Big Island Tours & Activities
The Island of Hawaii — Where the Earth is Still Being Born
The Island of Hawaii
The Big Island is larger than all other Hawaiian islands combined — and it's still growing. Active lava flows from Kilauea add new land to the island every year. Here you can stand at the edge of a glowing lava lake, swim with giant manta rays after dark, stargaze from the world's premier observatory at 14,000 feet, and sip coffee grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa. No other island on Earth offers this range of experiences.
Browse Big Island Tours
10 categories of world-class Big Island adventures
Explore the Big Island's Towns
From the lively Kona waterfront to the misty volcano village — the Big Island's communities are as diverse as its landscapes.
Kailua-Kona
The Heart of the Kona CoastThe Big Island's most vibrant town sits on the sunny west coast and serves as the hub for water activities, dining, and nightlife. Ali'i Drive runs along the ocean past historic Hulihee Palace, the Mokuaikaua Church, and a lively strip of restaurants and shops.
- Ali'i Drive waterfront
- Hulihee Palace
- Manta ray night dives
- Kona coffee shops
Hilo
Rainforest City & Waterfall GatewayThe Big Island's county seat on the rainy east coast is a charming, old-fashioned Hawaiian town with a vibrant farmers market, stunning botanical gardens, and easy access to Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the lush Hamakua Coast.
- Hilo Farmers Market
- Rainbow Falls
- Liliuokalani Gardens
- Imiloa Astronomy Center
Volcano Village
Gateway to the National ParkA misty, atmospheric village at 3,700 feet elevation on the rim of Kilauea, Volcano Village is the base for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Charming B&Bs, art galleries, and the famous Kilauea Lodge make it a magical overnight destination.
- Hawaii Volcanoes NP
- Kilauea crater views
- Lava tube walks
- Thurston Lava Tube
Waimea (Kamuela)
Upcountry Ranch CountryAt 2,670 feet in the cool upcountry, Waimea is the heart of Hawaii's paniolo (cowboy) culture. Parker Ranch — one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S. — dominates the rolling green hills, and the town has excellent farm-to-table dining.
- Parker Ranch
- Paniolo culture
- Farm-to-table dining
- Mauna Kea access
Kohala Coast
Luxury Resorts & Ancient HistoryThe sunny, leeward Kohala Coast is home to Hawaii's most luxurious resorts — the Mauna Kea, Fairmont Orchid, and Four Seasons — set against dramatic black lava fields. Ancient Hawaiian fishponds, petroglyphs, and heiau (temples) dot the coastline.
- Hapuna & Mauna Kea beaches
- Luxury resorts
- Puukohola Heiau
- Petroglyph fields
Pahoa & Puna
Off the Beaten PathThe wild, alternative Puna district on the east side is Hawaii's most bohemian community — a place of lava-heated tide pools, dense rainforest, and a fiercely independent local culture. Ahalanui warm pond and the Lava Tree State Monument are must-sees.
- Ahalanui warm pond
- Lava Tree State Monument
- Kalapana lava fields
- Pahoa town
Captain Cook & South Kona
Coffee Country & Snorkel ParadiseThe steep slopes of South Kona are blanketed in coffee farms producing world-famous 100% Kona coffee. Below, Kealakekua Bay — where Captain Cook met his end in 1779 — is one of Hawaii's premier snorkeling and dolphin-watching destinations.
- Kealakekua Bay snorkeling
- Kona coffee farms
- Spinner dolphins
- Captain Cook Monument
Big Island's Best Beaches
From jet-black volcanic sand to brilliant white and even rare green sand — the Big Island has beaches found nowhere else on Earth.
Hapuna Beach
Consistently ranked one of the top beaches in the United States, Hapuna is a half-mile crescent of brilliant white sand with calm, clear turquoise water. The gentle slope makes it ideal for swimming, and the offshore snorkeling is excellent.
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Bodysurfing
- Sunset watching
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
One of the most dramatic beaches in Hawaii — jet-black volcanic sand formed by lava meeting the sea, fringed by coconut palms. Hawaiian green sea turtles regularly bask on the sand here, making it one of the best places in the state for turtle encounters.
- Sea turtle watching
- Photography
- Volcanic landscape
- Unique experience
Kaimana Beach (Magic Sands)
A beloved local beach in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Magic Sands is famous for its sand literally disappearing in winter swells and reappearing in summer — hence the name. Excellent bodysurfing and a lively local scene.
- Bodysurfing
- Snorkeling
- Local vibe
- Kona town access
Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna'oa)
Widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, Kauna'oa Beach fronts the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The crescent of white sand, calm water, and dramatic mountain backdrop make it a photographer's dream.
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Photography
- Luxury resort access
Green Sand Beach (Papakolea)
One of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakolea's distinctive olive-green color comes from olivine crystals eroded from the surrounding cinder cone. Reaching it requires a 2.5-mile hike across dramatic lava fields — worth every step.
- Unique experience
- Photography
- Hiking adventure
- Geology enthusiasts
Waipio Valley Beach
Deep in the Valley of the Kings, this wild black sand beach is accessible only by 4WD or a steep 45-minute hike. Surrounded by towering 2,000-foot valley walls, cascading waterfalls, and taro fields — it's one of the most sacred and spectacular places in Hawaii.
- Adventure hiking
- Photography
- Cultural history
- Waterfall views
Ready to explore the Big Island?
Our local Big Island experts are standing by to help you plan the perfect volcano, ocean, and stargazing adventure.