The 10 Best Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii

Volcanoes, Manta Rays, Beaches, Coffee Farms and More

The Big Island of Hawaii is made for travelers who want a little bit of everything: volcanoes, beaches, marine life, rainforest, coffee country and some of the most memorable outdoor experiences in the Hawaiian Islands.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic escape or group getaway, these are 10 of the best things to do on the Big Island, Hawaii.

1. Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

No trip to the Big Island feels complete without visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

The park is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and offers hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, crater views and the opportunity to experience one of Hawaii’s most extraordinary natural environments.

Because volcanic activity changes constantly, visitors should always check current park and eruption conditions before traveling.

2. Snorkel or Dive With Manta Rays

A nighttime manta ray experience is one of the Big Island’s signature adventures.

Tours depart from the Kona coast and allow travelers to snorkel or dive while manta rays move through illuminated waters below. It is one of the experiences most closely associated with the island and a must for marine-life lovers.

3. Spend the Day at Kauna‘oa Beach

Also known as Mauna Kea Beach, Kauna‘oa Beach is known for its crescent of white sand and clear water along the Kohala Coast.

Spend the day swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing by the ocean before exploring nearby dining and activities at Mauna Kea Resort.

4. Discover Kona Coffee Country

The Big Island is home to one of the world’s best-known coffee regions.

Visit a working coffee farm, learn how Kona coffee is grown and processed, and experience the agricultural history that helped shape the region. The Kona Coffee Living History Farm offers a particularly interesting look at the lives of early Kona coffee-growing families.

5. Visit a Tropical Botanical Garden

The lush eastern side of the island offers a completely different landscape from the dry Kohala Coast.

At the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, visitors can walk through tropical rainforest filled with palms, orchids, waterfalls and thousands of tropical plants overlooking the Pacific.

6. Experience Mauna Kea Resort

Guests staying at Hale ‘O Ka La can make the most of its connection to Mauna Kea Resort, where resort experiences include golf, beach activities, cultural programming, wellness and dining.

Current resort offerings include Hawaiian cultural activities such as lei making, hula and ukulele lessons, along with snorkeling, kayaking and other ocean activities.

7. Book a Spa Day

Sometimes the best thing to do in Hawaii is very little.

The recently introduced Spa at Mauna Kea combines wellness treatments with Hawaiian-inspired healing traditions and an open-air wellness setting on the Kohala Coast.

Guests of Hale ‘O Ka La can also arrange private wellness experiences through the villa concierge.

8. Go Snorkeling Along the Kona Coast

The Kona coast is known for calm, clear water that makes it particularly appealing for snorkeling and diving.

Depending on the location and conditions, travelers may encounter colorful reef fish, sea turtles and other marine life while exploring the island from the water.

9. Experience Hawaiian Culture

A visit to the Big Island should include opportunities to learn about Hawaiian history and culture.

Explore historic sites, attend cultural activities, learn about traditional practices or experience a Hawaiian luau featuring local food, music and dance.

At Mauna Kea Resort, cultural programming currently includes hula, lei making, language and music experiences.

10. Leave Time to Enjoy the Villa

Not every day needs an itinerary.

At Hale ‘O Ka La, guests can spend the day enjoying indoor-outdoor living, a saltwater pool, waterfall grotto, swim-up bar and private chef dining while the concierge handles the details of the next adventure.

For families and groups especially, leaving a day completely open can be one of the best ways to experience the slower rhythm of the Big Island.

What Should You Not Miss on the Big Island?

If you only have time for a few experiences, prioritize:

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

• A manta ray snorkel or dive

• A beach day on the Kohala Coast

• A Kona coffee farm

• Snorkeling or another ocean adventure
  

These experiences showcase what makes the Big Island different: volcanic landscapes, marine life, agriculture and dramatically varied scenery within a single destination.

Where Should You Stay on the Big Island?

For travelers looking for more privacy and space than a traditional resort stay,

Hale ‘O Ka La offers a five-bedroom private villa experience on the Big Island.

Guests can combine days exploring Hawaii with private chef dining, concierge service and access to amenities and experiences at Mauna Kea Resort.

Explore Hale ‘O Ka La and start planning your Big Island getaway with Destinations in Paradise.