Curator’s statement
Aloha from The Big Island! The Big Island of Hawai'i is an incredible destination full of relaxation, adventurous journeys, cultural learning opportunities, rugged nature and delicious fresh tropical food located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The many different areas of The Big Island of Hawai'i can take you from one climate that is dry and arid to rainy and wet just by driving from one side of the island to the other. This island is beautiful, majestic and unspoiled in every aspect and is a not-to-be-missed vacation that you will never regret taking.
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Things to do in Hawai'i
Beach hopping and snorkeling
When you arrive and get settled, hop on over to Snorkel Bob's to get fitted for snorkel gear. They have two locations on The Big Island - one at The Shops at Mauna Lani and another location in Kailua-Kona. You can literally spend days just hopping from one beach to the next. Our favorites are Kahalu'u Beach Park, Waialea Beach (Beach 69) and Hapuna Beach State Park.
Water activities with Mauna Lani Sea Adventures
Rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, boogie boards and more. Additionally, Mauna Lani Sea Adventures offers surf lessons, outrigger guides to Honoka'ope Bay, whale watching tours, sunset sails and scuba diving.
Night snorkel with manta rays at Mauna Kea Resort with Manta Ray Advocates
This educational, small group tour is environmentally sensitive with strict guidelines on viewing the manta rays while keeping them undisturbed. This experience is not on a boat as you will walk right off of the shore and into the area where the manta rays feed.
Tour to the top of Mauna Kea Summit
Ride to the top of Mauna Kea Summit with a tour like Hawaii Forest & Trail. You will be driven in a 4x4 vehicle to the highest point on the Big Island at almost 14,000 feet where you can see the wonders of the Hawaiian sky. It is an amazing experience to go from the beach up the summit and see snow in Hawaii and the stargazing is truly out of this world.
Golf with panoramic views
Avid golfer in the group? Enjoy the two 18-hole championship courses that meander through lava beds with panoramic ocean views at the Francis I'i Brown golf courses at Mauna Lani Resort. These courses boast truly spectacular views so your pace of play might be a little slower as you take it all in!
Go shopping
Shopping on the itinerary? Don't miss out on spending some time at King's Shops. It has everything you need from local to national merchants, a weekly farmers market, events and eateries.
Take a visit to Mountain Thunder Organic Coffee Plantation
They provide very informative tours on the coffee bean harvesting and roasting process with samples and an on-site store.
Enjoy a scenic hike starting at the Pololu Valley Lookout
Hiking down to the bottom of the valley to the black sand beach should take roughly 25 minutes. Swimming at the beach is discouraged due to the possibility of strong currents.
See some volcanoes
A visit to the Big Island would not be complete without taking time to see Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. It is absolutely majestic with lush surroundings, volcanic action viewable from a safe distance and scenic drives.
Learn about the culture
Visit Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park to learn about Hawaiian culture including fishing skills and fishponds as well as to enjoy surrounding nature.
View ancient carvings
Visit the Puakō Petroglyph Archeological Preserve to lava rock carvings etched into stone by ancient Hawaiians.
Tour the coastline
Book a Zodiac Sea Raft tour to see sea caves, lava tubes, coves and get up close to the coastline with Captain Zodiac.
Places to eat & drink in Hawai'i
Luau at Fairmont Orchid - This is a must-do. Your Hawaiian vacation is not complete without a luau.
Kona Brewing Co. - Delicious brews and tasty eats.
Brown's Beach House - Fine dining with spectacular ocean views.
Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. - Amazingly huge shaved ice treats with a beautiful story of how the company was started.
Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club - Fresh, delicious eats serving lunch and dinner.
Pueo's Osteria - Fabulous dinner spot if you are in the mood for Italian.
Pa'akai Poke & Deli - Super fresh, and full of flavor poke bowls with sustainably sourced ingredients.
Juice 101 - Great juice and smoothie bar. Order the Perfecto smoothie!
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Jennifer Rosenberg
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Family-friendly Fall Weekend in Nashville.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Hawai'i.