Big Island Adventures

Come mid-winter, I always find myself daydreaming about warm vacation destinations. Over the next few blog posts, I’ll be writing about some of my favorite getaways for this time of year—when you’re looking for a dose of sun and sea. In this post, I’ll be covering adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Geography of the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii has four main islands that tourists visit (there are a few other smaller ones not mentioned here): Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii, also known as ‘The Big Island.’ Oahu is the most developed island, featuring Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor. Kauai is the oldest island and the lushest, with the spectacular Napali Coast and the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific.’ Maui boasts a mix of impressive beaches—from white to black to red sand—and the uplands of Haleakalā National Park. The Big Island is the youngest and largest in the chain, bigger than all the other islands combined.

Due to its vast size, the Big Island is incredibly diverse geographically. The island contains 10 distinct climate zones, offering everything from lush rainforests to volcanic deserts. You can start at sea level and end up in snowy conditions on Mauna Kea. However, it’s essential to acclimate first, as the Mauna Kea visitor center sits at 9,200 feet above sea level.

Kona Coast

The west side of the Big Island, known as the Kona Coast, is dry and almost desert-like (though, coming from Utah, I still found it humid due to the coastal air!). This side of the island is renowned for its snorkeling and beaches and is home to most of the larger resorts. Hapuna Beach, with its pristine white sand, is often considered the best beach on the island. If you’re a triathlete, you’re likely also aware that it hosts the Ironman World Championships every October. 

Hilo 

The east side of the island, where Hilo is located, has a more local and laid-back feel. Home to one of the University of Hawaii campuses, Hilo is steeped in local history. A must-visit is the Pacific Tsunami Museum, which provides fascinating insights into natural disasters and their impact on the region.

Hilo also boasts more unique and authentic restaurants compared to other parts of the island. If you prefer a lush tropical environment, Hilo experiences frequent, albeit short, daily rain showers that keep the landscape vibrant and green.

Here’s what should be on your Big Island Hawaii bucket list:

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 

No visit to the Big Island is complete without experiencing the incredible Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Kilauea is a shield volcano, characterized by lava flows that ooze rather than erupt explosively, unlike the volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest.

During my 2018 visit, I was fortunate to witness an eruption from both a helicopter and a boat. The park was closed at the time due to the collapse around Halema’uma’u Crater, but I made the most of the experience from unique perspectives.

It’s hard to say which experience I preferred. The boat tour, departing from Hilo, provided an up-close view of lava entering the ocean, heating the water to an almost hot tub-like temperature—an unforgettable sensation!

On the other hand, the helicopter tour, though pricier, offered breathtaking panoramic views of fissure 8 and the radiating heat of the lava during an exhilarating doors-off flight.

When the park is open, driving the Crater Rim and Chain of Craters Road offers a fascinating journey through the volcanic landscape. If you have the chance, stay after dark to witness the mesmerizing lava glow.

Visit a Black Sand Beach

The Big Island is home to two rare beaches—one with black sand and another with green sand! Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach, located southwest of Volcanoes National Park, is a striking sight with its jet-black volcanic sand. The coarse texture means beach shoes are recommended for comfort.

While swimming is possible, we opted to picnic and enjoy the scenery during our drive from Hilo to Kona. The beach is also a popular resting spot for Hawaiian sea turtles (honu), making it a great place to relax and observe these magnificent creatures.

Papakōlea Beach, or Green Sand Beach, is another fascinating stop. The unique green hue comes from olivine crystals in the sand. Situated at the southernmost tip of the island, it requires a 2.5-mile hike from the parking area. Be aware that break-ins are common, so it’s best to bring only essentials and leave valuables behind. I unfortunately didn’t get there on my last trip, but it is on my plan for next time!

Snorkel with Manta Rays 

Night snorkeling with manta rays off the Kona coast is an unforgettable experience. The lights from the boats and nearby resorts attract plankton, drawing the graceful mantas in. We chose Anelakai Adventures for their eco-friendly approach, using Hawaiian outrigger canoes to transport snorkelers to the site. Floating from the canoe, watching the mantas glide beneath us, was absolutely magical.

