The Big Island of Hawaii is larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined and is best known for its active volcano. And while the Big Island has more than 80 beautiful beaches with varied colored sand, many of these beaches are hidden and off the beaten path. Big Island tours can take you through all but two of the world's climate regions (Arctic and Saharan), from cactus and mesquite landscapes to the often snow capped Mauna Kea .
Land Activities
Land tours and activities such as horseback riding or ATV tours are popular in Waipio Valley (Valley of the Kings), where you will see many waterfalls, incredible views, as well as a black sand beach. Another great location for horseback riding is at Parker Ranch. Both of these areas feature fantastic views of the ocean. Biking down the mountains of the Big Island is a great way to see the natural beauty, as well as an exhilarating experience. If you are a hiking enthusiast you may want to hike to the top of Mauna Kea with a guide or explore the many hidden waterfalls on the Big Island.
Air Tours
Air tours have become one of Hawaii's signature activities due to the Big Island's rugged interior, which is mostly inaccessible by auto. The most popular helicopter tours originate in Hilo and explore the active Kilauea Volcano. Helicopter tours can take you over active flows where you can witness lava fountains, vents and river beds of lava, as well as breathtaking views of the island, including world famous Akaka Falls. Waipio Valley is another spectacular site on the Hamakua Coast, which is featured in many Hawaii helicopter tours that will allow great views of cascading waterfalls and black sand beaches.
Water Activities
Combo Tours Sport Fishing Snorkel Cruises Submarine Tours Whale Watching Tours
The Big Island of Hawaii is a mecca for the sports enthusiast because of the myriad of beach and water sports found on the Island. Whether on one of the many Big Island tours or striking out on your own, a beach vacation here can include a submarine excursion, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins in Kealakekua Bay on a sailboat, catamaran, or snorkel cruise, whale watching, or deep sea fishing off the Kona coast. The Big Island's Kona Coast is one of the best marlin and big-game fishing destinations in the world due to the climate, generally calm seas, sunny skies, geology and the close proximity to the deep waters where these big-game fish live.
Big Island Attractions
The leading Big Island attraction is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano in the world, has been erupting for more than 20 years on this youngest of Hawaiian islands.
No Big Island vacation is complete without an excursion through the National Park, with its museum, lodge, walk-through-lava tubes, steam vents and rainforest trails. Many visitors are surprised to find that the things to do on the Big Island not only include a visit to a live volcano, but also golfing at the volcano's summit, just down the road from a winery.
Big Island Travel Facts
Airports: the Big Island's main airports in Kona and Hilo service direct flights to and from the United States and Canada.
Beaches: The beaches on the lush and tropical windward side of the island are black sand and include one of Dr. Beach's top 10 best beaches, Punalu'u, where Hawaii's endangered green sea turtles lay their eggs. White sand and golden sand beaches stretch out along the Kona side.
One of the best beaches in the United States is Hapuna on the Kohala Coast. Hapuna is a long stretch of white sand near the Waikoloa Hilton and Hapuna Prince resorts. Beach vacation activities at Hapuna include snorkeling, boogie boarding, volleyball and just enjoying the sun, the palm trees, and the clear turquoise water.
Orchids: If you're looking for things to do on the Big Island of a botanical nature, keep in mind that Hilo is the orchid capital of the world, and botanical garden tours are a major Big Island attraction on the Hilo side of the island.
Average Year-Round Temperature at Sea Level: 75 to 85° F.
For the best vacation deals for you Big Island travel adventures, book for the off-season. To ensure your spot, always book early, but especially if your Big Island vacation is planned for summer, spring break or over any major holiday.
