The Big Island of Hawaii Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to The Big Island of Hawaii — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in The Big Island of Hawaii

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Home to two of the world's most active volcanoes — Kilauea and Mauna Loa — this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans sea level to 13,680 feet, offering crater overlooks, lava tubes, steam vents, and the rare chance to watch a living planet reshape itself. Kilauea has been erupting on and off since December 2024, with…
• Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing. At 13,796 feet, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on Earth measured from its oceanic base, and its summit hosts some of the world's premier astronomical observatories. The Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet runs free nightly stargazing programs with laser-guided sky tours above the cloud line.
• Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling. One of Hawaii's most pristine marine sanctuaries, Kealakekua Bay protects thriving coral gardens, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and a dizzying variety of tropical fish just offshore from where Captain Cook first landed on Hawaii Island in 1778. Boat tours and guided kayak paddles bring you to the calm northwest corner,…
• Manta Ray Night Snorkel, Kona. Giant Pacific manta rays — some with wingspans exceeding 14 feet — barrel-roll through the plankton-rich water below dive lights off the Kona Coast virtually every night. This is one of only a handful of sites in the world where you can reliably snorkel alongside wild manta rays after dark.
• Papakōlea Green Sand Beach. One of only four green-sand beaches on Earth, Papakōlea owes its vivid olive color to olivine crystals eroding from a 49,000-year-old cinder cone near South Point, the southernmost tip of the United States. Reaching it requires a 5.5-mile round-trip hike across a dramatic, wind-scoured headland.
• Hapuna Beach. Repeatedly named one of America's best beaches, Hapuna stretches nearly half a mile of bright white sand along the sunny Kohala Coast with crystal-clear water, a year-round lifeguard, and calm summer surf ideal for swimming and bodyboarding. In winter, lucky visitors may spot humpback whales spouting offshore.
• Waipio Valley Lookout. Known as the Valley of the Kings, Waipio is a sacred valley of Hawaiian royalty framed by 2,000-foot emerald cliffs, a mile-long black sand beach, and the dramatic Hi'ilawe Falls plunging 1,200 feet to the valley floor. While the valley road is currently closed to visitors, the dramatic overlook at the road's end…
• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. This jet-black beach formed from lava cooling in the sea is one of the most reliable places in Hawaii to see endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles — honu — basking on the shore. Lifeguards are on duty daily, and the beach is a natural gathering point between the Kona and Volcano sides of the island.

Best time to visit The Big Island of Hawaii

Late April through May, or mid-September through mid-October. These shoulder months offer the best combination of pleasant weather (low-to-mid 80s°F on the Kona coast), significantly lower accommodation rates, and fewer crowds than the December–February peak or the summer family rush. The Merrie Monarch Festival in April is a cultural bonus. October is also ideal but coincides with the Ironman World Championship week, which temporarily spikes Kona-area prices and crowds around race day

The Big Island of Hawaii weather by month

Getting to The Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island has two airports: Kona (KOA) on the sunny west side for resorts and beaches, Hilo (ITO) on the lush east side for Volcanoes National Park. They're ~1.5–2 hrs apart, so fly into the side you'll spend most time on. A rental car is essential — the island is larger than all the others combined.

• KOA Ellison Onizuka Kona International (west side) — 15 min drive
• ITO Hilo International (east side) — 15 min drive

Where to stay in The Big Island of Hawaii

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• Kohala Coast. The island's 'Gold Coast' — 30 to 45 minutes north of Kona — strings together the Big Island's best white-sand beaches (including Hapuna), virtually guaranteed sunshine, world-class golf, and its most luxurious resort corridor. Four Seasons, Fairmont,… Good for: Luxury travelers, beach lovers, honeymooners, golfers.
• Kailua-Kona. The island's main town is walkable, lively, and lined with ocean-view restaurants, dive shops, coffee bars, and a weekly farmers market along historic Ali'i Drive. Keauhou, the quieter neighborhood just south, offers easy beach access and a golf course. A… Good for: First-time visitors, active travelers, budget to mid-range, solo adventurers.
• Volcano Village. A small, misty rainforest village just minutes from the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering rustic B&Bs, forest cottages, and the historic Kilauea Lodge. No resorts, no beach — just tree ferns, birdsong, and the singular experience of… Good for: Nature enthusiasts, volcano chasers, couples seeking seclusion, photographers.
• Hilo. The island's largest city sits on a crescent bay on the rainy eastern shore, offering a genuine local-life experience: historic bayfront, botanical gardens, the famous farmers market, independent restaurants, and easy day-trip access to Akaka Falls, Rainbow… Good for: Budget-conscious travelers, culture seekers, couples wanting an authentic Hawaii, visitors combining Hilo with the national park.
• Waimea (Kamuela). Sitting at 2,600 feet in the cool upcountry, this paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) ranching town is a breath of fresh air from the beach resorts — literally. Home to Peter Merriman's flagship restaurant, farm-fresh dining, boutique shops, and easy access to both… Good for: Foodies, couples, travelers wanting a cool retreat from beach heat, repeat visitors.

