Top Big Island Attractions, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com
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Top Big Island Attractions
4.57
(1901)
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 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
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.
Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
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.
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.
Kohala Coast Attractions
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

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1
Ocean Encounters Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Cruise [Open Now]
USD 109.87
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2
Iruka Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience [Open Now]
USD 125.00
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3
Manta Discovery Adventure - Nighttime Snorkel with Manta Rays [Open Now]
USD 112.02
(9)
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4
Island Breeze Kona Luau at King Kamehameha Hotel [Open Now]
From USD 156.02
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5
AATV - All About The View Big Island ATV Ride on Hamakua Coast [Open Now]
USD 156.66
(9)
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6
Big Island Sunset & Moonlight Swim with Manta Rays Cruise [Open Now]
USD 117.11
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7
Legends of Hawaii Luau at Hilton Waikoloa Village [Open Now]
From USD 179.36
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8
Ho'omau Waikoloa Luau - Polynesian Dinner & Show at Mai Grille [Open Now]
From USD 125.65
(1)
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9
Blue Hawaiian Big Island Spectacular Circle Island Helicopter Flight [Open Now]
From USD 624.00
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10
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Expert Nature Guide [Open Now]
USD 220.00
(7)
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11
Volcano Circle of Fire Helicopter Flight from Hilo [Open Now]
From USD 344.00
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12
Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure [Open Now]
From USD 226.00
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13
Spirit of Aloha Waikoloa Sunset Cruise Sail with 2 FREE Cocktails [Open Now]
From USD 119.58
(4)
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14
Kohala Eco Ventures Big Island ATV Ride Tour [Open Now]
From USD 313.09
(2)
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15
Body Glove Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay [Open Now]
USD 160.00
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16
Honi Olani Catamaran Kona Sunset Sail with 2 Free Cocktails [Open Now]
From USD 119.58
(7)
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17
Ultimate Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Waterfalls & Waipio Valley [Open Now]
From USD 250.26
(2)
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18
Laniakea Kona Luau - Polynesian Dinner & Show at Umekes Fish Market [Open Now]
From USD 125.65
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19
Waipio Shuttle - An Exceptional Sightseeing Tour of Waipio Valley [Open Now]
USD 69.00
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Big Circle Island Tour - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Waterfalls [Open Now]
From USD 229.32
(5)

Latest reviews of Top Big Island Attractions

Great Cruise

2021/08/02 Families Tp3

Staff was great, sunset was great and nice way to spend a birthday.

An astrophotographer's dream

2021/07/31 Couples Margaret and Gary

An awe inspiring experience, even for my amateur astrophotographer husband. Beautiful photos worthy of placing on our walls.

Great Experience!

2021/07/24 Families Sluss Fam

The experience at the ATV on the Hamakua Coast was well worth it. The ATV’s were well taken care of, safe, and fun to ride in. The views around the ranch were a mix of everything from ponds, to cattle, to the beautiful H... more

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Great cruise!

2021/07/23 Families Jen B

Great crew, gorgeous day for a sail. Plenty of flying fish, dolphin sightings and even a few whales!

Best snorkel ever

2021/07/23 Couples Sydnie

Brendan and Morgan were lovely, great story tellers and funny jokes. Overall 11/10 cannot recommend enough

Great packed one day tour of Big Island!

2021/07/20 Families Roxene Gascoigne

This was great! Gabby was our driver and she was absolutely amazing. She knew everything about Big Island and was so friendly. This is a nice tour to get it all in in one day.

Top Big Island Attractions, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | 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.