Big Island is not only Hawaii’s but also the USA’s largest island, filled with breathtaking natural wonders, volcanoes, waterfalls, and magical beaches.
The „Big Island” or „The Island of Orchids” is the southernmost and largest island of the State of Hawaii in the United States. Along with Oahu, it is the most popular island.
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Big Island attractions
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The park, which is part of the World Heritage, is one of Hawaii’s most exciting and active natural attractions.
There are two active volcanoes in the national park: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, continuously shaping the island’s surface. In the park, visitors can observe volcanic activity, steaming fissures, and spectacular lava flows up close if the volcano is in an active period.
The park has more than 150 kilometers of hiking trails that cross various volcanic landscapes. Along the Crater Rim Drive route, there are numerous viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas over the Halema’uma’u crater.
Mauna Kea
Rising more than 10,000 meters from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, this mountain is one of the world’s most important astronomical centers.
The summit of Mauna Kea rises 4,207 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Hawaii. At the top of the mountain is one of the most important observatory complexes, comprising 13 observatories. The extremely clear and pollution-free air, as well as the height above the clouds, create ideal conditions for astronomical observations.
One of the greatest experiences for visitors is stargazing after sunset at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, located at an elevation of 2,800 meters. Here, they can participate in free telescope demonstrations and enjoy the breathtaking starry sky.
Akaka Falls State Park
Located on the eastern side of the island, the park is home to one of Hawaii’s highest and most spectacular waterfalls.
The Akaka Falls plunges 135 meters down a cliff covered with lush, tropical vegetation. An easily walkable, paved half-kilometer path leads to the waterfall, winding through the rainforest. Along the way, visitors can also admire a smaller waterfall, the 30-meter Kahuna Falls.
The park is characterized by lush vegetation: giant ferns, orchids, bamboo groves, and exotic flowers make the environment even more enchanting. It is especially spectacular in the early morning.
Waipio Valley
One of Hawaii Island’s most sacred and breathtaking natural attractions is located on the northern shore of the Big Island.
The Waipio Valley, also known as the „Valley of Kings”, is about 1.6 kilometers wide and nearly 10 kilometers long, bordered on three sides by steep cliffs over 600 meters high. The valley was once home to thousands of native Hawaiians and served as an important center for spiritual and political life. Today, few people inhabit it, preserving its pristine beauty.
At the bottom of the valley, there are black sand beaches and crystal-clear rivers, while in the background, spectacular waterfalls cascade down vertical cliffs. The most famous among them is Hi’ilawe Falls, one of Hawaii’s highest waterfalls at over 400 meters. The road into the valley is extremely steep, so descending is recommended only by 4×4 vehicle or on foot, but the view from the lookout point is also breathtaking.
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau Historical Park
This sacred sanctuary is one of the most important monuments of Hawaiian culture and history, located on the western coast of the island.
Also known as the „Place of Refuge”, the area provided protection for centuries to those who broke the laws or were defeated in war. Priests performed ritual purification for those arriving at the sanctuary, after which they could leave as free people. The park features the Royal Grounds, where Hawaiian rulers lived, and the impressive Ki’i statues (tikis) nearly 3 meters tall that guard the sacred area.
The park’s unique atmosphere and historical significance make it a popular attraction. Visitors can gain insight into traditional Hawaiian lifestyle, view restored traditional huts, canoes, and the fish pond. Cultural demonstrations are frequently held at the site, where ancient craft techniques and traditions can be learned.
Nāhuku Lava Tube
One of the most unique formations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it is an underground volcanic lava tunnel.
The lava tube formed over more than 500 years when liquid lava flowed underground, gradually creating this cave system. The tunnel wall has a special pattern due to the flow traces of solidified lava and various mineral deposits. The lava stalactites hanging from the ceiling and the petrified memories of lava flows along the walls offer a spectacular sight.
Approximately 180 meters of the cave is visitable, with a pleasant temperature of 16-18 °C. At the entrance of the cave and its surroundings, ferns and native plants flourish, creating a curious contrast with the harsh, volcanic environment inside the cave.
Kīlauea Iki Trail
The hiking trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park crosses an extinct volcanic crater.
The former fire-breathing volcano last erupted in 1959, when hot molten rock shot up 580 meters high from its lava lake. Today, during the 6.4-kilometer circular trail, visitors can walk across the bottom of the crater, where the volcanic heat hidden deep in the earth can still be felt. The surface of the cracked lava plain still steams in places.
The path first runs along the rim of the crater, offering an unparalleled view of the caldera, then descends via a steep path to the crater floor.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
The science and cultural center in Hilo uniquely connects Hawaiian culture with modern astronomy.
