7 Awesome Things To Do In Hawaii Big Island

Each Hawaiian Island has a unique beauty that differs from its sister Hawaiian Islands. I have been to Big Island several times and something about the island just keeps calling me back! One of the things I love about the Big Island is that it has a Hawaiian small-town feel even though it is the largest of all the Hawaiian islands.

On this post, I am sharing with you 7 things to do on the Big Island that are my favorites among all the wonderful things I have done in Big Island. I hope this helps you with your journey!

#1 Snorkel at 2 Step Beach (Honaunau Beach)

There is no better place to snorkel on the Big Island than 2 Step Beach, also known as Honaunau Beach. With the large variety of fish and plentiful coral at 2 step, this snorkel spot does not disappoint.

The water is crystal clear and believe it or not, the water is not cold. There may be a few cold spots due to fresh water vents that flow to the ocean, but for the most part, it’s warm.

How accessible is the beach? Snorkeling is accessible at 2 Step right from shore without a long hike or boat ride, unlike Captain Cook Monument. You can drive to 2 Step Beach from Kona.

There is a parking lot for $5 or you can park up the road for free.

Read the “Guide To 2 Step Beach” here!

#2 Volcano National Park

The Big Island is a rare place in the world where you may get within a few feet of lava flow or see a cauldron of lava glow in darkness. Visit Volcano National Park for this truly amazing experience!

Volcano National Park has park ranger stations that can give you updates on the safest ways to view the volcano at the time of your visit. (if there is lava flow).

If there is no lava flow, volcano national park is still a truly unique sight to see. You can explore a vast range of lava fields, lava vents and lava tubes. The park is ever-changing and you never know what changes may occur between now and your visit!

In 2017, I was lucky to see the lava cauldron while it was still there. The best time to see the lava cauldron was just before sunset because as the night got darker, the glow of the volcano would get brighter and brighter until it looked like a big fiery red ball of fire. (pictured below)

Volcano National Park on the Big Island Hawaii - This must be on your list of things to do in Hawaii

The view from Jagger Museum at Volcano National Park in 2017.

In the daytime hours, the cauldron just looked like smoke, but at night it looked incredible!

Watch this video to see the view from Jagger Museum and for a guide to Volcano National Park. (CLICK HERE TO WATCH)

#3 Explore Unique Beaches

The Big Island has diverse and unusual types of beaches such as its green sand beach at Southpoint.

Lava rock and black sand beaches are also common on the big island due to the island’s extensive lava rock shoreline. If you have never seen a black sand beach, you will be sure to see many of them on the Big Island.

Lava rock beaches are beautiful, but it can be hard on your feet! I recommend bringing some sort of active shoes while exploring the big island’s lava rock beaches.

Above is 2 Step Beach – Notice the lava rock shoreline which can also get really hot during the day – not to mention very rough on your feet!

Hookena Beach (pictured above) is a locals beach. I saw the least amount of tourists here. They also have kayaks and boogie boards to rent at the beach.

If you crave the feeling of soft sand under your feet, the Big Island has that too. Try visiting the gorgeous Hapuna Beach just north of Kona.

Hapuna is a large beach, good for swimming and even some boogie boarding. There is not much to see snorkeling here, but a great beach to relax and just enjoy getting in the water. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and showers on site.

(Safety Note: Always be aware of the weather that can affect ocean swells on any particular day. Even beaches that are usually calm, can have days where it is not a good idea to get in the water. Ask a lifeguard if in doubt)

Be adventurous and explore different beaches all over the island. Whether you like to swim, surf, snorkel or sunbathe, you can find the best beach for you.

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#4 Discover Waterfalls In Hilo

Hilo is the wet side of the island making it a beautiful place to see lush tropical forests and beautiful waterfalls. Among the two most famous waterfalls are Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls.

Both are easily accessible without long hikes and not to be missed! Both can be visited on the same day.

Akaka Falls plummets 442 feet – that is twice the height of Niagra Falls! While it can be seen from the parking lot, you will want to see the falls up close and personal to get the full scope of its beauty.

The short half a mile walk is paved and leads right to the falls. It is an enjoyable walk as you pass colorful tropical flowers and hear soothing sounds of the streams that pass by.

Rainbow Falls Rainbow Falls in within minutes of the town of Hilo. It got its name because when the sun shines on the falls at just the right angle, you will see a rainbow.

In this video, I guide you to on a road trip to Akaka and Rainbow Falls. It will give you an idea of how to best plan your trip and show you a “secret” route with some amazing scenery.

Watch the guide to waterfalls on the Big Island…

#5 Try New Hawaiian Treats!

Traveling is all about new experiences. Try as many new treats as possible!

Amongst my favorite things to try on the Big Island was the mud pie at Big Island Grill. The Mud Pie at Big Island Grill has a homemade oreo crust, filled with Kona coffee ice-cream pie and topped with chocolate drizzle, freshly made whipped cream and macadamia nuts. It is not to be missed!

Shaved Ice at Ulilanis was also a favorite. They also have a Ulilanis in Maui and they get my vote as the best shaved ice in Hawaii until proven otherwise!

#6 Road Trip Through Hawaii

A road trip is a great chance to explore the Big Island and let it reveal the many sides of its natural beauty.

If you have a day to spare during your trip, at least take a day for a road trip and go to a part of the island you haven’t seen yet. It will amaze you how different other parts of the island can be.

The Big Island can vary greatly in scenery from lush jungle, wide and open farmland, ice-capped mountaintops to barren lava fields that stretch for miles.

The barren lava fields can appear lifeless until it reaches the rich Hawaiian blue ocean that is full of underwater life.

Not sure where to drive? Map out a remote beach, or some other point of interest that you would like to stop at during your drive and see where the journey takes you. Let it be about the journey and not the destination. Pull over when you see something interesting and discover things along the way.

#7 Swim With Manta Rays

The Big Island is one of the best places in the world to swim with Manta Rays. Tours leave at sunset just before dark. When night falls, snorkelers get in the water and a bright light is shined into the water where you can see the Manta’s glide through the water as they feed.

It’s an unforgettable experience!

The Travel Channel named this one of the top 10 things to do in your life!