The "Big Island" of Hawaii is the largest of the state´s eight islands, and full of extraordinary natural, historical, and cultural wonders. and here are ten not to miss on your visit here:
´Akaka Falls State Park
Visiting this 11 miles from Hilo involves a half-mile hike to a pair of lovely waterfalls, Kahuna Falls and the spectacular ´Akaka Falls, plunging from a cliff into a pool 442 feet below. A natural must!
Anaeho'omalu Bay
In the island´s northwest, 20 minutes or so north of Kailua-Kona (see below), the Kohala Coast is home to some of the island´s finest resorts as well as 'Anaeho'omalu Bay (more colloquially known as "A-Bay"), with a laid-back, family-friendly beach with plenty of water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling (though some visitors have commented that you need to snorkel farther from shore to see any fish, since the water right near the beach tends to be cloudier. There are plenty of amenities, including bathrooms, chair and equipment rentals, and places to eat right on the sand (a local favorite is the Lava Lava Beach Club).
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
Hāpuna is a Hawaiian word meaning "spring of the life," and this beach (above) is one of Hawai'i´s most loved by visitors as well as locals, also on the south Kohala Coast, it is awash with soft white sand, calm azure water, and breathtaking sunsets (in winter, however, the tides might make it a bit too rough to swim, though there is a chance to observe whales migrating along on the beach). The beach is a favorite for families for boogie-boarding, with many saying it is their favorite spot on the entire island. Some complain about the absence of formal facilities like restrooms and a concessions stand because of a leak in a water pipe. There are however portable toilets.
Hawai´i Tropical Botanical Garden
On the east side of the island seven miles north of Hilo, this lush 17 acres has more than 2,500 rare and threatened plants. The trails can be explored by visitors to observe waterfalls, cross bridges, and enjoy the view from Onomea Bay. There are picnic areas where visitors can stop to enjoy snacks while admiring the view. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for ages 6-16, and under five free.
Hawai´i Volcanoes National Park
Two active volcanoes are located in this 539-square-mile, UNESCO World Heritage park, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, and it´s the latter which is a "must-see." Kilauea, 4,091 feet high, has been active since January 1983 and erupted most recently in 2018, damaging more than 700 houses, and again in 2023; and visitors can sometimes see active lava flows (the visitor center has details on them as well as the routes to see them safely). The park's admission - $15 for pedestrians and cyclists or $30 for a vehicle - is good for seven consecutive days.
Hilo
The island´s capital (pop. 44,000), on the lush, wet windward (east) coast, was developed beginning in the 19th century, and its downtown is still full of charming architecture from that period as well as plenty of interesting shops, eateries, and especially art galleries. Today it´s a laid back yet lively, home to the University of Hawai´i at Hilo as well as attractions like the East Hawai´i Cultural Center, the Hilo Farmers Market, the ´Imiloa Astronomy Center, Lili´ukolani Gardens, Lyman Museum, Mission House (the island´s oldest surviving building, from 1838), and the Pacific Tsunami Museum., as well as being closed to Volcanoes National Park, ´Akaka Falls, and lots of other adventure and ecotourism activities. And of course don´t miss a cruise along the nearby four-mile Onomea (Pepe'ekeo) scenic road, one of the state´s most famous drives.
Kailua-Kona
Usually referred to just as Kona, the island´s other major population center (above, pop. 20,000) is located on the drier end of Hawai´i, on its west coast,was founded at the end of the 18th century and was the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Today it´s the hub of most of the island´s tourism, with plenty of shopping, dining, places to stay, and nightlife. Attractions include former royal residences Kamakahonu and Hulihe´e Palace, the Historic Kona Inn, and Mokuaikaua Church, the state´s oldest Christian house of worship, dating back to 1820. Neaby you´ll find fantastic beaches, adventure/activities including whale wathing, and of course tours of plantations producing the famous Kona coffee, such as Kona Coffee Living History Farm.
Kaunaoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
On one of Hawaii's most stunning white sandy beaches stretches over a quarter mile on the central Kohala Coast. about 30 miles north of Kona. Diving and snorkeling are especially popular here, but there´s a full complement of other activities, too, including kayaking, boogie boarding, and beach volleyball. The beach can be reached via its access via the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Bathrooms and showers are readily available, as are the resort´s fine restaurants. It´s recommended to get there if possible before 9 am to nab a parking spot.
Max Delaquis
Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing
An hour 15 minutes inland from Hilo and an hour and a half from Kailua-Kona, this this 13,803-foot summit is Hawaii´s highest point, and there´s is nothing more spectacular than gazing at the starry night sky from its summit. With minimal light pollution, visitors can get to see a breathtaking variety of constellations (in fact, the summit is also home 13 astronomical observatories). It´s possible to visit on your own with an all-wheel drive vehicle to negotiate the dirt roads, but you might get more out of it (not to mention avoid the hassle of driving) on an organized tour from one of seven tour operators, which include shuttle service to and from your accommodation.
Pololu Valley Lookout
Located on the north Kohala Coast, the Pololu Valley Lookout offers sweeping panoramic views out over the Pacific Ocean, the island's northeastern coast, and the lush Pololu Valley. This road Highway 270, literally stops at the lookout, from where there is a tiny parking area. If you want to have the best chance of finding a parking space take the advice of previous travelers and be at the lookout before sunrise (before the time of 9 a.m.). If you're looking for a challenge and want to get out of the way, go on the (steep) roughly half-mile walk along the Pololu Trail that leads to the sea and a black sandy beach. Although strong currents render the beach inaccessible for swimming, previous visitors have reported that it's worth it to see the views.
For more info, check out Hawaii.com, and to book your cheap flights, check out LowestFlightFares.com.
Comments
I´ve been to Oahu and Maui, and now this has whet my appetite for the Big Island on my next trip!