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Top Things To Do in Hawai'i (Big Island)

By: Cityseeker
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This island's topography is a canvas of beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests. Scenic waterfalls and picturesque attractions abound in Hawai'i, and the island also features a number of historic sites, botanical gardens and museums.


Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Some visitors hail Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden as the most beautiful area in Hawaii. Visitors can expect to see rushing rivers and trickling streams, vivid orchids and delicate hanging ferns, birds and flowers in every color of the rainbow. Waterfalls, lily ponds and several miles of coastline add to the astonishing aesthetic beauty of the garden. A gift shop is onsite and umbrellas are loaned out free of charge when it rains, which adds even more to the tropical setting.

27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Omomea Bay, Papaikou, HI, United States, 96781
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

Snorkelers and divers flock to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, which is a designated marine preserve and home to hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, sea turtles and even some dolphins. Kayakers also enjoy the calm, warm waters here. History buffs will be more interested in the monument to Captain James Cook, the first British sailor to venture to Hawaii. The park has picnic areas where you can relax, enjoy a meal, and take in the beautiful views of the bay.

Makahiki Lane, Kealakekua, HI, United States, 96704
Mauna Kea

Standing tall at 13,803 feet (4,207.3 meters), Mauna Kea is the highest peak in the state of Hawaii. It is also one of five volcanic hot spots on the island, but is currently dormant, having witnessed its last eruption about 3,600 years ago. The mountain is sacred to the native Hawaiian people, and only high ranking members of the community were traditionally allowed to ascend the peak. Its summit is considered one of the best astronomical observation sites in the world and is home to a number of observatories. Numerous trails exist on the mountain, some of which lead up to the summit.

Mauna Kea Access Road, Mauna Kea, HI, United States, 96720
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Among Big Island's white sand spots, this one stands out and is regularly ranked among the top beaches in the world. The sand is sugar-fine, warm and clean and stretches as far as the eye can see. The waves are deep blue in the distance, foamy when they hit the shore. The strip also has great facilities like a paved walkway leading from the parking lot, which is a rarity in Hawaii. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on the beach, an opportunity to explore marine life, or a picturesque spot to watch the sunset, this beach park has something to offer for everyone seeking a taste of Hawaii's paradise.

Old Puako Road, Waimea, HI, United States, 96743
Kona Coffee Living History Farm

It isn't often that one has an opportunity to really experience the way people lived and worked in the past. This 'Living History' farm allows just that opportunity. It is a representation of the Kona coffee industry in the years between 1925 and 1945. Observe the procedures of an Old Hawaii coffee plantation, from the orchards and fields to the roasting plant. Artifacts and authentic landscapes add to the effect. There is a gift shop onsite.

82-6199 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook, HI, United States, 96704
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Few of the earth's natural processes match the might of a volcano - blazing fountains of molten earth and liquid fire that thrust mountains from the sea while retracing shores and drowning islands in a single sweep. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places in the world where this violently majestic phenomenon can be witnessed first hand. Home to two of the world's most active volcanoes - Mauna Loa and Kilauea - vociferous eruptions with fiery streams of molten lava spewing from the lofty hulks of these volcanic mounts are regular events. Mauna Loa is also renowned as the world's largest mount, its summit at a height of 56,000 feet (17,000 meters) above the seafloor. Volcanic deserts with glowing embers, steaming craters, lava tubes, and lush forests teeming with life tell the tale of the islands of Hawaii, their dramatic origins, natural heritage, and human ancestry.

1 Crater Rim Drive, Hilo, HI, United States, 96718
Papakolea Green Sand Beach

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is one of the most unique attractions to be experienced in the Ka'u district. Visitors can access the beach via a scenic hike or choose to take a ride with the locals from the main parking lot. One of the only few such beaches in the world, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is known for its shimmering green sand. The sand gets this color from olivine, a mineral found on the cinder cone landscape of the beach. Visit the beach to admire this scintillating wonder of nature and take in the dramatic views of the bay. Thanks to its unique features and picturesque location, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach also offers great photo opportunities.

Off South Point Road, Naalehu, HI, United States, 96772
Akaka Falls State Park

On the far end of the Big Island's Windward side is this beautiful park noted for its magnificent waterfall. The hike to the waterfall overlook is short, scenic, and moderately challenging. The waterfall is impressive, featuring a 440-foot (134 meters) cascade over a volcanic cliff. Witnessing the impressive Akaka Falls in person makes for a memorable experience. While exploring the park, keep an eye out for Hawaii's unique avian species, as well as colorful butterflies and other wildlife that call the rainforest home.

875 Akaka Falls Road, Hawaiʻi Island, Honomu, HI, United States, 96728
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

The Punalu'u Black Sand Beach located in the Big Island of Hawaii forms a dark landscape between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. This basalt-laden beach sand is the result of lava that trickles down from the Hawaii Volcano and enters the ocean, which cools it. Legend goes that those natives who had settled around this area would dive underwater to obtain fresh water, which is cold and dark. A popular visiting spot for endangered species like the Hawksbill and Green Turtles, the Punalu'u beach attracts a few tourists every year, since swimming among the jagged rocks of this beach is considered perilous.

Ninole Loop Road, Naalehu, HI, United States, 96772
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park may be small (less than a tenth of a percent of the size of Volcanoes National Park), but this place is of immense historical significance. Once the site of an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge, law or code breakers flocked here to obtain mercy from the wrath of the gods (or the community). Other places of interest include royal grounds, reconstructed temples and ancient fishponds. A short walking trail winds through many of the interesting sites. Orientations are given several times daily. Artists and craftspeople often display their works onsite.

State Highway 160, Hōnaunau, Hawai'i (Big Island), HI, United States, 96726
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