Things to Do

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku)

Walk through a 500-year-old lava tube created by flowing lava. The tube is lit and has a paved walkway, surrounded by lush native rainforest.

Kilauea Iki Trail

4-mile loop trail that descends 400 feet through lush rainforest to the floor of Kilauea Iki crater, where you walk across a solidified lava lake from the 1959 eruption.

Devastation Trail

Easy paved 1-mile roundtrip trail through the cinder desert created by the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption. Shows the recovery of the landscape with new growth emerging.

Chain of Craters Road

18-mile scenic drive descending 3,700 feet from crater rim to the coast, passing through different volcanic landscapes, lava flows, craters, and ending at the Holei Sea Arch.

Crater Rim Drive

Scenic drive around Kilauea Caldera with multiple stops including Steam Vents, Kilauea Overlook, and various volcanic features.

Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs

Short hike to one of Hawaii's largest petroglyph fields with over 23,000 images carved into the lava by ancient Hawaiians.

Halemaumau Crater Viewing

View the active Halemaumau Crater, home of the volcano goddess Pele. The crater often contains an active lava lake (when erupting) or steaming fumaroles.

Mauna Kea Summit Sunrise/Sunset

Drive or tour to the 13,796-foot summit of Mauna Kea for spectacular sunset and stargazing above the clouds. One of the world's premier astronomy sites.

Mauna Kea Stargazing

World-class stargazing from the Visitor Center at 9,200 feet or the summit. Free stargazing program at Visitor Center nightly.

Akaka Falls State Park

Easy 0.4-mile paved loop trail through lush bamboo forest and tropical plants to viewpoints of 442-foot Akaka Falls and 100-foot Kahuna Falls.

Rainbow Falls

80-foot waterfall that creates rainbows in its mist on sunny mornings. Easy access with parking lot and short walk to overlook.

Umauma Falls

Triple-tier waterfall with viewing platform and zipline course that flies over the falls and through the valley.

Waipio Valley Lookout

Spectacular viewpoint overlooking the lush "Valley of the Kings" with its black sand beach, taro patches, and 1,000-foot cliffs.

Waipio Valley Hike

Steep hike down 1,000 feet into Waipio Valley. The road is extremely steep (25% grade) and strenuous on the return climb.

Pololu Valley Lookout and Trail

Scenic lookout and steep 15-20 minute hike down to black sand Pololu Valley Beach. Beautiful coastal views and dramatic cliffs.

Kahaluu Beach Park Snorkeling

Best easy-access snorkeling on the island with abundant tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral in calm, protected bay.

Honaunau Bay (Two Step) Snorkeling

Excellent snorkeling spot with easy entry from lava rocks, abundant tropical fish, coral, dolphins, and sea turtles. Crystal clear water.

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling

Pristine marine sanctuary with some of Hawaii's best snorkeling. Accessible only by boat, kayak, or difficult hike. Crystal clear water teeming with marine life.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel/Dive

Bucket-list experience snorkeling or diving with majestic manta rays at night. The rays feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights.

Scuba Diving

World-class diving with manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, coral gardens, and lava tubes. Calm Kona coast offers excellent visibility.

Whale Watching (Winter)

December through April, humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters. Boat tours offer close encounters with these magnificent creatures.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Rent SUP boards and explore calm Kona bays. Great for beginners. Popular at Kamakahonu Beach, Kahaluu, and Anaehoomalu Bay.

Kayaking

Sea kayaking along the Kona coast to snorkel spots, sea caves, and remote beaches. Popular route is to Kealakekua Bay.

Surfing

Big Island has surf spots for all levels. Kahaluu and Honolii are popular. Winter brings bigger swells to north and west shores.

Kona Coffee Farm Tour

Tour working coffee farms in the famous Kona coffee region. Learn about cultivation, processing, and roasting. Includes tastings.

Greenwell Farms Coffee Tour

Free tour of historic Kona coffee farm with processing demonstrations and tastings. Learn about coffee cultivation from cherry to cup.

Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation

Tour the plantation and processing facility. See coffee in all stages. Excellent tastings of their award-winning coffees.

Horseback Riding

Ride through Parker Ranch country, Waipio Valley, or along scenic coastlines. Various operators offer different terrain and experiences.

Zipline Adventures

Zipline over waterfalls, through forests, and above valleys. Multiple zipline courses available across the island.

ATV Tours

Explore remote areas of the island on ATV including private ranchlands, forests, and mountain trails.

South Point (Ka Lae)

Southernmost point in the United States. Dramatic cliffs, green sand beach nearby, and historical fishing platforms. Windy and remote.

Hamakua Heritage Corridor Scenic Drive

Stunning coastal drive along the Hamakua Coast with waterfalls, gulches, coastal views, and lush tropical scenery.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Ancient Hawaiian place of refuge with restored temples, royal fishponds, and cultural demonstrations. Sacred site with great historical significance.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Impressive ancient Hawaiian temple built by Kamehameha the Great in 1791. Important historical site with coastal setting.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Ancient Hawaiian fishponds, petroglyphs, trails, and beach. See green sea turtles basking on the beach. Good for history and nature.

Snorkeling Boat Cruises

Half-day cruises to premier snorkel spots like Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau. Often includes lunch, snorkel gear, and dolphin watching.

Lava Viewing (When Active)

When Kilauea is actively erupting, viewing the lava is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Activity varies - check current status.

Lapakahi State Historical Park

Partially restored ancient Hawaiian fishing village with self-guided trail through house sites, canoe landing, and fishing shrines.

Hulihe'e Palace

Former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty, now a museum with Hawaiian artifacts, furniture, and royal memorabilia.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing