Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Hawaii's Big Island is the youngest and largest island in the chain, a land of active volcanoes, black and green sand beaches and snow-capped summits. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, stargazing on Mauna Kea, night snorkeling with manta rays, Kona coffee farms and the waterfalls of the Hilo side offer an incredible variety of adventures.
This guide covers the best things to do on the Big Island, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Kīlauea crater and lava fields.
Mauna Kea
Summit observatories and stargazing.
Manta ray night snorkel
Off the Kona coast.
Punaluʻu Beach
Black sand and sea turtles.
Akaka Falls
Tall waterfall near Hilo.
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Dramatic valley view.
Kona coffee farms
Tastings and tours.
Hāpuna Beach
White sand beach.
Big Island, Hawaii in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Kona
Start in Kailua-Kona with Ahuʻena Heiau and Hulihe'e Palace, then visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a historic place of refuge, and snorkel at Two Step next door. Lunch with poke. In the evening, join a manta ray night snorkel, one of the world's most unforgettable marine experiences.
2Day 2 · Coffee and beaches
Tour a Kona coffee farm on the slopes of Hualālai and taste the famous beans. Lunch in Holualoa. In the afternoon, relax at Hāpuna Beach or Kua Bay with clear water and white sand, and watch the sunset over the Pacific from the Kohala Coast.
3Day 3 · Volcanoes National Park
Drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to see the Kīlauea caldera, the Steam Vents, the Thurston Lava Tube and the Chain of Craters Road down to the sea arch. Lunch at Volcano House. Stay late to see any glow from the crater if there is activity.
Big Island, Hawaii in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Black sand beach and South Point
Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach to see green sea turtles resting on the sand, then drive to South Point, the southernmost point of the United States. Lunch at a bakery in Nāʻālehu. Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach if you have the energy.
5Day 5 · Hilo and waterfalls
Explore Hilo with its farmers market, Rainbow Falls and Liliʻuokalani Gardens. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, drive the Hāmākua Coast to Akaka Falls and the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. The Hāmākua Heritage Corridor drive is lined with gulches, old sugar towns and roadside fruit stands.
Big Island, Hawaii in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Mauna Kea
Head up to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet for sunset and stargazing, or take a guided tour to the summit. Bring warm clothes. Dinner beforehand in Waimea. Note that the summit road requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and children under 13 should not go to the top because of the altitude.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Morning at Kahaluʻu Beach Park snorkeling with turtles, last shopping for coffee and macadamia nuts, and a farewell luau or sunset dinner on Aliʻi Drive. Kona's airport is just 15 minutes from town, making a relaxed last morning easy.
What to do in Big Island, Hawaii on a weekend
Things to do on the Big Island on a weekend? Saturday: Kona, place of refuge and manta rays. Sunday: Volcanoes National Park.
Merrie Monarch hula festival in Hilo around Easter.
What to do in Big Island, Hawaii in the evening
In the evening, manta ray snorkels and Mauna Kea stars.
Luaus on the Kohala Coast.
Big Island, Hawaii for couples
For couples, sunset on Mauna Kea, manta rays and a beach resort.
Big Island, Hawaii with kids
With kids, turtles, lava tubes, beaches and Junior Ranger programs.
What to eat in Big Island, Hawaii
Poke
Raw fish salad.
Loco moco
Rice, burger, egg.
Kona coffee
Local beans.
Malasadas
Portuguese donuts.
Shave ice
Hawaiian treat.
Where to stay in Big Island, Hawaii: best areas
Kona
Sunny side.
Kohala Coast
Resorts.
Hilo
Lush side.
Volcano Village
Near the park.
What to do in Big Island, Hawaii when it rains
Things to do on the Big Island when it rains? Imiloa Astronomy Center, Lyman Museum, coffee farms and the dry Kona side.
How much does a trip to Big Island, Hawaii cost?
Expect $250–500 per night and $120–180 for a manta snorkel.
Practical tips for Big Island, Hawaii
Best time to visit
April–May and September–October.
Getting around
Rental car is essential.
Our practical tips
- Rent a car.
- Check volcano updates.
- Warm clothes for Mauna Kea.
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Respect turtles.
- Plan both sides.
Mistakes to avoid
- Taking sand or lava rocks.
- Touching turtles.
- Mauna Kea after diving.
- Underestimating driving times.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do on the Big Island?
Volcanoes, manta rays and Mauna Kea.
Can you see lava?
Depends on current activity.
Kona or Hilo?
Both.
Best time?
Spring and fall.