Top 10 Spots to See on Big Island of Hawaii

Explore Big Island’s best spots in Hawaii, from volcanoes and special beaches to snorkeling bays and scenic coastal views.

We’ve visited the Big Island several times over the years. The first time was our honeymoon, and we instantly fell in love with the island’s nature and it wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. There’s more than enough to see for multiple trips, and we would happily return again and again.

The Big Island has a relaxed vibe and just the right kind of climate. And above all, there’s so much to do. Locals say you shouldn’t compare the Hawaiian islands because they’re all so different. Still, compared to Oahu, the Big Island feels calmer to us, with less traffic and fewer crowds.

Hawaii’s Big Island

The Big Island is the largest, and the youngest, of the the Hawaiian islands. Its official Hawaiian name is simply Hawai’i. Life there is shaped by two active volcanoes, Mauna Kea and Kilauea, which erupt with irregular regularly. The climate is tropical, so warm rain showers are common, but they usually pass quickly.

The Big Island, and Hawaii in general, is a great destination year-round. Even in winter, temperatures stay warm, and in summer the ocean breezes help ease the heat. The sea is pleasantly warm too, making the island ideal for both snorkelers and divers.

For nature lovers, the Big Island is a fantastic choice. The island is home to several national parks, historic sites, and hiking trails. It’s especially well suited for active travelers who like to explore beyond the hotel area.

 Hawaii isn’t exactly a budget destination. Most food and goods are imported, which drives prices up, and with no shortage of visitors, travelers are often paying premium rates. Most visitors come from the United States and Japan.

One thing we especially love about Hawaii is how safe it feels. You can move around freely, driving is easy, and we’ve never come across any scams. Trails are well marked, beaches are clean, and for hikers, here’s a fun fact: there are no snakes anywhere on the Hawaiian islands.

Where to Stay

On Big Island, we recommend staying at Kona side. Kailua-Kona is the island’s largest town and has a relaxed, surf-town feel. This side of the island is generally warmer and sunnier than the east.

The biggest town on the east side is Hilo. Especially during the rainy season, it can be very wet, and the temperature drops quickly. We’ve visited Hilo twice, and both time it rained heavily. The Kona side also has more beautiful beaches and better snorkeling spots.

On our visit, we stayed at Hilton Waikoloa Village, located in the Waikoloa resort area above Kona. It offered everything you could possibly want on a vacation -at a price, of course. From the reception, we took a small train to our room, passing palm trees, tropical scenery, and birds along the way. An absolutely stunning place.

That said, we realized we might be a bit too active for a resort like that -our money was essentially going to waste since we spent so much little time at the hotel. So on our next trip, we booked a regular hotel in downtown Kona instead. We loved it, and it was easy to walk to restaurants and shops.

What Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel may lack compared to the Hilton in terms of luxury, it more than makes up for its perfect location. Its small private beach, protected by a breakwater, is also ideal for families with young children. We’ve stayed there twice now and would absolutely book it again.

Top Things You Should See or Do on Big Island

There’s so much to see on the Big Island that it’s worth venturing beyond your hotel or just one town. Getting around is safe and easy, but renting a car is essential if you want to explore the island at your own pace. A single road loops around the island, so it’s hard to get lost, and another cuts straight through the middle from Kona to Hilo.

The local bus company, Hele-On Bus, is a budget-friendly way to get around. That said, you’ll be tied to schedules, so if you can, a rental car is the better option. There are also plenty of organised tours available.

These are the things you should experience while on Big Island:

Visit Volcanoes National Park

If we had to choose just one must-see on the Big Island, it would be Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for a good reason. The landscapes there are unlike anything else.

Around the steaming volcanic crater, you’ll find several hiking trails and incredible viewpoints. After dark, you can often see the red glow of the volcano, and occasionally even flowing lava.

Beyond the volcano itself, the park’s highlights include vast lava fields, old extinct craters, and lava tubes formed by molten rock. At times, it truly feels like stepping onto another planet; surrounded by black lava as far as the eye can see. And when vegetation begins to return, it transforms into lush, vibrant rainforest.

To top it all off, don’t miss the dramatic Hōlei Sea Arch on the island’s southern most coast.

All our tips to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are listed here.

Snorkel at Kahalu’u Beach Park

One of the best things about Hawaii is its beautiful underwater world, and snorkeling is always our number one activity there.

The most popular snorkeling spot on the Big Island is Kahalu’u Beach Park, where coral reefs sit right by the shore and fish are everywhere. The water is usually calm, making it an easy and safe place for kids to snorkel too. The beach itself isn’t very big and tends to get crowded, but it’s definitely worth visiting at least once.

You’ll also find changing rooms, restrooms and usually a lifeguard on duty.

Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Lū’au

If it’s your first time in Hawaii, you should absolutely experience a traditional Lū’au. It’s and evening event that combines dinner with local culture and entertainment. The celebration usually begins with the uncovering of a whole pig cooked in an underground oven (imu), after which the chefs prepare the feast.

Each Lū’au is a little different, but guest can often try hula dancing, make traditional crafts, or simply relax with a Mai Tai in hand. After dinner, the show begins featuring Polynesian dances, live music, and storytelling performances rooted in local history.

We attented the Island Breeze Lū’au, held in the garden of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Along with the food and performances, we learned hoe to open a coconut and even joined in some dancing ourselves.

Another popular option is the Voyagers of the Pacific Lū’au at the Royal Kona Resort.

A Lū’au can be a bit a pricey, but it’s absolutely worth it, and something you should experience at least once in your life.

See Sea Trutles at Kaloko-Honokōhau

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park was established to protect the archaeological sites of Honokōhau. The name “Kaloko” means “pond”, and in ancient times the area was used for fishponds. Stone walls built into the ocean helped keep the water calm, making it easier to catch fish, which were then stored in small shoreline ponds.

Along the coast, you’ll find plenty of beautiful Pacific fish and sea turtles. The park is protected due to its historical significance, but it’s also one of the best places we saw turtles on the entire Big Island.

Step into history at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a fascinating place to explore. Before walking around, it’s worth stopping by at the Visitor Center to learn about its history. In the 1800s, if someone broke a sacred law (kapu) on the Big Island, they could try to reach Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, known as a “Place of Refuge”.

Getting there wasn’t easy. You had to swim across the bay, avoiding sharks, while enemies could be waiting along the way. But if you made it, a priest would grant you forgiveness and a fresh start. Today, the site is part of the U.S. National Park system and recognised as one of Hawaii’s important heritage sites.

Even though the park sits right by the ocean, swimming isn’t allowed inside the protected area. However, right near the entrance you’ll find one of the island’s best snorkeling spots. It may not be ideal for small kids due to the rocky entry, deeper water, and stronger waves -but the marine life is incredible. Expect plenty of fish, and if you’re lucky, even dolphins.

Read more about our visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park from here.

See the Rare Green Sand Beach – Papakōlea Beach

Visiting the green sand beach was easily one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip. Officially known as Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach), it sits in a remote cove far from the main roads and… yes, the sand really is green.

Green sand beaches are incredibly rare. There are only three in the world: one in Guam, one in the Galapagos islands, and one right here on the Big Island.

The beach itself is stunning, with shimmering green sand that sparkles beautifully in the sun. The waves can be a bit rough for swimming and snorkeling, but it’s still absolutely worth the visit. And without the doubt, one of the highlights of our trip.

Here is how to get to Green Sand Beach.

Visit the Black Sand Beach – Punalu’u Beach

The Big Island’s black sand beach may not be the best swimming spot, but it’s absolutely stunning. Officially called Punalu’u Beach, it’s a place worth stopping for the views alone.

You can swim there, but be cautious as there are strong and sometimes unpredictable current beneath the surface.

Many people come here simply to relax, have a picnic, or soak up the sun. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a rare honu, green sea turtle, resting on the shore.

We stopped by Punalu’u Beach on our way back from Volcanoes National Park to Kona, and it made for a really nice break along the drive.

