Big Island attractions
The Big Island of Hawaii lives up to its name as it is much bigger than all the other Hawaiian Islands, home to the largest telescope in the world, the tallest mountain in the world (when measured from its base at the ocean floor), the largest contiguous ranch in the United States and one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the world.
Big Island attractions are therefore unique and plentiful, from stunning green-, black- and red-sand beaches, waterfalls and rainforests to wide open spaces that can’t be found anywhere else in Hawaii.
A Big Island sightseeing tour can be an exciting adventure, as in one single day you can experience a swim in the warm ocean and after that walk in snow (during the winter months) on top of the island’s highest peak. Below is a list of some of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Big Island things to do and see
| AHUENA
HEIAU |
| One look at the Ahuena Heiau is all it takes
to feel the temple’s distinct spiritual value. The
heiau (ancient Hawaiian temple) was built by King
Kamehameha I in the early 1800s, facing the majestic
Kamakahonu Beach, to honor the god Lona.
Read
More |
| BIG
ISLAND CANDIES |
 Looking
for souvenirs to cap off your Hawaii trip? Make
a stop at Big Island Candies and go crazy with the
variety of gift foods on display. Established in
1977, Big Island Candies is the oldest, biggest,
and probably best known sweets shop on the island.
Read
More |
| CAPTAIN
COOK MONUMENT |
| On January 17, 1779, Captain James Cook and
his crew docked on Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island,
amidst a religious local festival. The Hawaiians,
thinking they were returning gods, gave them a warm
welcome and held feasts in their honor.
Read More |
| EAST
HAWAII CULTURAL CENTER |
| Unknown to many beach-goers, the Big Island
is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. Young
locals are constantly putting up shows, exhibits,
and performances at the many cultural centers on
the isle.
Read More |
| HAWAII
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK |
 Look
into the mouth of one of the world’s most active
volcanoes at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Sitting on the slopes of Mount Kilauea, the park
offers a fascinating display of volcanic activity,
local wildlife, and centuries of evolving Hawaiian
culture.
Read More |
| HILO
ZOO |
| Who says zoos are just for kids? At the Hilo
Zoo, it doesn’t matter if you’re six or sixty-there’s
something here for everyone. Also called the Pana`ewa
Rainforest Zoo, the complex spans over 12 acres
and is home to over 80 species of animals.
Read More |
| HULIHEE
PALACE |
| Relive the life of the royals in this stylish
mansion in the historic Kailua-Kona village. The
New England-style Hulihee Palace was built in 1938
by John Adams Kuakini, a former governor, out of
coral mortar and lava rock.
Read
More |
| KAPOLOA
FALLS |
| Here’s a site for adventure-loving hikers. The
Kapoloa Falls is a well-hidden secret of the Big
Island, nestled deep in the Pololu Valley on the
North Kohala coast. With a drop approaching 500
feet, Kapoloa is a literal wall of water resounding
with the sheer power of nature.
Read
More |
| KONA
COFFEE LIVING HISTORY FARM |
| There couldn’t be a more appropriate name for
the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, one of the
Big cultural gems of Hawaii’s Big Island. History
truly lives on in the ancient artifacts, authentic
farmhouses, and the vivid storytelling of experienced
farmhands.
Read More |
| LAUPAHOEHOE
TRAIN MUSEUM |
| A sign at the Laupahoehoe Train Museum invites
you “take a trip back in time,” and it’s definitely
a trip worth taking. Built by community residents
in 1998, the museum celebrates the culture of the
Hamakua Coast and its fascinating railroad history.
Read More |
| LYMAN
HOUSE MUSEUM |
| Here’s a place where you can celebrate everything
that’s beautiful about Hawaii. The Lyman House Museum
in Hilo, Big Island is basically a collection of
galleries showcasing Hawaiian culture, history,
and natural wonders in an aptly historic mission
house.
Read More |
| MAUNA
KEA STATE PARK |
| Rising over 13,000 feet against the sky, the
Mauna Kea is a fitting centerpiece for one of Hawaii’s
biggest attractions. The peak marks the center of
the Mauna Kea State Park, a 500-acre property featuring
magnificent lakes, interesting wildlife, and breathtaking
natural views.
Read More |
| MAUNA
LOA MACADAMIA NUT COMPANY |
| Here’s where you can literally go nuts! The
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company is the world’s largest
provider of macadamia nuts, supplying several major
brands and food chains.
