Big Island Travel Guide

One of the world's most active volcanoes and the centerpiece of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can view the steaming Halema'uma'u crater from the Kilauea Overlook and walk sections of the Crater Rim Trail. Eruption activity changes constantly, so check the park website before visiting.

At 13,803 feet, this dormant volcano is the tallest mountain in the world measured base to peak and home to some of the world's premier astronomical observatories. The summit offers panoramic sunset views above the clouds and, at the Visitor Information Station, evening stargazing with telescopes.

A striking beach of jet-black volcanic sand formed by lava meeting the sea, frequented by endangered green sea turtles that bask on the shore. Do not touch or approach the turtles — federal law requires a distance of at least 10 feet.

A 80-foot waterfall in Hilo that plunges into a pool set within a lava cave, named for the rainbows that often form in its mist during morning sun. Easily accessible with a short paved path and viewing platform.

A planetarium and science center in Hilo that connects Hawaiian voyaging traditions and star navigation with modern astronomy conducted atop Mauna Kea. Interactive exhibits and a full-dome planetarium theater make it a highlight for families.

Hilo's oldest missionary house paired with a natural and cultural history museum covering Hawaiian geology, plantation-era immigration, and native flora and fauna. A compact, well-curated stop for understanding the island's layered history.

A restored early-1900s coffee homestead where costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional Kona coffee farming, roasting, and pounding processes. Free samples of fresh-roasted coffee are included with admission.

A national historical park preserving an ancient pu'uhonua, a sacred sanctuary where defeated warriors and law-breakers could seek absolution. Reconstructed temples, royal fishponds, and wooden ki'i (carved images) sit along a dramatic lava-rock coastline.

One of Hawaii's oldest and most sacred temples, a massive lava-rock structure on the remote North Kohala coast used historically for royal ceremonies and human sacrifice. Remains a site of active cultural practice — visit respectfully and stay on marked paths.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing two active volcanoes, lava tube caves, steaming vents, and rainforest trails. The Thurston Lava Tube and Devastation Trail are accessible highlights alongside the main crater overlooks.

A lush botanical garden along the dramatic Onomea Bay coastline north of Hilo, home to over 2,000 species of tropical plants along a shaded boardwalk trail with ocean and waterfall views.

A short, paved loop trail through bamboo groves and ginger leads to a viewpoint of the 442-foot Akaka Falls, one of the tallest and most photographed waterfalls on the island.

A historic waterfront town with early-1900s storefronts, farmers markets, and a laid-back, rainy-side charm quite different from the resort coast. The Hilo Farmers Market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays with fresh tropical fruit and local crafts.

The island's sunny west-coast hub, centered on Ali'i Drive with oceanfront restaurants, shops, and Kamakahonu Bay where King Kamehameha I once lived. The main departure point for Kona coffee farms and snorkel/dive charters.

An upcountry ranching town on the slopes of Mauna Kea, home to the historic Parker Ranch, cooler climate, and a growing farm-to-table food scene distinct from the coastal resorts below.

An after-dark boat excursion off the Kona coast where lights attract plankton and, in turn, gentle giant manta rays that glide within feet of snorkelers. One of the most sought-after wildlife encounters in Hawaii.

When active surface flows reach the ocean, licensed boat operators run tours to view lava entering the sea from a safe offshore distance. Availability depends entirely on current eruption activity — confirm with operators before booking.

Guided small-group tours drive to the visitor station and summit for sunset above the clouds followed by expert-led telescope stargazing, avoiding the altitude and road hazards of a self-driven visit.

A marine life conservation district with some of the best snorkeling on the island, accessible by kayak or boat tour, near the Captain Cook Monument. Coral reefs here host spinner dolphins and vibrant reef fish.

A dramatic overlook of a mile-wide, steep-walled valley with black sand beach and cascading waterfalls, considered sacred in Hawaiian tradition as the childhood home of King Kamehameha I. The valley floor is reached only by 4WD, horseback, or a steep hike.

A winding coastal route north of Hilo through former sugar plantation towns, one-lane bridges, and jungle valleys, passing Akaka Falls and the Waipio Valley overlook along the way.

The southernmost point of the United States, a windswept lava coastline with dramatic cliffs, ancient canoe moorings, and access to the green sand beach at Papakolea via a rugged coastal walk.