Where to eat in The Big Island of Hawaii

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Merriman's Waimea. Waimea (Kamuela), upcountry · Hawaii Regional / farm-to-table — Peter Merriman — one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine — opened this flagship in 1988 and still sources 90% of ingredients…
• Brown's Beach House. Kohala Coast (Fairmont Orchid resort) · Contemporary Hawaiian / Pacific Rim — AAA Four Diamond oceanfront dining just steps from the water at the Fairmont Orchid, featuring fresh Hawaii…
• Lava Lava Beach Club. Waikoloa, Kohala Coast · Island / Hawaiian seafood — Open-air tables set directly on the sand at Anaeho'omalu Bay with nightly live entertainment, tiki torches, and a crowd-pleasing menu of fresh…
• Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay. Downtown Hilo, bayfront · Italian-inspired / wood-fired pizza — A Hilo institution since 1988, operating out of a historic bayfront building overlooking Hilo Bay. Known for wood-fired pizza and…
• Miller and Lux Hualalai. Kohala Coast (Four Seasons Resort Hualalai) · Steakhouse / Contemporary American — Chef Tyler Florence's premier steakhouse at the Four Seasons Hualalai, winner of the 2025 Hale 'Aina Award for Best…
• The Fish And The Hog. 64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd · 4.7★ (2,877 reviews)
• On the Rocks. 75-5824 Kahakai Rd · 4.4★ (4,696 reviews)
• Merriman's Big Island. 65-1227 Opelo Rd B · 4.7★ (2,123 reviews)

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• Island Lava Java. Kailua-Kona, Ali'i Drive · American / Pacific fusion — Family-owned oceanfront cafe featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, serving 100% Kona coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, and an all-day menu of…
• NOIO. Kohala Coast (Four Seasons Resort Hualalai) · Japanese / Sushi / Seafood — Oceanfront sushi lounge at the Four Seasons Hualalai pairing freshly caught island fish with authentic Japanese…
• Hilo Farmers Market food stalls. Downtown Hilo · Local Hawaiian / mixed — The market's lunch wagon lane and prepared-food vendors offer the most authentic and affordable taste of Big Island cuisine — poke bowls, spam musubi, shave…
• The Coffee Shack. 83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy Box 510 · 4.7★ (2,595 reviews)
• HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee, Kona Coffee. 74-5599 Pawai Pl #B3 · 4.6★ (1,999 reviews)
• Kona Coffee & Tea. 74-5588 Palani Rd · 4.6★ (1,806 reviews)
• Manuela Malasada Co. 1 Puako Beach Dr · 4.5★ (1,275 reviews)
• Kaya's Kawanui. 79-7300 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd · 4.7★ (893 reviews)

A 7-Day the Big Island Plan

1. Day 1 — Kona Coast Welcome. Arrive into Kona International Airport and settle into your accommodation along the sunny Kailua-Kona waterfront. Take a leisurely stroll along Ali'i Drive, browsing local shops and soaking in the laidback harbor atmosphere. Head south on Highway 11 to tour one of the working farms along…
2. Day 2 — Manta Rays & Sacred Shore. Drive a short distance south of Kona to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, arriving early before crowds. Walk among the royal grounds, carved ki'i akua (temple images), and ancient fishponds of this powerful place of refuge. Continue to Kealakekua Bay State Historical…
3. Day 3 — Volcanoes & Lava Fire. Make the scenic two-hour drive south to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, arriving at the Kilauea Visitor Center when it opens. Walk the Crater Rim Trail for sweeping views of Halemaʻumaʻu crater and, if there is active lava activity, the glow is unmistakable. Drive the Chain of Craters…
4. Day 4 — Black Sand, Green Sand & Hilo. Stop at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach on the Ka'ū coast to see the stunning volcanic shoreline and, if you are lucky, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) basking in the sun — keep a respectful distance. Continue on the South Point Road adventure to reach Papakōlea Green Sand Beach,…
5. Day 5 — Hilo Jungle & Garden Magic. Start with the legendary Hilo Farmers Market at the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Mamo Street — open Wednesday and Saturday but liveliest on Saturday mornings — stocking up on exotic fruits, local honey, and fresh flowers. Drive north of Hilo to the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and…
6. Day 6 — Waipio Valley & North Shore. Drive the Hamakua Coast north to the Waipio Valley Lookout — the view from the road's end into this sacred 2,000-foot-deep valley of taro fields and waterfalls is one of the most iconic in all Hawaii. Linger and photograph from the overlook. Continue northwest to the Kohala Coast…
7. Day 7 — Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing. Take a slow, acclimatizing morning near the Kohala Coast with a spa treatment or a snorkel session at the calm bays near Anaeho'omalu (A-Bay) within Waikoloa Beach Resort area. Drive up Saddle Road (Highway 200) to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet. Rest and…