Read More |
| MOOKINI
HEIAU |
| A dramatic (and somewhat gruesome) history surrounds
the Mookini Heiau in Kohala, Big Island. Between
the 11th and 12th centuries, back when Hawaii was
an anarchy, a Tahitian priest named Paao came to
the island and brought order and structure to the
community.
Read
More |
| NANI
MAU GARDENS |
| Its name couldn’t have been more appropriate.
Nani Mau literally means “forever beautiful,” and
you’ll believe it the moment you set foot in the
Nani Mau Gardens of Hilo, Hawaii.
Read
More |
| ONIZUKA
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY |
| The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy
is, simply put, a stargazer’s dream. Along the slopes
of the Mauna Kea, over 13,000 feet above sea level,
you’re literally closer to the stars-and the night
sky views provide spectacular proof.
Read More |
| PACIFIC
TSUNAMI MUSEUM |
| There aren’t many museums dedicated to natural
disasters, but here’s one right in downtown Hilo.
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is an informational site
about the science and history of tsunamis, particularly
the last Pacific-wide wave that hit the Big Island
in 1946 and 1960.
Read More |
| POLOLU
VALLEY |
 The
Pololu Valley Lookout is one of the most remote
spots on the Big Island, marking the dead end of
Hilo’s main highway. Although close to the active
district of North Kohala, the area has hardly been
developed as it lies in a high-risk tsunami zone.
Read More |
| PUUHONUA
O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK |
| The Big Island has no shortage of historical
wonders, but few can match the significance, or
the local charm, of the Puuhonua o Honaunau National
Historical Park. Located on the island’s western
coast, the park one served as home to the alii
or royals of the Kona District.
Read More |
| PUUKOHOLA
HEIAU |
| At first glance, the Puukohola Heiau closely
resembles the pyramids of Egypt. But look closer
and the details reveal a distinctly Hawaiian flair:
the native materials, the intricate construction,
and the air of mystery and power surrounding it.
Read More |
| RAINBOW
FALLS |
 Rainbows
are a rare sight for most of us, but not when you’re
in the Hilo side of the Big Island. Just a short
drive from the town is the aptly named Rainbow Falls,
so named because of the morning rainbows that appear
as the sun shines through the mist.
Read
More |
| ROAD
TO THE SEA |
| This six-mile rough road leads to one of the
most magnificent stretches of Big Island coastline,
molded by erosion and volcanic activity in the course
of several thousand years. The Road to the Sea may
be tough, but it’s worth the drive..
Read More |
| SADDLE
ROAD |
| Saddle Road takes you on the road trip of a
lifetime-a 53-mile thrill ride along peaks and valleys,
bustling towns and miles of undeveloped coastline.
Officially, it is known as the Hawaii Route 200,
and starts from downtown Hilo all the way to Highway
190 just outside Waimea.
Read More |
| STAR
OF THE SEA PAINTED CHURCH |
 With
frescos and stained glass adorning the interior,
the Star of the Sea Painted Church boasts a history
as colorful as its walls. The paintings tell the
story of Father Damien Devester, a Belgian priest
who died helping lepers on Molokai Island.
Read More |
| VOLCANO
ART CENTER |
| Mount Kilauea, one of the world’s most active
volcanoes, makes a fitting location for this unique
art gallery on eastern Big Island. The Volcano Art
Center features works from over 300 local artists,
offering a glimpse of Hawaiian culture and its rich
natural heritage.
Read More |
| VOLCANO
WINARY |
 Hawaii
isn’t known for its wines, but did you know there
are three wineries on the Big Island alone? Cisitors
can sample great local wines at the Volcano Winery,
the southernmost winery in the United States.
Read
More |
| WAILOA
CENTER |
| Hawaii’s vibrant art scene takes center stage
at the Wailoa Center on Hilo, Big Island. Located
in the Wailoa State Park, the center is the premier
arts and culture hub of Hilo, featuring works by
local and international artists of all styles and
genres.
Read
More |
| WAIPIO
VALLEY |
 Looking
for a good outdoor adventure? This scenic spot on
Hamakua Coast should be right up your alley. The
Waipio Valley is the last and largest of the seven
valleys west of the beautiful Kohala Mountains.
Read
More |
top
|
