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
(1949)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

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1
Island Breeze Kona Luau at King Kamehameha Hotel
USD 156.02
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2
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Expert Nature Guide
USD 220.00
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3
Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure
From USD 226.00
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4
Iruka Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience
USD 125.00
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5
Blue Hawaiian Big Island Spectacular Circle Island Helicopter Flight
From USD 624.00
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6
Manta Discovery Adventure - Keauhou Bay Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Cruise
USD 112.02
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7
Legends of Hawaii Luau at Hilton Waikoloa Village
From USD 179.36
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8
Paradise Helicopters - Volcano, Lava & Waterfalls Flight from Hilo
From USD 335.00
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9
Hawaii Zipline Tours - Kolekole Falls Big island Zipline Adventure
USD 188.05
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10
Kailani Tours Deluxe Volcano Tour, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm
USD 260.73
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11
Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner
From USD 218.84
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12
Kohala Coast Sunset Cocktail Cruise with Open-Bar [Apr - Dec]
USD 139.00
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13
Volcano Circle of Fire Helicopter Flight from Hilo
From USD 344.00
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14
Kohala ATV Tour - Pololu Valley Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure
From USD 313.09
(3)
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15
Sea Paradise Manta Ray Village Swim & Night Snorkel (Keauhou Bay)
From USD 120.33
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16
Ocean Encounters Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Cruise
USD 109.87
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17
Hawaii Volcano Evening Explorer Tour, Coffee Farm & Back Sand Beach
USD 281.67
(1)
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18
Big Island Twilight Volcano Tour, Kona Coffee Farm & Stargazing
From USD 225.13
(5)
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19
No Wiki Luxury Sailing Catamaran - Shared & Private Snorkel Charters
From USD 422.89
(1)
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Volcano Unveiled Tour - Volcanoes National Park & Golden Lava Cave
From USD 235.60
(5)

Latest reviews of Top Big Island Attractions

Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing

2021/11/29 Families Christina E.

Shoyi and Hiro were wonderful! Very knowledgable and patient with many questions that were asked. We learned so much! Shoyi's photography was a bonus! This was a fantastic tour and an experience we will never forget. Tha... more

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Horseback ride

2021/11/27 Couples SWAPNA

The ride was fun! Horses were well behaved. My horse was kinda hungry most of the time! We saw taro fields and the guides told us a lot about the native history of the Waipo valley. Enjoyed overall.

Awesome sunset boat cruise!

2021/11/20 Couples Nick Martinez

Excellent service, very friendly and accommodating music to everyone on the cruise!

Great guide!!!!

2021/11/19 Couples Mike

Dastan was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Had some much knowledge of everything Hawaiian. Enjoyed all parts of the tour, was a long day and glad we were the first stop on returning!!!... more

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Waipio

2021/11/11 Friends Tdonaldson7

We had a great time. Forest was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. I would never want to drive this myself but I felt comfortable with Forest. Thanks for everything!

Lovely experience.

2021/11/09 Solo Travelers Sanidhya

Very unique. Views of a lifetime!
The host was amazing. Very informative and helpful. Really enjoyed my time on this tour. Will definitely recommend!

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.