Events & festivals in The Big Island of Hawaii

• Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (Early February). Annual festival celebrating the bloom of Waimea's historic cherry trees (imported from Japan). Features Japanese tea ceremonies, multicultural performances, cooking demonstrations, and local artisans. The 33rd annual…
• Kona Brewers Festival (March (occasionally shifted; 2026 was April 4)). Annual craft beer festival held in Kailua-Kona, typically at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Features craft breweries from across Hawaii and the mainland alongside local food and live music.
• Merrie Monarch Festival (Easter week (April; precise dates vary annually with Easter)). World-renowned hula competition held in Hilo since 1964, considered the most prestigious hula contest in the world. The 63rd annual festival ran April 5–11, 2026. Features kahiko (ancient) and ʻauana (modern) hula…
• Big Island Chocolate Festival (Late April (2026: April 23–25)). Annual festival at Waikoloa Beach Marriott showcasing locally grown cacao and Big Island chocolate makers, with tastings, seminars, chef demonstrations, and a gala fundraiser.
• Kaʻū Coffee Festival (May). Annual festival celebrating the award-winning Kaʻū coffee-growing district in the southern Big Island, with farm tours, tastings, and cultural events.
• King Kamehameha Day Celebration (June 11). Hawaii state holiday honoring King Kamehameha I. The Big Island hosts two major celebrations: a floral parade along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona and the traditional lei draping ceremony plus parade in North Kohala…
• Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (August). One of the world's premier big-game fishing tournaments, held annually off Kailua-Kona since 1959. Draws international fishing teams competing for Pacific blue marlin and other billfish.
• IRONMAN World Championship (October (2026 date: October 10)). The world's most prestigious triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run) has been held in Kailua-Kona since 1981. Draws thousands of athletes and spectators annually. In 2026 men and women race together on…
• Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November (approximately 10 days; 2026: November 6–15)). Founded in 1970, one of Hawaii's oldest food festivals. Celebrates the iconic 100% Kona coffee harvest with farm tours, cupping competitions, cultural performances, and artisan markets in the Kona region.

Top-rated tours & activities in The Big Island of Hawaii

• Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate and Unique Gifts — 5.0★ (546 reviews)
• Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History — 4.9★ (6,986 reviews)
• Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch — 4.9★ (2,470 reviews)
• Big Island Zipline Tour Near Akaka Falls (250-ft Waterfall!) — 4.9★ (1,122 reviews)
• Kealakekua Bay Afternoon Snorkel: Family Fun on the Kona Coast — 4.9★ (700 reviews)
• Kaimana Ocean Safari — 4.9★ (272 reviews)
• Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo — 4.8★ (1,740 reviews)
• Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour — 4.9★ (1,617 reviews)

The Big Island of Hawaii travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit The Big Island of Hawaii?

Late April through May, or mid-September through mid-October.

What are the top things to do in The Big Island of Hawaii?

Top experiences include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing, Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling, Manta Ray Night Snorkel, Kona, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach.

Which airport is closest to The Big Island of Hawaii?

Ellison Onizuka Kona International (west side) (KOA) is the nearest, about 15 minutes away.

Where should I stay in The Big Island of Hawaii?

Popular areas to base yourself include Kohala Coast, Kailua-Kona, Volcano Village, Hilo.

How do I get around The Big Island of Hawaii?

The Big Island has two airports: Kona (KOA) on the sunny west side for resorts and beaches, Hilo (ITO) on the lush east side for Volcanoes National Park.