Go Snorkeling

Two Step, located next to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, is a fantastic spot for easy shore snorkeling. The clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it feel like stepping into an aquarium. The area is teeming with marine life, making it a favorite for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

For a more adventurous snorkeling experience, consider a guided kayak and snorkel tour at Kealakekua Bay, home to the famous Captain Cook Monument. We chose Kona Boys for our tour, which provided an unforgettable paddle experience followed by stunning underwater exploration. If you prefer to stay on land, hiking to the monument is another scenic option (but be prepared, it is HOT!)

Visit a National Historic Site

Immerse yourself in native Hawaiian culture by visiting Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site or Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. These sites offer a glimpse into Hawaii’s storied past and provide educational opportunities through guided audio tours and exhibits.

Mauna Kea Observatories

For stargazing enthusiasts, Mauna Kea is an unparalleled destination. Home to some of the world’s most advanced telescopes, the summit offers breathtaking views of the night sky. The visitor center, at 9,200 feet, provides telescopes for public viewing, and ranger-led programs offer fascinating insights into astronomy and the cultural significance of Mauna Kea to native Hawaiians.

Discover More: Unique Stops on the Big Island

Visit a Coffee Farm

The Big Island is renowned for its world-famous Kona coffee, grown in the fertile volcanic soil on the western slopes of Mauna Loa. Taking a tour of a local coffee farm offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultivation process, from planting to harvesting and roasting. Many farms provide guided tours where visitors can stroll through the lush coffee fields, observe traditional and modern processing methods, and, of course, sample freshly brewed Kona coffee. Some farms even offer coffee tasting flights, allowing you to experience the subtle flavor variations influenced by elevation and soil conditions.

Explore Waimea Town

Waimea offers a unique blend of Hawaiian cowboy (paniolo) culture and modern charm. The town, nestled in rolling green pastures, is home to Parker Ranch, one of the largest privately owned cattle ranches in the United States. Visitors can explore Waimea’s rich history by stopping at local museums and cultural centers that showcase the paniolo heritage. The town also boasts a lively culinary scene with farm-to-table restaurants, bustling farmers’ markets featuring locally grown produce, and unique shops selling artisan crafts. Whether you’re enjoying the local flavors or taking in the scenic ranchlands, Waimea provides a refreshing contrast to the island’s coastal landscapes.

Overlook at Waipi‘o Valley

The breathtaking overlook at Waipi‘o Valley offers one of the most iconic views on the Big Island. Known as the “Valley of the Kings,” this lush and secluded valley is steeped in Hawaiian history and legend. From the overlook, you’ll see dramatic cliffs covered in verdant vegetation, cascading waterfalls plunging into the valley floor, and the black sand beach meeting the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Akaka Falls

Located just north of Hilo, Akaka Falls State Park features an easy, family-friendly hike through a lush rainforest teeming with tropical flora. The main highlight of the park is the stunning 442-foot Akaka Falls, which cascades into a deep, misty gorge surrounded by vibrant greenery. The paved loop trail meanders through dense bamboo groves, fragrant ginger, and towering ferns, providing a sensory-rich experience for nature lovers. The park is an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy the serene sounds of cascading water and native bird songs.

Best time to visit Hawaii 

Thanks to its tropical location, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Hawaii. That said, there are pros and cons to visiting at different times of the year. Changes in the trade winds bring more or less moisture and rough waves, which can affect your vacation. 

Winter in Hawaii 

Winter brings rougher weather to the north and northwest coasts, resulting in larger waves and more frequent rain. This can be more of an issue on Oahu and Kauai, while the Big Island has fewer resorts or public beaches in these areas.

A major perk of visiting in winter is humpback whale season. These magnificent creatures arrive in late fall and stay through March, with peak viewing in February. The Kohala Coast is the best spot on the Big Island for whale watching, or you can take a boat tour for a closer experience.

Be mindful that Christmas and New Year’s bring an influx of tourists, leading to higher rates and larger crowds.

Summer in Hawaii 

Summer offers calmer surf and drier weather, but it also means more crowds and higher prices due to school vacations. There’s also a small risk of tropical cyclones, though not as common as in the Caribbean.

Shoulder Season in Hawaii

Spring and fall are considered Hawaii’s shoulder seasons, with fewer tourists and more reasonable prices. The weather remains pleasant, making these the best times for a budget-friendly tropical getaway.

The Big Island is great for Hawaii adventure seekers, from beaches to mountains, volcanoes, and rainforests. If planning your trip feels overwhelming, let me help! Check out my travel planning services to create your perfect Hawaii itinerary.