Amber & Justin
Things To Do
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park encompasses 335,259 acres or about 523 square miles from the summit of Maunaloa to the sea (by comparison, the island of Oʻahu is 597 square miles). Discover 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests, as well as a visitor center, petroglyphs and two active volcanoes: Maunaloa, which last erupted in 1984 and and Kīlauea which last erupted in 2018 (1983-2018).
Water Activities
The calm and clear waters of Kona are shielded from the winds by Maunaloa, making it a perfect place to snorkel, scuba dive or go on a manta ray dive at night. These waters are full of interesting marine life from honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) to deep-sea game fish—which makes Kona a popular destination for sports fishing. Of course you’ll also find koholā (whales) that visit every winter, as well as the sperm whales, pygmies and false killer whales that are here year-round. If you’re not interested in kayaking, surfing or parasailing, the beautiful beaches of the island of Hawaiʻi are a great place to simply relax and dip your toes in the sparkling water.
Coffee Plantations
There are hundreds of coffee farms in Kona, from the small art town of Hōlualoa to Kaʻawaloa (Captain Cook), and many offer tours to the public. Visit thriving coffee orchards and learn about the meticulous harvesting process. Then explore the coffee mills and see how the beans are processed. Some of these farms with available tours include the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, Greenwell Farms, Hula Daddy Coffee, Hilo Coffee Mill (on the Hilo side) and many more. There are also tea, vanilla, chocolate, and macadamia nut farms throughout the island with tours available.
Farmers Market
There's no better way to experience the amazing cultural diversity of the island of Hawaiʻi than to visit one of the many farmers markets that take place all around the island. You can't beat the prices or the selection. You’ll find fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables used in Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine, exotic varieties that are as intriguing as they are tasty (dragon fruit, anyone?), plus an eclectic Hawaii-only collection of prepared foods such as Portuguese malasadas (doughnuts), Korean kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage), Filipino lumpia (fritters) and of course, poi. We recommend checking out Hilo Farmers Market!
Historic Places
Some of the most historically significant sites in all of Hawaiʻi can be found on the island of Hawaiʻi. From the birthplace of King Kamehameha and the cradle of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture to restored heiau and the site of Captain Cook’s death, the island offers visitors the unparalleled experience of walking in the shadows of Hawaiian history.
Ziplining
Whether you’re soaring over waterfalls, lush treetops or 200-foot river gorges, ziplines are an exhilarating, eco-friendly way to see the island of Hawaiʻi’s most majestic sights. From Hilo to North Kohala, zipline tours showcase the amazing diversity of the island's landscapes.