Travel

What To Do On The Big Island of Hawaii

June 16, 2021

The Big Island of Hawai’i is an incredibly unique and special place. By having 10 of the world’s 15 different types of ecosystems, you could explore tropical landscapes, black sand beaches, active volcanoes and desert cowboy country, all within the same day.

I may be a little biased, but after living on the island and exploring nearly every inch over the span of 2 months, I feel that the Big Island may be the best of all the Hawaiian islands. To help you prepare for your upcoming trip, I’ve put together a quick list of what to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. However, if you are wanting a complete list of all my top recommendations, check out my Big Island Travel Guide.

Best places to eat on the big island

Basik Cafe

An Instagram worthy acai bowl that tastes even better than it looks! Located in a small shop above Snorkel Bob’s, this hidden gem serves up some of the best acai bowls around.

Original Thai Cuisine

This family owned and operated restaurant serves up the best Thai food on the island (it may also be the best I’ve ever had, period). In 2018, it was also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and it’s easy to see why.

Shaka Tacoz

If you’re craving street tacos, Shaka Tacoz has some of the best on the island! They offer free guac with every meal, but what makes their tacos truly unique is their shaka sauce. Be sure to snag a seat on their back lanai for a great view of the ocean.

Kaaloa’s Super J’s

If you’re wanting an authentic Hawaiian mean, look no further than Super J’s. This hidden gem serves up some some of the best lau lau in Kona! Other favorites include their Kalua pig and mac salad. 

Tex Drive In

Tex Drive In in Honoka’a is the most famous spot on the island for malasadas! Their malasadas are second to none and the dough itself is also unique compared to other bake shops, as they make it square instead of round.

Lava Lava Beach Club

If you’re driving through or staying at a resort on the Kohala coast, Lava Lava Beach Club is a must visit! While the menu may be limited and the prices on the higher end, what you’re truly paying for is the experience. Located right on the beach, Lava Lava offers some of the best sunset views.

Best things to do on the island

Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Located at Honaunau Bay, this 18-acre national historical park once housed ancient lawbreakers who were trying to find refuge. Take a self-guided tour and follow the map through the Great Wall and sacred temples. 

Captain Cook Monument Trail

Leading adventurers to the monument that commemorates the fallen British soldier who was killed in 1779, this trail is only accessible by boat, kayak or hike. The steep hike back up can be challenging, but before you turn around, enjoy some of the best snorkeling the island has to offer.

Big Island Bees

Since 1972, this family operated location has been working to gather honey the ethical way. Not only will they show you how they harvest honey, you’ll get a chance to view their honey body care products and take a walk through their shop to buy gift sets for family and friends back home. 

Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls State Park is a lush rainforest located 20 minutes north from downtown Hilo. It contains a paved path for you to follow and after an easy and accessible one hour hike, you get to reach the gorgeous 442 foot famous waterfall.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Reaching 13,677 feet above sea level, this national park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. This site was also named a World Biosphere Site by UNESCO in 1987. Make sure to bring a jacket as the weather can be cold as you climb in elevation.

Waipio Valley

Located on the northern coast, this area holds cultural and historical significance. The valley is surrounded by cliffs that are thousands feet high and is now home to less than 100 residents who live among the waterfalls. Be prepared to hike down to the beach, as only 4×4 vehicles are allowed down the steep narrow road.

Mauna Kea

Above sea level which is the highest point on the island of Hawaii. It’s been around for over a million years and has passed the active stage making it the perfect location to see the best views of the ocean, catch a perfect sunset, and watch the stars from below.


If you want a complete list of all my top recommendations, including 80+ of my favorite beaches, snorkel spots, experiences, restaurants, shops and stays on the island, check out my official Big Island Travel Guide!


The best big island beaches

Makalawena Beach

Getting to this island paradise isn’t the easiest, as you’ll have to traverse a 20-30 minute hike through lava rock and sand, but I promise it’s one of the best beaches on the island! This spot is backed by sand dunes and offers crystal clear water with some of the finest white sand around. 

Ho’okena Beach Park

My favorite spot for snorkeling on the island! Be sure to get there early because the small parking lot does fill up fast. Tip: enter the water from the left most side to avoid getting crashed into by rocks and coral.

Hapuna Beach

Sitting as one of the best family-friendly beaches on the Big Island, this half-mile white sand beach is perfect to let the little ones run wild. They have an on duty lifeguard, and have activities like snorkeling and hiking.

Punalu’u Beach

This is another popular black sand beach that is also a resting ground for endangered Hawksbill turtles. There are fresh water springs you can visit as well as trails and camping sites you can set up at for the night.  

Read the comments +

+ add a comment

  1. I Have been dreaming about travelling to Hawaii for a long time. Thank you for sharing your tips.

  2. Chelsea says:

    Wow! Definitely saving this for my next trip to the Big Island! All the food options especially Tex Drive In sound delicious.

  3. Kate says:

    I’m visiting Hawaii this summer, and I really regret not adding the Big Island to my itinerary! It sounds amazing and I would really love to visit the Akaka Falls State Park! Next time I’ll make sure to add it to my list!

  4. Hi there! Awesome recommendations. Visiting the Big Island is high on our life bucket list. In the last few years, we have visited Maui and Oahu and can say Hawaii is one of our favorite places in the world. Thanks for the insider tips!

  5. Farrah says:

    Ahh, I neeedddd to go there someday! Definitely wanna check out Big Island Bees + all the parks. <3

  6. Elle Juliette says:

    I can’t WAIT to go to Hawaii! Awesome post!

  7. Cris says:

    These are great recommendations! I haven’t been to the Big Island but plan to go soon. I had no idea it has 10 of the world’s 15 ecosystems!

  8. Ooh Hawaii is so high on my travel bucket-list! You made me even more enthusiast. And would love to try the street tacos of Shaka Tacoz , so yummy.

  9. Krista says:

    I haven’t been to Hawaii before but it sounds like there are a lot of great things to do there. I would love to check out the black sand beach.

  10. I can’t believe we have not yet been to even one Hawaii island. I can see we must make sure to visit the Big Island. I would certainly look for a place like Lava Lava for great sunset views over those amazing seas. The outdoor attractions though would be the big draw. Hiking to Akaka Falls or around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park would cement my love for the island.

  11. Hannah says:

    Hawaii looks like paradise! I’d love to visit one day. It sounds like there are so many great things to see and do on Big Island! Akaka Falls State Park sounds magical! I’d love to visit! I’d love to see Volcanoes National Park too. Thanks for the great guide!

  12. kohar says:

    Wow! Definitely saving this for my next trip to the Big Island! All the food options especially Tex Drive-In sound delicious. thanks for sharing this amazing article about the big island of Hawaii.

  13. kohar says:

    Wow! Definitely saving this for my next trip to the Big Island! All the food options especially Tex Drive-In sound delicious. thanks for sharing this amazing article.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

bianca montalvo

© Bianca Montalvo 2023

Navigate

Get the Newsletter

Subscribe →