The Big Island is Hawaii at its most elemental. Here the earth is still being made: lava has poured into the sea within living memory, snow falls on summits higher than the Alps, and at night manta rays dance in the lights off the Kona coast. It is an island of extremes, and of experiences you will find nowhere else.
The best things to do on the Big Island
1. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Walk the crater rim, the Kīlauea Iki trail across an old lava lake and the Nāhuku lava tube, and drive Chain of Craters Road to the sea.
2. Snorkel or dive with manta rays at night
Off Keauhou and the airport, giant reef mantas feed on plankton in the lights.
3. Stargaze on Mauna Kea
Sunset and stars from the visitor station at about 9,200 feet, or a summit tour.
4. Kealakekua Bay
Snorkel by boat or guided kayak in a marine reserve where spinner dolphins rest.
5. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
An ancient place of refuge with carved kiʻi, royal fishponds and snorkeling at Two Step next door.
6. Kohala Coast beaches
Hāpuna and Kaunaʻoa are among the finest white-sand beaches in Hawaii.
7. Punaluʻu black-sand beach
Green sea turtles often rest on the black sand.
8. Hilo and its waterfalls
Rainbow Falls, ʻAkaka Falls (442 feet) and the farmers' market.
9. Pololū and Waipiʻo lookouts
Dramatic valleys at the ends of the road; the Pololū trail descends to a black-stone beach.
10. Kona coffee farms
Tour and taste on the slopes above Kealakekua.
11. Waimea and paniolo country
Cowboy history and green ranch land.
12. Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Easy snorkeling with turtles and reef fish near Keauhou.
13. South Point
The southernmost point of the United States, with dramatic cliffs.
14. The Hāmākua Coast
A scenic drive of gulches, waterfalls and old sugar towns north of Hilo.
15. Whale watching
From December to April, off the Kohala and Kona coasts.
Kīlauea in October 2026
Kīlauea in October 2026: because of continued inflation and earthquakes at the summit, the National Park Service closed the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, part of the Byron Ledge Trail and viewing areas on the Keanakākoʻi side. Other parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remain open. Check the USGS and park updates on the day you go.
Getting around
You need a car. Kona to the volcano is about 2.5 hours, Kona to Hilo about 2 hours via the Saddle Road. Stay in two bases; see where to stay and Kona vs Hilo.
When to go
The Kona side is sunny all year; Hilo is wet in every season. Whales visit from December to April, and snow can cap Mauna Kea in winter. Volcanic activity, not the season, decides what you see at Kīlauea.
Why the Big Island?
Hawaiʻi Island, the Big Island, is the youngest of the main islands, less than a million years old, and still growing. Five volcanoes built it, and two of them, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, are among the most active on Earth. Its size, larger than all the other islands combined, gives it extraordinary variety: black-sand and white-sand beaches, desert lava fields, rainforest valleys, cattle ranches and the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea. It is also where Kamehameha I was born, the king who united the islands.
Why the Big Island?
Hawaiʻi Island, the Big Island, is the youngest of the main islands, less than a million years old, and still growing. Five volcanoes built it, and two of them, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, are among the most active on Earth. Its size, larger than all the other islands combined, gives it extraordinary variety: black-sand and white-sand beaches, desert lava fields, rainforest valleys, cattle ranches and the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea. It is also where Kamehameha I was born, the king who united the islands.
Quick answers
What is the best thing to do on the Big Island?
Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, followed by a manta ray night snorkel and stargazing on Mauna Kea.
Can you see lava on the Big Island?
Sometimes. Kīlauea has erupted in episodes since December 2024; check the USGS before you go.
How many days do you need on the Big Island?
Five days for the highlights, a week or more to explore both sides.
Is the Big Island good for beaches?
Yes, on the Kohala Coast, plus unique black-sand beaches such as Punaluʻu.
Keep exploring: Big Island with kids, Kona vs Hilo: what to do, Big Island snorkeling map.
Facts checked October 2026. Opening days, prices and closures change, so check with each attraction before you go.
