According to ehangzhou, Hawaii’s largest island is Hawaii of the same name, also known as The Big Island. This beautiful island is located southwest of Maui. The real draw of The Big Island is the spectacular Volcanoes National Park. But The Big Island is more than volcanoes, snorkeling, swimming surrounded by marine life, kayaking or a round of golf, the island offers unforgettable highlights. You should not miss this during your Hawaii tour, Fly drive Hawaii or Hawaii tour.
The top 12 Big Island attractions
In addition to volcanoes, the Big Island also offers many other attractions. Snorkeling, swimming surrounded by marine life, kayaking or playing a round of golf, the island offers unforgettable highlights.
1. Volcanoes National Park – Big Island Volcano
Experience some of nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located 45 miles southwest of Hilo, the park is home to two volcanoes, including Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. The chance to witness the primordial process of creation and destruction makes it one of the most popular visitor attractions in Hawaii and a sacred place.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses 335,259 acres or about 523 square miles from the top of Maunaloa to the sea (for comparison, the island of Oahu is 597 square miles). Discover 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scorched deserts, and rainforests, as well as a visitor center, petroglyphs, and two active volcanoes: Maunaloa, which last erupted in 1984, and Kilauea, which last erupted in 2018 (1983-2018).
Kilauea is often referred to as “the world’s only drive-in volcano.” At one time, this fertile volcano produced 250,000-650.00 cubic feet of lava per day — enough to resurface a 20-mile two-lane highway each day. Since January 1983, more than 875 acres of new land have been created on the island of Hawaii.
The park’s outstanding natural diversity was recognized in 1980 when it was declared a World Biosphere Site by UNESCO and in 1987 when the park was honored as a World Heritage Site.
2. Hilo
Located on the northeast side of the island of Hawaii, Hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant city. On the geographic flip side of the Kohala Volcanic Coast, the region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests, and thriving gardens. It is also home to Hilo International Airport and is a convenient stopover on the way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located 45 minutes south.
Formerly a busy agricultural and fishing area, Hilo evolved into a commercial center for the sugar industry in the 19th century. Downtown Hilo was built around the crescent-shaped bay and became the seat of the county government. Today, Downtown Hilo is a charming little town with museums, art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
3. Puna big island
South of Hilo on the easternmost tip of the island of Hawaii is the Puna District and town of Pahoa, known for its free-spirited atmosphere. Many locals believe that Puna is Pele’s workshop, where the volcano goddess is constantly creating and recreating the land we live on. Indeed, this dynamic area stretches from the top of Kilauea in the east to the sea, including lava elements, black sand beaches and more natural wonders forged by the power of volcanoes.
Stop at Pahoa, a former mill town with an inviting boardwalk lined with eclectic shops and eateries; if it’s a weekend, detour to the Makuu Farmers Market down the road and stock up on roasted macadamia nuts and local produce.
The most dramatic destination of Puna is Kalapana. In 1990 lava from Kīlauea overflowed Kaimū and Kalapana. Although there is no longer an accessible black sand beach, you can visit Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmer’s Market. You can also see remnants of the stream that covered Kaimū.
4. Waimea
Travel east inland from the Kohala Volcanic Coast to discover Waimea (aka Kamuela), unlike any other place on the island of Hawaii. Known as paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy), this historic area, full of rolling, green pastures, is still home to cattle, cowboys, and ranches.
5. Scuba diving and snorkeling in Hawaii
The island of Hawaii and its clear blue waters are truly a snorkeling and diving paradise. The east side of the island has a handful of spots for beginner snorkelers and divers, including Hilo’s Leleiwi Beach and Richardson Beach Park. But the Kona side is even more famous for its visibility and calm waters, protected from the wind by Maunaloa’s massive slopes.
