Experience Big Island
Volcanoes
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park-No trip to the Big Island is complete without visiting Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most massive subaerial volcano. The topography of the park offers dramatic landscapes through 150 miles of hiking trails. At this moment, there is NO ACTIVE LAVA FLOW to be viewed. However, much of the park is open for day hiking, back country hiking and sightseeing including Chain of Craters Road. In addition, the Volcano House has reopened so stop in and have a morning coffee or sunset cocktail! For more information on Closures check out HVNP Area Closures.
Mauna Kea
If you like mountains and stars, Mauna Kea is a must see, unique experience on the Big Island. As you ascend from 0 feet to 13,800 feet rising above the cloud line, you will feel like you are on the moon, looking down on small craters and the observatories below. Back at the Visitor's Station, as the sun sets and the stars come out, the free star gazing program allows you access to telescopes and staff to point out objects visible in the night sky. For more information check out the Maunakea Visitor Station Information website.
Update: In response to COVID, the Maunakea Visitor Information Station is currently closed. However, the parking lot and portable toilets remain open to visitors at all times. Check out their website for updates.
Waipio Valley
You are remiss to leave the Big Island without taking in the breathtaking views and awesome hikes that Waipio Valley has to offer. If you are pressed for time (or lazy) you can simply stop at the Waipio Valley Overlook and gaze your eyes upon the iconic cliffs and ocean below. However, for those looking for more adventure Waipio Valley provides a range of hikes.
Green Sand Beach
Also known as Papakōlea Beach or Mahana Beach, Green Sand Beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. On the hour long hike to the beach you will experience the windy southern coast and see some ancient sites along the way. As you arrive at the rim of the cinder cone that formed the beach you will look down on a short span of glistening green olivine. At this point you will be ready for a refreshing swim but take heed of the potential currents at this beach. For more information on the hike check out Big Island Hikes.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. This black sand beach, located just east of Naalehu, is especially amazing because of the green sea turtles that can often be found basking on the shore. It is convenient to stop at this beach on the way to Volcanoes. After leaving the beach don't forget to stop at the Punalu'u Bake Shop for a snack of traditional malasada!
Big Island National Parks
See green sea turtles or black tipped reef sharks or learn about Hawaiian culture at one of the Big Island's four National and Historic Parks.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park-Although the lava is not currently flowing you would be remiss to visit the Big Island and not take at least a day trip to Volcanoes National Park. The Kilauea Iki trail is a 3 mile loop trail that takes you along the rim of a dormant crater and down across the bottom. You can also look over the edge of Halema’uma’u Crater into the lava lake. In addtion to day hikes, there is also a lot of back country hiking to be had in the park.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park- Also known as the City of Refugee, this park is just adjacent to Two Steps, one of the Island's best snorkeling spots.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park-Visit this park to check out traditional Hawaiian fish ponds, see how white sands of Honokohau Beach contrast with the black lava rock coastline, and local wildlife including honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), native birds and maybe even a Hawaiian monk seal, sunning on the shore.
Pu'ukohola National Historic Site- Just adjacent to Spencer Beach Park, this historic site is a testament to the battle between kings that resulted in uniting the Hawaiian islands. If you are looking for hiking, the park has a 1/2 mile loop trail, as well as a 3/4 mile trail to beautiful and often uncrowded Mau’umae Beach or 3 mile trail to Hapuna Beach.
Hiking
Even though much of the Big Island is private property and therefor off limits to hiking there are still plenty of places to get out and burn off that Loco Moco you had for breakfast.
1-Volcanoes National Park
2-Capt Cook Monument Trail-The trailhead can be found that the junction of Napopo Road and Mamalahoa Highway about 20 minutes south of Kona. This hike is about 45 minutes down to Kealakekua Bay where you can not only see the monument commemorating where Capt Cook died but can also take in some of the best snorkeling on the island. We recommend going early in the morning to beat the heat as there is little shade to be had along the trail (there is shade at the bottom.
3-Waipio
4-Pololuu Valley-After you pass through the quaint town of Hawi you will reach the end of the rood at Pololuu Valley. A short hike to the bottom will land you at a black sand beach. If you carry on across the beach and on up the next hill you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the coastline.
5-Pu’u wa’awa’a Forest Preserve- The trailhead is found about 20 minutes north of Kona on the upper highway. This 8 mile round trip hike will take you through old growth Ohia Forest, through fields up to the top of the cinder cone where the views are far reaching.
Big Island Camping
Of course we want you to stay with us for as long as you can, however, we also know that camping is a great and affordable way to explore the rest of the Island. Hawaii County parks are made up of 10 beach parks located on the pristine beaches of the island of Hawaii. These campgrounds offer camping sites and access to amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. However, to camp on the Big Island you must purchase camping and cabin permits through the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on camping and parks check out the Love Big Island travel site.
And much more...! Just ask our staff for recommendations!