One of only four green sand beaches in the world, its distinctive color coming from olivine crystals eroding out of a volcanic cinder cone. Reached via a strenuous 2.5-mile coastal walk or a paid 4WD shuttle from local operators.

Downtown Hilo kicks off the season with a tree-lighting ceremony at Kalakaua Park, followed by a festive parade along Kamehameha Avenue. Expect marching bands, hula halau, decorated floats, and food booths run by local nonprofits. The event typically falls on the first Friday and Saturday of December, drawing families from across the island for one of the biggest free gatherings of the year.

Streets around the park are closed to traffic during the parade, and vendors sell shave ice, malasadas, and holiday plate lunches alongside the standard craft tables. It is a low-key, community-driven event rather than a commercial market, so come for the atmosphere and small local gifts rather than big shopping.

Waimea, the Big Island's paniolo (cowboy) heartland, hosts an evening holiday parade featuring illuminated floats, horseback riders, and local ranching families in place of typical winter iconography. It is usually held on a Saturday in early December along the town's main road, with crowds gathering for cocoa, chili, and live music beforehand.

The parade reflects Waimea's ranching heritage more than a conventional Christmas theme, making it one of the more distinctive holiday traditions in Hawaii. Arrive early to grab curbside seating, since the route through the small upcountry town fills quickly with both residents and visitors staying nearby.

Held at the Kahilu Theatre grounds in Waimea, this juried craft fair is the closest thing the Big Island has to a traditional Christmas market. Dozens of local artisans sell pottery, woodwork, jewelry, and Hawaiian-themed ornaments, with proceeds supporting the theatre's arts programs. It generally runs over the first weekend of December.

Food trucks and coffee stands set up alongside the booths, and the cool upcountry air (Waimea sits at higher elevation than the coast) makes it one of the few spots on the island that actually feels a little wintry. Expect a relaxed, small-town pace rather than large commercial crowds.

Along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona, shops and historic sites such as Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church are strung with lights for the season, and the town hosts occasional evening strolls with live music, hula performances, and open-late storefronts. It is a casual, self-guided way to soak up holiday cheer against a backdrop of palm trees and the ocean.

Unlike the Hilo or Waimea events, there is no single fixed date. It is more of a season-long atmosphere across December, so travelers can simply walk the strip after sunset any evening for lit-up storefronts, oceanfront views, and the occasional pop-up vendor selling Hawaiian-made gifts.

Large Kohala Coast resorts, including Hilton Waikoloa Village, put up elaborate light displays, oversized decorations, and photo-friendly Christmas trees each December, often paired with visits from Santa and holiday-themed keiki (children's) activities. These are open to the public in common areas even for non-guests, making them an easy stop for families with kids.

The mood leans more tropical Mele Kalikimaka than snowy North Pole, with live Hawaiian music, torch lighting ceremonies, and poolside holiday events replacing the market-stall format found in colder climates. It is best enjoyed in the evening after the day's heat has faded.

A barefoot-friendly, open-air lounge built right over the water in Kailua-Kona, where the tide laps beneath the tables as the sun goes down. Expect live island music most evenings, tropical cocktails, and a laid-back crowd mixing visitors with locals grabbing pupus after work. The adjacent sand floor bar area gets lively on weekends, and the sunset hour is the busiest stretch, so arriving early nets the best seating. It is more mellow lounge than dance club, geared toward conversation and ocean views rather than late-night partying. Live acoustic and slack-key sets are common, and the drink menu leans on fresh local fruit. A relaxed dress code and no cover charge make it an easy stop to fold into an evening stroll along Alii Drive.

Tucked near Kawaihae Harbor, this quirky roadhouse-style venue pairs a full cantina menu with a genuinely eclectic live music calendar spanning jazz, reggae, blues, and singer-songwriter nights. The interior mixes local art, string lights, and a small stage, giving it more character than a typical resort bar. It draws a mixed crowd of North Kohala residents, ranch hands, and visitors staying near Waikoloa or Hawi looking for something with actual atmosphere after dark. Tables fill quickly on show nights, so calling ahead is wise even though reservations are not strictly required. The bar pours a solid selection of Hawaii-brewed beer and tropical cocktails. It is one of the few spots on this coast where live music runs late, making it a good anchor for an evening out away from the main resort strip.

