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…

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…

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…

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.…

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"…

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…

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…

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"…

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…