Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
What to do and see in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Geologic Formations
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Kula Kai Caverns
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By TeamLopez143
Kula Kai Caverns (lava tubes) is a great excursion choice for all different ages and adventure levels. We booked this tour “day of” and as our vacation was winding down. Not knowing what to expect, my wife and I chose the one hour tour which is the most basic of the tours available. Our cavern excursion required the ability to climb/descend a total of one flight of stairs and less than 1/4mi of walking. Our guide Gary was perfect, he was very knowledgeable and funny. We learned a lot and had a great time doing so. We will definitely be back to visit Gary at Kula Kai Caverns and this time we will bring the kids and maybe book one of the more advanced tours that involve some crawling (Gary provides gloves, knee pads, and helmets w/lights for these advanced tours). PS...when you book this tour plan on visiting Punalu’u Bakery (the southernmost bakery in the United States). And also Punalu’u Black Sands Beach for a chance to visit Sea Turtles. FYI: The bakery is less than a 30 minute drive from Kula Kai Caverns. Black Sands Beach is about a 15 minute drive from the bakery.
2. Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,593 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
We saw lava tubes on both Maui and the Big Island and these are hands down the biggest lava tubes. If you didn't know better it looks like a tunneling truck for a mining company created these. Also, the path to and from the lava tubes has some beautiful and lush plant life. It is amazing how the landscape on this island can be so varied!
3. Kapoho Tide Pools
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 779 reviews
Reviewed By P1654QJdaniels - San Diego, United States
This very unique snorkeling spot is now under two feet of lava. Another treasure lost but another will surely develop.
4. Lava Viewing Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By pniag - Niagara Falls, Canada
This was an absolutely amazing adventure! I highly recommend going before sunrise as opposed to the crazy busy night tours. You definitely want to experience this in the dark - we could see the lava flowing down the hillside as well as the the lava crashing into the ocean - what a sight!! It's definitely more impressive in the dark as you see the lava enter - otherwise its flashes of orange and lots of steam in the daylight. The trail is just a gravel road until you veer off onto the lava rock for the last five minutes of hiking to the viewing area (we had the place to ourselves this morning!!) It's easy walking until the lava part but still not terribly challenging. Take lots of water and wear comfortable shoes - the walk in is very doable - we're not in the greatest shape either!! This is a must see!!!!
5. Holei Sea Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By Escape-overseas - Stevenage, United Kingdom
Located a short walk from the restricted parking area at the foot of the Chain of the Craters Road, across the lava field to the viewing area, where the power of nature is again in full view. The erosion of the lava by the power of wave action crashing onto the shoreline has created a sea arch in the lava outcrop. A definite photo opportunity.
6. Puhimau Crater
7. Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site
8. Upolu Point
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 141derrickw - Kailua-Kona, United States
I have been down to Upolu Airport quite a few times. The point is actually on the other side of the runway .Not too many years ago it was possible to just walk across the runway on the start of a nice hike but the have built the fence up around the airport now so it's not worth doing that now. You can get some nice views through the fence though. This is a real small airport with almost no traffic at all. It is several miles down from the Highway. If you're trying to get to the end of the road in the same day then this area is way out of the way. On many days you can catch a nice view of Maui, this is the most Northern point on the Island and you're not very far from Maui across the channel. I've seen many people more or less stranded out here with flat tires because the rocks on the dirt road are fairy sharp. It's not worth it to go of the pavement here unless you have 4 wheel drive. and then you can really only go about 3 or 4 miles along the cliffs before you will need to turn around . For a nice hike; park at the airport and walk west along the the runway fence, then at the end of the fence turn north and go down the Hill this is where you will find the actual point. The dirt is really red here so bring some old clothes you don't care about to go hiking with, if the wind blows much you, your things, your vehicle get dirty fairly quickly. But the views are awesome!
9. Boiling Pots
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By nls007
A really nice state park. Close to Rainbow Falls so you can visit both the same day. Both close to Hilo.
10. Hi'iaka Crater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
