Things to Do in Big Island Hawaii: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Kona, Hilo, and Beyond

The Big Island of Hawaii is very different from the other Hawaiian islands.

You can snorkel on sunny Kona beaches, explore rainforests and waterfalls near Hilo, walk across volcanic landscapes, and watch the sunset from one of the highest mountains on Earth. That diversity is what makes the Big Island special, but it also makes planning more challenging.

The island is huge, driving distances are long, and the weather varies by region. Trying to see everything in a short time often leads to long drives, rushed stops, and missed experiences. 

This guide covers the best things to do in Big Island Hawaii in a practical, experience-first way, helping you choose the right activities, locations, and travel style so you can make the most of your trip.

The Big Island is not a “quick check-in” destination. In fact, it is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. On Google Maps, distances may look short, but once you’re on the road, reality feels very different.

One of the most common first-time mistakes is underestimating driving time. 

For example, driving from Kona to Hilo typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours without stops, but longer with mountain roads or changing weather, making packed itineraries unrealistic.

What makes this even more challenging is the island’s extreme environmental contrast. Within a single day, you can move through completely different climates and landscapes:

• Kona side: Dry, sunny, and warm, with calmer waters that are ideal for snorkeling and ocean activities.

• Hilo side: Cooler, wetter, and lush, with rainforests, waterfalls, and a greener, more local feel.

• Volcanic regions: Active volcanoes, vast lava fields, and black sand beaches.

• High elevations: Cooler temperatures and alpine conditions near Mauna Kea.

No other Hawaiian island offers this level of geographic variety in one place, and that variety directly affects how you should plan your time.

At first glance, it’s tempting to pack your itinerary with as many stops as possible. The Big Island offers volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and rainforests all in one place. But trying to see everything in one trip often backfires.

Here are three key reasons why doing too much doesn’t work on the Big Island:

• The island is far larger than most travelers expect.

The Big Island covers about 4,028 square miles, making it bigger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. Distances between major areas are real and significant, and what looks like a short drive on Google Maps can easily turn into hours on the road.

• Constant driving leads to fatigue and rushed experiences.

Long days in the car mean arriving tired, cutting visits short, and feeling pressured to move on. Many travelers end up remembering highways more than the places they wanted to explore.

• You miss what makes each region special.

Every area on the Big Island has its own character. When you rush through multiple regions, you only see the surface and miss the quieter moments — the calm beaches, the changing light, the local atmosphere — that make the island memorable.

The better strategy is to slow down and plan by region. Choose a base that matches your travel goals, then focus on the experiences that truly define that area. 

If you only have time for a few experiences on the Big Island, these four should be at the top of your list: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea sunset and stargazing, snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and Two Step, and the manta ray night snorkel in Kona. Together, they showcase the island’s volcanoes, extreme elevation, marine life, and landscapes that simply don’t exist anywhere else in Hawaii.

• Location: Southeastern Big Island, near Volcano town

• Best time to visit: Year-round; morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures

• Recommended time needed: 3–5 hours

• Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, first-time Big Island visitors

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island, and this alone is a major unique selling point of the island. It is one of the few places in the world where you can safely explore active volcanic landscapes inside a national park.

The most rewarding experiences include walking across lava fields, viewing volcanic craters, and exploring lava tubes formed by flowing magma. Highlights such as Kīlauea Iki Crater, where you hike across a solidified lava lake, and Thurston Lava Tube, an accessible underground tunnel, offer very different perspectives of volcanic activity.

You don’t need to hike extensively to enjoy the park. Scenic viewpoints and short walks are enough for many visitors, while more adventurous travelers can explore longer crater trails. Always check weather conditions and park alerts before entering exposed areas.

• Location: Central Big Island; the highest point on the island of Hawaiʻi

• Best time to visit: Year-round; sunset into nighttime

• Recommended time needed: 3–4 hours

• Best for: Photographers, couples, astronomy lovers

Mauna Kea offers one of the most dramatic sunset and stargazing experiences in the world. From above the cloud layer, you’ll watch the sun dip below the horizon before the sky fills with stars under exceptionally clear conditions.

Visitors can stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, which is suitable for most people, or continue to the summit. The summit requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle and comes with serious altitude considerations.

📝 Note: Because of the elevation, this experience is not recommended for young children, pregnant travelers, or anyone sensitive to high altitude. For many visitors, guided tours are the safest and most comfortable way to experience Mauna Kea.

• Location: Kona coast, West Big Island

• Best time to visit: Year-round; mornings offer the calmest conditions

• Recommended time needed: 2–3 hours

• Best for: Beginners, families, marine life lovers

Kealakekua Bay and Two Step are widely considered the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. Protected waters, excellent visibility, and healthy coral reefs make these locations consistently reliable.

Kealakekua Bay is especially known for calm conditions and abundant tropical fish, while Two Step offers easy water entry and vibrant marine life. Both spots are suitable for first-time snorkelers when conditions are favorable.

You can visit independently, but guided tours provide added safety, equipment, and local insight — especially useful for beginners or families.

• Location: Kona coast, West Big Island

• Best time to visit: Year-round; evening/night

• Recommended time needed: 1.5–2 hours

• Best for: All experience levels, including non-swimmers

The manta ray night snorkel is the signature experience of the Big Island and one of the most unique wildlife encounters in the world. The Kona coast offers the most consistent manta ray sightings anywhere.

At night, lights attract plankton, drawing manta rays to feed just below the surface. Snorkelers float calmly while these gentle giants glide beneath them. Despite their size, manta rays are harmless and suitable even for non-swimmers when appropriately guided.

No other Hawaiian island can match the reliability or quality of this experience. Because of limited nightly capacity, booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Planning your trip by area helps you group nearby activities, cut down driving time, and enjoy each region at a more relaxed pace. Each part of the Big Island has its own character, so it’s worth knowing what each area does best.

• Places to visit: Two Step snorkeling, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (City of Refuge), Kona coffee farms (Holualoa & South Kona), oceanfront sunset spots (Kailua Bay, Magic Sands Beach)

• Vibe: Sunny, ocean-focused, visitor-friendly

• Best for: First-time visitors, snorkeling, manta ray night snorkel

Kailua-Kona is one of the easiest areas to explore thanks to its dry weather and calm ocean conditions. Snorkeling is a major highlight here, especially at Two Step, located right next to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a sacred historical site that offers insight into ancient Hawaiian culture.

The upland areas above Kona are home to famous coffee farms, many of which offer short tours and tastings. Kona is also known for beautiful sunsets along the coast, making evenings here especially memorable. For a local food stop, Da Poke Shack is a well-known favorite and worth the wait.

Note: Ocean conditions are usually calmest in the morning, which is the best time for snorkeling along the Kona coast.

• Places to visit: Akaka Falls (Akaka Falls State Park), Rainbow Falls (Wailuku River area), botanical gardens (Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden), Hilo Farmers Market (downtown Hilo)

• Vibe: Lush, local, slower-paced

• Best for: Waterfalls, rainforests, cultural experiences

Hilo is often described as the gateway to the Big Island’s rainforests. The area is surrounded by greenery and some of the island’s most impressive waterfalls, with Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls being the most accessible and popular.

Hilo town itself offers a relaxed, local feel. Stops like Big Island Candies and the farmers market are popular for sampling regional treats and souvenirs. This side of the island is ideal for travelers who enjoy nature, cooler weather, and a quieter atmosphere.

Note: Rain is common in Hilo, so plan outdoor activities earlier in the day and keep rain gear handy.

• Places to visit: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Kīlauea area), Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach (Kaʻū, honu sightings), scenic coastal drives (South Point Road, Kaʻū coast)

• Vibe: Remote, dramatic, raw

• Best for: Volcanic landscapes, photography, nature lovers

This region is defined by volcanic terrain and wide-open scenery. In addition to the highlights of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Kaʻū area offers one of the most striking beaches on the island.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is famous for its black sand and as a habitat for Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, which are often seen resting on the shore. The contrast of lava rock, dark sand, and ocean waves makes this a unique stop.

Note: Always keep a safe distance from sea turtles and follow posted signs to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems.

• Places to visit: Waimea town (Parker Ranch & local eateries), Kohala scenic viewpoints (Kohala Mountain Road), Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (north of Honokaʻa)

• Vibe: Open landscapes, cultural, less crowded

• Best for: Scenic drives, history, cooler climate

The Waimea and Kohala region reflects a quieter, more traditional side of the Big Island. Rolling hills, ranch land, and cooler temperatures create a very different feel from the coastal resort areas.

One of the most culturally significant landmarks here is Waipiʻo Valley, a sacred place in Native Hawaiian history. While the valley floor was once accessible, conditions have changed.

