THE BIG ISLAND
THE LAND OF LAVA
The Big Island — true to its name — is the largest island in Hawai‘i and the only one actually named “Hawai‘i.”
It’s world-famous for its volcanoes and incredible biodiversity.
The island is home to many volcanoes: Kīlauea, the most active volcano on Earth; Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on the planet; and Hualālai, which is also active. Mauna Kea is considered dormant, while Kama‘ehuakanaloa (formerly Lo‘ihi) is an active submarine volcano still growing beneath the ocean. Kohala (the oldest volcano) and Mahukona (underwater) are extinct.
KONA
Kona is one of the most special regions of the Big Island — a place where volcanic landscapes, rich history, and local culture all come together. It’s famous for its crystal-clear bays, ancient Hawaiian sites, incredible snorkeling, and of course… world-renowned Kona coffee!
Kona is also packed with must-see spots — from historic landmarks like Huliheʻe Palace and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau to stunning nature escapes like Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument.
KONA COFFEE
Coffee has been grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa since the 1820s, and today it’s a huge part of the local culture and economy. The volcanic soil, perfect climate, and the work of generations of farmers make Kona coffee one of the most treasured coffees in the world. You can even tour the farms and taste it fresh from the source.
The tour we recommend offers award-winning coffee and guided tasting sessions (optional add-on)
This other tour is also worth it — known for its stunning ocean views, unlimited coffee samples, and a stop at the Konalani Coffee Bar!
OUR MUST-DOS IN KONA
You can’t skip a real submarine dive in Kona that takes you over 100 ft below the surface — no scuba gear, no snorkeling, just an air-conditioned cabin descending into a pristine 25-acre reef 💙
You’ll glide past colorful coral, a shipwreck filled with marine life, and more tropical fish than you can count. We saw eagle rays, sea turtles, and vibrant reef life everywhere. If you’re lucky, dolphins, whale sharks, or even humpback whales can make an appearance.
The submarine is fully eco-friendly and runs quietly, protecting Hawai‘i’s waters while offering you an unforgettable view of the ocean’s hidden world.
So many people visit the Big Island for beaches and volcanoes… but you can actually FLY over Kona’s coastline up to 1,200 feet in the air 🪂
Here’s what to expect:
✨ Choose between 800 ft or 1,200 ft (we recommend 1,200!)
✨ Unreal views of lava rock, the coastline, and every shade of blue ocean
✨ The famous UFO dip at the end — it’s the best part!
We’ve parasailed in a lot of places, but this one was the most fun by far. Truly unforgettable!
MANTA RAYS
ORIGIN AND WHY IT’S SPECIAL
The manta ray-viewing sites in Hawai‘i were created through a mix of natural behavior and human error. Back in the 1970s, a resort in Keauhou/Kona used bright lights to illuminate the ocean at night, not knowing it would attract tons of plankton. Since manta rays feed on plankton, they began showing up nightly.
Over time, the mantas learned that light = food, a conditioned behavior passed down through generations. Today, operators recreate this effect by placing lights above or below the water, attracting plankton and allowing manta rays to feed naturally.
This is what makes the Kona night manta experience one of the most magical things you can witness — a completely wild encounter guided by nature, not captivity.
This is THE absolute must-do on the Big Island.
BUT whether you are diving or snorkeling, be super careful with which tour you book… some harm the environment and the mantas.
VIEWING SITES
There are two main manta ray viewing sites on the Big Island:
➤ Manta Village (Keauhou)
Located in front of the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, this was the first manta site ever created. It’s only accessible by boat because the shoreline is all lava rock. Most tour operators come here.
➤ Manta Heaven (Airport site)
Found in Makako Bay near the Kona Airport — accessible only by boat. During the day, it’s known as Garden Eel Cove.
OUR RECOMENDATIONS
If you’re snorkeling: We recommend an award-winning, eco-friendly company that keeps groups small (max 12 people) and follows a respectful, humane approach to Hawaii’s marine life. This is the tour we personally trust.
