See Nature in Motion at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This is one of the most geologically interesting national parks in the United States, home to two active volcanoes that allow visitors to see the wonder of nature in action. Visitors should be aware that various parts of the park and surrounding area, including roads, may be closed during periods of volcanic activity.

Sitting on the southeast side of the island, the park covers a total of 21 square miles, but continues to grow as active lava flows into the ocean and cools into rock. The park is home to the Kilauea volcano, which has most recently been active in 2018, with steam and ash explosions at the summit causing closures at the visitor center.

The Halema'uma'u crater, the legendary home of the Hawaiian goddess of fire, Pele, is an actively steaming crater, which brings curious tourists to its brim. Crater Rim Road brings tourists to the park's top attractions, including Devastation Trail, the landscape left behind after a 1959 eruption from the Iki crater. Another top attraction at the park is Thurston Lava Tube, a unique place where lava once flowed and cooled in such a way that it left a tunnel nearly 500 feet long and 20 feet high.

Enjoy the View from the Waipio Valley Overlook

This incredibly beautiful valley on the northeastern coast of the Big Island, about 50 miles north of Hilo, has often been described as a sort of "Shangri La," almost cut off from the outside world. The valley, about one mile wide, dissects the Kohala Mountains and is difficult to reach because of the steep cliffs on the three landward sides. Strong waves make it equally unapproachable from the sea.

Bananas, papayas, mangoes, avocados, and grapefruit grow on the fertile valley floor, and colorful ginger trees, orchids, and hibiscus decorate the landscape. Where the valley meets the ocean is a long black-sand beach. As many of the local people will tell you, it was in this area that the movie Waterworld was filmed.

There is a steep and twisting road into the valley, which allows access by car or by foot. Most car rental companies do not allow their vehicles to be driven down into the valley, so some people choose to walk down the road. Think twice before undertaking this adventure; it's difficult work on the way back up.

If you are able to drive down the road, be sure to give way to vehicles ascending from the valley floor. At the bottom, turn right and follow the bumpy and wet road to the beach. This long beach with rough surf is achingly beautiful, and due to its isolation, you'll likely have it all to yourself.

Waipio is fed by the Hiilawe Falls, which drops over 1,200 feet. This double waterfall is one of the highest in the world, but in the dry season has very little water nowadays because it is used to irrigate the land above the valley.

A popular scenic drive along the Hamakua Coast is the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, which runs from the town of Hilo to the Waipio Valley Lookout.

Star Gaze on Mauna Kea, Hawaii's Highest Mountain

Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest mountain and home to the Mauna Kea Observatory, which is an active research facility. The temperatures here are very cold, a sharp contrast to the tropical paradise below, but that does not stop crowds from gathering at the visitor center nightly for unparalleled views of the stars above.

The summit and the Visitor Information Station, which sit at altitudes of 13,800 feet and 9,200 feet respectively, can only be accessed by 4WD vehicles - a trip which is often prohibited by rental car companies.

The easiest way to enjoy the mountain is via the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour, which relieves you of the most problematic issues, like finding a suitable vehicle, staying warm, and parking.

The tour includes a picnic supper at a Hawaiian ranch, an informative ride up the mountain to the summit, a hooded parka, and an evening of stargazing complete with hot cocoa. Tourists should be aware that, due to the extreme elevation, participants must be at least 16 years old, in good health, and have not recently been diving.

Visit the Kona Coffee Living History Farm

The Kona Coffee Living History Farm is the nation's only living history museum dedicated to the heritage of traditional coffee farming. Operated by the Kona Historical Society, this working farm shows visitors what life was like for coffee growers in the 1920s and 30s. Costumed interpreters happily converse with tourists while they go about their daily tasks, from planting and harvesting to cooking and crafting.

You can explore the grounds freely, observing the Kona Nightingale (a breed of donkey) and learning about old methods of roasting and grinding. The farm also invites visitors to sample, and of course purchase, some of their amazing coffee. Nearby in Kailua-Kona, tourists can also take a pre-arranged tour of the commercial Hula Daddy coffee plantation, or tour the roasting facility at Mountain Thunder Plantation.

Learn Island Traditions at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (Kona Coast)

This park is a great place to learn about island traditions. The present temple site was restored by the national park authorities and is a replica of the original, which dates from the end of the 18th century. The palace was a place of refuge, protected by a huge wall measuring 10 feet high and 16 feet wide.

This thick wall between the former palace and the sanctuary has been preserved over the centuries, with repair work being carried out in 1902 and 1963-64. Using information gleaned from pictures, replica koa wood carvings of temple gods have been placed in their original positions.

