Best Activities on the Big Island: 7 Must-Do Experiences

Planning a trip to the Big Island? Want to make your trip truly unforgettable? Timeshares Only is here to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime. The Big Island offers some of the most diverse landscapes and experiences of all the Hawaiian Islands. In this blog post, we’ll reveal seven of the best activities on the Big Island, from volcano hikes to strolling on black sand beaches to snorkeling with manta rays and beyond. Let’s dive in!

1. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park [Best All Around Big Island Activity]

Hawaii was born from volcanic activity, and these vents in the Earth’s crust are a fundamental part of the creation myths of Hawaii’s native peoples. As such, understanding volcanoes is essential to understanding both the geological and cultural history of the islands. You could just read a book. But if that sounds a little dry, a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park should definitely be on your list of Big Island activities.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to the Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, the largest and most active volcanoes in Hawaii, respectively. Popular park activities include exploring the Thurston Lava Tube, watching lava and steam vent eruptions, hiking, and crater rim drives. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. You may also want to consider arriving early to avoid larger crowds and enjoy more wildlife.

2. Snorkel with Manta Rays After Dark in Kailua-Kona [Most Unique Big Island Activity]

Kailua-Kona, located on the west side of the Big Island, is home to one of the island’s most unique activities: manta ray night snorkeling. In fact, the Kona Coast is one of the only places in the world where you can do it! There are loads of manta ray night snorkeling charters to choose from, including Navy SEAL boats, catamarans, and even outrigger canoes.

Despite their intimidating size (up to 18 feet across), the giant manta rays of Kailua-Kona are completely harmless – unless you’re plankton. Overall, manta ray night snorkeling is a fun and safe activity for the whole family and an experience you’ll never forget!

3. Explore the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary [Best Big Island Activity for Nature Lovers]

Located on the slopes of the Hualālai volcano, at an elevation of 3,000 feet, the Kona Cloud Forest is the only tropical cloud forest in the US. Shrouded in mist, the ferns, bamboo, and orchids take on an otherworldly air while providing sanctuary for rare bird species like the Amakihi and Apapane. Meanwhile, the relatively cool temperatures provide a welcome break from the tropical heat.

Popular activities at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary include guided eco-tours, yoga sessions, sound bath meditations, and conservation workshops. Tours comprise small groups and fill up fast, so be sure to book yours well in advance. And don’t forget your poncho and a pair of sturdy, non-slip shoes; the cloud forest is slippery when wet, which is always!

4. Visit Akaka Falls State Park [Best Activity to Appreciate the Natural Beauty of the Big Island]

Looking for the ultimate Big Island photo opportunity? Look no further than Akaka Falls State Park! At 442 feet tall, the park’s eponymous main attraction is widely considered the most beautiful waterfall on the entire island. It’s also one of the most accessible, with an easy hike through lush rainforest offering many views of Akaka Falls, as well as the smaller Kahuna Falls.

Akaka Falls State Park is located near Hilo on the northeastern side of the Big Island. Combine your visit to the falls with a side-trip to historic Downtown Hilo, the oldest town in the Hawaiian archipelago, home to the Hilo Farmers Market, Liliuokalani Gardens, the S. Hata Building, and the Lyman Museum and Mission House.

5. Go Stargazing on Mauna Kea’s Summit [Most Out of This World Big Island Activity]

Ready for a Big Island activity that’s out of this world? At 14,000 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea rises high above the light pollution, boasting some of the clearest skies and, therefore, some of the best stargazing in the world. Choose from a free stargazing experience at the Visitor Information Station or join a guided summit tour to supplement your views with educational, entertaining commentary.

Due to the elevation, the temperatures on Mauna Kea are much colder than what you might expect to find in a tropical climate zone. In fact, the summit receives over seven inches of snow annually! So, be sure to bring layers so you can bundle up when you reach the top. And acclimate if possible; the altitude can make breathing difficult if you don’t get used to it first.

6. Take a Stroll on a Black or Green Sand Beach [Best Big Island Activity for Beach Lovers]

The beach is a favorite activity for any Hawaii vacation. But if you’re looking for a totally unique, totally unforgettable day at the beach, Punalu’u and Papakolea are a must. At Punalu’u Beach, volcanic black sands create a striking contrast with the blue Pacific Ocean and the green jungle foliage. This beautiful black sand beach is easy to access and a great place to spot sea turtles. Just be sure to wear shoes; the black sand gets significantly hotter than white and yellow sand.

You’ve probably heard of Hawaii’s black sand beaches before. But did you know the Big Island is home to a green sand beach, too? Papakolea holds the distinction of being one of only four green sand beaches in the world. It’s not as accessible as Punalu’u; the only ways to reach it are a 5-mile round-trip hike or a four-wheel-drive shuttle ride. However, the surreal green sands make this Big Island activity well worth the trip.

7. Take a Walking Tour of Historic Kailua Village [Best Big Island Activity for History Buffs]

Hawaiian history comes alive in Kailua Village. Once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Kailua Village boasts a rich history and a wealth of historic sites, including Hulihe’e Palace, the Moku’aikauna Church, and the Ahu’ena Heiau temple. Book a guided walking tour to make sure you don’t miss anything!

Of course, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy a visit to Kailua Village. This once-sleepy fishing village is now a lively resort town, complete with endless shopping and dining options and a pulsing nightlife.

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