Explore the best of Hawaii’s Big Island with this ultimate travel guide. From stunning beaches and thrilling outdoor adventures to local eats, discover everything you need for an unforgettable island experience. These activities are all things that I...
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5
Activities
Beaches
Bites
Tours/Hotel
Travel Items
Activities
A must visit. The volcano national park has lava tubes, and many different trails. The most recent eruption was in 2018. You can spend the whole day here and around the lava flow area. We did a private tour through tours by locals though unfortunatel...
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Farmers market in downtown Hilo. Doesn't happen everyday so make sure to check the schedule.
Hilo Farmers Market
Another farmers market in Kona. Make sure to try some local fruits!
Kona Farmers Market
A beautiful lookout with a scenic hiking trail on the north end of the island.
Pololū Valley Lookout
A historic national park on the southwestern side of the island. It has great history and a walking trail with wild goats.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Shopping center with a grocery store
The Shops at Mauna Lani
Beaches
A great beach with clear water
Hāpuna Beach
A black sand on the west side of the island
49 Black Sand Beach
A beach on the west side of the island with great water to snorkel
Kikaua Point Park
Bites
Nice causal restaurant on a beach on the west side of the island.
Lava Lava Beach Club
A restaurant in downtown Hilo. It has great food and a nice view of the bay.
Hilo Bay Cafe
Fresh and authentic food in Hilo
Vibe Cafe Hawaii | Hilo Coffee | Breakfast | Brunch
Cafe in Hilo with great sandwiches and morning drinks.
Sweet Cane Cafe
A cafe close to the volcano national park.
Cafe Ono
A taco place in a farmers market, Kona.
Shaka Tacoz
Tours/Hotel
Some of the tours we did around the island
Favorite highlight of the trip. The helicopter tour took us around the whole island and even stop at a remote waterfall. The pilot was amazing and gave us the history of the island
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
An amazing coffee tasting with a plantation tour on an golf cart. We tasted many different coffees that you can buy there. Make sure to bring an umbrella as its always raining there!
Kona Coffee Farm Tours | Buddha's Cup
This was another tour we did. They picked us up at our hotel and went around the island to many different waterfalls and viewpoints. It was a fairly small group too.
Small Group Big Island Waterfalls Adventure
This was one of the top 5 hotels I have stayed in. They have exceptional customer service, numerous activities, great food and a nice pool+beach. Definitely recommend giving it a try!
Mauna Lani in Kohala Coast, HI
Travel Items
My favorite packing cubes, take them on every trip! Comes in many different colors too.
BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes for Travel
Water shoes, helpful in rocky beaches and at the waterfalls.
Vsufim Quick-Dry Aqua Socks Barefoot Shoes
I bring this on every vacation, and it keeps my phone safe in the water!
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch for iPhone
Pack of 3 towels. We had to bring towels everyday because we spontaneously stopped at waterfalls and beaches
OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Microfiber Towel Set
This water bottle is reusable and plastic so it is lightweight. It came in handy when we were in remote places.