Attractions found on the estate include the landing place of the royal canoes ("Keone'ele"); the stones on which the royal family played a type of Hawaiian game known as "konane;" and the Ka'ahumanu Stone, behind which the Queen hid from Kamehameha's henchmen but was discovered when her dog began to bark.

Also on site are a royal fishpond known as "he-lei-palalu;" the Keoua Stone, supposedly the favorite place of Keoua, King of Kona; burial vaults; rock carvings; and models of houses belonging to the priests and inhabitants of the City of Refuge.

See Akaka Falls State Park and Kahuna Falls

Akaka Falls State Park near Hilo is home to both Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. The Akaka Falls are the tallest on the island, free falling 442 feet. The setting here is quite stunning, with lush surroundings of tropical ferns, bamboo, and orchids.

The trail to the falls is conveniently paved but steep and includes sections of steps. The trail, a loop less than a half-mile in length, leads you up past Kahuna falls to the top of Akaka Falls, with an offshoot which leads to a viewing spot perfect for getting photos of Akaka.

Wander through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Located just off the Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive, between Hilo and the Waipio Valley Lookout, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden has more than 2,000 species of tropical plants. A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and studying tropical flora, the garden attracts tourists, botanists, and photographers.

The 40-acre garden is filled with wandering paths that explore this secluded valley, and there is also a 500-foot observation walkway that overlooks a ravine and its many plants. The garden's Palm Vista is known for its collection of more than 200 species of palms from all over the world.

Lounge on the Beach at Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is regarded as one of the best beaches in the country, known for its soft white sand and ample facilities. The beach is staffed with lifeguards, especially reassuring since conditions can become dangerous with a change in tide.

Tourists and locals come here for sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, and of course some of the world's best surfing. There are also concessions and picnic shelters, as well as screened shelters for overnight stays with access to electricity, refrigeration, and showers. The park also has miles of hiking trails, which afford amazing views along the coast.

The state has put up signs that show stick men in waves smashing into the sand. Although they may be funny to look at and worth a picture, the story they tell is all too real! The waves here are deceptive and have a tendency to pick you up and unceremoniously dump you right onto the sand, usually face first.

Waikoloa Beach Resort and Petroglyph Park

Located on the Kona Coast, Waikoloa Beach is home to a lovely area with a number of petroglyphs. Most visitors come to this area for the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Few resorts in the world compare to the care that has gone into creating a magical environment for their guests.

While the resort is large, guests can move around the grounds using a sleek air-conditioned transit system or beautifully appointed wood-paneled boats, which cruise the canals on the grounds. Art galleries here contain millions of dollars of Hawaiian, Oriental, and other art.

On the grounds are tropical gardens set with sculptures grouped by theme. A variety of species are found throughout the gardens, which surround a saltwater lagoon. One highlight of the resort is a dolphin area where guests, especially children, can wade in and interact with the dolphins.

Sporting opportunities consist of two championship golf courses, tennis courts surrounded by stadium seating, a lagoon for stand up paddleboarding and kayaking, and three pools for aquatic fun.

Ahu'ena Heiau

This fully restored temple, directly behind the Kamehameha Hotel in Kailua Kona, is possibly the best example of a Hawaiian place of sacrifice. Ahuena Heiau was built by Kamehameha I on Kamakahonu Beach and dedicated to the god Lona.

Kamehameha I spent the last years of his life at Ahuena Heiau. According to Hawaiian custom, his bones were removed from his corpse on a stone platform in the temple and taken north, possibly to Wawahiwa Point, where they were left at a secret location.

His son and successor, Kamehameha II, grew up here and this area became central to the abolition of the tabus and the destruction of heathen idols and temples during his reign. Further measures to abolish the old religion were then implemented from Lahaina, the seat of government. Restoration of Ahuena Heiau was supervised by the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.

Ziplinining Uma Uma Falls Zip and Dip is our favorite

Zipline over Umauma River and falls, rappel down waterfalls, get down and dirty on an ATV, explore on horseback and more with the entire family! Rain or shine the Umauma Experience will be the highlight of your Big Island visit!

POLOLŪ VALLEY: The Lookout, The Hike & The Black Sand Beach

Pololu valley is the most northern of the impressive valleys that are carved into the Kohala volcano at the lush green pastures of the Kohala region on the Big Island.
The spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip on their own, but the real thing to do here is hiking to the black sand beach at the valley floor

Big Island Snorkeling

We love Big Island snorkeling, and have explored it extensively. It offers great snorkeling, second only to Maui in the Hawaiian Islands, in our opinion.
What's great is nearly all the sites are accessible from shore although there are some fun boat tours too. You will swim with loads of gorgeous fish, turtles, and giant Manta Rays, over reefs with some healthy corals, all in perfect snorkeling depths.