If you’re scuba diving (must be certified): We recommend Hawaii’s highest-rated dive company — built on conservation, safety, and pure Aloha. Their manta dive is unforgettable and one of the best in the world.
KOHALA
ORIGIN AND WHY IT’S SPECIAL
Kohala is an extinct volcano and the oldest volcano in Hawai’i, with an age of over 1 million years. It is truly worth the visit.
Here’s what we’d do in a day:
1 ) Start your morning with: Zipline canopy tour (or upgrade to Zipline + private waterfall dip) for the adventure of a lifetime🤯🤙
The Zipline is THE highlight of Kohala. You are literally flying tree to tree🌳⚡ and there’s truly no other experience like this in all of Hawai‘i!
2) After the tour: Grab lunch at Kings View Café—local favorite right across from the King Kamehameha I statue (perfect photo spot 📸)
3) Afternoon: Chill at Keokea Beach Park (calm & peaceful) OR Mahukona (great snorkeling 🤿)
4) Sunset: Drive along Kohala Mountain Road for the best golden views over valleys + coastline 🌅
If you have extra time, hike into Pololū Valley for dramatic cliffs + black sand beach!
HUALĀLAI
Hualālai is the Big Island’s third-youngest volcano, still active and shaping the island’s wild west landscape 🌋
You can only access it for hiking through a guided tour — and it’s SO worth it. The trail takes you across surreal lava rock colors, native cloud forest, massive craters, and even real lava tubes 😱 (yes, you actually get to walk through one!)
MAUNA KEA
This volcano is often considered the tallest mountain on Earth, reaching an unbelievable 33,500 ft (10,210 m) when measured from its base on the ocean floor — making it 4,500 ft taller than Mount Everest! Its base sits 19,700 ft below sea level, and its summit rises 13,796 ft above it, creating one of the most dramatic elevation gains on the planet.
🚙 How to get to the summit:
You can either hike it (weather permitting) or drive up in a 4×4 vehicle — and yes, they do check before letting you continue.
⚠️ Safety:
The summit sits close to 14,000 ft, and altitude sickness is a real risk. Rangers require a mandatory safety stop before going up and again before coming down.
💨 What to expect at the top:
Freezing temps and extremely strong winds. Don’t forget a warm jacket!
🌄 Must-do: Sunrise and/or sunset
You’ll experience a full cloud inversion, and honestly… It’s one of the most surreal things we’ve ever seen ☁️🌅
Just note the summit closes 30 minutes after sunset and reopens 30 minutes before sunrise, and overnight stays are illegal.
HILO
Hilo is the Big Island’s lush, rainforest-filled capital on the windward (east) side. It’s peaceful, green, historic, and absolutely worth exploring.
👉 Pacific Tsunami Museum — A meaningful stop that shares the stories of the tsunamis that shaped Hilo’s history and community.
👉 Coconut Island — A beautiful spot for a swim in Hilo Bay, plus it’s right next to Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Banyan Drive, perfect for an easy stroll and photos.
👉 Richardson’s Beach Park — One of Hilo’s best beaches. Great snorkeling, calm waters, lifeguards on duty, and plenty of shoreline for relaxing and taking pictures.
👉 Overlook the beautiful Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots
👉 Hike through Kaumana Caves
👉 Stop by the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo. They have lots of tropical animals and the WHITE BENGAL TIGER!
COW CUDDLING
Cow Cuddling might just be one of the sweetest things you can do on the Big Island 🐮💛
We went to Krinsha Cow Sanctuary and these are truly the happiest cows in the world (NO JOKE). They’re so calm you’d think they’re sedated — but nope, just living their best life.
Open 11am–2pm, right after they’ve had food and are ready for naps and cuddles!
You pay $20 to enter the cuddle zone (no time limit), and every dollar goes toward their care and housing.