For snorkeling on the Kohala Coast, visit Hapuna Beach, Anaehoomalu Beach, and Ohaiula (aka Sam Spencer Park) under Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site. On the Kona coast, visitors can explore Kahaluu Beach Park south of Keauhou’s historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) and Honaunau Bay near Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. The perfect example of South Kona’s calm and clear waters, Honaunau Bay has a spot on the shoreline where the volcanic rock has been neatly worn away into a convenient “two-step” entry point for snorkelers and divers.
6. Kona IslandHawaii
The sunny Kona District stretches nearly two-thirds of the entire west side of the island of Hawaii – from just south of Anaehoomalu Bay (Waikoloa Beach Resort) to Manuka Park (Kau). This vast area is home to everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. In fact, King Kamehameha spent his last years in Kailua-Kona.
7.Historic Kailua Village: Kailua-Kona
Located just 15 minutes south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a lively resort town in the heart of the sunny Kona Coast. Once a sleepy fishing village and a haven for Hawaiian royalty, Kailua Village is now a destination for comfortable accommodations, great shopping, dining, and learning about Hawaii’s rich culture.
8. Ironman Hawaii
Professional triathletes and triathletes from around the world dream of racing on the main stage at IRONMAN, the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The legendary course that takes athletes through the barren lava fields that make up the island of Hawaii for the ultimate test of strength, guts and heart, while calling on athletes to find the spirit of aloha within themselves.
This two-day event sees professional women race on Thursday, October 6, 2022 and professional men race on Saturday, October 8, 2022, and age groups will be split over the two days.
9. Akaka Falls State Park
At Akaka Falls State Park, located along the northeastern coast of Hilo, you can see two beautiful waterfalls in one short hike. The pleasant 0.4 mile uphill hike takes you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo forests and draping ferns.
If you follow the paved footpath, you will first see the 30 meter high Kahuna Falls. Keep looping around the bend and you’ll discover the towering Akaka Falls plunging 144 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The beautiful Akaka Falls is perhaps Hawaii’s most famous waterfall. Easily accessible, this walk takes less than an hour.
10. Hamakua
The Hamakua Coast, just north of Hilo on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaii, is one of the most beautiful stretches of landscape on the island. With nearly 84 inches of rain per year, the region boasts lush tropical rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, and tranquil green valleys.
For an unforgettable ride, take the Hamakua Heritage Corridor from Hilo to Waipio Valley Lookout. As you drive along the scenic coast, you will see deep, water-carved gullies, thick with tropical foliage. Stop and visit gardens filled with exotic plants, including the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and World Botanical Gardens with its three-tiered Umauma Falls. The heritage ride includes two of the island’s most famous waterfalls: the 442-foot-tall Akaka Falls and the 100-foot-tall Kahuna Falls. One look at their cascading beauty and you’ll understand why they’re called wailele (jumping waters). At the conclusion of your journey, stop at the Waipio Valley Lookout to enjoy a truly breathtaking panoramic view.
11. The black sand at Punalu’u Beach
Have you ever seen a beach with black sand? Due to the constant volcanic activity, you will find white sand and black sand on the island of Hawaii. Punaluu Black Sand Beach, located on the southeastern coast of Kau, is one of Hawaii’s most famous black sand beaches.
Located between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu in Kau, the jet-black shores of Punaluu Black Sand Beach are an unforgettable sight. Coconut palms line the top edge of the sand and you can also spot large honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) basking on the beach. As tempting as it may be, don’t touch these protected turtles or remove black sand from the beach.
12. Kaloka-Honokohau National Historic Park
Just south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Explore this coastal park and learn how an early Hawaiian settlement survived on Kona’s rugged coast.
Take a hike to see four different ahupuaa (traditional mountain to sealand divisions), as well as heiau (sacred temples) and kii pohaku (rock carvings). The park is also home to two amazing Hawaiian fish ponds that showcase the technical acumen of native Hawaiians. Or look for local wildlife, including honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), native birds, and maybe even a Hawaiian monk seal, basking on the shore. Check the visitor center for more information on special programs and tours. The visitor center is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. daily; Access to Kaloko Road vehicles is available from 8 AM to 5 PM. daily.