Stand at the Southernmost Point of the U.S.

The southernmost point of the United States is also located on the Big Island, close to Papakōlea Beach. You can drive there and explore the area at your own pace.

There’s no official landmark marking the exact spot, but visitors have built small rock cairns to highlight it. Along the shoreline, you’ll also find remains of ancient Hawaiian temple sites, adding a historical touch to the visit.

Many people mistakenly believe the southernmost point of the U.S. is in Florida. In reality, that marker represents the southernmost point of the continental United States, while the true southernmost point is right here on the Big Island.

Spot Sharks at Pu’ukoholā Heiau

Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is a small park but fascinating place full of history. along its trails, informative signs share stories about the area; especially its sacred temples, known as heiau. These sites are still deeply respected, and it’s believed that many human remains are buried here.

Pu’ukoholā Heiau is the largest heiau on the island, originally built by Kamehameha I. There’s also another temple just offshore, now submerged due to tsunamis and nearby construction over time.

This heiau was dedicated to shark goods, and according to tradition, people once gathered here to watch sharks swimming near the temple. Even today, sharks are known to frequent the area, especially early in the morning, making it a popular spot for visitor hoping to catch a glimpse.

Drive to Pololū Valley lookout or hike down there

If you’re planning to circle the island, this is a must-stop. Pololū Valley, along the nearby valleys, was formed by the long-extinct Kohala volcano. what’s left are dramatic cliffs plunging into turquoise waters and some truly unforgettable views.

The Pololū Valley lookout sits at the northern tip of the island. Below the cliffs, you’ll find a striking black sand beach. You can hike down to it, and the scenery is absolutely worth it, but swimming there is not recommended due to rough conditions.

We ended up skipping the hike ourselves, as the trail very steep and often slippery after rain, and I was already quite far along in my pregnancy. The trail itself isn’t long, (it takes under 30 minutes to hike down), but the climb back up is definitely more challenging. The route is known as both Pololū Trail and Āwini trail.

Here are our tips for hiking with kids.

Go on a Whale Watching tour

One of the most memorable days on the Big Island was when we headed out on a whale watching tour off the coast. Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to spot whales, thanks to the relatively shallow waters surrounding the islands. Humpback whales are especially common here, as they migrate past Hawaii on their way toward Alaska.

You can see whales year-around, but the best months are for sightings are February and March.

We’ve done whale watching tours before, including in Iceland, but Hawaii was a much more enjoyable experience thanks to the warm weather. California is also a great place to see whales.

Where to eat at Big Island

Big Island has plenty of great restaurants but authentic Hawaiian dishes can be surprisingly hard to find. One of the easiest ways to try them is at a traditional

We ended up asking a local for recommendations, and it led us to a true hidden gem: Broke Da Mouth Grindz. It took a bit of searching to find, tucked away at the back of a small shopping plaza, but it was absolutely worth it. The place is small, casual, and full of personality; a classic hole-in-the-wall spot.

The menu features a variety of tempting chicken, fish, and pork dishes. I went with the Kalua pork combo, and it was incredible. It came with rice, potato salad, lomi-lomi salon, and lau lau. Such a great find!

Another dish to try at Big Island is loco moco which was invented there in 1949 as a comfort food. When teenagers got bored in sandwiches, a chef gave them a dish with rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg and plenty of brown gravy, and it became a hit.

And of course, there are several great seafood restaurants in the island. Our favorites were The Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks and Jackie Rey’s. Both of them serving also other than fish. The Fish Hopper actually has another location in Monterey which is quite close to us back home in California.

Kona Brewing Co. was right next to our hotel and they had delicious food, so we ended up going there more than once. And Island Lava Java has a little bit of everything on their menu topped with an amazing ocean view.

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From national parks and scenic hikes to unique landscapes, Big Island truly has it all. Plus it has even more of that laid-back Polynesian vibe than places like busy Honolulu or the island of Oahu.

Big Island is such an incredible place. What we loved most was that it offers much more than just beaches and snorkeling. We have had such a great time there!

Mahalo!