Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail follows 175 miles of Hawaii Island shoreline, with ancient coastal paths, lava coast scenery, cultural sites and oceanfront walking segments.
Big Island Attraction Guide
Big Island Attractions
Big Island attractions range from volcano landscapes and sacred historic sites to scenic valleys, coastal trails, family stops and local food experiences, from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea to Waipio Valley, Pololu Valley, South Point, Hilo and the Kona Coast.
Attraction directory
Big Island Attractions
Browse Big Island attractions, from scenic lookouts and historic landmarks to family-friendly stops, cultural sites and memorable places to visit.
Big Island Candies
Big Island Candies is a Hilo sweets stop known for chocolate-dipped shortbread, macadamia nut treats, brownies, gift boxes and a look at the production area.
Captain Cook Monument
Captain Cook Monument stands at Kaawaloa on Kealakekua Bay, where a white obelisk, reef-filled waters, steep trail access and boat tours meet South Kona history.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects Kilauea, Mauna Loa, crater overlooks, lava fields, rainforest trails, petroglyphs and changing volcanic landscapes.
Hilo Clock
Hilo Clock is a bayfront tsunami memorial stopped at 1:04 a.m., preserving a quiet reminder of the May 23, 1960 wave that devastated Hilo.
Hilo Coffee Mill
Hilo Coffee Mill is a Mountain View coffee farm and roastery on Volcano Highway, with island-grown coffee, gifts, cafe items and a leafy stop between Hilo and Volcano.
Kaimu Beach Eco-Path
Kaimu Beach Eco-Path is a short Kalapana lava-field walk across land reshaped by the 1990 Kilauea flow, with young palms, black lava and a newer shoreline at the end.
King Kamehameha Statue
King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo honors Kamehameha the Great in Wailoa River State Park, with riverfront paths, open lawns and Hawaii kingdom history.
Manuka State Wayside Park
Manuka State Wayside Park is a quiet Highway 11 stop with picnic areas, an arboretum, native forest, lava-flow scenery and a 2-mile nature trail.
Mauna Kea Observatories and Summit
Mauna Kea Observatories and Summit combine high-elevation views, world astronomy, cold alpine conditions and a sacred Hawaiian mountain landscape above Hawaii Island.
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area is a cool Saddle Road park with picnic areas, restrooms, mountain views, short walking space and permitted bunkhouse use below the summit.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company is a Keaau visitor center near Hilo with macadamia nut gifts, orchard scenery, island snacks and production viewing when available.
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is a Hilo rainforest zoo and botanical reserve with animals, peacocks, tropical plants, picnic shade and relaxed outdoor paths.
Pololu Valley
Pololu Valley is a remote North Kohala lookout with sea cliffs, a steep valley trail, black sand beach views and one of the Big Island's most dramatic road-end viewpoints.
South Point - Ka Lae
South Point - Ka Lae is Hawaii Island's windswept southern tip, with sea cliffs, fishing history, cultural sites and open-ocean views toward the deep Pacific.
Star of the Sea Painted Church
Star of the Sea Painted Church is a historic Kaimu chapel known for colorful murals, stained glass, Father Damien artwork and its 1990 lava-flow relocation.
Thurston Lava Tube
Thurston Lava Tube, also called Nahuku, is a short Hawaii Volcanoes National Park walk through rainforest into a lava tunnel formed by an old molten lava flow.
Volcano Art Center
Volcano Art Center is a historic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park gallery with local artwork, handmade gifts, rotating exhibits and cultural programs near Kilauea.
Volcano Winery
Volcano Winery is a small tasting room in Volcano with island wines, local tea, gift bottles and cool upland scenery near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area
Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area protects rare brackish lava pools, tiny red shrimp, small fish, coastal paths and sensitive Kohala Coast habitat.
Waipi'o Valley
Waipi'o Valley is a sacred Hamakua Coast valley with a dramatic lookout, steep cliffs, taro lands, waterfalls and black sand shoreline views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions on the Big Island?
Top Big Island attractions include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, Waipio Valley, Pololu Valley, South Point, Captain Cook Monument and Hilo-area stops.
Which Big Island attraction is best for volcano scenery?
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the best-known place for volcano scenery, with crater views, lava fields, rainforest trails, steam vents and changing volcanic landscapes.
Which Big Island attractions are good for families?
Family-friendly options include Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Big Island Candies, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, Thurston Lava Tube and easy Hilo-area stops.
Which Big Island attractions require extra safety planning?
Mauna Kea, South Point, Waipio Valley, Pololu Valley and steep coastal trails require extra care because of altitude, road limits, cliffs, currents or restricted access.
Are Big Island attractions spread far apart?
Yes. Hawaii Island is large, and attractions can be hours apart. It is best to group stops by region, such as Hilo, Volcano, Kona, Kohala or the Hamakua Coast.