Hawaii (Big Island) Activities

Big Island Attractions & Sightseeing

If you want wide open spaces and nature that's bigger than anything you can imagine, come to Hawaii's Big Island. Begin your journey here!

  • Ahuena Heiau

    This replica of King Kamehameha's final royal residence from 1813-1819 is found at the center of the Hotel King Kamehameha. Daily historical walking tours begin the hotel lobby at 1:30 pm. Open daily, 9 am - 4 pm.

  • Akaka Falls State Park

    Lush tropical vegetation and scenic vista points overlook Kahuna Falls and the 442-foot Akaka Falls amid 65.4 acres. Located at the end of Akaka Falls Road (Highway 220) 3.6 miles southwest of Honomu. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center

    Located at Keahole Airport in Kailua-Kona, the Center honors the Kona-born astronaut and six others who were aboard the ill-fated 1986 Challenger space shuttle. Features memorabilia from Onizuka's career with NASA exhibits and hands-on displays. Open daily, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Admission. P.O. Box 833, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745, (808) 329-3441.

  • Captain Cook Monument

    The spot where Captain Cook first landed in the islands, in Kealakekua Bay near Napoopoo, is marked by a submerged plaque that can be read through the water. The best views are offered by boats that cruise the bay. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Hapuna Beach

    The Big Island of Hawaii is so young that lava coastlines are the norm and white-sand beaches the exception. Hapuna's white sands and easy water access more than make up for the rest of the island's lack of swimmable coastline. With very little wave action and rarely any cloud cover, the water at Hapuna offers unbelievable visibility. Ideal for swimming during calm seas, bodysurfing during periods of shorebreaks, sunbathing and other beach-type activities. Can be dangerous during high surf. There are also restrooms, showers and resorts nearby. On Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19), 2.3 miles south of Kawaihae. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens

    Visit this nature preserve in a tropical rain forest filled with birds, marine life, streams, and waterfalls.

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island, 29 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles east of Kailua-Kona. Opened in 1916, the park contains the world's most active volcanoes. Take a walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, located 2 miles from the park's visitor center. The Kilauea Iki trail takes about 2 to 3 hours to hike. Start at Crater Rim Drive and head down across the crater floor with its cinder cones and steam fissures. Check in with park rangers before departing. Open daily. Park admission. (808)985-6000. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Hikiau Heiau

    A large lava structure located on the shores of Kealakekua Bay where Hawaiians once worshipped Captain Cook as the god Lono. A plaque commemorates the first Christian funeral on the island, which Cook conducted. A second plaque honors Henry Opukahaia, an islander educated at mission schools in New England who was influential in educating Hawaiians.

  • Hilo Bay

    Having been devastated by tsunamis (seismic ocean waves) a number of times, the townsfolk of Hilo finally constructed a huge breakwater that shields the bay from not only devastating surf, but any and all surf. The water in Hilo Bay is often murky and best for kayaking or swimming because of extensive runoff from nearby streams and rivers. Directly in the line of equatorial currents, Hilo Bay's highlight is beachcombing, as floatsam from around the Pacific Rim can wash up here.

  • Hulihee Palace & Museum

    Built by Governor Kuakini in 1838 to be his home, but it instead became a royal summer residence. Restored by the Daughters of Hawaii, the National Historic Site's most interesting Hawaiian pieces include Kamehameha's own war spears. Open Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm., Sunday 10 am - 4 pm except some holidays. Admission. 75-5718 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI (808) 329-1877.

  • Kailua Bay

    World-famous for its deep-sea fishing, Kailua-Kona is really more of a boater's haven. However, there are a few strips of sand in Kailua and a few miles south. The clarity of the water and general lack of currents mean the water's perfect for swimming on a blistering Kona afternoon.

  • Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park

    Discover 1,300 acres of petroglyphs, heiau (temples), archeological sites and an ancient Hawaiian fishing pond. Open daily, 8 am - 4 pm. Located 3 miles north of Kailua-Kona. Not well marked, so call for directions. (808) 329-6881. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Kamehameha I Birthsite State Monument

    Drive 1.6 miles southwest of Upolu Airport on the Kawaihae-Mahukona Highway (Highway 270). Take the Upolu Airport road and turn off onto a coastal dirt road to find the memorial. The boulders within the site are thought to be the great king's birthstones.

