Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
What to do and see in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve
2. Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,146 reviews
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a 501(c)(3) Scientific and Educational non-profit, whose mission is to serve as a nature preserve and sanctuary, a living seed bank, and a study center for trees and plants of the tropical world. The Garden is dedicated to the collection and display of the world's tropical plants, and to the education of both children and adults about the plight of the world's rainforests. At a time when rainforest plants are disappearing at an alarming rate, the Garden is working to preserve as many species as possible for the benefit of future generations.
Reviewed By Paola010 - Oklahoma City, United States
This garden was an unexpected treat on a tour that included other attractions. Located on Onomea Bay, we reached it from the shipping port of Hilo. Admittedly, it was a long 500' walk down and then back up, but well worth it. (And, if you can't make it back up, a tram will bring you back for $10). It had it all, orchids growing on tree trunks and in their own little orchid garden, sparkling streams, a lush pool, unusual shades of anthurium, many varieties of ginger and dozens of other colorful plants and flowers. Eventually the path leads to a lovely view of the ocean, fringed by palms. Just delightful.
3. Kona Cloud Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By renata623 - Los Angeles, United States
Took this nature walk with my teens, sister and her husband. All 5 of us loved it. It was a magical place. Kelly, who guided us so was so passionate about the forest and shared so much with us about the plants, nature and local history. The beauty of this place and it's unique trees and plants make it a must in Kona. This is a very special place to visit.
4. Hakalau Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Hal72 - Olympia, United States
A rather unique place in Hawaii where you can see most of the remaining native landbirds. Access requires a guide as aces is very limited. Rough road to get there. Once there, it is a comfortable downhill walk through the forest, generally on a primitive road, to find the birds. In addition to protecting native birds the refuge protects and restores native plants and there are many of those to see too.
5. Hawai'i Wildlife Center
6. Parrots in Paradise Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Parrots in Paradise Sanctuary is a non-profit rescue and permanent housing facility for nearly 100 displaced parrots in Hawaii. Visiting the sanctuary is fun and educational as you stroll through the beautiful sanctuary grounds in a personalized small group with hands on experience. Your donation to visit is 100% tax deductible which supports these displaced parrots in Hawaii.
Reviewed By wheretohangmyhat
We spent several hours at Parrots in Paradise. The love and care these precious birds receive from Gerry and his parents, Gerry and Dorothy, is a gift not just to the birds, but an example of the good in the world, and don’t we all need that. This family will an inspiration to us for the rest of our lives.
7. Pololu Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By jsick1 - Somerville, United States
Easy access for the feeble tourist to take a hair-raising photo of Pololu's beach from the street. But the real champion treks down the fairly steep and extremely short path to a microcosm of exploration (see pictures). No bathrooms. Parking is unorganized along the dead end street. No nagging park officers. No trash cans. Beach is extremely rocky, no good for swimming.
8. Kealakekua Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 813 reviews
Reviewed By celestewest10s - Waikoloa, United States
This Is a wonderful day trip for the whole family to experience the wonders that make up what Hawaii is all about. It has history in that it was the site of a thriving Hawaiian village, you can rent kayaks to take across the bay to Captain Cook Monument; if you are a good swimmer, you can swim/snorkel in the bay and catch a glimpse of the magnificent dolphin pods that frequent the bay and you can just hang out at the rocky beach and watch the world go by. Easy to get to by car down the main hwy to Napooopo Rd, then follow the road down to the beach, about 5 miles. There are a few interesting things to see on the way down, besides the view, like Hawaii Island honey farm and the Kona coffee roasting building, with free samples at both places. Definitely worth the stop.
9. Living Ocean Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Kona Whale Watching and Sport Fishing Charters--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Year-round, off the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii Recommended by Travel BooksCaptain Tom BottrellLiving Ocean Adventures offers personalized boat charters (six-passengers maximum) with owner-operator Captain Tom Bottrell, a professionally trained marine ecologist and USCG licensed Master since 1977, aboard his Bertram 31' Sportfisherman SPINNER. Captain Tom sailed into Kona in 1975 with Project Jonah to study whales and dolphins, and has been here ever since.
10. Kanaloa Octopus Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 699 reviews
Reviewed By Kermit2010 - Vancouver, Canada
Great for kids and adults (our tour was full and mostly adults) this research facility is working to better understand the full life cycle of octopus and to protect wild stocks. These Indo Pacific octopus are at Kanaloa for breeding purposes and this is 1 of 4 facilities in the world doing similar work. Your 1 hour tour includes an overview of what they do then you move to sinks to scrub your hands and arms up to the elbow because now you are going to interact with the octopuses. They are shy and possibly know that this first part is a bunch of people dabbling their fingers in the water of their tank (each octopus in this area has its own tank). We didn’t get a lot of action in the tanks from this stage of our tour, and Charlie, my octopus, stayed in his cave. Later, we returned to the tanks and cups with bits of crab had been hung on each tank and we were told how to tempt them out of their caves. That was marginally successful for our tour as an arm would whip out of the cave and scoop up the tasty treat. When Charlie actually came out to fetch a treat, he retreated back to his cave so quickly he upset his cave and retreated as far as he could into his cockeyed cave propped up on the side of his tank. When some of our group filtered out of the facility, that was when we started to get some action. Ringo began performing, sitting on top of his cave, wrapping his delicate tentacles around our hands and grabbing our little underwater camera. Chili pepper swiftly changed colours when someone put a red underwater camera in her tank, and Emma squirted in response to someone putting a camera in her tank. We hated to leave but our hour was up. A fun and informative experience for all ages. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Kanaloa is in their 2nd location and moving to another facility next month. Support this initiative and the work they are doing by visiting - but be sure to reserve ahead as tours are popular and ours was full so walk ins had to be turned away.
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