The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island in the United States’ Hawaiian archipelago. Its contrasting terrain is comprised of colored-sand beaches, lush rainforests and volcanic rock. This striking oasis offers activities for all ages and fitness levels. Visitors will encounter island hospitality and understand the lifestyle of locals, all while experiencing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Hawaii thrives on tourism, therefore, it’s important to know when planning your visit this is not a low budget vacation option.
Things To Do
Experience the Magic of a Manta Ray Night Snorkel
The Kona Coast is one of the few places in the world that offers an up-close and personal Manta Ray Night Snorkel. This is an experience of a lifetime! I booked my excursion with Kona Snorkel Trips. There is a reason this company is rated five stars – outstanding staff, hands-on assistance and an unforgettable adventure from start to finish.
I was greeted by Captain Amy and guides, Parker and Faith, who assisted with check-in and fittings for my wetsuit, goggles and flotation belt. After a brief safety introduction, our group boarded the boat for a 20-minute ride across the dark ocean. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous! Attached to an illuminated board that attracted plankton for the manta rays to feed on, I was mesmerized as twelve gentle giants soared through the sea just inches below me. Equally educational as it was magical, I would recommend this extraordinary expedition to anyone.
Taste and Tour the Original Kona Brewery
Home of Liquid Aloha, Kona Brewing Co was founded in 1994 by a dynamic father and son duo. Popularly known around the world today, this brand is still headquartered where it all began, Kailua-Kona Hawaii. Visitors can book a tour for $20 either online or in-person at the Growler Shack. Hop on the big blue bus and take a ride to the original brewery where you’ll learn about the history of Kona Brewing, observe the production line and quench your thirst at the Thirsty Gecko Tasting Room. Our tour guide, Hank, was incredibly knowledgeable with a great sense of humor!
Caffeinate Your Morning at Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm
Located in the hills of Holualoa is Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm, where 100% Kona coffee has been grown since 1994. The farm offers a variety of experiences including farm tours, traditional paniolo roasting and brew master classes. I opted for the Coffee Farm Tour, which can be booked online in advance for $25. During check-in, I was greeted by the farm’s friendly staff and offered unlimited coffee samples. What a great way to start the morning, huh?! Our tour guide, Bryce, lead the group on an hour-long journey through the seed to cup process. After the tour, I couldn’t resist grabbing a pastry from the Konalani Coffee Bar and bringing home a bag of chocolate-covered peaberries from the gift shop!
Discover the Black Sand Beach at Pololū Valley
Known for its black sand beach and dramatic cliffs, Pololū Valley is located in North Kohala on the northeastern coast of the Big Island. The scenic drive up Highway 270 ends at the breathtaking Pololū Valley Lookout. Visitors can take in the view from above or opt for the 800 ft elevation loss along the half-mile hike down the Pololū Historic Trail to the valley floor. With risk comes reward, and running around this beautiful black sand beach was worth every drop of sweat to get there.
Hike Through History at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park encompasses 553 square miles of barren lava fields, lush rainforests, craters and coastlines. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle.
Visitors will find the Welcome Center and Kīlauea Visitor Center full of information on park conditions, maps, ranger-lead activities and souvenirs. The Hawaii Volcano House offers 33 guest rooms for a more intimate guest experience. The hotel’s lobby is equipped with a gift shop, restaurant, restrooms and outdoor viewing deck available to anyone visiting the park. I was lucky enough to see lava bubbling inside Kīlauea!
If you want to learn even more about the park, download the Shaka Guide app on your mobile device. Users can purchase the guided Audio Tour and learn about the park’s history, terrain and the ancient legend of Pele, the fire goddess. Shake Guide uses GPS to keep pace of where you’re at in the park, so you’re always learning about what you’re seeing in real time. This $20 purchase made the drive along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road both enjoyable and educational.
Nāhuku, also known as the Thurston Lava Tube, is an easy, 1.5-mile hike that is suitable for all fitness levels. Nestled deep inside a vibrant rainforest is the 500-year old lava tube where a river of 2000°F lava used to flow. Parking near the trailhead is extremely limited, especially during peak hours.
Take a journey along the Kīlauea Iki Trail to the crater floor that was once flooded with molten rock. The rocky 400-ft descent is considered moderate to challenging, but well worth the trek. If your schedule offers more time to explore, continue across the solidified lava lake and up the other side to complete the 3.2-mile Crater Rim Trail.
Chain of Craters Road comes to an end at the Hōlei Sea Arch. Standing at 90 ft, this natural lava rock arch extends from the cliffs into the Pacific Ocean. Eventually, erosion will run its course and crumble the arch, so be sure to make the visit while you can.
