Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
What to do and see in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Things to do Adventurous
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. Kilauea Iki Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,428 reviews
A moderate 4 mile hike into a an old volcanic crater.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc
Start early in the day, if only because parking is extremely limited at the Kilauea Iki Overlook. There are two ways to hike: clockwise, the more difficult direction which begins with an unpaved path, or counterclockwise, the easier direction which begins with going down steps. The descent to the crater floor is 400 feet... the ascent back to the parking area via the counterclockwise direction involves hiking switchbacks which is easier than climbing uneven, high, and steep steps if one has taken the clockwise direction. If in relatively decent shape, allow approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Elevation/altitude is about 4,000 feet. The interpretative map/guide is available for $2 at the park headquarters and is worthwhile. Pack a hat/cap, sunglasses, plenty of water and insect repellent.
2. Kazumura Cave Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By K1840NDjohnb - San Francisco, United States
My wife and I had a fantastic trek one mile into the Kazumura cave today with Harry on the 4 hour Pit Room tour. Harry is a fountain of knowledge on lava formations and paints a vivid picture of how different formations were, well, formed! (Definitely ask questions about anything you see and let Harry know if you want your tour to have more or less info stops) anyways, hiking through the cave itself was awesome - by the end I felt like an expert on lava flows, what oxides the different colors meant, and how to spot life down in the darkness. The hike is of moderate difficulty- some scrambling over loose rock falls and some slightly hair-raising ladder sections, but Harry did a great job showing us the paths that kept us and the cave safe. By the end of the tour, I was sweaty, sore, and happy.
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. Kilauea Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
Nature truly is amazing. One of the highlights of the Big Island tour because there are very few places on Earth where one can see an active volcano like this. Unfortunately for us tourist, there hasn't been an active lava flow for a few years since the last major eruption, but it is still an active Caldera. There are also really amazing steam vents that you can walk right up to and really get surrounded by this natural phenomenon.
5. Waipi'o Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,026 reviews
A scenic area of waterfalls and thousand foot cliffs.
Reviewed By swearengen
You can drive a 4-wheel (though rentals might not let you) or hike down. But we took the Waipio Valley Shuttle down for a great tour of the valley. Surrounded by mountains with gorgeous rivers, taro farms, wild horses, and fruit trees all around, it is really something to see. A beautiful and unique area.
6. Dahana Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
A working cattle ranch that allows tourists to drive cattle.
Reviewed By Porcupine-415 - San Francisco, United States
My family of 4 (2 adults, 17yo, 14yo) went on the Ranch Ride (1.5 hours) at Dahana Ranch. We horseride occasionally so are probably in the beginner with some experience category. LOCATION: in the highlands east of Waimea. Much cooler and with more mist than along the coast (this was a positive as we would have been uncomfortably hot at sea level). HORSES: Born and raised on the island and sure footed among the rocks. Horses all were well trained although some required more prompting to gallop. GUIDE: we had a very experienced guide, Kiyo, who gave us tips and tried to teach us in how to lead the horse. She would have us go in "Z" patterns and practice turning the horses around and coming to a stop. We were also accompanied by 4 ranch dogs during the entire route. ROUTE: we rode along the hills east of the ranch for a solid 1.5 hours OVERALL: 1) My whole family enjoyed the ride due to the countryside, the guide, and the horses. 2) Easy to fit in the schedule: the ride duration of 1.5 hours + 30 minutes check-in worked great for us and is shorter than most other rides (they also offer a 2 hour advanced ride and a 2.5 hour range station ride where you actually herd cattle). 3) Excellent value: this was one of the least expensive horseback riding options we found on the Big Island.
7. 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!
8. Chain of Craters Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By queenofrolic - Sacramento, United States
It was raining ( mostly lightly) the day I did this drive and I really enjoyed the Devastation Trail hike and the hike to see the petroglyphs. The Thurston Lava Tube was closed but I have hiked that before. Highly recommend but be sure to get out of your car!
9. 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.
10. Dolphin Quest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,762 reviews
Dolphin Quest Hawaii, located at the spectacular Hilton Waikoloa Village, brings people and dolphins closer than ever in fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all ages. This unique experience is on-of-a-kind on Hawaii's Big Island and is great for kids, adults or the entire family! Reservations can be made a year in advance. Dolphin Quest's Learning Center Lagoon, opened in 1988, was the first of its kind and inspired a new generation of large, natural habitats for marine mammals. A portion of the proceeds from your Dolphin Quest encounter program supports vital marine education, conservation and scientific study. TripAdvisor Certificate Excellence winner for the last 6 years (2012 to 2017)!
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