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Top things to do on Big Island, Hawaii
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items We've previously enjoyed a wonderful family holiday in Hawaii. This was without a doubt our favourite ever family trip. We've covered this on our instagram and youtube channels - @paradisefallsfamily. Here we list just some of our top recommendations...
Big Island is a great spot to snorkel with manta rays and there are excursions that take you out to see them at night! This looks a really special, thrilling experience.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Enjoy a flight over Big Island in a helicopter spotting beautiful coastlines, amazing mountains and volcanoes - a really cool experience.
Take a helicopter tour over the island
A spectacular waterfall just outside Hilo. This one is easy to reach and a great spot to visit. There's a short walk up the side of the waterfall and you can get some great pictures.
Rainbow Falls
Snorkel in this beautiful bay complete with turtles and dolphins. This is also where Captain Cook passed away and there's a monument to mark the spot. Alternatively take a cruise down the coast to see it without getting wet.
Snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay
If you don't fancy getting wet take a submarine instead to see underneath the waves. A really fun experience for families. This submarine dives down to show you the amazing coral reefs and wildlife including fish, turtles and sharks.
Atlantis Submarine
Take in a luau at one of the many locations across the island. This is a quintessential Hawaiian experience.
Enjoy a luau
Up in the mountains is the summit of Mauna Kea where there is a world class observatory. Head up here to pay a visit to the observatory and see the stars.
Mauna Kea Summit
Visit an active volcano, and take in numerous hikes and viewpoints. One of our favourite spots was the lava tube you can walk through, and the steam vents dotted around the park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
View these amazing animals in the waters off of Big Island. Whales can be seen during the winter and dolphins year-round.
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour
Learn to surf with an instructor - a brilliant experience for Hawaii. There are numerous tour operators located around the island.
Surfing lessons
Visit this historic park to learn more about the Hawaiian culture. This looks absolutely fascinating. You can also see turtles here sometimes too and snorkel on the nearby beach.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
A beautiful area in the north of the island. The drive up here is brilliant, with lots of amazing viewpoints to take in. This is best reached from Hilo.
Waipi'o Valley
A beautiful trail and waterfall to enjoy, located a little north of Hilo. The walk through the jungle really is special and you can either take the shorter or longer route. Both offer amazing views over the waterfall.
Akaka Falls State Park
Amazing black sand beach down on the east coast where we actually snorkelled with turtles. We loved our afternoon here and would recommend combining it with a trip to volcanoes national park.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Beautiful Japanese ornamental garden to wander. Located just off Banyan drive right near the center of Hilo so it's very easy to explore.
Liliuokalani Gardens
Fascinating museum in Hilo to learn about the tsunami's to have hit the island and the dangers still faced.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
A beautiful little bay near Hilo where we enjoyed swimming and snorkelling. It doesn't have the sandy beach that others do but the water is amazing - plus there's a fun rope swing!
Carlsmith Beach Park
Take an exhilarating ride, ziplining on Big Island. There are several options and providers on the island including one which includes a zipline over a waterfall!
Zipline over Big Island
Walk through a real lava tube - these are dotted around the island but our favourite is Thurston lava tube in Volcanoes National Park.
Explore a lava tube
Get off-road and explore some more of the island on an ATV. There are lots of different companies and options available so you can pick the itinerary that's best for you.
Take an ATV tour