National Park, Volcano

An absolute must-see on the Big Island for those who don't just want to sunbathe on the beach is Volcanoes National Park. V located about 47 miles south of Hilo, it is one of the most accessible volcanic national parks in the world. It's a comfortable drive to all the highlights, which include the active crater of Kilauea volcano, where you can observe the lava pool from about 500 metres away (ideally in the dark), or perhaps the sulphur…

Volcano

Mount Kilauea is the most active volcano in the world, constantly spewing lava from several craters, which flows down its slopes into the Pacific Ocean, where it solidifies and constantly increases the size of the island of Hawai'i in small pieces. Because of its relatively good predictability, Kilauea Volcano and the surrounding Volcanoes National Park is a tourist destination and one of the best places in the world for live observation of…

Road, Volcano

The main road winds through Volcanoes National Park for 35 km, climbing more than 1,200 metres in elevation and taking you through an incredible volcanic landscape from active craters to dozens of smaller extinct craters, lava fields of solidified black matter, incredible views from high cliffs to the ocean and jagged coastlines formed by rapidly solidifying lava creating extraordinary formations. [btn "The 10 best hotels on the Big Island"…

Natural formation

The Nahuku Lava Tunnel, formerly known as the Thurston Lava Tube, is an extraordinary chance to see the remnants of volcanic activity beneath the earth's surface. Nahuku is one of the most accessible lava tunnels in the world, and if you visit Volcanoes National Park, it's not to be missed. [btn "Book your Big Island hotel now" https://www.booking.com/region/us/hawaii-island.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-big-island-nahuku] Lava tunnels are…

Valley, Coast

The spectacular 400 metre wide and over 600 metre high valley can be found off the north coast of the island, the nearest major town being Waimea. The steepest road in the USA, accessible only to 4x4 vehicles, leads down from the viewpoint on the south face. [btn "The best hotels with a view" https://www.booking.com/region/us/hawaii-island.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-big-island-waipio] Views of the Waipio Valley The breathtaking views that…

Mountain

The highest mountain in the world. Yes, we attended geography classes diligently. Mauna Kea may rise to an altitude of "only" 4,207 metres, but if you measure the mountain from its base deep below sea level, it surpasses even Mount Everest, reaching 10,205 metres. It is therefore technically the highest mountain in the world, although not the highest in altitude. [btn "Find the best hotel on the Big Island" https://www.booking.com/region/us…

Sandy beach

Kauna'oa Beach is ranked by many as one of the top 10 beaches in Hawaii, and is often referred to as Mauna Kea Beach. But it is still the same beach. It has gained its uniqueness by being tucked away from the main tourist spots and also by the fact that it looks like it was cut out of a travel agent's catalog. Just a mile and a half south you can visit another of Hawaii's top beaches , Hapuna State Beach. Beware, the beach belongs to the…

Sandy beach

Hapuna Beach is the most popular beach on the Big Island and regularly ranks among the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands in various rankings. A half-mile stretch of fine white sand lies on the northwest coast of the island in a small green oasis amidst dried lava fields. Just a mile and a half north, you can visit another of Hawaii's top beaches , Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach. [btn "Top 10 beachfront hotels" https://www.booking.com…

Sandy beach

Waialea Beach, better known as "Beach 69" after the power line pole number 69, which has a junction with a turnoff to the beach, is one of the Big Island's somewhat hidden beach treasures. It lies in a quiet area without large hotel resorts and is extremely popular for its beautiful shady setting. In fact, the branches of the many green trees often reach out over the water. [btn "Cheapest accommodation on Big Island" https://www.booking.com…

Skanzen

A national historical park in a place where all the indigenous people who violated the sacred right of kapu had to take refuge. Such people were facing certain death and the only deliverance was the Pu'uhonua site. In addition to the fortress, you will find many historical relics that bring to life the life of the indigenous people of Hawaii. You can also relax on the sandy beach with sun loungers, but with a very complicated entrance to the…

Pebble beach

Beaches with different shades of sand are not so rare in the world, but you would be looking for green sand for a long time. There are only four similar beaches in the world. You'll find one at the very southern tip of the Big Island near Naalehu and Ocean View. The green colour here is caused by the mineral olivine. [btn "Top 10 beachfront hotels" https://www.booking.com/region/us/hawaii-island.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-big-island-green…

Black sand beach

In a remote area of the island's south-east coast, you can enjoy a beach with sand as black as lava. After all, the lava is why it's so black. The sand is quite fine and together with the tropical palm trees it creates the ideal picture of true exoticism. Swimming is possible, but beware of sharp rocks and strong currents. Here, the beach is more about enjoying and not about swimming. The beautiful water lily pond also attracts attention. …

Mountain

Its 38-metre lower, but significantly more massive counterpart , Mauna Key, rises up just a few kilometres away. Mauna Loa occupies more than half of the island's surface area, and it too is a volcano, currently dormant. It is so massive and wide that from a distance it looks like a slight hill, and one would hardly guess that it rises 4,169 metres above sea level. [btn "Cheapest accommodation on the Big Island" https://www.booking.com/region…