The name of the institution means „discovery” or „seeking knowledge” which perfectly reflects its mission: to show how astronomy intertwines with the rich cultural heritage of native Hawaiians. The center’s modern planetarium holds impressive presentations about the Hawaiian sky and the Mauna Kea observatories, introducing the latest scientific discoveries in an interactive way.
In the exhibition space, visitors can learn about the Polynesian navigation methods that ancient Hawaiian sailors used to navigate the open ocean with the help of stars. They also present the cosmology of native Hawaiians and how they interpreted celestial phenomena.
James Cook Monument
The monument in Kealakekua Bay commemorates the place where the famous explorer, Captain James Cook, lost his life under tragic circumstances in 1779.
Captain Cook, who first mapped the Hawaiian Islands and named them the „Sandwich Islands” arrived at the shores of Hawaii during his third Pacific journey. Initially, the natives received him as a god, but later a conflict arose in which Captain Cook and several of his sailors were killed. The monument is a white obelisk standing on the shore of the bay and is considered both British and American territory.
The unique feature of the monument is that it can only be accessed by water, either by kayak or organized boat trips. In addition to its historical significance, the site has exceptional natural beauty, offering one of the most beautiful views along the Kona coast.
Hawaii Botanical Garden
Also known as the Garden of Eden, the botanical garden has one of the world’s most extraordinary collections of tropical plants.
The 17-hectare garden is situated on the slopes of the Kilauea volcano, above Onomea Bay, where the volcanic soil and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for lush vegetation. The garden contains more than 2,000 different plant species, including rare palm varieties, orchids, bromeliads, and a rich collection of local native plants. A special feature of the garden is the world’s largest outdoor orchid collection.
Visitors can explore the garden via a network of walking paths that pass by waterfalls, streams, and viewpoints. One of the most spectacular parts is the Onomea Waterfall, whose rushing sound can be heard far into the dense vegetation.
Mauna Kea Cacao
This special cocoa plantation produces world-class chocolate ingredients thanks to Hawaii’s unique microclimate and volcanic soil.
The mineral-rich composition of the volcanic soil and the precipitation coming from the sea give a unique flavor to the cocoa beans grown here. The plantation managers are committed to sustainable farming and grow their plants using strictly organic methods.
Regular tours are organized for visitors, where they can learn about the entire process of cocoa growing and chocolate making, from plant care through fermentation to handmade chocolate production. The highlight of the tour is, of course, the tasting, where premium chocolates made with different aging and roasting techniques can be sampled. Visitors can also purchase unique, handcrafted chocolate products at the plantation’s small shop.
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
One of Hawaii’s most famous and highest coffee plantations is the home of the famous Kona coffee.
The plantation, located on the slopes of the Hualalai volcano at nearly 1,000 meters high, provides ideal conditions for producing exceptional quality coffee. The altitude, volcanic soil, morning sunshine, and afternoon cloud cover all contribute to the distinctive, rich flavor profile of Kona coffee.
Visitors can participate in free tours to learn about the entire coffee production process from bush to cup. At the end of the tour, they can, of course, taste freshly roasted coffee specialties.
Rainbow Falls
The waterfall near Hilo is one of the Big Island’s most beautiful attractions.
The waterfall on the Wailuku River got its name – Waianiwaniwa, which means rainbow in Hawaiian – because rainbows often appear in the spray of the falling water in the sunshine. The waterfall drops 24 meters into a natural pool carved by the river into the volcanic rock. The surrounding area is covered with lush rainforest, which is home to numerous native plant and animal species.
The path to the waterfall is of moderate difficulty and leads through wonderful landscapes. During the hike, we pass through bamboo groves, flowering gingers, and huge banana trees. Although the pool is tantalizingly inviting, swimming is not recommended due to the dangerous current and rocks hidden under the water.
Umauma Falls
This three-tiered waterfall is one of the Big Island’s most spectacular natural attractions.
The water of the Umauma River is carried down by three consecutive, stepped waterfalls over more than 90 meters. The combined view of the waterfalls is breathtaking, especially from the upper viewpoint, from which all three cascades can be admired at once. Natural pools have formed between the cascades, in which – following the park’s rules – swimming is allowed during certain periods.
The Umauma Experience park surrounding the waterfall offers numerous adventure opportunities for visitors. The braver ones can glide over the waterfall using the 9-line zipline system.
Kealakekua Bay
The bay is known not only for its historical significance but is also considered one of Hawaii’s best diving locations.
