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Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

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The Big Island, officially named "Hawaii," is home to eight different climate zones, making it the most varied place in the world. Visit the snowy-capped tundra of Mauna Kea or the tropical rainforest of Waipio Valley. See the beautiful coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay or fly past the magnificent sea cliffs on the Hamakua Coast. Whether you're visiting Kilauea, a young active volcano, or Kohala, the oldest dormant one, you're sure to be amazed by the natural variety of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Top Big Island Sights & Attractions
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Hawaii’s most popular attraction. Join a top rated Big Island volcano tour and visit one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Explore dynamic volcanic landscapes and see lava tubes, venture across lava flows from past eruptions and connect with the most unique place in Hawaii. Soar over Kilauea Volcano on an epic helicopter flight, or explore the park on a sightseeing tour. For outdoor adventure lovers you can also join a volcano hike or bike tour.
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures & Stars
The often snow-capped Mauna Kea stands as the tallest mountain in Hawaii and is considered the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the sea floor to summit. Traverse its cinder peaks for spectacular views and unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Stare deep into the expansive universe as you sip on delicious warming beverages and take in the crisp, sacred, and unforgettable surroundings of this spectacularly cold Hawaiian wonderland.
Waipio Valley Tours
Waipio Valley, located in north Hamakua, is Big Island's "Valley of the Kings" and remains one Hawaii's most unique and sacred native preservation sites. As the rain falls, see its' beautiful waterfalls pouring into a network of wet-land taro farms, over roads and black sandy shores. Horses run wild here and age-old Hawaiian traditions are passed on to new generations that inhabit the valley. An experienced guide and special 4WD vehicle is necessary to make it down the very steep valley road.
Kohala Adventures & Things to Do
The oldest of the five volcanoes that comprise the Big Island, Kohala is known for the impressive sea cliffs and deep valleys that cut into the area's eastern coast, the result of hundreds of thousands of years of tropical rainfall. Fly past these sea cliffs on a helicopter tour, take a sunset sail on a catamaran on the west side, or ride a horse on one of the many ranches built on the gentle slopes of Kohala. The north shore of the Big Island offers plenty to do!
Rainbow Falls
Waianuenue, Rainbow Falls, is a 80 foot tall waterfall that is part of the Wailuku River. Located just outside Hilo Town, the falls are a popular tourist attraction that gets its name from the commonly-seen rainbows appearing during sunny days in the mist just under the waterfall. The falls flows over a natural lava cave said to be the mythical home of Hina, a Hawaiian moon goddess. Look below for Hilo sightseeing tours that visit Rainbow Falls.
Scenic Hamakua Coast
A beautiful, lush landscape filled with waterfalls, valleys, rainforests, and black sand beaches, the Hamakua Coast exists in stark contrast with the rest of the Big Island's dry, arid climate. Fly past the stunning sea cliffs of the Kohala Coast, take a horseback tour of Waipio Valley to visit a hidden waterfall, or zipline over the famous Akaka Falls, plunging hundreds of feet to the valley floor. The beauty of Hamakua offers visitors adventures and panoramas like no other place on the island.
Hilo Town Attractions
The biggest town on the Big Island, Hilo has retained a lot of its small-town charm, with various cafes, restaurants, eateries, and boutique stores as well as a zoo and a museum. Nearby is the beautiful Hilo Bay, a protected coastline that used to serve as a fishing pond. Other nearby attractions include Akaka Falls, Kaumana Lava Caves, Liliuokalani Gardens, and the Hilo Farmers' Market, with the Puna district, Waipio Valley, and Volcanoes National Park within driving distance.
Sacred Honaunau National Park
Journey back to ancient Hawaii and take time to visit the Place of Refuge, also known as Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, resting on the coast of south Kona. According to Hawaiian history, lawbreakers could evade the punishment of death only by escaping to this sacred sanctuary where they could no longer be pursued. This 180-acre National Park has been beautifully preserved and offers visitors a great historical exploration around the Great Wall and Royal Grounds.
Black Sand Beach
Most of the coastline of the Big Island consists of lava rocks, but a few stretches of beach exist with jet-black sand created by finely crushed volcanic soil. These black sand beaches are a wonder to behold and a unique, must-see attraction for anyone visiting Hawaii's newest island. Punaluu Beach on the south shore is the most famous and is home to turtles that like to rest there. Waipio Valley, though remote, has its own black sand beach as well.
Akaka Falls State Park
Hawaii's most famous waterfall, Akaka Falls is a 442-foot waterfall located north of Hilo. The State Park includes a half-mile, paved hike that loops through the area to an overlook of the waterfall. While visitors are normally required to pay a parking/entry fee, the tours below allow you to see the magnificent Akaka Falls with all fees included!
Keauhou Bay
For guests staying near Keauhou Bay, on the southern edge of Kailua-Kona, this area is the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. Well known for its rugged sea caves and pristine ocean conditions, this protected bay is home to the sacred stone that is said to have revived a stillborn King, as well as an ancient warriors burial ground from a fierce battle in 1819. Explore Keauhou Bay's vast history and underwater paradise and every corner of its breathtaking landscape.
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tours
Kealakekua Bay, located 13 miles south of Kailua-Kona, is a pristine marine sanctuary and preservation site filled with colorful marine life and coral. Tucked along this bay are ancient religious temples and also the historic monument where world explorer Captain James Cook met his fate. Archaeological sites are only accessible by rugged foot paths or by kayak. Go explore the history of Kealakekua and its underwater beauty through these tours featuring this stunning and sacred bay.
Volcano Sightseeing Tours
Explore Big Island's active volcanoes and the attractions at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a half-day or full-day volcano sightseeing tour. Here's your chance to immerse yourself in the power of this living volcanic landscape, its misty rainforests, thermal ponds, waterfalls and even lava flows. Tours allow you to go with a group and meet new friends or get your own personal expert guide to introduce you to the volcano and visit areas seldom visited by other volcano tour companies.

