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Hawaii’s Big Island is the largest and most geographically diverse island in the entire Hawaiian archipelago, and there is simply nowhere else on Earth quite like it.
Known as ‘The Big Island,’ this extraordinary island is the only place in the United States where you can stand at the edge of an active volcano, watch molten lava flow into the sea, and then drive just a few hours to a snow-capped summit towering above the clouds.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most continuously active volcanoes — draws adventurers and explorers from every corner of the globe.
At nearly 14,000 feet, Mauna Kea offers some of the finest stargazing on the planet, while the sun-drenched Kona Coast beckons with world-class snorkeling, legendary deep-sea fishing, and the magical manta ray night dives that have made Big Island famous among ocean lovers worldwide.
From the lush rainforests of Hilo and the dramatic sea cliffs of Waipio Valley to the jet-black sand beaches of Punalu’u and the luxury resorts of the Kohala Coast, Big Island packs an almost impossible range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences into a single destination.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone in search of the most authentic Hawaii, Big Island delivers an adventure unlike anything else in the Pacific. Planning guide: Big Island Tours: What's Worth Booking on Hawaii Island.
For a full sightseeing day out of Hilo, including a volcano park shore excursion built for cruise days, see Big Island sightseeing tours.
For an evening, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Sunset Luau on the Kohala Coast includes reserved seating and an open bar, and evening volcano tours explains when the crater glow is visible.
Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors teach two-hour surf courses at Kahalu’u Bay in Kailua-Kona, with wo...
The Mauna Kea Luau has run on the oceanfront lawn at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel since
The Feast & Fire Luau is a three-hour evening at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa on the Big Islan...
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Sunset Luau is a three-hour evening at the Waikoloa Beach Ma...
A full inter-island day from Kona: morning flight to Honolulu, the USS Arizona Memorial by Navy boat, the Pear...
An 8-hour cruise-timed group excursion from Hilo Harbor — Rainbow Falls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's crat...
A private 4.5-mile, 4.5-hour hike for up to eight guests: across the hardened lava lake of Kilauea Iki crater,...
A seasonal Kona double feature, December through April: a 60-minute sunset-hour humpback whale watch with hydr...
A 10-hour combo from Kona: a helicopter flight over Kilauea's most active zones, then a cross-island drive thr...
An 8-hour loop from Hilo hitting three Big Island icons — green sea turtles basking on Punalu'u's black sand, ...
A private shuttle from North Hawaii resorts to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — dedicated driver, flexible dep...
A night snorkel from Keauhou Harbor near Kailua-Kona — up to 40 minutes floating on an illuminated light board...
A six-hour private family tour from Hilo into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — the Kilauea Caldera rim, a colo...
A 2¼-hour Kona evening: catamaran sunset cruise to Manta Ray Village, then about 30 minutes snorkeling above h...
A 10.5-hour day from Hilo pairing a full ground tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — Halema'uma'u overlook...
An 8-hour private shore excursion built around Hilo cruise schedules — Rainbow Falls, Hawaii Volcanoes Nationa...
A 12-hour tour from Kona timed for twilight at the volcano — Kona coffee at Bay View Farm, honu at Punalu'u Bl...
A 14-hour, 6–8 person expedition from Kona — down the historic Halema'uma'u Trail to the caldera floor, throug...
A 7.5-hour private tour for up to 11 guests with a National Park Certified guide — Kilauea's crater and Thurst...
A nine-hour private tour from Hilo through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — Kilauea's caldera, Chain of Crater...
A four-hour guided e-bike ride along the southeastern lava coast near Keaau – rainforest canopy tunnels, hundr...
A rental car is essential on Big Island. The island is the largest in Hawaii, and its top attractions — from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Mauna Kea and the Kohala Coast — are spread across vast distances. Book your rental in advance, especially during peak season.
Big Island is a year-round destination. Summer months offer calmer ocean conditions ideal for snorkeling and manta ray tours. Winter brings whale watching opportunities (December–April) and the chance of snow on Mauna Kea’s summit.
The Kohala Coast offers Big Island’s top luxury resorts. Kailua-Kona provides a vibrant town experience with easy access to ocean activities. Hilo on the east side is ideal for volcano explorers and those seeking a more local, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, manta ray night dive, Mauna Kea stargazing, black sand beaches, Kona coffee farm tours, and a traditional Hawaiian luau are the defining experiences of any Big Island visit.
Big Island is famous for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, active lava flows, Mauna Kea, manta ray night dives, black sand beaches, Kona coffee, and its extraordinary diversity of landscapes and climates.
Plan for 5–7 days to experience the highlights. The island is large and diverse, and key attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, and the Kohala Coast each deserve dedicated time.
Yes, absolutely. A rental car is essential on Big Island. The island is vast, and its greatest attractions are spread across multiple regions, with very limited public transportation options.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea summit, manta ray night dive off Kona, Punalu’u black sand beach, Waipio Valley, and the historic Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park are all essential Big Island experiences.
The Kohala Coast is ideal for luxury resort experiences. Kailua-Kona offers the best access to ocean activities and dining. Hilo is perfect for volcano explorers, and Waimea provides a charming upcountry base.
Book your adventures now and save up to 15% on early reservations
