of the Big Island. This is a point of view that you simply cannot get from the ground. A tour allows you to soar over cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, the Kohala Coast, and so much more. From the stunning green landscapes of Kohala to the contrasting bright blue coastline, a helicopter tour is a once-in-a-lifetime way to take in the island’s beauty from an incredible aerial view. Taking a helicopter tour will be unforgettable and is undoubtedly one of the best activities on the Big Island.
Another way to observe the gorgeous rainforests from above would be to take a ride on a zipline! The adrenaline of riding a zipline makes it great for getting adventurous during your trip to the Big Island. As you glide above the jungle canopies and distant ocean shoreline, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. Adding ziplining to any Big Island itinerary will thrill you and create memories you will cherish.
Unique green sand beaches make for an exciting and photogenic place to explore. Tucked away near South Point, this beach gets its rare color from tiny crystals of mineral olivine. These crystals are formed by volcanic activity. To reach the beach, you will hike across some rugged terrain. However, this only makes it more rewarding to see the stunning green sands meeting the blue Pacific Ocean.
Although there are many waterfalls throughout the island, closer to the east coast of the Big Island, you can find an area that is home to several. A great place to start is Rainbow Falls at Wailuku River State Park. This waterfall cascades into a lava cave! It also often showcases a vibrant rainbow, which is undoubtedly a fascinating sight to see. Just a short drive away from there, you can find Akaka Falls State Park, which offers incredible views of the 442-foot Akaka Falls. In addition, this park is also home to the smaller but equally gorgeous Kahuna Falls. These waterfalls capture the island’s serene beauty and are the perfect sightseeing activity to add to your Big Island itinerary. Nearby, you can check out the Hilo Farmers Market and Downtown Hilo to add some Hawaiian Culture to your day.
Taking a tour of a Kona coffee plantation is a fun way to experience and try one of the most common exports of the Big Island, Hawaii. The Kona region is toward the west side of the island and has a few options for touring coffee farms. Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation is one of the most popular places to tour, as it offers free tours daily. On this tour, you can learn about the fruit being milled and dried, and how it is turned into green coffee beans that are ready for roasting. When you are finished with your tour on the Kona side of the island, you can visit a Hawaiian-style cafe on the Kailua Kona Coast.
After a day of exploring on the Big Island, you will love unwinding at Pacific 19. This modern boutique hotel blends island style with contemporary comfort, while being in a great location. Located in the heart of Kailua Kona, it is just steps from local shops and popular dining spots where you can explore Hawaiian culture. As your base for adventure, Pacific 19 makes it easy to start your day at a coffee shack with fresh Kona coffee before you head out to explore volcanoes and waterfalls. What’s more, when your adventures are finished for the day, you can return to relax in a space that feels both laid back and elevated. With so much to do right outside your hotel, it is the perfect home away from home for a vacation on the Big Island.
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