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

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1
Waipio Shuttle - An Exceptional Guided Sightseeing Tour of Waipio Valley
USD 75.39
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2
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide
From USD 260.00
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3
Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village
From USD 240.84
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4
Legends of Hawaii Luau Dinner Show with Open Bar at Hilton Waikoloa Village
From USD 225.13
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5
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
From USD 286.00
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6
Island Breeze Big Island Kona Luau at King Kamehameha Hotel with Open Bar
From USD 183.25
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7
Spirit of Aloha Waikoloa Sunset Cruise with FREE Cocktails - Hawaii Nautical
USD 152.11
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8
Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show
USD 177.59
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9
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour - Volcanic Landscapes & Waterfalls
From USD 439.00
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10
Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls
From USD 206.39
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11
Hawaii ATV Ride Tour at Kohala Coast - Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure
From USD 344.40
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12
Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner
From USD 240.73
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13
Kona Sunset Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay with Live Entertainment | Body Glove
USD 172.16
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14
Big Island Spectacular Circle Island Helicopter Flight with Landing Option
From USD 719.00
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15
Volcanoes National Park & Rainbow Falls Tour from Hilo and Cruise Ship Pier
USD 249.99
(1)
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16
Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
USD 129.75
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17
Kailua-Kona Sunset Cocktail with Free Drinks - Honi Olani Catamaran
USD 152.11
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18
Doors-Off Four Volcanoes & Waterfalls Air Tour - Big Island Rainbow Helicopters
From USD 775.00
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19
Luxury Private Boat Charters from Kona - Daytime & Sunset Cruises aboard No Wiki
From USD 1,414.91
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Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island Waterfall & Rainforest Zip Adventure
USD 218.80

Latest reviews of Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Excellent Tour Guide James

2024/12/04 Solo Travelers Eric M.

James who was the tour guide was very nice and thoughtful in providing anything we needed and gave a very informative details about Mauna Kea and the surrounding areas. He was also very helpful in pointing out specific ... more

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Waipio Shuttle - An Exceptional Guided Sightseeing Tour of Waipio Valley

Amazing time and experience that even my 18month old enjoyed

2024/12/01 Families with Young Children Trout

Had an incredible time. Our guide was local and new everyone in the valley. HE sang to us, played music and really showed us the best views. Highly recommend.

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Stunning and otherworldly views

2024/11/30 Families Briza Del Villar

This was such an amazing experience. I felt like I was on another planet and our guide James was such an awesome guy. I’m hoping to experience this again in the future soon

Island Breeze Big Island Kona Luau at King Kamehameha Hotel with Open Bar

Luau

2024/11/28 Couples Kay

It was fun. Nice weather.
Food was disappointing. Chairs were not comfortable. Entertainment was great.

Waipio Shuttle - An Exceptional Guided Sightseeing Tour of Waipio Valley

Wonderful experience with a terrific guide, Forest!

2024/11/16 Solo Travelers Lhs

We had an outstanding tour with Forest. He was incredibly knowledgeable about this amazing valley. The entire experience was well worth the cost!

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Excellent Guide - knowledgeable and helpful

2024/11/14 Families Ravinder

The best part is the guide took excellent pictures of everyone with the sunset and stars.

Very knowledgeable and answered all questions. Was very considerate and made sure all were ok during the trip.

Setup the telesco... more

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Top Big Island Attractions | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
The Big Island, officially named "Hawaii," is home to eight different climate zones, making it the most varied place in the world. Visit the snowy-capped tundra of Mauna Kea or the tropical rainforest of Waipio Valley. See the beautiful coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay or fly past the magnificent sea cliffs on the Hamakua Coast. Whether you're visiting Kilauea, a young active volcano, or Kohala, the oldest dormant one, you're sure to be amazed by the natural variety of the Big Island of Hawaii.