  • Kamuela Museum

    Ancient Hawaiian relics, robes, medals and insignia from the days of the monarchy are the centerpieces of the collection housed here. Also featured are German and Japanese weapons from World War II, old English and German china, jewelry and rare books. Open daily, 8 am - 5 pm. Admission. Located at the junction of routes 19 and 200. (808) 885-4724.

  • Kaumana Caves

    These lava tubes, located at a site on Highway 200, were formed by the Mauna Loa eruption of 1881, which came closer to Hilo than any other on record. The cave leading toward Hilo ranges from 2.5 to 5.5 feet high and 10 to 50 feet wide and is good for a half-mile exploration. The other cavern is dangerous and should remain off limits.

  • Kealakekua Bay State Underwater Park

    Take Puuhonua Road (Highway 160) to Government Road onto Beach Road or Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) at Captain Cook or Keei Junction to Lower Government Road. A good place for beginners to snorkel and swim. The adjacent State Historical Park offers viewing of Hikiau Heiau, where priests paid reverence to Captain Cook in 1779 thinking he was the god Lono.

  • King's Trail Petroglyph Walking Tour

    Also known as the Mamalahoa Trail, this walk along a lava rock path reveals ancient petroglyph carvings. The trail was built in the mid-1800s for transporting food and essential commodities from the sea coast to upland communities. The free guided tour begins at 10:30 am daily at the King's Shops food court, a 5-minute walk from Outrigger Fairway Villas. (808) 885-8811.

  • Kona Coffee Mill and Museum

    Watch as coffee is dried, raked, cleaned and graded. Antique roasters and coolers are on display along side photos showing what Kona coffee country looked like in the early 20th century. Free sampling of rich and robust Kona coffee. Open daily, 7:30 am - 5 pm. Take Napoopoo Road, off Route 11, to Honaunau. (808) 328-2511.

  • Kona Historical Society Museum

    Focuses on the history of ranching and coffee growing in the area. Located in the town named after Captain Cook. Open Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm. (808) 323-3222.

  • Lapakahi State Historical Park

    Located 12.4 miles north of Kawaihae on the Kawaihae-Mahukona Highway (Highway 270). This 262-acre park on the site of a partially restored ancient Hawaiian coastal settlement, features cultural demonstrations, storytelling and self-guided walks. Marine preserve nearby. Open daily except state holidays, 8 am - 4 pm. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Lava Tree State Monument

    A forest of these unusual volcanic features is located off Pahoa-Pohoiki Road (Highway 132), 2.7 miles southeast of Pahoa. A lava flow once swept through this forested area, creating molds of the tree trunks. Picnicking allowed, but there is no drinking water available.

  • Liliuokalani Gardens

    Find serenity in the oriental bridges, pagodas, ceremonial teahouse and fish-stocked streams.

  • Lyman Mission House and Museum

    The house is arranged much as it was from 1840 to 1880 when the Reverend David Lyman and his wife, Sarah, lived there. The adjacent museum houses collections relating to ancient Hawaii, the missionaries, immigrants, volcanology, geology and mineralogy. Open daily, Monday - Saturday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Admission. 276 Haili Street, Hilo, HI (808) 935-5021.

  • Mauna Kea Observatories

    The summit of this mountain, reaching 13,796 feet above sea level, is often snow capped from fall to spring, gifting snow skiers with the only winter activity of its kind in the state. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy is situated at the 9,200-foot level of the mountain, featuring exhibits and displays. Open daily. Tours are available Monday through Friday from tour operators as traveling along Saddle Road to Mauna Kea may void car rental contracts. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center

    Tour the orchards and processing plant, and visit the Mauna Loa Candy Factory, where you can enjoy tasty samples. Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center Gift Shop and Snack Bar. Located 5 miles south of Hilo off Highway 11 on Macadamia Road. daily, 8 a.m. - 6 pm. Free.

  • Mokuaikaua Church

    The oldest Christian place of worship in the islands was built in 1823 of lava stone and koa wood. The 112-foot steeple is a landmark and symbol for Kailua town. Located on Alii Drive. Open daily, 8 am - 5 pm.

