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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
Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village
From USD 240.84
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2
Legends of Hawaii Luau Dinner Show with Open Bar at Hilton Waikoloa Village
From USD 225.13
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3
Waipio Shuttle - An Exceptional Guided Sightseeing Tour of Waipio Valley
USD 75.39
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4
Spirit of Aloha Waikoloa Sunset Cruise with FREE Cocktails - Hawaii Nautical
USD 152.11
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5
Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show
USD 177.59
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6
Big Island Highlights Tour - Volcano, Waterfall, Black Sand Beach, Coffee & Wine
From USD 292.15
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7
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide
From USD 260.00
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8
Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls
From USD 187.64
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9
Hawaii ATV Ride Tour at Kohala Coast - Sea to Mountain Off-Road Adventure
From USD 344.40
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10
Island Breeze Big Island Kona Luau at King Kamehameha Hotel with Open Bar
From USD 183.25
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11
Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises
From USD 143.93
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12
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour - Volcanic Landscapes & Waterfalls
From USD 439.00
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13
Big Island Spectacular Circle Island Helicopter Flight with Landing Option
From USD 719.00
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14
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
From USD 314.13
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15
Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm
USD 271.20
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16
Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls
USD 239.79
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17
Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner
From USD 240.73
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18
Kona Sunset Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay with Live Entertainment | Body Glove
USD 189.19
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19
Doors-Off Four Volcanoes & Waterfalls Air Tour - Big Island Rainbow Helicopters
From USD 775.00
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20
Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island Waterfall & Rainforest Zip Adventure
USD 246.07

Latest reviews of Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

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

Had a great time

2025/05/07 Families Kara

As older folks we were nervous about elevation, but this tour makes sure your comfortable and taken care of.

Grand Circle Island Tour - Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Waipio Valley & Waterfalls

Wonderful day

2025/05/07 Families Kara

Kilauea was just amazing, I could go every day if it was possible!

Deluxe Big Island ATV Tour & Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls

Intense ride to an amazing waterfall

2025/05/03 Couples Jo

If you like adventure in an area you have not explored before, this is for you. We had a side-by-side thrilling ride to an amazing waterfall. The view is breathtaking and the water so refreshing. Water was great to cool ... more

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Waipio Shuttle - An Exceptional Guided Sightseeing Tour of Waipio Valley

Best Big Island activity

2025/05/03 Couples Joe

Found our tour guide Shaun (sp?) to be very informative about the area and Island history. Great scenery and an awesome education!

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

Mauna Kea is a Must!

2025/04/27 Couples Jennifer

My husband and I had a tour with James through Hawaiian Eyes Tours and absolutely loved it!! The sunset was beautiful and the star gazing was such an eye opening experience! James was very knowledgeable about the sights ... more

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Big Island Highlights Tour - Volcano, Waterfall, Black Sand Beach, Coffee & Wine

Big Island Tour

2025/04/25 Families Paule965

The tour guide was great. We really enjoyed ourselves

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.