The crystal-clear water in the horseshoe-shaped bay often has visibility exceeding 30 meters, providing an exceptional opportunity to explore the underwater world. The coral reef not far from the bay’s shore is home to more than 200 fish species, including rare and endemic species. Divers and snorkelers can swim alongside colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally even dolphins.
The site can be accessed by kayak, organized boat tours, or via a steep path leading down from the viewpoint above the bay to the shore.
Punaluʻu Beach
One of Hawaii’s most iconic and unique beaches is known for its black sand.
The beach owes its existence to volcanic activity: when hot lava flows into the sea, it fragments into tiny black sand particles due to sudden cooling.
One of its most special attractions is the presence of green sea turtles, known in Hawaiian as honu, which often rest on the black sand.
Hāpuna Beach
This sandy paradise on the western coast of the Big Island regularly appears on the list of America’s most beautiful beaches.
The nearly half-mile-long, wide white sandy beach boasts crystal-clear turquoise water. The shallow coastal waters are ideal for swimming and sunbathing, while the rock walls at both ends of the beach provide excellent snorkeling opportunities.
In winter, the height of the waves can increase significantly, making the beach popular with surfers, but swimming can become dangerous for the inexperienced. In summer and autumn, however, the sea is generally calm, providing perfect conditions for family beach activities.
Papakōlea Beach
The unique green sand beach is among only four beaches in the world where such special colored sand can be found.
The beach gets its green color from the olivine mineral, which is a volcanic crystal. This mineral comes from the crater of the nearby Pu’u Mahana volcano, located at the southern tip of the island. The emerald green shade of the sand is particularly spectacular in sunshine when the crystalline material glitters vividly.
Accessing the beach is adventurous: a nearly five-kilometer hiking trail leads from the South Point parking lot to the seaside. This path can only be traveled on foot or by off-road vehicle, although off-road driving is not officially permitted. The beach forms a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by steep cliffs. Swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents and wave breaks.
‘Anaeho’omalu Beach
Known by locals simply as „A-Bay”, the beach lies in a beautiful bay on the Kohala coast, with a white sandy shoreline lined with palm trees and interspersed with black lava rock segments.
The beach’s specialty is the two ancient fish ponds along the shore, which are remnants of traditional Hawaiian fish farming. These ponds are connected to the sea through underground channels and once provided fresh fish for the ruling elite. Today, walking around the ponds, native water birds and sometimes sea turtles can be observed.
The water here is relatively calm, often ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach is also famous for its sunsets.
Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)
This crescent-shaped, white sandy beach is one of the most exclusive and beautiful stretches of the Kohala coast.
The beach was originally designed for guests of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and even today, a limited number of parking spaces are provided for the public. The gently sloping sandy beach and shallow, turquoise water provide perfect conditions for swimming and sunbathing.
A special feature of the beach is that in the evenings, the hotel turns on lights in the water that attract plankton, making the bay a feeding ground for manta rays. Thus, lucky visitors can observe these graceful giants.
Hawaii Big Island weather: when is the best time to travel here?
The climate of Hawaii’s Big Island is extremely varied, thanks to the different elevations and the size of the island. As many as 8 different microclimates can be experienced within a single day.
Spring (March-May):
The spring period is pleasantly warm, with less rain than during the winter months. The average temperature on the coasts ranges between 21-27°C, while in the mountainous areas, it can be significantly cooler. The sea temperature is pleasant, averaging around 24°C. In April, the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s most significant hula competition, attracts visitors.
Summer (June-September):
The summer period is warm and dry, especially on the western, Kona side of the island. The daytime temperature on the beach ranges between 27-32°C, but on high mountains, such as the summit of Mauna Kea, it can drop below freezing at night. Summer is also a time for celebrating Hawaiian culture, with numerous festivals and outdoor events.
Autumn (September-November):
Autumn is a transitional period when the temperature gradually decreases but still remains pleasant. Temperatures of 24-29°C can be expected on the coasts. This period is ideal for hiking and exploring volcanoes, as there are fewer tourists and prices may be more favorable. In October, the Ironman World Championship is held in Kailua-Kona.
Winter (December-February):
Winter is the island’s „rainy season,” especially on the eastern, Hilo side, where significant amounts of precipitation can fall. However, the temperature remains pleasant on the coasts, ranging between 20-26°C. The peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa may occasionally be covered with snow, creating a peculiar contrast with the tropical coastal environment.
Best time to travel:
The most ideal time to visit Hawaii’s Big Island is late spring and early autumn (April-May and September-October), when the weather is pleasant, tourist traffic is lower, and most outdoor activities can be enjoyed without hindrance.