Important note: Access to the Waipiʻo Valley road is often closed to non-residents due to safety concerns. Visitors should plan to view the valley from Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, which remains open and offers stunning panoramic views without the steep and hazardous descent.

This plan gives you a complete first impression of the Big Island without rushing.

Sample plan:

• Day 1: Kona side – easy snorkeling at Two Step or a nearby beach, sunset along the coast (Kailua Bay or Magic Sands)

• Day 2: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – craters, lava fields, and scenic viewpoints (Kīlauea Iki, lava tube areas)

• Day 3: Hilo side – Akaka Falls (Akaka Falls State Park) and Rainbow Falls (near downtown Hilo), or return to Kona for a manta ray night snorkel

• Optional Day 4: Coffee farm visit (Holualoa or South Kona) or a relaxed beach morning (Kona coast)

This balance of ocean, volcanoes, and rainforests helps first-time visitors understand what makes the island unique.

Families benefit most from short activities, predictable timing, and fewer location changes.

Sample plan:

• Morning: Calm-water beach or sheltered snorkeling spot on the Kona side (Kahaluʻu Beach Park, Two Step on calm days)

• Midday: Lunch and rest time (vital for kids, near Kailua-Kona or back at your accommodation)

• Afternoon: Short nature walk, easy waterfall stop, or local attraction (Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens)

• Evening: Early dinner and sunset viewing close to your accommodation (Kailua Bay, nearby oceanfront spots)

Because the Big Island has more rocky shorelines and stronger currents than other islands, always prioritize calm-water beaches and plan outdoor activities earlier in the day.

Adventure travelers should focus on fewer days with bigger experiences.

Sample plan:

• Day 1: Volcanic hiking at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Kīlauea Iki trail, lava field hikes)

• Day 2: Helicopter tour over volcanoes, valleys, and waterfalls

• Day 3: Manta ray night snorkel along the Kona coast

• Optional add-on: Summit-area views or advanced hikes (weather permitting)

This style works best when you leave buffer time for weather and physical recovery between activities.

Romance on the Big Island is about timing and atmosphere, not packed schedules.

Sample plan:

• Morning: Scenic drive or relaxed beach time (Kohala Coast drive, quiet Kona-side beaches)

• Afternoon: Spa, coffee farm visit, or light exploration (resorts near Kona, Holualoa coffee farms)

• Evening: Sunset experience followed by a dinner with an ocean or mountain view (Kailua Bay sunset, oceanfront or upland restaurants)

• One special night: Manta ray snorkel (Kona coast) or stargazing experience (Mauna Kea Visitor Center)

Fewer activities per day allow space to enjoy the setting — and each other.

This style focuses on depth, learning, and connection to place.

Sample plan:

• Day 1: Waterfalls and rainforest walks near Hilo (Akaka Falls State Park, short rainforest trails)

• Day 2: Botanical gardens, farmers' markets, and cultural sites (Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Hilo Farmers Market, historic town areas)

• Day 3: Coffee farms, historic landmarks, or scenic coastal drives (Holualoa coffee farms, Kaʻū or Hāmākua Coast drives)

• Optional: Additional time in one region instead of changing bases

Spending more time in fewer locations helps you experience the island’s landscapes and cultural stories more meaningfully.

Before booking accommodation, it’s essential to understand that Kona and Hilo offer two very different Big Island experiences. While they are on the same island, the climate, scenery, and travel rhythm feel worlds apart.

Kona is usually the better choice if your trip revolves around the ocean. This side of the island offers more reliable snorkeling conditions, iconic experiences like manta ray night snorkeling, beautiful sunsets, and a wide range of resorts and restaurants. The weather is generally more stable, which makes planning outdoor activities easier.

There are two critical planning details many visitors overlook here.

📌 First, renting a car is not optional on the Big Island. Public transportation is minimal, and most of the island’s top attractions are spread far apart. Without a rental car, your itinerary becomes very restricted, no matter which side you stay on.

📌 Second, pay close attention to which airport you fly into. 

• Kona International Airport (KOA) serves the west side.

• Hilo International Airport (ITO) serves the east side.

Booking the wrong airport can easily add two to three hours of driving on arrival day — a mistake that happens more often than you’d think.

📌 Third, fill up your gas tank before leaving towns. On the Big Island, gas stations can be very far apart in remote areas such as Saddle Road or the Kaʻū region in the south. Running low on fuel in these areas can quickly turn into a stressful situation, especially at night or during bad weather.

