Hawaiʻi’s Big Island is something special. We’ve been exploring it for years, and every time we return, there’s something new to discover or rediscover. Whether you’re into active volcanoes, pristine beaches, world-class stargazing, or hiking through lush valleys, this island delivers in ways that most places simply can’t match.
This is our refreshed 2026 guide to the 10 must-see places on the Big Island. We’ve updated it with current access information, latest prices, and practical tips we’ve learned firsthand. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for the fifth time, this guide will help you make the most of your time on the island.
1. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Let’s start with what makes the Big Island unique: active volcanoes. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park sits at the heart of the island and is home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. As of April 2026, Kīlauea is in its episodic eruption phase, with fountaining episodes expected. The current volcano alert level is WATCH with an ORANGE aviation color code. This means eruptions are happening, but they’re generally confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within the park.
What you’ll see at the park depends on the day you visit and current volcanic activity. The Crater Rim Trail offers incredible views of the massive Kīlauea caldera. Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), a tunnel carved through lava hundreds of years ago, now surrounded by native ʻōhiʻa forest. The Chain of Craters Road descends 3,700 feet over 19 miles of switchbacks, revealing different volcanic landscapes at every turn. This drive alone is worth the visit, even if you don’t have time to hike.
Important note: The caldera rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater has been closed to the public since late 2007 for safety reasons. Check the National Park Service website for current closures and eruption status before you go. We always call ahead or check their social media for real-time updates.
2. Mauna Kea Summit
At 13,796 feet, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor. More importantly to us travelers, it’s one of the best stargazing locations on Earth. The summit sits above 40 percent of the Earth’s atmosphere, giving you views of the night sky like nowhere else.
You have a couple of options for visiting. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station sits at 9,200 feet and is open daily from 9am to 9pm. You don’t need 4WD to reach this level, and you can enjoy stargazing here. However, if you want to reach the actual summit, you must have a 4WD vehicle. The summit road is open during daylight and sunset, but closes from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
For organized stargazing, the park offers free stargazing experiences, but with limited space. These programs are offered roughly once a month, so plan ahead if you want to participate. Book your reservation as soon as possible. Keep in mind that altitude can hit people hard, so take it slow. The center recommends staying at the 9,200-foot level for at least 30 minutes to acclimate before heading higher. Anyone under 13, pregnant women, people with heart conditions, or those who have recently scuba dived should not proceed to the summit.
This is one experience where renting a 4WD vehicle makes sense, or booking a commercial sunset and stargazing tour. The views are worth every penny.
3. Waipiʻo Valley
Known as the ʻValley of the Kings,ʻ Waipiʻo Valley is a stunning, sacred place with a rich history. The valley is flanked by 2,000-foot cliffs on either side, with a black sand beach at its base. On a clear day, you can spot multiple waterfalls cascading down the cliff walls, including the powerful Hiʻilawe Falls.
Here’s the current situation with access: The Waipiʻo Valley Road has been closed to the general public since February 2022 due to safety concerns like rockfall and erosion. In September 2022, partial access was restored, but only for Big Island residents, permitted tour operators, and those exercising Native Hawaiian traditional rights, and only in covered 4WD vehicles. This means nonresident visitors can no longer independently drive into the valley.
You have two options. First, visit the free Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, which offers stunning views from above. Parking is free and the view is spectacular. Second, if you want to actually explore the valley floor, you’ll need to take an authorized tour. Currently, shuttle services are available from authorized operators. Be aware that rental car companies explicitly prohibit their vehicles from using the valley road, and they’ll void your coverage if you attempt it.
We always recommend starting with the lookout if you’re short on time. The view alone will take your breath away, and you’ll understand why this valley holds such significance in Hawaiian culture.
4. Akaka Falls State Park
Sometimes the best attractions are the easiest to visit. Akaka Falls State Park is proof of that. The park features a 422-foot waterfall that drops into a lush valley surrounded by native ferns and orchids. The hike to see it is short and accessible, making this perfect if you’re short on time or have young kids.
Entry costs $5 per person (parking is typically $5-$10 depending on vehicle type). The main trail is only about 30 minutes round trip, and it’s well-maintained. You’ll loop down and back up on a paved trail through some of the most lush vegetation on the island. Bring a camera because the light filtering through the canopy when it hits the falls is absolutely magical. We go back to this spot every time we’re on the island.