Resort, Sandy beach

Kailua-Kona is the main hub of beach tourism on the west coast. Here you will find the largest concentration of luxury hotels and smaller guesthouses. It is also home to the largest number of dive and travel agencies on the island. Kona can be restocked at several hypermarkets, so it serves as an ideal starting point for trips around the Big Island. [btn "Discover the best beach resorts" https://www.booking.com/region/us/hawaii-island.cs.html…

Tourist town, Waterfall

The largest city on the Big Island is also the best base for active holidays and exploring the natural beauty. It's close to active volcanoes, Mauna Kea and black and green sand beaches. In addition, downtown Hilo provides all the amenities, but don't imagine any pulsating nightlife. At the stroke of 7 p.m., the streets empty out and all life moves home or to the Wallmart-type hypermarkets. [btn "The cheapest accommodation on the Big Island"…

Waterfall

At 135 metres, Akaka Falls is one of the highest waterfalls not only on Hawai'i Island, but in the entire Hawaiian Islands. However, they are definitely the tallest truly accessible waterfalls on the islands. Akaka Falls drops from an almost perpendicular cliff in the middle of a dense green jungle into a circular pool, from which the water then flows down the Kolekole River into the ocean. [btn "The cheapest accommodation on the Big Island"…

Natural formation, Coast

At the northern foot of the Kohala volcano, you will find the Kohala Forest Protected Area alongside the famous Waipio Valley. Green forests, deep ravines, the Pololu Valley and miles of hiking trails all come together nicely. You don't pay any entrance fees, you won't be crowded with crowds of other hikers. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels on the Big Island" https://www.booking.com/region/us/hawaii-island.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-big-island…

Sandy beach

One of the most popular beaches on Hawai'i Island is the beach at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, often referred to as Waikoloa Beach. Aside from great swimming or sunset watching, the beach is interesting because it separates the ocean from a freshwater lake that stretches between the beach and the mainland for its entire length. The beach can be accessed from the sides where the lake ends or right in the middle via a short pedestrian bridge. [btn "Top 10…

Sandy beach, Stony Beach

Kua Bay, often referred to as Maniniowali Beach, is a hidden treasure among the more famous beaches of the Big Island's west coast. Nestled between black fields of dried lava, the beach is wedged into a small green "oasis" and boasts crystal clear calm waters and a pleasant environment away from civilization. Yet it is perfectly accessible by car. [btn "Cheapest accommodation on the Big Island" https://www.booking.com/region/us/hawaii-island…

Sandy beach

A popular picnic beach among locals, it is located near the cargo port but in an otherwise uncivilized area of the northwest coast. We're talking about Spencer Beach Park, a beautiful spot with a beach, several gazebos for picnics and barbecues, and a few trees providing welcome shade. [btn "The cheapest accommodation on the Big Island" https://www.booking.com/region/us/hawaii-island.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-big-island-spencer-beach] …

Sandy beach

A series of deserted beaches can be found just north of Kona Airport. They are the ideal place for a last rest before departure. The area of black fields of old solidified lava extending into the sea is now and then highlighted by a beautiful beach with fine white sand and a few green palm trees, which resembles an oasis in the middle of a dry desert. [btn "The cheapest accommodation on the Big Island" https://www.booking.com/region/us/hawaii…

Hotel

Specific hotels rarely make it into our picks for the best places to see in a given region. However, this 5-star hotel complex is a must-see in our guide to Hawaii's Big Island. It's one of the world's best-known and top-rated beach resorts, and one of the most famous celebrities, not only from the USA. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, for example, has been voted the best place for honeymoons and honeymoons. [btn "Book a room at the Four…

Monument

The hidden and hard-to-reach 8-meter-high white memorial obelisk to the death of Captain James Cook continues to stir controversy decades after it was erected. The memorial stands on the shores of Kealakekua Bay at the site of the violent death of famed navigator, geographer and adventurer James Cook. He was killed here by local residents on 14 February 1779. [btn "Cheapest accommodation on the Big Island" https://www.booking.com/region/us…

Botanical garden

If you are fascinated by the dense green jungle landscape of the northeast coast and you are wondering what actually grows here in the wild, do not miss a visit to the tropical botanical garden between the villages of Papaikou and Pepeekeo. Several hiking trails take you through a 0.5 km long gorge to the ocean shore, and during your walk you can study up to 2,000 different species of plants on several information boards. [btn "The cheapest…

Natural formation

Due to the situation since the last increased activity of Kilauea volcano in 2018, the lava flow has changed in a completely different direction and currently there is no visible lava flow into the sea. The situation may change over the years, we will keep this page updated. The volcano is one of the most active in the world. The lava from Puʻu ʻŌʻō Crater has been flowing continuously for over 30 years and you can watch the flow from close by.…

Village

Due to the current situation of increased activity of the Kilauea volcano and lava flooding the road, the road to Kalapana has been impassable since 2018. A village with a turbulent destiny and a magical atmosphere. In 1986, a lava flow from the Kilauea volcano practically flattened it, but the locals refused to submit to the whims of nature and some returned and rebuilt their homes on the massive layer of lava. By car you reach a large car…