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

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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 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.
Big Island Whale Watch Tours
Every winter between the months of December and April, humpback whales migrate to the warm, Pacific waters of Hawaii to calve and nurse their newborns. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see the whales play offshore just by standing on the coast and looking out to the ocean! For a more reliable experience, book a Hawaii whale watching cruise, where you'll sail out into the water with an experienced captain and crew to find whales and observe them from a close, but respectable, distance.
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.
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.
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
Iruka Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience
From USD 125.00
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2
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Expert Nature Guide
USD 240.00
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure
From USD 286.00
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4
Legends of Hawaii Luau Dinner Show with Open Bar at Hilton Waikoloa Village
From USD 179.36
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5
Island Breeze Kona Luau at King Kamehameha Hotel with Open Bar
From USD 176.97
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Big Island Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm
From USD 235.60
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Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island Waterfall & Rainforest Zip Adventure
From USD 188.05
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8
Volcano Unveiled Tour to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Golden Lava Cave
From USD 256.54
(8)
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Full-Day Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour with Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm
From USD 292.15
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10
Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show
From USD 138.74
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11
Kohala ATV Tour - Pololu Valley Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure
From USD 313.09
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12
Manta Discovery Adventure - Keauhou Bay Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Cruise
USD 136.45
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13
Kona Sunset & Moonlight Snorkel Cruise with Mantas - Ocean Encounters
From USD 123.87
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14
Kona Sunset Sail Cruise with Free Cocktails - Honi Olani Catamaran
From USD 151.11
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15
Fair Wind Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Captain Cook Monument Cruise
From USD 127.32
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16
No Wiki Luxury Kona Private Charters - Daytime & Sunset Cruises
From USD 1,408.91
(4)
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17
Kona Submarine Tour - Atlantis Undersea Expedition
From USD 144.34
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18
Big Circle Island Tour - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Waterfalls
From USD 260.73
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19
Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours
From USD 271.20
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Kona Sunset Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay with Live Entertainment | Body Glove
From USD 170.81

Latest reviews of Top Big Island Attractions

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Outstanding experience!

2022/11/29 Friends GapC

Arthur gave us an incredible experience. With his knowledge of geology and astrology plus history of island we learned more than we expected. We felt we could not have asked for more in the planetarium and stargazing. ... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Expert Nature Guide

Nice trip but operational mistakes

2022/11/24 Couples TravelCouple

It was nice and cold at the summit, but the provided clothes helped a lot. Guide was informative although not nice. The bus to the top is very old and has a poor seating arrangement of mostly rows of three, so couples wi... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Expert Nature Guide

Worth it!

2022/11/22 Friends Kara

Gorgeous stars holy goodness!!!! It is cold but they have some bundling clothes

Hawaii Horseback Riding Tour with Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls

Beautiful Day

2022/11/21 Families Kara

Double win when you get to ride horses and hit a waterfall!

KIlauea Volcano Helicopter Tour - Blue Hawaiian Circle of Fire Flight from Hilo

Awesome Day

2022/11/21 Couples Kara

Our pilot was really nice, however it was cloudy that day, which is not anyones fault, but bummer!

Big Circle Island Tour - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Waterfalls

Amazing Event

2022/11/21 Couples Kara

You see everything on this tour!!! Delicious coffee!!

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.