The park is located near Hilo on the eastern side of the island. If you’re exploring the Hilo side, this is a must-stop. Hawaiʻi residents get in free, so bring your ID if you live here.
5. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Black sand beaches are unique to volcanic islands, and Punaluʻu is one of the best examples on the Big Island. The sand is jet black, the water is typically calm and clear, and you have a very good chance of seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) resting on the beach.
The beach is easily accessible from Highway 11, with a large parking lot right next to the sand. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 8:30am to 4:45pm. The park has real facilities, including bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, and BBQ areas. If you want to swim or snorkel, the waters here are generally safe, though always check conditions before entering.
About those sea turtles: they’re often seen between 11am and 3pm, resting on the beach before returning to the ocean around dusk. Please respect them by maintaining at least 10 feet of distance. The park does an excellent job of protecting these endangered animals with clear guidelines and roped-off areas. Never touch a sea turtle, no matter how tempting it looks.
One final note: despite its beauty, don’t take the black sand as a souvenir. The sand is volcanic and an important part of the beach ecosystem. Leave only footprints and take only photos.
6. Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
Kealakekua Bay is consistently ranked as one of the best snorkeling spots in the world, and for good reason. This 315-acre Marine Life Conservation District has been protected since 1969, and it shows. The fish biomass here is 2 to 3 times denser than in unprotected reefs nearby. On a single snorkel trip, you’ll see hundreds of fish species in crystal-clear water with visibility often exceeding 100 feet.
The bay is home to the iconic white Captain Cook Monument, a 27-foot obelisk erected by the British in 1874 at the exact spot where the famous explorer was killed on February 14, 1779. It’s a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
You can’t drive to Kealakekua Bay. All visits are by boat tour, which is actually a good thing because it protects the bay from overuse. Tours typically last 3.5 hours total, with 35 to 50 minutes of boat time depending on sea conditions. Options range from large catamarans (smoothest ride) to smaller sailing vessels to fast rafts that hug the lava cliffs and pop into sea caves. Dolphins live in the bay year-round and appear on over 50 percent of trips. Humpback whales visit from December to February.
Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season. Your tour operator will provide snorkel gear, but bringing your own is fine too. Don’t miss this one.
7. Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)
Green sand beaches are rare. In fact, there are only a handful in the world, and Papakōlea on the Big Island is one of them. The sand gets its green color from olivine, a mineral that forms in basaltic lava. It’s a sight that stays with you.
The trailhead is located on Highway 11 between the 69 and 70 mile markers at South Point Road. From there, you drive about 8 miles on a rough road to reach the parking area. The hike itself is approximately 2.25 to 2.5 miles one way, totaling about 5.5 miles round trip with only 275 feet of elevation gain. That sounds easy on paper, but here’s the reality: it’s extremely dry, windy, and exposed. There’s virtually no shade, and the South Point area is notorious for wind that kicks up dust.
Start early, like sunrise early, and bring way more water than you think you’ll need. Snacks and sunscreen are essential. Go on a weekday if you can to avoid crowds. The best time is before noon or late in the evening when the sun isn’t as intense. There are three ways to reach the beach: hiking, driving your own 4WD vehicle on bumpy coastal roads, or taking a shuttle with locals. The land is owned by DHHL (Department of Hawaiian Home Lands) and they permit hiking but not independent vehicular access.
Is it worth the effort? Absolutely. Standing on a green sand beach while looking at turquoise water and red cliffs is something most people will never experience. That makes it worth the hike.
8. South Point (Ka Lae)
Ka Lae, or South Point, is the southernmost point of the Big Island and the southernmost point in the entire United States (American Samoa’s Rose Atoll is further south, but it’s a territory, not part of the 50 states). It’s a dramatic location with steep lava cliffs where massive waves crash against black rock, and the view stretches endlessly over the Pacific with nothing between you and Antarctica.
Beyond the geographic significance, this area holds deep historical and cultural importance. It’s believed to be the landing site of the first Polynesian voyagers to reach the Hawaiian Islands, making it one of the most historically significant locations in Hawaiʻi. The area is registered as the South Point Complex, a National Historic Landmark District.
To get there, take South Point Road, a 12-mile paved route branching off from Hawaii Belt Road (State Route 11) between mile markers 69 and 70. The road takes you to the southern tip of the island. It’s a short drive but feels remote and otherworldly. This is perfect if you’re already at Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea), as they’re near each other.
The sight of those cliffs and endless ocean never gets old. Bring your camera and a spirit of adventure.