The Big Island can be visited in a short time, but it’s best experienced when your schedule matches its size. The more days you have, the less time you spend driving, and the more you can enjoy each place.

📕  If you have 1–2 days, this is only suitable for a brief stop, such as a cruise visit or island-hopping transit. In this case, focus on one area and avoid long cross-island drives.

📒 With 3–4 days, most first-time visitors can enjoy a well-paced trip by choosing one base and exploring it thoroughly. This allows enough time for key experiences without feeling rushed.

📗  If you have 5–7 days, the island truly opens up. You can slow down, plan more flexibly around the weather, and experience both sides of the island at a comfortable pace.

As a general guideline:

• 3–4 days: Stay on one side (Kona or Hilo) and explore deeply.

• 5–7 days: Split your stay between Kona and Hilo to experience both landscapes and climates.

On the Big Island, a realistic schedule almost always leads to a better trip than an ambitious one.

The short answer is: you can visit the Big Island year-round. The better answer is that the best time depends on what you want most from your trip — sunny beach days, whale watching, or lower prices. Here’s how to decide.

Seasonal changes on the Big Island affect ocean conditions and activities more than temperatures, which stay fairly stable throughout the year. These seasonal shifts also determine which Big Island beaches are safest and most enjoyable at different times of year.

• Summer (May to September):

This is the calmest time for the ocean, especially on the Kona side. Seas are generally smoother, visibility is better, and rainfall is lower overall. It’s the best season for snorkeling, manta ray night tours, and family-friendly beach activities.

• Winter (November to March):

Winter brings larger swells, particularly along the north and east coasts. Hilo tends to see more rain during this period. While snorkeling can be more limited, this is the best time for surfing and whale watching, as humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters during these months.

If cost is a factor, timing your trip carefully can make a big difference.

• High season: Christmas and New Year, as well as June and July, are the highest-priced months for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Availability can also be limited.

• Lower-cost periods: April to May and September to October are often considered the sweet spots. Prices tend to drop, crowds thin, and weather remains favorable for most activities.

⚠️ Important: Always check major event calendars before booking.

Certain events can dramatically affect prices, availability, and traffic.

• Ironman World Championship (October, Kona): Unless you’re participating or specifically want to attend, it’s best to avoid this period. Hotel prices in Kona can increase three to four times, roads are often closed or congested, and restaurants book out far in advance.

• Merrie Monarch Festival (April, Hilo): The world’s most famous hula festival is an incredible cultural experience. However, hotels in Hilo often sell out a year in advance, and prices rise significantly.

• Billfish Tournament (August, Kona): A major fishing event can reduce accommodation availability, especially near the coast.

Choosing the right time to visit isn’t about finding a perfect month — it’s about matching the season to your priorities. Once you do that, the Big Island delivers year-round.

The Big Island is rewarding, but it also demands a bit more awareness than other Hawaiian islands. These quick tips cover the essentials and will help you avoid common mistakes, stay safe, and enjoy your trip with confidence.

• Plan and book key activities early: Popular tours like manta ray night snorkel, helicopter rides, and guided volcano experiences can sell out quickly, especially in peak seasons.

• Check conditions before you go: Monitor weather, ocean reports, and volcanic activity, especially if snorkeling or visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

• Avoid long night drives when possible: Many roads are dark, rural, and mountainous, with fog and sudden weather changes; try to avoid them during daylight.

• Renting a car is essential: Public transportation is extremely limited, and most attractions are spread far apart.

• Pack layers for changing climates: You may encounter hot sun, rain, wind, and cool temperatures all in one day.

• Wear closed-toe shoes for volcanic areas: Lava rock is extremely sharp and can damage thin footwear or cause injury.

• Respect wildlife and sacred sites: Keep your distance from sea turtles; respect sacred sites like Mauna Kea and heiau, and follow posted guidelines.

A little preparation goes a long way on the Big Island, and these simple habits can make the difference between a stressful trip and a truly memorable one.

The best things to do in Big Island Hawaii aren’t about filling every hour with activities. They’re about choosing moments that match the island’s scale and spirit. When you slow down, plan with intention, and give each place the time it deserves, the Big Island rewards you with experiences that feel personal and unforgettable.

From volcanic landscapes and starlit skies to calm ocean mornings and quiet rainforest walks, this island unfolds gradually. Travel thoughtfully, stay present, and the memories you create here will stay with you long after the trip ends.