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Vacation activities on Hawaii's Big Island 🌴
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items From the tropical rainforest to the arid mountaintops, Hawaii's big island is so much more than beaches. This curated list shares my favorite tourist activities and local favorites 🥥
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Sightseeing Activities
Food, Drinks and Treats
Sightseeing Activities
So many things to do when beautiful scenery and warm Hawaii weather are guaranteed!
Whether you drive in or take a helicopter tour, the active Kilauea volcano is a big island must-see!
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Grab some farm fresh papayas for your stay (you can't take them home). Add some tangy lilikoi for an amazing smoothie! For a true big island treat, try the handmade macadamia nut bread and wash it down with a cup of Kona coffee. Live music, too!
Keauhou Farmers Market Every Saturday
You can feel the healing energy of these sacred Hawaiian grounds. Take the self guided trail tour and learn the cultural significance of the site. Pause for awhile at the tranquil lagoon and watch for tropical fishes.
"Place of Refuge" Historical Park Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
The color of the black sand at Punalu'u beach comes from new lava ground up by the ocean, and can only be found near active volcanoes. This is the best place to spot Honu (sea turtles) as they bask on the dark sand heated by the sun.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Is Sea Turtle Central!
The rainy Hilo side of the big island provides a tropical rainforest climate for this collection of thousands of rare and endangered plants from around the globe. Paths and bridges guide you over streams to awe-inspiring views of Onomea bay.
Stroll the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The road ends at a cliff that overlooks Pololu Valley and a vast ocean view. A short but steep hike takes you to a secluded beach (that means no services). Be aware that rain turns the trail into a slip-n-slide. 😱 Along the way, stop to explore the ...
Pololu Valley Scenic Lookout (and hike down)
Amazing experience! Dive in comfort with your own porthole view, and see tropical fish, eels and sunken shipwrecks. If conditions are right, they'll land on the sandy bottom.
Atlantis Submarine Adventure
Atop 13,800 foot Mauna Kea you'll find the world's best stargazing! Due to the high altitude and remote location, this is the prime spot for deep space observatories. The big benefit to booking a tour is that the tour vans are equipped with special b...
Mauna Kea Summit Adventure
Food, Drinks and Treats
Favorite local Kona restaurants and island treats for a taste of the tropics
Just out of the way of the tourist strip, Kona's Big Island Grill is the local favorite! Tastes like home cookin' and the staff treats you like ohana (family). Fresh seasonal fish, Asian & American grill, macadamia pancakes, and if you have an ac...
Big Island Grill, Kailua-Kona Hawaii
Huggo's is literally on the rocks, right on the sand and water. Cool down at happy hour 3-5, or come watch the sunset and enjoy some live music!
Huggo's on the Rocks
Best sandwiches on the big island, plus an amazing view! Freshly made bread and local produce. Enjoy a cup of Kona coffee overlooking the plantation, and grab a bag to take home. Travel tip: Hit this on the way out to your day's activities, because t...
The Coffee Shack - Captain Cook Hawaii
Best macadamia nuts! Dry roasted with no seed oils, and full of non-gmo Hawaiian flavor. Visit their store on Ali'i drive, shop online, or for the best deal stop at Costco near the Kona airport and get a bunch to take home!
Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company
Big Island Coffee Roasters in Hilo is the best place to find fresh Kona coffee. ☕ Missing that robust Hawaiian flavor? They ship online orders!
Kona Coffee, Roasted to Order