9. Historic Kona Town (Kailua-Kona)
Not everything on the Big Island is about nature. Kona Town (officially Kailua-Kona) is the main hub on the western side of the island, and it’s worth exploring. The historic downtown area runs along Ali’i Drive, where you’ll find colonial-era buildings, local shops, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Coffee is big here. Kona is famous for Kona Coffee, grown in the volcanic slopes of the Kona district. Several local roasters have shops in town where you can sample different roasts before buying. Top coffee spots include Kona Coffee & Tea (open 6am–6pm), HiCO Hawaiian Coffee (modern café serving 100% Hawaiʻi-grown coffee), Kona Mountain Coffee (massive selection of chocolates and gift items), and Arise Kona Bakery & Café. If you want to see where the coffee is grown, several farm tours operate in the area.
For dining, Papa Kona Restaurant sits right on the waterfront on Ali’i Drive with gorgeous lanais on both levels. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 7am to 11pm and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live music and cocktails.
Spend a morning or afternoon in Kona to get a feel for the local culture. The pace here is slower, the people are friendly, and the coffee is genuinely excellent.
10. Hilo Town & Rainbow Falls
Hilo is the eastern gateway to the Big Island and it feels like stepping into old Hawaiʻi. The downtown is quieter and more residential than Kona, with a distinctly local vibe. This is where you’ll find the Hilo Farmers Market, one of the most vibrant markets in the state.
The market operates Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6 or 7am to 3pm, and smaller on other days. It’s located at the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in historic downtown Hilo. On big market days, over 200 vendors set up with fresh local fruits and tropical produce, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and prepared foods. You’ll find everything from local delicacies like poke bowls and shaved ice to fresh lychee, rambutan, and fruits you’ve probably never heard of. Go early for the best selection.
Just a short drive from the market is Rainbow Falls (part of Wailuku River State Park). The waterfall is named after the rainbows that form in the mist when sunlight hits it at the right angle. It’s a short walk from the parking area, and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green. The best time to visit is in the morning when the light creates the most vivid rainbows.
If you want to feel like you’re actually in Hawaiʻi rather than at a tourist resort, spend time in Hilo. It’s authentic, friendly, and a genuine window into local island life.
Practical Tips for Exploring the Big Island
Rent a car. Seriously, you cannot fully explore the Big Island without a vehicle. Public transportation exists but is limited. Most rental companies are available at Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
The island is huge. The Big Island is the largest Hawaiian island by area, and attractions are spread out. Kona and Hilo are on opposite sides, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours apart depending on which route you take. Plan your trip so you’re not bouncing back and forth constantly. Many people choose to base themselves on the Kona side (sunnier, more resort infrastructure) or Hilo side (wetter but greener, more local feel). We often spend several days on each side.
Check the weather before you go. The Big Island has varied microclimates. Kona is drier and sunnier. Hilo side gets much more rain, especially on the northeast side. Mauna Kea can have snow at the summit. Check conditions for specific locations before heading out.
Book tours in advance. Popular activities like snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and stargazing at Mauna Kea fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (summer and holidays). Book as soon as you know your dates.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The sun is intense here, even on cloudy days. Dehydration happens fast, especially at higher elevations. Reusable water bottles are your friend.
Use the island guides. We’ve included links to more in-depth guides on our site if you want more information about specific activities. Check our posts on the best hikes in Hawaiʻi, 12 hours on the Big Island, and where to eat on the Big Island for deeper dives into these topics.
The Big Island is one of those places that rewards both careful planning and spontaneity. Yes, book your major activities in advance. But also leave time to wander, to talk to locals, to sit on a beach and watch the sunset. We’ve had some of our best experiences on the Big Island when we threw the itinerary out the window and just explored. That’s the spirit of travel we love.
Have you been to the Big Island? Do you have a favorite place we didn’t mention? Drop a comment below and let us know.
RELATED POSTS (Internal Links):
10 Places to Visit on the Big Island
10 Best Things to Do on the Big Island
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Guide
Where to Eat on the Big Island
Vibe Cafe Health Bar (Big Island)
Best Hikes in Hawaiʻi: A Local’s Guide to Every Island (2026)
SOURCES (for fact-checking):
Kīlauea Volcano Updates – USGS
Mauna Kea Visitor Information 2026
Waipiʻo Valley Access Information
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach 2026 Guide
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach Guide
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