UMAUMA
This is the ultimate all-in-one adventure spot on the Big Island. Home to the triple-tier Umauma Falls, this property packs more activities into one place than anywhere else: ziplining over 14 waterfalls, ATV tours, waterfall rappelling, horseback riding, swimming spots — literally a full day of Hawai‘i magic in ONE location.
Arrive early! They have a deli, restrooms, and even showers. Most tours require closed-toe shoes, but bring sandals for the waterfall sections. We originally planned to spend just a day here… and ended up coming back multiple times. There’s THAT much to do — and the whole property is acres of pure, untouched beauty.
Here are the tours you can’t miss:
VOLCANO VILLAGE
This is the perfect base for exploring the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Volcano Village is a small, artsy, rainforest town just minutes from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park — and it’s honestly one of the most underrated spots on the island.
This is our go-to place to stay — just 5 minutes from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. It’s tucked away in a private native forest, features a 24/7 hot tub, and includes a fresh, locally made breakfast every morning. And when the volcano is active, the sky glows red at night. It feels UNREAL!
You’ll find cozy cafés, mom-and-pop shops, local art studios, and some truly delicious places to eat. It’s the perfect mix of nature, creativity, and quiet Hawai‘i charm.
Support local by stopping into the small convenience stores along Old Volcano Road, or explore the many art galleries showcasing hand-blown glass, ceramics, paintings, and handcrafted gifts made by local artists.
Throughout the year, the village hosts fun community events like the Experience Volcano Festival, 4th of July Parade, and even an arcade + bowling alley inside the national park (yes — really!).
How’s the air quality?
Most days, it’s great! Volcano Village sits east of the crater, so the trade winds usually push vog away—leaving the air crisp and clean even when the volcano is active.
HAWAI’I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
KĪLAUEA
Kīlauea is the most active volcano in the entire world, and it’s located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You should plan to spend at least a day there.
👉 Crater Rim Trail
👉 Halema’uma’u Trail
👉 Kilauea Lookout
👉 Steam Vents & the Steaming Bluffs
👉 Devastation Trail
👉 Iki Crater
👉 Lava Tube
Kīlauea may erupt at any time… and trust us, if you’re on the Big Island when it happens — DROP everything and go!! These moments can last minutes or days. A once-in-a-lifetime memory you feel deep in your soul 🫶
Best viewpoints:
👉Kīlauea Overlook
👉Keanakako‘i Overlook
👉Crater Rim Trail
👉The Rim Restaurant (private view to the crater)
🌋 You can track the activity on the live cams from the National Park Service.
🧥BRING A JACKET! It’s 4,000 ft with freezing winds!
Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire🌋. Locals say she lives in Kīlauea, and when you’re there, standing at the rim watching lava glow, you feel her presence in your soul! Nothing truly compares to it🔥
MAUNA LOA
Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, has summit access currently ONLY via the ʻĀinapō Trail, which requires permits, a 4×4 vehicle, and high-altitude experience.
This is NOT a casual hike. It’s extremely steep, rocky, exposed, and at high elevation.
If you plan to do it, here’s what you need to know:
🔥 Summit Access
- Only accessible via ʻĀinapō Trail
- Requires multiple permits (State + National Park). Click here for more info!
- Requires gate access through Kapāpala Ranch
- You must have a high-clearance 4×4
🥾 The Hike
- Around 10 miles one way, extremely steep and rugged
- High altitude (over 13,000 ft) — altitude sickness is common
- Trails are marked with cairns and can disappear in fog or bad weather
- Only recommended for experienced hikers
🏠 Cabin Options
- ʻĀinapō Cabin (7,750 ft) – State permit required
- Mauna Loa Summit Cabin (13,250 ft) – NPS permit required
- Both cabins have basic shelter + water catchment (must treat!)
⚠️ Important Warnings
- Weather can turn dangerous (snow, high winds, whiteouts) any time of year
- No swimming, water, food, or support services nearby
- You must pack out all trash
- Children, pregnant women, and anyone with heart/lung conditions should NOT attempt
- SCUBA divers must wait 24 hours before ascending
This one of the MOST DIFFICULT and remote hikes in all of Hawaiʻi. Only attempt it if you’re highly experienced, properly equipped, and prepared for high altitude.