Witness Cascading Waterfalls by Helicopter
There are parts of the Big Island that aren’t accessible by car or foot, so I took a helicopter! Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers a variety of tours across the major islands of Hawaii. The staff excel in customer service and the company upholds the highest of safety standards for their passengers. I booked the Hilo Waterfall Experience over the phone with Miriam, who assisted me with choosing the tour that best fit my agenda. Our helicopter pilot, Dave, offered an adventurous personality and provided educational information about the island scenery throughout the duration of our 55 minute flight.
Stand at the Southernmost Point of the United States
Ka Lae, also known as South Point, is the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii and the entire United States. Off the beaten path and away from the crowds, this is the perfect place to experience the serenity of the dark, Pacific Ocean waves crashing into the volcanic coast. Millions of cream-colored coral crunch under your feet as they tumble onto shore. There are no words to describe the feeling like standing on the edge of the Earth, you simply have to experience it for yourself.
Shop, Dine and Watch the Sunset at Kona Inn Shopping Village
Located along the waterfront in the heart of Kailua-Kona is the Kona Inn Shopping Village. Everything from boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants and specialty services line both sides of Alii Drive. As Kona’s dining destination, visitors will find a variety of delectable treats, tropical fruit smoothies and locally sourced seafood that transform dining into an unforgettable experience. After dinner, be sure to grab a front row seat on the waterfront to end your day with a breathtaking sunset.
Dining
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue serves up the traditional Hawaiian barbecue plate lunch, also known as one of Hawaii’s unofficial state foods. Two scoops of white rice, one scoop of macaroni salad and a heaping pile of protein complete this simple, yet savory dish. Dining in or taking dinner to go, you’re guaranteed a fresh hot meal every visit.
Kona Brewing Co is a relaxed brewpub that offers a variety of popular island-inspired appetizers, hand-tossed pizzas and fresh-catch entrées. Paired with one of their locally brewed year-round drafts or a seasonal selection, you can’t go wrong with any combo. I opted for Lawai’a’s fish tacos: daily caught Big Island fish, served with cajun spices, vinegar coleslaw, black bean salsa and avocado crema on an ube tortilla. They were absolutely delicious!
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar overlooks Oneo Bay at the end of Waterfront Row, the perfect place to enjoy one of the best craft cocktails in Kona. Offering live music and sunset views, Papa Kona transforms from brunch bliss to evening euphoria. For brunch, I indulged in island style pancakes served with coconut syrup, butter, macadamia nuts and toasted coconut.
Black Rock Pizza is Hawaii’s #1 choice for gourmet pizza. From classic to signature pies, this local legend has made it their mission to become the state’s first homegrown pizza chain. With room on the patio for the whole family, Black Rock makes pizza night an evening to celebrate. Oh! And don’t forget the garlic butter breadsticks!
Punalu’u Bake Shop is the southernmost bakery in the United States. It is located in the small town of Na‘alehu. Home to the world-famous Hawaiian sweet bread, the bakery opened in 1991 to supply customers with their own slice of heaven. A variety of tasty treats are available for purchase in addition to many lunch options at the outdoor restaurant.
Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine is the only open-air restaurant in downtown Hilo. Providing only the finest island style local cuisine, the fresh catch is a must-try menu highlight. I ordered the coconut and panko-crusted fresh catch with grilled pineapple and seasonal stir fry vegetables topped with teriyaki glaze, garlic white butter sauce and served over rice. *Chef’s kiss*
Lodging
Hawaii is packed full of hotels and beachfront resorts, but I opted for a more “at home” feel with Airbnb. Located in Kailua-Kona just 10 minutes from the airport is Jing’s Guest Suite. This beautiful, private space is nestled in a safe neighborhood at a cool elevation, making it easy to avoid extreme temperatures. The host, Jing, is welcoming, accommodating, and provides excellent local recommendations. A home away from home for a great price, I’d highly recommend booking this cozy suite for your Hawaiian getaway.
Transportation
If you’re a member, Costco Travel offers great deals for all things vacation. I drove around the Big Island in style with a cherry red Jeep Wrangler! Providing car rentals worldwide, Costco partners with well-known rental companies including Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise to supply a variety of vehicles to fit your travel needs. With no payment needed at the time of booking, Costco Travel puts customers at ease with commitment-free reservations and no fees for cancelling before pickup.
The Big Island of Hawaii is a traveler’s paradise: beautiful beaches, radiating sunshine and the salty ocean breeze. Whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon or taking the kids on a family vacation, the 50th state has activities for all ages and adventure levels. I hope more than anything that you enjoy my recommendations and find them helpful when planning your visit to the Aloha State.
Love Always.
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