Things To Do

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

There are two active volcanoes in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Kilauea is the real "must-see" of the two volcanoes. A 4,000-foot-tall mountain. Check in at the Kilauea Visitor Center for up-to-date information on trails, safety precautions and whether or not there is active lava flow.

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station

If you love stargazing, it doesn't get much better than the summit of Mauna Kea. With little light pollution, the summit's dark skies allow gazers to spot a multitude of stars and constellations. At 13,803 feet, Mauna Kea is home to the world's largest telescopes. You can visit the summit on your own, but you'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to traverse the gravel road. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, consider joining an organized tour.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Kailua Kona is the home of Kona coffee: a scenic, tropical and narrow region on the slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes in the north and south Kona district. Kona Coffee Living History Farm: is the only living history coffee farm in the nation. Their farm is open for you to explore but an admission fee is charged.

Sig Zane Designs

Purchase some Hawaiian apparel from one of the local stores in Downtown Hilo from Sig Zane Designs, Simple Sisters to Aloha Grown.

Big Island Farms

Here you will learn about the diverse products it grows, and the programs held on the premises with this private tour. Your private guide will answer all your questions about regenerative design, and explain how they cultivate their crops. Along the way you’ll have plenty of fresh samples from the farm to try.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Punaluu is a stunning black sand beach on the Kaʻu coast of the Big Island, with a rich cultural and natural heritage. While there you can stop by Punalu’u Bake Shop which is a favorite sweet bread baked according to a secret generations-old recipe.

Akaka Falls State Park

It’s a low-intensity hike and payoff comes in the form of two consecutive waterfalls – cascading Kahuna Falls and the spectacular 'Akaka Falls, which earned the park its name.

Rainbow Falls

For the best chances at spotting a rainbow, visit in the morning. Rainbow Falls doesn't require a long hike and can easily be a quick, 15-minute stop. Located at Wailuku River State Park and flanked by intricate banyan trees, the 80-foot Rainbow Falls is a popular stop for Hawai'i visitors. The waterfall borrows its name from the mist that comes off the falls and typically casts a rainbow. Legend has it that the cave behind the waterfall was once the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.

Hilo Farmer's Market

Local farmers and artisans congregate each day to sell everything from locally grown produce to fresh seafood, handicrafts and clothing in downtown Hilo. You can also enjoy some poke and shaved ice while you browse. The market welcomes the most vendors (around 200) on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Hilo Farmers Market is located on the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue. It is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Waipio Valley Lookout

There is a lookout point between the parking area and Waipi‘o Valley where you can get a stunning view over most of the valley and the high sea cliffs stretching out to the west. You don’t need to drive or walk down into the valley to get to the overlook which makes it a VERY popular spot to check out the valley. The lookout is great for taking pictures so make sure not to forget to bring a camera. You can also find bathrooms, a picnic area and historic information at the overlook.

The Umauma Zipline Experience

The best part of your vacation begins by zipping up to 65 miles per hour on 9 longlines, over 14 rushing waterfalls, suspension bridges, and treetops. Experience exhilarating panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean in this one-of-a-kind tour.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

View the Kohala coast from the ocean. Experience an epic Hawaiian sunset with the great possibility of viewing the infamous "green flash." There are a number of beaches you can visit from Mauna Kea Beach, Magic Sands Beach, Hapuna Beach, Spencer Beach Park, to Honokohau Beach.

Spencer Beach Park

Voyagers of the Pacific Lū‘au

Throughout Big Island from Kailua Kona and Keauhou in Kona and along the Kohala Coast experience great Hawaiian food and live entertainment at Voyagers of the Pacific Luau in Kona, Legends of Hawaii Luau at the Hilton to Mauna Kea luau.

Volcano Winery

Volcano Winery’s 4000 ft location, at the summit of Kilauea volcano, is unique for Hawaii in that all environmental conditions needed for successful and consistent grape growing exists here. They offer 100% grape wines, fruit blends, honey meads, estate tea and coffee on its volcanic property.

Ola Brew - Hilo

Ola Brew is a Big Island-based brewery with two taprooms, one in Hilo and one in Kona. Good drinks, and great food too