Most travelers should choose safer, more accessible hikes nearby unless already trained for this kind of trek.
BEACHES AND WATERFALLS.
Honestly, all Big Island beaches are beautiful, but these are the standouts you’ll want to make time for🌺
🏝️ Big Island Beaches You Can’t Miss:
👉 Papakōlea Green Sand Beach — A must-do! It’s a 5-mile hike to one of only four green-sand beaches in the entire world. 100% worth the time. There are only 4 in the world and Hawai’i has the biggest and greenest.
👉 Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach — The longest black-sand beach in Hawaiʻi and an iconic stop.
👉 Hāpuna Beach — Soft white sand + great swimming. One of the island’s best beach days.
👉 Mauna Kea Beach — Clear turquoise water and powdery sand. Postcard-perfect.
👉 Kua Bay (Maniniʻowali Beach) — Crystal-clear water and fun waves. Amazing for boogie boarding & photos.
👉 Spencer Beach Park — Calm, shallow water and great facilities — super family-friendly.
💦 Must-See Waterfalls
👉 ʻAkaka Falls — A 442-ft drop surrounded by lush jungle. One of the most impressive falls in Hawaiʻi.
👉 Rainbow Falls — Easy access, beautiful at sunrise, and you might catch a real rainbow 🌈
👉 Peʻepeʻe Falls — Smaller cascades but stunning — especially after recent rainfall.
BEST FOOD
KONA
👉 Huggo’s – Classic oceanfront seafood restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
👉 Kona Brewing Company – Brewery + pub food, great local beers, and a laid-back vibe.
👉 Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill – Fresh poke bowls, local Hawaiian sides.
👉 Sushi Shiono – Authentic sushi in Kona.
👉 Manago Hotel Restaurant (Captain Cook area) – Historic spot, known for its pork chops, has been around for a long time.
KOHALA
👉 Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery (Hāwī) – Pulled pork, fish tacos, relaxed island-arty setting.
👉 Sushi Rock (Hāwī) – Fresh fish, creative rolls, organic/local emphasis.
👉 K. Takata Store – Actually a general store where you can grab poke; very local
HILO
👉 Hilo Bay Café – Nice modern Hawaiian fare, with good views and a varied menu.
👉 Café Pesto – Italian-Hawaiian fusion, good pastas, pizzas.
👉 Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine – Open-air, fun spot, local seafood + pupu.
👉 Hawaiian Style Café – Classic local diner / plate-lunch feel.
👉 Hilo Farmers Market – Great for fresh fruit, local snacks, baked goods, and food stalls
VOLCANO VILLAGE
👉 Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant – Cozy lodge restaurant with locally sourced ingredients and a warm ambiance by a fireplace.
👉 ʻŌhelo Café – Hawaiian-Italian bistro, wood-fired pizza, nice cocktails, locally inspired.
👉 Lava Rock Café – More casual; big menu (burgers, Hawaiian classics, comfort food), good for breakfast/lunch/dinner.
👉 Eagle’s Lighthouse Café – Great for sandwiches, breakfast, or a grab-and-go meal.
👉 Thai Thai / Tuk-Tuk Thai (food truck) – Delicious Thai cuisine, very locally loved.
👉 Lanikai Brewing Co. – Brewpub in Volcano Village; local beers + wood-fired pizzas.
WAIMEA / UPCOUNTRY
👉 Merriman’s (Kamuela / Waimea) – Farm-to-table pioneer, local ingredients, very high quality.
👉 Red Water Café – Casual restaurant with stir-fry / wok-style dishes; more local feel.
👉 Big Island Brewhaus – Brewery in Waimea; good for beers + pub-style food.
👉 Hawaiian Style Café – Local-style plate lunch spot in Waimea.
Don’t go to Hawaii without these first:
