19 Unforgettable Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

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The Big Island is wild, dramatic, and incredibly diverse! You can go from sea level to snow-capped peaks in a single day. If you’re planning a trip and narrowing down the best things to do on the Big Island, this list will help you prioritize the experiences that truly stand out.

The Big Island was one of the highlights of our two-week island hopping trip through Hawaii. The island is divided into two main regions: the Kona side (West Side) and the Hilo side (East Side), and they feel completely different from each other.

The Kona side is known for its sunny weather, lava fields, beaches, and resorts, while the Hilo side is lush, green, and filled with waterfalls, rainforests, and dramatic scenery.

We were lucky enough to explore both the Kona and Hilo sides during our 4 days on the Big Island, and it’s honestly hard to say which one was better. Each side has its own personality and incredible experiences, and both are packed with epic adventures. If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island, I highly recommend carving out time to explore both sides of the island to truly see how diverse it is!

Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

1. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

One of the most iconic, can’t miss things to do on the Big Island is a visit (or two) to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Entry is typically $30 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. If you have the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass, it’s free. There are two National Parks on the Big Island and one on Maui, so if you plan to visit all three, the pass is definitely worth it (you can snag it here).

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most distinctive geological and cultural landscapes in the world. It’s home to two of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and stretches from sea level up to 13,681 feet. The scale alone is hard to wrap your head around until you see it in person.

Before heading into the park, I highly recommend downloading the Shaka Guide app and purchasing the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park tour (it’s around $20). It works offline using your GPS and acts like a personal local guide in your car, telling you which stops are must-sees and which you can skip if you’re short on time.

If you don’t use the app, here are a few favorite stops to prioritize:

• Volcano Steam Vents
• Sulphur Banks (Sulphur Banks Trail)
• Devil’s Throat Crater
• Pauahi Crater
• Kīlauea Iki Overlook
• Muliwai o Pele

When we visited, Thurston Lava Tube and Puhimau Crater were closed, and they are two of the most popular stops, so if they’re open during your visit, definitely add them in!

The park is open 24 hours a day, and if possible, I strongly recommend visiting both during daylight and after dark. Experiencing the park at night is unforgettable. We went around 9:30 PM on a Tuesday and it was still a bit crowded, so the later you can go, the better.

One of the eruption viewpoints just past Devastation Trail was our favorite, but it requires about a one-mile walk (roughly 20 minutes). Bring a headlamp or flashlight, it’s a must (for more things to pack check out my Hawaii packing list).

If you only want to visit once, consider going for sunrise. You can catch the glow of lava while it’s still dark and then explore the rest of the park once the sun comes up. Seeing the lava at night, though, is truly a “wow” moment I will never forget.

On your walk out to the eruption site, turn off your light for a moment and look up. With almost no light pollution, the night sky is incredibly clear, you can even see the Milky Way. It’s pure magic.

2. Volcano Winery

Just a short drive outside of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Winery is such a fun (and unexpected) stop to add to your day. They’re known for their unique wines and locally inspired flavors, and they even make mead. Naturally, we opted for a tasting so we could try a little bit of everything: pinot noir, Volcano Red, Hawaiian guava-grape, macadamia nut honey mead, and an infusion tea wine mead.

I usually only like meads in small doses since they can be thick and syrupy, but these were surprisingly light and easy to sip. The macadamia nut honey mead was hands down my favorite, so good we grabbed two bottles to bring home!

3. Kaumana Caves

If you’re looking for something a little adventurous, add Kaumana Caves to your list of things to do on the Big Island. These lava tubes were formed by an 1881 eruption of Mauna Loa and are completely free to visit. There’s a small parking area and a short walk down a set of steep, sometimes slippery stairs that lead you into the cave entrance, and from there, it feels like you’re stepping into another world.

Unlike Thurston Lava Tube inside the National Park, Kaumana Caves are undeveloped and much more raw. You’ll need sturdy shoes and a flashlight or headlamp. The cave floor is uneven and rocky, so take your time.

We checked out a lava tube on the Road to Hana in Maui, and this one was on a much larger scale!

4. Wailuku River State Park

Wailuku River State Park is an easy stop near Hilo and home to some of the Big Island’s most beautiful waterfalls. The park includes Rainbow Falls, as well as the Boiling Pots and Pe’epe’e Falls area, all within a short driving distance of each other.

Rainbow Falls is the most accessible and one of the most photographed waterfalls on the island. The 80-foot cascade flows dramatically over a natural lava tube, creating a stunning backdrop that feels straight out of a movie. You can plan to spend around 5-10 minutes here before heading to your next spot. There’s a viewing platform just steps from the parking lot (no hiking necessary!).

A few minutes is Boiling Pots and Pe’epe’e Falls. The “boiling pots” are a series several pools along a river that when heavy rainfall occurs appear to be boiling because of how turbulent the waters become. Pe’epe’e Falls flows powerfully through a narrow lava rock channel, and it’s mesmerizing to watch.

5. Hilo Farmers Market

If you’re spending time on the Hilo side, the Hilo Farmers Market is one of those things to do on the Big Island that will make you feel like a local. It’s open seven days a week, with the biggest market days typically on Wednesday and Saturday.

You’ll find everything from tropical fruit and local produce to handmade goods and souvenirs. We popped in to grab some fresh fruit, and they even cut it up for us so we could snack on it while walking around. It’s an easy, low-key way to experience local flavors, and honestly, fruit just tastes better in Hawaii.

6. Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful and easiest waterfall stops on the Big Island. Located about 30 minutes north of Hilo, it’s a quick detour that absolutely feels worth it.

The main attraction is ʻAkaka Falls, a stunning 442-foot waterfall that plunges straight down into a lush gorge. There’s a short, paved loop trail (about 0.4 miles) that takes you through tropical rainforest scenery before opening up to the waterfall viewpoint.

Entry is inexpensive (typically around $5 per person for non-residents, plus parking), and the trail is well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It’s an easy add to your Hilo-side itinerary and one of those classic Big Island views you don’t want to skip.

7. Check Out the Local Cafes

No trip to the Big Island is complete without stopping at a few local coffee shops. Hawaii takes its coffee seriously, and the cafe scene is such a fun way to experience local flavor.

In Hilo, The Sippin Siren is a great stop for creative drinks and a cozy vibe. HICO Coffee in Kona is another favorite. Their ube latte and cold brew are popular picks. Ube (a purple yam) is widely loved in Hawaii, so it’s definitely worth trying at least once. If you prefer sweeter drinks, you may want to add an extra flavor.

Just Cruisin Coffee is a drive-thru spot in Hilo that’s well worth the wait. The cappuccino and cold brew are both full of flavor and lean a little on the sweeter side. Their breakfast sandwiches are also a solid option if you need something quick before heading out for the day.

8. Enjoy Thai Food

There’s just something about eating Thai food in Hawaii that hits differently. Maybe it’s the tropical climate, maybe it’s the fresh ingredients, but it just feels right.

We loved our meal at Thai Thai Bistro & Bar, located just outside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It’s the perfect spot to fill up before or after exploring. As with most Thai restaurants, the portions are generous. Remi and I shared the Thai Thai Special Curry with shrimp and it was stellar—rich, flavorful, and satisfying enough to keep us full for hours, even splitting it.

9. Night Swim with Manta Rays

The manta ray night snorkel off the Kona Coast is hands down one of the most unforgettable things to do on the Big Island, and truly one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world. Hawaii is one of the only places where you can reliably swim with manta rays at night, and Kona offers the highest chances of seeing them. When you book with a tour group, your odds are extremely high (often quoted around 99%).

The mantas gather here because of plankton, their main food source. Plankton is attracted to light, which is why tour groups use a floating board with a light in the center. You hold onto the board while the light draws in plankton, and in turn, the manta rays glide in beneath you, performing slow, graceful barrel rolls as they feed.

The boat ride out is short (about five minutes), and you’ll spend around 25 minutes in the water with your guide. If snorkeling at night sounds intimidating, don’t worry, the water here isn’t very deep, and multiple tour groups operate in the same area, so you’re never alone.

Out of all the incredible things to do on the Big Island, this is the one I still think about the most (peep some of the experience in my Big Island recap video). If you’re planning more time on the Kona side, don’t miss my full guide to the best things to do in Kona to round out your itinerary.

10. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Located along the Kona Coast, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a sacred site was once a place of refuge in ancient Hawaii. If someone broke a kapu (sacred law), they could flee here to seek forgiveness and protection. Today, it’s beautifully preserved and offers a powerful glimpse into traditional Hawaiian life.

You’ll walk along the coastline past lava rock walls, reconstructed thatched hale (traditional houses), wooden kiʻi (carved statues), and royal fishponds. It’s peaceful, scenic, and incredibly meaningful. We spent about an hour here, but you can take as much time as you need. There’s parking on-site, and we just left our car there while we headed over to Two Step for some snorkeling!

It costs $20 per vehicle to enter the park, but again if you have the National Parks Pass it’s free!

11. Go Snorkeling

Snorkeling in Hawaii is amazing. The water is incredibly clear, the marine life is vibrant, and you don’t even need a boat tour to see something amazing!

One of the most popular (and best) spots is Two Step, located right next to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. There isn’t much sand here, most people set up on the lava rocks, but that doesn’t stop it from being a favorite. The natural “two step” lava rock entry makes it relatively easy to get in and out of the water.

Once you’re in, you’ll find tons of tropical fish almost immediately. If you go early in the morning, your chances of spotting sea turtles are high, and dolphins are occasionally seen offshore as well. Calm mornings are ideal before winds pick up in the afternoon.

12. Visit Kona Brewing

Kona Brewing is an absolute must when you’re putting together your list of things to do on the Big Island, and not just for the beer! Yes, they have a great selection of brews ranging from IPAs to light, crisp ales, but the food is what really surprised us.

It’s so much more than typical pub fare. We ordered the roasted garlic and pizza rolls with homemade ranch, and they were so good, but everything from the wings to the pizzas looked incredible!

The brewery itself is beautiful and has that classic, laid-back Kona vibe. If you have the time, they offer one-hour tours Tuesday through Saturday for $20, which is a fun way to learn more about the brewing process.

We also really enjoyed Ola Brew if you’re in the mood to check out another local spot!

13. Happy Hour Hop

If you’re staying on the west side, happy hour hopping is one of the most fun (and underrated) things to do on the Big Island. Kona does waterfront drinks really well.

Start at Huggo’s on the Rocks for laid-back vibes right on the water. They have happy hour every day from 3 PM – 5 PM. The $6 mai tais are hard to beat, and it’s the kind of place where you can kick off your sandals and stay awhile. They also had a $6 Hawaiian Rainbow, though it leaned a little sweet for me.

Next, head over to Don’s Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Kona Resort. Their happy hour is every day from 4 PM – 6 PM. This spot feels classic Kona, open-air, palm trees swaying, ocean right in front of you. The $10 lava flows (piña coladas layered with mango, strawberry, guava, or lilikoi) are a must, and the coconut shrimp made the perfect snack to balance it out.

14. Eat the Best Poke Ever

Hawaii is where poke was born, and it truly tastes different here. It’s one of those must eat dishes in Hawaii. It’s so fresh and packed with flavor! Umekes in Kona completely lived up to the hype. The seafood was so fresh we ended up eating there twice. Remi and I split the Big Boy plate which is two types of poke, two scoops of rice, and two sides, for just $26!

There were tons of options, but we went with Da Avo, the Hottie, and the poke of the day. Honestly, no bad choices. And if you’re in the mood for a drink, the Fake Crack mezcal cocktail was a standout.

15. Mauna Kea

Seeing Mauna Kea another one of the most memorable things to do on the Big Island. Rising 13,803 feet above sea level, it’s the tallest peak in Hawaii, and when measured from the ocean floor, it’s actually the tallest mountain in the world.

Many visitors head up for sunset and stargazing, since Mauna Kea is home to some of the world’s most important observatories. The high elevation and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places on Earth to see the night sky.

A few important things to know: you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to drive all the way to the summit, and there are age and health restrictions due to the altitude. It’s cold at the top, often near freezing, so bring warm layers. If you don’t feel comfortable driving up yourself, there are guided tours (like this popular one) that handle the transportation and provide parkas.

Bonus Things to Do on the Big Island

Here are a few more experiences that I haven’t personally done yet, but are worth considering:

• Atlantis Submarine Tour – Ever wondered what it’s like to be in a real submarine? This tour takes you 100 feet below the surface off the Kona Coast to explore a natural coral reef. You’ll see tropical fish, coral formations, and sometimes even larger marine life—all without getting wet.
• Kona Coast Helicopter Tour – Seeing the Big Island from above is absolutely breathtaking. This 30-minute helicopter ride takes you over dramatic coastlines, beaches, and lava landscapes. One bonus? Big Island helicopter tours are typically more affordable than similar tours on Kauai. If you’re island hopping and budget isn’t a factor, you might choose to save this for Kauai, but it’s still an incredible experience here.
• Whale Watching Tour (Seasonal) – Visiting between December and March? Whale season is in full swing. Catamaran whale watching tours depart from Kona and offer a chance to see humpback whales breaching and playing offshore. Many tours even offer a “whale sighting guarantee,” meaning you can ride again for free if you don’t spot any.
• Attend a Traditional Luau – No trip to Hawaii feels complete without experiencing a luau. Enjoy traditional Hawaiian food, live music, hula dancing, and Polynesian performances while learning more about the culture and history of the islands. It’s one of the most classic things to do on the Big Island for first-time visitors.

Where to Stay on the Big Island

Where you stay really depends on which side of the island you’re focusing on. Hilo and Kona are the two main hubs, and most of the top things to do on the Big Island are centered around these areas. Here are some recs for both main areas:

Staying in Hilo

If you’re planning to explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the east side, Hilo is the most convenient base. There aren’t a ton of traditional hotel options here, so vacation rentals are usually your best bet.

We stayed in a VRBO located between Hilo and the National Park, which made it easy to explore both without long drives. The one that we stayed in is no longer available, but this is an affordable, well rated option in the Kea’au area where we stayed. If you’re looking for something similar, browsing VRBO is a great place to start!

Staying in Kona

For Kona, we loved our stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona. Breakfast is included, the location is walkable to restaurants, and it’s one of the more affordable options in Kona.

If you want a more elevated option, Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER is right on the ocean. It has panoramic views, two pools, and suite-style rooms with kitchens, perfect if you want more space and a true resort feel.

Check here for all available options with prices for your dates.

Getting Around the Big Island

The Big Island is big, like, really big. Distances between towns and major attractions are much farther than people expect, and public transportation is very limited.

If you’re planning to explore beyond just one small area, renting a car is absolutely necessary. Many of the best things to do on the Big Island, from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to Kona snorkeling spots to Akaka Falls, require driving, and rideshares aren’t always reliable outside of town centers.

We rented a car for our entire stay and wouldn’t do it any other way. It gave us the flexibility to split time between Kona and Hilo, explore at our own pace, and catch sunset or sunrise views without worrying about transportation.

If you’re flying in, I recommend comparing rental car prices in advance and booking early (this is my favorite tool!), especially during peak travel seasons.

Are you ready to experience the magic of the Big Island?!

With the Big Island, one minute you’re walking across lava fields, the next you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear water or watching the sky light up over the ocean. The variety here is what makes it so special! There are so many unforgettable things to do on the Big Island that you really can tailor the trip to whatever kind of traveler you are—adventurous, relaxed, food-focused, or all of the above.

I hope this guide helps you plan your time here thoughtfully. If you’ve already been, I’d love to know what made the biggest impression on you!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Hawaii blog posts:

Best Things to Do on Kauai’s North Shore

Epic Things to Do on the West Side of Oahu

The Perfect 3-Day Maui Itinerary