The Big Island, aka Hawaii – the island that gives the Aloha State its name – has “big” in it for a reason: it can take a while to explore. In this list, we condensed some major activities great for families, couples, and bucket list dreams, in an easy 10 best things we think you should do on the Big Island!
10 BEST THINGS TO DO ON THE BIG ISLAND:
1. NIGHT SWIM WITH MANTA RAYS
Swimming with the Manta Rays at NIGHT and seeing them up close is a magical sight. It’s listed as one of the best things to do in the world and we agree! A fun activity for the entire family! You don’t have to be a great swimmer and if you’re so inclined to stay on board the boat, the Manta Rays, aka angels of the sea, are so huge you can eye them out compared to us clumsy humans.
2. JUMP OFF THE MOST SOUTHERN POINT IN THE USA
What is the most southern point in the USA? You probably guessed it and no it’s not Florida, it’s on the Big Island of Hawaii, Ka Lae (“The Point”). Jumping (approximately) 50feet into the warm Hawaiian waters is a once in a lifetime experience and bucket list dreams spots you have to visit while on the island of Hawaii.
3. BASK AT PUNALUU BLACK SAND BEACH
Many black sand beaches are faux black sand, meaning it’s not completely made of volcanic glass (the element that creates a jet black contrast) but not here. Punaluu Black Sand beach is one the most popular beaches on the Big Island and rightfully so with its crystal clear waters for swimming, abundant marine life, and picture-perfect coconut tree row backdrop to make any photo frame worthy.
4. ENJOY THE VIEW OF AKAKA FALLS
We mean, take photos in front of the most popular falls on the Big Island – Akaka Falls! Only 11 Miles (18KM) north of Hilo, this 442 feet (135M) tall waterfall is a sight to behold, especially after rainfall! Entry for Akaka Falls is $1 per person or $5 per car.
5. DRIVE UP SADDLE ROAD (AKA Route 200)
“The Old Saddle Road” stretches across the Island of Hawaii, from downtown Hilo to its junction with Route 190, near Waimea. Although most of the road has been repaved, it was once the most dangerous roads in the state. The beautiful drive is mostly a one-lane highway, reaches a maximum elevation of 6,632 feet (2,021M) and is occasionally covered in fog making visibility low. It is the shortest driving route from Hilo to Kailua-Kona and takes you across the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
6. BEACHES AND SUNSET IN KONA
Almost by default, watching a sunset in Hawaii is a must on every list. Maybe it’s lazy writing to some but with a busy schedule trying to make tours, we know some visitors aren’t able to take a true moment of a sunset in. The vast Kailua-Kona side with its endless selection of beaches are a must to capture a Big Island sunset.
7. KAYAK TO CAPTAIN COOK MONUMENT
Kayaking in placid water is mediocre but for an adventurous time with some extracurricular snorkeling, renting a kayak and spending a day paddling in the Ocean is a highlight of any trip. The Captain Cook monument was the location where the first contact with the western world and Hawaiians was documented. It’s also where the Hawaiians would end up killing captain cook for lying to them about being an all-powerful god.
8. STARGAZE AT MAUNA KEA
If the Hawaiian sun wears you out, head to Mauna Kea where the air is cool averaging around 43 F/ 6 C. At its peak, book a stargazing tour! Watch the sunset and wait for all the stars to come out! A perfect thing to do for any astrophotographers!
9. WHALE WATCHING
Between the waters of Maui and Big Island are arguably the best place to see Humpback Whales in Hawaii. Clean and deep waters provide a fun playground for mothers rearing their young for the long journey up North.
When is whale watching season?
Best times to see these Humpback whales in Hawaii are in the months of November and early May with Jan-March being the ‘high’ season to whale watch. Booking a boat tour for sunset can be educational, romantic, and memorable.
10. VISIT VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
What’s a visit to the Big Island of Hawaii without seeing what it’s most known for? LAVA! Kilauea Visitor Center is the number one visitor center attraction on the island of Hawaii. Here, you can see the Kilauea Crater and the occasional lava spew. For an up close and personal tour to see lava spewing into the Ocean, companies offer boat tours.
There are many things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii and if you’re short on time you’ll only want to experience the top things! We hope you enjoyed our list but we are always open to comments, questions or concerns! What did you do when you visited Hawaii? Any off the beaten path recommendations? Let us know in the comments or email! Mahalo Nui Loa for reading!
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2026 Updated Information
Manta Ray Night Swim: Still one of the top-rated experiences in all of Hawaii. Tours start from around $99 per person out of Keauhou Bay, and sighting rates remain above 90%. Most operators now offer a free rebooking if no mantas show up. Book early during peak season (June through August and December through January) as tours sell out fast.
Mauna Kea Stargazing: Access to the summit requires a 4WD vehicle (standard rental cars are not allowed past the Visitor Information Station). Seven permitted tour operators currently offer sunset and stargazing experiences. The free stargazing program at the Visitor Center is now a monthly event and reservations are required. All vehicles must descend 30 minutes after sunset.
Kayaking to Captain Cook Monument: Important permit update: if you want to land your kayak at the Ka’awaloa shoreline near the monument, you need a free daily permit from the Division of State Parks Hawaii District Office. Only 10 non-commercial landing permits are issued per day, so plan ahead. Alternatively, book with one of the three permitted commercial kayak tour vendors who can land at the shoreline.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Kilauea has been in an episodic eruption cycle since December 2024, with lava fountaining episodes turning on and off every few days to weeks. Check the NPS website (nps.gov/havo) for current eruption viewing conditions before your visit. Some areas near the caldera may have temporary closures due to volcanic activity.
South Point (Ka Lae) Cliff Jumping: The 40-foot cliff jump remains accessible, though official danger signs are posted. A fixed ladder helps climbers back to the top. Only attempt in calm conditions and be aware of the strong Halaea Current in the area.
2026 Updated Information
Manta Ray Night Swim: Still one of the top-rated experiences in all of Hawaii. Tours start from around $99 per person out of Keauhou Bay, and sighting rates remain above 90%. Most operators now offer a free rebooking if no mantas show up. Book early during peak season (June through August and December through January) as tours sell out fast.
Mauna Kea Stargazing: Access to the summit requires a 4WD vehicle (standard rental cars are not allowed past the Visitor Information Station). Seven permitted tour operators currently offer sunset and stargazing experiences. The free stargazing program at the Visitor Center is now a monthly event and reservations are required. All vehicles must descend 30 minutes after sunset.
Kayaking to Captain Cook Monument: Important permit update: if you want to land your kayak at the Ka’awaloa shoreline near the monument, you need a free daily permit from the Division of State Parks Hawaii District Office. Only 10 non-commercial landing permits are issued per day, so plan ahead. Alternatively, book with one of the three permitted commercial kayak tour vendors who can land at the shoreline.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Kilauea has been in an episodic eruption cycle since December 2024, with lava fountaining episodes turning on and off every few days to weeks. Check the NPS website (nps.gov/havo) for current eruption viewing conditions before your visit. Some areas near the caldera may have temporary closures due to volcanic activity.
South Point (Ka Lae) Cliff Jumping: The 40-foot cliff jump remains accessible, though official danger signs are posted. A fixed ladder helps climbers back to the top. Only attempt in calm conditions and be aware of the strong Halaea Current in the area.
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