The island of Hawai’i is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. In fact, it’s nearly twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, and since the early days, it has been referred to as “The Big Island.” The Big Island boasts multiple climate zones, ranging from steamy tropical to snow-covered slopes.
Experiences
Your time in Hawai’i will go by too fast! Make sure to include some bucket-list items to check off while you’re visiting:
- Want adventure? Go ziplining!
- Love the ocean? Book a boat trip and some snorkeling. Bonus: If you visit during whale-watching season (December-April)!
- See an active volcano or hike through a pristine forest filled with exotic plants.
- Don’t forget to plan for some stargazing atop the tallest mountain in the world!
- If you prefer to sit back and let someone else do the driving, numerous guided tours are available. Pickup and drop off at your hotel with a full day of adventure in between.
- Hawai’i isn’t a top honeymoon destination for no reason: you and your sweetie can enjoy a gourmet sunset dinner sail or play in waterfalls ala “The Blue Lagoon.” Many a marriage proposal has happened in Hawai’i! Numerous options will allow you to choose the perfect place and time to pop the question.
- Experience Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the snow-capped heights of Mauna Kea; hike (or go by horseback) through lush valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts, or play on jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach. Whatever your preference is, you’ll find it here.
Luaus
A Big Island Luau is the perfect opportunity to experience the community and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. While luaus were not traditional in ancient Hawai’i, where laws dictated that men and women weren’t allowed to eat together, today they are a classic aspect of any Hawaiian vacation. Luau are also popular for families as many of them offer hands-on craft lessons and even hula lessons for your keiki (kids). Under the magical Hawaiian sky, while you feast on a lavish buffet of local foods, enjoy a dinner show with music and dance, including hula and, of course, fire dancers! Locations and starting times vary, allowing you to choose what suits you best.
Volcano Tours
No visit to the Big Island is complete without a visit to Volcanoes National Park. This massive park is home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. At 523 square miles, you’ll find plenty to explore! Discover 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts, and rainforests. Begin your visit at the Kilauea Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps, learn about the park’s hikes, and get the latest volcano updates. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, and Kilauea’s last major eruption was in 2018, but it’s been erupting almost continuously since 1983! If you’re lucky, you might catch Madame Pele showing off. Visit the Volcanoes National Park website to get the most current status report.
Stargazing
The Big Island sky is protected by a strong lighting ordinance, which has preserved the dark night sky over the island. This makes the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea ideal for stargazing. You can choose from several stargazing options, including sunset/twilight packages with full dinner included, or be picked up at your hotel for a small group tour. There are also family-friendly alternatives, which include the use of a state-of-the-art telescope and a professional astronomer as your guide, allowing you to view distant galaxies.
Helicopter Tours
Some of the most beautiful parts of Hawai’i are so remote they can only be seen from the air. The Big Island is so massive that it can take a full day of driving to see just one side of the Island, but from the air, you can see it all. Choose from several one- or two-hour tours to take in the spectacles of Kilauea’s active lava flow, spectacular waterfalls, and the tropical rainforests of the Kohala Valley. These tours depart from various locations and offer distinct scenery, allowing you to select the one that best suits your preferences.
Snorkeling Tours
Snorkeling is a must-do activity when you visit Hawai’i. You’ll be transported to a different world under the sea along the pristine coastline. Day trips on well-equipped and comfortable yachts will take you to Kealakekua Bay and the Kona coast to see bright-colored coral and schools of tropical fish – Hawaiian turtle sightings are common too. For your bucket list, you MUST go night snorkeling with magnificent manta rays. See these gentle giants up close and learn about the marine life from knowledgeable guides. All gear is provided, and you’ll enjoy snacks and drinks on board.
Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden
Located about 15 minutes north of Hilo, the Botanical Garden is a lovely way to pass a couple of hours surrounded by lush gardens. You’ll see mostly exotic species, including palms, trees, and flowers, as well as a few marked endemics. There is even a section dedicated solely to orchids. The sights and smells are just incredible. As a child, I still remember the otherworldly feel of this rainforest preserve.
Please note that the 1.25-mile trail can be challenging, especially the boardwalk, and is not wheelchair-accessible. Use the railings provided as needed to avoid slipping or falling, especially if it has rained and the boardwalk is slick.
Go Horseback Riding
A fantastic way to see the Big Island is on horseback. Hawai’i Island is known for its paniolo, or cowboy culture. There is even a tour where an experienced guide will take you past the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian community, through the lush foliage of a tropical jungle, and along a cool stream to a beautiful waterfall.
O ka Mokupuni Nui ka mea maikaʻi loa – The Big Island is the Best
This is only a brief list of all the activities available on The Big Island. Be sure to allow plenty of time so you don’t miss your favorites.
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