  • Naha and Pinao Stones

    Kamehameha I overturned the Naha Stone, fulfilling the ancient Hawaiian prophecy that made him king of the Hawaiian islands. The Pinao Stone was an entrance pillar of the Pinao Temple. Both can be seen fronting the Hawaii County Library at 300 Waianuenue Avenue.

  • Onekahakaha Beach Park

    This South Hilo park features a sandy swimming area and is perfect for a family outing with its pavilions, picnic tables, camp sites and restrooms.

  • Palahemo Well

    Ancient petroglyphs are carved on the rim of this well used by early settlers and located just inland from South Point.

  • Panaewa Rainforest Zoo

    Located on 40 acres just outside Hilo off Stainback Highway, the Panaewa Zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States showing animals and birds in their natural habitat. Open daily, 9 am - 4 pm. (808) 959-7224.

  • Parker Ranch Visitor Center and Museum

    Part of the 250,000-acre Parker Ranch, one of the largest working ranches in the United States under individual ownership. Includes a slide show and memorabilia detailing the life of the paniolo or Hawaiian cowboy.

  • Puako Petroglyph Archeological Preserve

    Self-guided walking tours of 1.5 miles are offered daily on the grounds of the Mauna Lani Resort.

  • Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

    The South Kona park was a Hawaiian place of refuge for those who had been defeated in battle or who had broken a taboo. The temple was reconstructed, but the grounds are preserved as ruins. Recognized as the most completely restored site of its kind.

  • Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

    This "Hill of the Whale" was the focal point of a dramatic confrontation between Kamehameha and his rival and first cousin, Keoua Kuahuula. A prophet advised Kamehameha success would come if he built a high temple to Ku at this site and sacrificed an important chief. Hundreds of Hawaiians constructed the massive temple platform measuring 224 feet by 100 feet. Located a mile above Kawaihae Harbor, off SR 270. Open 24 hours a day. Information building open daily, 7:30 am - 4 pm.

  • Snow skiing on Mauna Kea

    Named "white mountain" for the blanket of snow that crowns its peak between January and March, Mauna Kea's summit can be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Route 20, Saddle Road, provides access to the road leading to the summit, where a state-of-the-art complex of observatories provide astronomers from various countries the perfect vantage point for studying the stars. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • South Point/Green Sand Beach at Papakolea

    The southernmost point in the United States can be reached after a 9-mile drive along a deserted road that leads to spectacular sea cliffs. While the ocean itself here is difficult to access, the coastal views are spectacular. A roughly 3-mile-long jeep trail leads to the green-sand beach at Papakolea, a trek well worth the effort. Liberally sprinkled with specks of olivine crystal, the sand here appears to be green, hence the name. Swimming and snorkeling are fine, but don't go in the water if the surf looks rough. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Spencer Beach Park

    Located near Kawaihae, adjacent to Puukohola Heiau National Historic Park. Shoreline has a gentle slope that is good for children. The bay offers protection, making for calm waters.

  • Thomas Jaggar Museum

    Part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the museum is situated three miles west of the Visitor Center at the Uwekahuna overlook. Seismographs and tilt meters illustrate how volcanoes erupt. Open daily, 8:30 am - 5 pm. Park admission.

  • Wailoa River State Recreation Area

    The river banks in downtown Hilo provide space for relaxing, picnicking and boat fishing in this landscaped park set around a spring-fed estuary. Information and cultural displays featured at Wailoa Center, accessed off Pauahi Street. Parking is at the end of Piilani Street.

  • Wailuku River State Park

    Located off Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo, the park is the home of Boiling Pots, located at the end of Peepee Falls Drive, a succession of big pools connected by underground water flows that give the appearance of boiling water. Also pay a visit to Rainbow Falls, found on Rainbow Drive, named for the colorful arch often formed in the mist of the falls during the morning hours.

  • Waipio Valley

    This remote valley was once home to a large Hawaiian community. The lookout offers a spectacular view of the valley from atop a 1,500-foot cliff. During the rainy season, waterfalls pour from the cliffs of the valley. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.

  • Keauhou Kahaluu Heritage Center

    Displays and information about the history and culture of the Keauhou and Kahaluu areas. Located at Keauhou Shopping Center. Open daily 10 am - 5 pm