The Big Island of Hawaii offers one of the most diverse travel experiences in the world. Within a single trip, you can explore active volcanoes, swim in crystal-clear waters, hike through rainforests, and watch the sunset from a lava field.

Unlike more compact destinations, the Big Island isn’t about fitting everything into a tight itinerary. It’s about choosing experiences that match your pace—balancing exploration with time to simply enjoy where you are.

This guide breaks down the best things to do on the Big Island, with a focus on experiences that are both memorable and easy to incorporate into your stay.

One of the most unique experiences on the Big Island is visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kīlauea.

What You’ll See

• Lava fields and craters
• Steam vents and volcanic landscapes
• Scenic drives through changing terrain
• Occasional lava glow (depending on activity levels)
  

The park offers a completely different environment from the island’s beaches and is worth dedicating at least half a day—if not a full day—to explore.

The Kona Coast is known for some of the clearest water in Hawaii, making it one of the best places on the island for snorkeling.

Top Snorkeling Spots

• Kealakekua Bay – Calm waters and vibrant marine life
• Two Step (Hōnaunau Bay) – Easy entry and excellent visibility
• Kahaluʻu Beach Park – Great for beginners
  
  

Snorkeling here often includes sightings of tropical fish, coral reefs, and sometimes sea turtles.

Staying in a well-located Big Island vacation home along the Kona Coast makes it easy to access these spots early in the day.

The Big Island’s beaches are incredibly diverse due to its volcanic landscape.

Must-Visit Beaches

Hapuna Beach
One of the largest white-sand beaches on the island, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Mauna Kea Beach
Known for calm water and soft sand—ideal for snorkeling and relaxing.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
A striking black-sand beach where sea turtles are often seen.

Magic Sands Beach
A smaller, lively beach near Kona with strong waves and local energy.

Each beach offers a slightly different experience, so exploring a few during your trip is well worth it.

Driving is one of the best ways to experience the Big Island. The island’s size means landscapes change dramatically from one region to another.

Popular Scenic Routes

Saddle Road (Kona to Hilo)
A direct route that cuts between volcanoes and offers sweeping views of lava fields.

Hamakua Coast Drive
A scenic coastal route filled with cliffs, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

South Point Drive
Leads to the southernmost point of the U.S. and rugged coastal views.

Planning one or two scenic drives into your itinerary adds variety without requiring extensive planning.

The eastern side of the island, near Hilo, is known for its lush rainforests and waterfalls.

Notable Waterfalls

Rainbow Falls
Easily accessible and especially beautiful in the morning light.

Akaka Falls
A dramatic 400+ foot waterfall surrounded by tropical greenery.

These stops are often combined with a visit to Volcanoes National Park or a day trip from the Kona side.

The Big Island is home to Kona coffee, one of the most well-known coffee varieties in the world.

Visiting a coffee farm offers:

• Tastings of locally grown coffee
• Tours of the growing and roasting process
• Scenic views of the Kona hills
  

This is an easy, low-effort activity that pairs well with other Kona-side experiences.

Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Its high elevation and minimal light pollution create incredibly clear night skies.

What to Expect

• Unobstructed views of stars and constellations
• Milky Way visibility on clear nights
• Cooler temperatures at elevation
  

Stargazing tours are available, though some visitors choose to drive partway up and observe from designated areas.

Because of the island’s size, it’s best to plan your days around one main activity or region at a time.

A balanced itinerary might include:

• A beach + snorkeling day on the Kona Coast
• A full-day trip to Volcanoes National Park
• A waterfall and Hilo exploration day
• A relaxed day for dining, shopping, or pool time
  

Spacing activities out helps avoid long back-to-back drives and keeps the trip enjoyable.

The Big Island isn’t about checking off a list—it’s about experiencing a range of environments that feel completely different from one another. From volcanic landscapes to calm beaches, the island offers a depth of experience that rewards travelers who plan thoughtfully but leave room to explore.