what to do on the big island of hawaii
You can fill a week (or more) on the Big Island with volcanoes, stargazing, beaches, and water adventures, plus you’ll want to factor in the latest storm- related travel advisories.
Quick Scoop
- Base yourself in Kona for beaches and snorkeling, and Hilo/Volcano for waterfalls and lava landscapes.
- Don’t miss Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea stargazing, and the manta ray night snorkel – these are the island’s signature experiences.
- In March 2026, a strong Kona storm has been disrupting flights and water activities, so double‑check conditions and brown‑water advisories before you go.
Classic “Only on Big Island” Experiences
These are the things many travelers plan their trip around.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP)
- Hike over recent lava fields, through fern forests, and drive Crater Rim Road for overlooks, sea arches, and viewpoints.
* When the volcano is active, you may see lava glow at Halemaʻumaʻu or red‑hot lava from designated viewpoints (activity varies with eruptions).
- Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing
- Sunset and stargazing tours to Mauna Kea’s summit are among the most popular trips; the observatories sit above the clouds with world‑class skies.
* Many visitors join guided tours for telescopes, transportation, and altitude safety.
- Manta Ray Night Snorkel/Dive (Kona)
- Floodlights attract plankton, which draws in manta rays; you float as they barrel‑roll beneath you – often called a once‑in‑a‑lifetime wildlife encounter.
* Trips typically depart from Kailua‑Kona after sunset and sell out in busy seasons.
- Beaches You’ll Talk About Later
- Hapuna Beach is frequently highlighted for classic white sand and good swimming conditions.
* Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach lets you walk barefoot on dark volcanic sand, and you may see turtles resting on the shore (look, don’t touch).
Scenic Nature Days: Waterfalls, Valleys, and Coastlines
- Waterfalls near Hilo
- The east side has easy‑to‑reach falls and lush, rainy scenery; many guides list waterfall hunting among top free activities.
- Waipiʻo Valley Lookout & North Coast
- The Waipiʻo area is known for dramatic cliffs and a deep green valley, often suggested as a must‑see on nature‑focused itineraries.
- Coastal Drives & Petroglyphs
- Crater Rim Road inside HVNP combines viewpoints, sea arches, and short walks like Hōlei Sea Arch.
* Petroglyph sites such as Puʻu Loa offer short hikes to ancient rock carvings.
Ocean Time: Snorkeling, Bays, and Boat Trips
- Kailua‑Kona & Kealakekua Bay
- Kona is a hub for snorkeling tours, including to Kealakekua Bay, known for clear water, coral, and the Captain Cook Monument.
* Many operators combine reef snorkeling with dolphin‑spotting or coastal sightseeing.
- Whale Watching (Seasonal)
- During winter months, the island offers whale‑watching cruises where humpbacks may breach offshore.
- ATV, Kayak, and Outdoor Fun
- Off‑road ATV rides, biking, and coastal hiking are popular ways to explore beyond the resorts.
Culture, History, and Nightlife Vibes
- Historic Sites & Museums
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, petroglyph fields, and Captain Cook Monument feature in many “top cultural sites” lists.
* The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo blends Hawaiian navigation, space science, and planetarium shows.
- Luaus and Local Evenings
- Luaus around Kona often mix traditional food, hula, and storytelling; many travel guides suggest booking one night for this.
* Kailua‑Kona town offers casual bars, sunsets on the seawall, and restaurant patios overlooking the water.
Sample One‑Week Flow (Story‑Style)
Imagine you land, the air smells like plumeria, and you split your time between Kona sun and Hilo rainforests.
- Day 1–2: Kona Base – Settle in, walk Aliʻi Drive, snorkel a nearby bay, and book your manta tour for night two.
- Day 3: Mauna Kea – Spend the day relaxing, then head up for a guided sunset and stargazing trip.
- Day 4–5: Volcano Side – Drive to HVNP, explore lava fields, craters, and Crater Rim Road; stay near Volcano Village or Hilo.
- Day 6: Hilo & Waterfalls – Hit waterfalls and the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, then loop back toward the Kohala Coast.
- Day 7: Beach & Luau – Finish with a lazy day at Hapuna or another favorite beach, then a luau send‑off near Kona.
Current 2026 Travel Notes
- A powerful Kona storm in March 2026 brought severe weather, record rainfall, power outages, road closures, and widespread flight disruptions across the islands, including the Big Island.
- Storm runoff has created “brown water” along parts of the coast, and local authorities have restricted swimming in affected areas for safety.
- Airlines have issued travel waivers through around March 21, and officials advise monitoring flight status, weather updates, and tourism advisories closely if you’re traveling in this window.
- State leaders continue to encourage travel but emphasize checking conditions and being flexible with plans while clean‑up and power restoration continue.
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| Area | Key Things to Do | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Kona (Kailua‑Kona) | Manta rays, snorkeling, boat tours, beaches, luaus | Sunny, resorty, active evenings |
| Hilo | Waterfalls, ʻImiloa, markets, rainforests | Lush, local, low‑key |
| Volcano area | Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP, lava fields, crater hikes | Cooler, nature‑centric |
| Kohala/North | Hapuna Beach, scenic drives, Waipiʻo lookout | Beaches and big views |
