This Big Island of Hawai’i is, well…BIG! While visiting, you might feel overwhelmed by all the things to see and do. As a backpacker, you’re also probably watching your budget. No worries friend, we’ve got your back! Here’s our top 10 list of FREE things to see and do on the Big Island of Hawai’i. (Note: many of these things do require a car.)
1. Hit the beach in Kona
The Kona coast is known for its aquamarine waters and beautiful white sand beaches, many within a short drive (or even walk!) from My Hawaii Hostel. Some of our favorite’s include Magic Sands Beach, Kua Bay, Mahaiulas, and Makalawena Beach. Check out our article on Kona’s best beaches for all the details!
2. Hike to Pololū Valley
This is probably our favorite hike on the island! It starts with a scenic 1.5 hour drive from My Hawaii Hostel up the coast to Kohala, on the northern tip of the Big Island. The hike begins at the Pololū Valley Lookout and takes about 30 minutes down a steep zig zagging trail (it’s easier on the way down than on the way up!). Your reward is a gorgeous black sand beach and pristine, undeveloped valley with a magical forest of Ironwood trees. Learn more about visiting Pololū and the Kohala area here.
3. Visit Rainbow Falls
Hilo, on the east side of the Big Island, is home to numerous rivers and waterfalls. It gets more rainfall than Kona and as a result has a lush, jungle-y vibe. Rainbow falls is the most impressive (and free!) waterfall to visit in Hilo. It is a 1 hour and 40 min drive from My Hawaii Hostel. The waterfall gets its name from the rainbow that can sometimes be spotted in the mist rising over the falls. After heavy rains, the waterfall becomes a raging beast and is quite a sight to see! Check out our post on Hilo’s Rivers and Waterfalls and our other post Go Hilo to learn more about things to see and do in Hilo, Hawaii.
4. Visit Waipi’o Valley Lookout
For a scenic road trip and spectacular view, head to Waipi’o Valley Lookout. The drive from My Hawaii Hostel takes you through the quaint little mountain town of Waimea and takes about 1.5 hours. From the lookout, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the valley floor and beach 2,000 ft. below, which once was home to Hawaiian royalty. A small number of people still live in this remote valley today. Learn more about visiting Waipi’o Valley and the surrounding area here.
Waipi’o Valley
Rainbow Falls
Stars outside Mauna Kea Visitors Center
5. Go Snorkeling
You’ll need to bring your own gear (or rent it for a small fee) but it’s worth it! Our favorite spot on the Big Island for crystal clear snorkeling with lots of vibrant underwater life is Two Step, or Honaunau Bay. Beneath the waves you can spot sea turtles, schools of colorful reef fish, and maybe even a dolphin if you’re lucky! The underwater landscape is spectacular with a massive sea arch on the south side of the bay.
6. Take a Peak in Kaumana Cave
Kaumana Cave is a whopping 25 mile long lava tube that was created by the 1880 eruption of Mauna Loa volcano. The cave is located just above Hilo, which the flow almost destroyed. You can climb down and stand in the giant mouth of the cave, and explore a short way into the cave if you have sturdy footwear and a flashlight. Hiking far back into the cave is not permitted as it runs under private property. Learn more about the story of Kaumana Cave here.
7. Drive Puna’s Red Road
Located in the Puna District of the Big Island, the “Red Road” or Kapoho-Kalapana Road is a beautiful scenic drive that also provides a window into Kilauea Volcano’s recent history of destruction. The single lane road runs from Kalapana, the site of 1990 lava flows that buried the town of Kaimū to Kapoho, where in 2018 another massive lava flow destroyed hundreds of homes, businesses, as well as Pohoiki Beach Park and boat ramp - forming a new black sand beach in the process. Read more about visiting Puna and driving the Red Road here.
8. Check Out Art at the King Kamehameha Hotel
Rainy day in Kona? Take a spin through the lobby of the King Kam hotel. They have a beautiful gallery of paintings by renown Hawaiian painter Herb Kawainui Kāne as well as other interesting photographs and artifacts. The best way to access them is through the side entrance on the south side of the hotel near the pool.
9. Visit South Point and Green Sands Beach
Located on the southern tip of the Big Island, South Point’s dramatic cliffs jut out into the Pacific. Daring cliff jumpers leap from the 20+ foot cliffs into the water for a thrill. Nearby, Green Sands beach, which is only accessible by hiking or by 4x4 vehicle, is an interesting sight. The mineral olivine, eroding from a massive volcanic cinder cone, gives the beach its green hue. Learn more about visiting South Point and Green Sands Beach here.
10. Go Star Gazing
The Big Island is a star lovers delight! With little light pollution, you can spot many constellations, planets, and even shooting starts on a clear night. Nights when there is little to no moon are best! While Mauna Kea is the ultimate star gazing destination, you can also find incredible star gazing right in Kona if you don’t want to make the drive. Spread a blanket out on the beach, or drive up north of town past the airport where this is less development and light pollution.
Well, that’s a wrap on our top 10 free things to do on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to tag us in all your Big Island adventures @myhawaiihostel and #myhawaiihostel for a change to be featured on our feed. :)