The flagship brewpub behind one of Hawaii's best-known beer labels sits just off Alii Drive, pouring flagship ales alongside small-batch and taproom-only releases you will not find bottled. The open-air patio gets a steady evening crowd of surfers, off-duty boat crews, and travelers comparing notes over a flight of Big Island-brewed beer. Pizza and pupus keep the mood casual rather than club-like, and there is occasional live music on weekend nights. It is a dependable, unpretentious place to end a beach day, with reliably good service and no cover charge. Happy hour pricing draws a bigger after-work crowd, so early evening is the liveliest window. Families and solo travelers alike tend to feel equally comfortable here, which keeps the energy easygoing rather than rowdy.

A shaded, open-sided kava bar in the Kona Marketplace where the drink of choice is a coconut shell of traditional Hawaiian awa (kava) rather than beer or cocktails. The atmosphere is communal and unhurried, with low tables, cushions on the ground, and regulars who are happy to explain kava etiquette to first-timers. It is an unusual and distinctly local alternative to a typical bar scene, offering a mellow, almost meditative buzz instead of a boisterous night out. Simple Hawaiian plates and smoothies round out the menu for anyone who wants food alongside the kava. Evenings bring a mix of local musicians, artists, and travelers trading stories under string lights. It closes earlier than most bars, so this is best treated as a sunset-to-early-evening stop rather than a late-night destination.

Held on Wednesday nights in the Puna district near Kalapana, this open-air night market and kava club is one of the most authentically local late-night gatherings on the island. Food trucks, craft vendors, and a stage with live reggae and Hawaiian music keep the grounds busy well past sunset, with the crowd skewing toward island residents rather than tourists. The setting near the lava-formed coastline gives it a raw, off-the-grid feel that resort nightlife cannot match. Kava is poured alongside plate-lunch style food, and the vibe stays friendly and unhurried throughout the night. It is a weekly tradition rather than a nightly option, so timing a visit for a Wednesday is essential. Cash is generally the easiest way to pay vendors on-site.

The only naturally occurring rainforest zoo in the United States, Panaewa sits on the outskirts of Hilo and is free to enter, though donations are welcome. Winding shaded paths lead past pygmy hippos, Bengal tigers, spider monkeys and a walk-through aviary of colorful birds, all set among dense tropical foliage that keeps the whole visit pleasantly cool. A small petting zoo area lets younger children get close to goats and other gentle animals, and there is a playground and picnic area for a break between exhibits.

The grounds are flat, stroller-friendly and rarely crowded, so families can move at a relaxed pace without long lines. Plan on one to two hours, longer if kids want to linger at the petting zoo. Bring mosquito repellent, as the lush setting attracts bugs, and pack water since shaded benches are plentiful but food options on-site are limited.

Tucked into a storefront in downtown Hilo, this free interactive museum run by NOAA brings the remote coral reefs of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument to life for kids who cannot make the trip themselves. A massive saltwater aquarium teeming with reef fish anchors the main room, surrounded by touch-friendly models, a mock submersible kids can climb into, and displays on Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. Staff and volunteers are on hand to answer questions, making it an easy, air-conditioned stop on a hot or rainy afternoon.

Exhibits are geared toward elementary-age children but engaging enough for toddlers and teens alike, and the compact layout means little ones will not get restless. Budget about 45 minutes to an hour. It pairs well with a walk along the nearby waterfront, and admission cost is zero, so it is a low-stress addition to any Hilo itinerary.

A decommissioned airstrip north of Kailua-Kona has been converted into a sprawling beach park where shallow, current-free tide pools make it one of the safest spots on the island for young children to splash and spot marine life. Sea urchins, small reef fish and the occasional octopus hide among the rocks, and the calm coves are ideal for a first snorkel or simple wading. A grassy lawn behind the shoreline has picnic tables and shade, plus a playground for kids who need a break from the water.

Because the park sits away from the resort strip, it stays noticeably quieter than other beaches. Reef shoes are strongly recommended given the volcanic rock, and there is little shade directly at the pools, so sunscreen and hats matter. Plan for two to three hours to let kids fully explore the pools without rushing.

This 24-acre Japanese garden along Hilo Bay offers wide, flat paths, ornamental ponds and a footbridge to the small offshore island of Coconut Island, all of which make it an easy, scenic place for kids to run around after a long car ride. Coconut Island itself has grassy areas and a low platform locals use for jumping into the calm bay, a favorite with older children on warm days. Banyan trees, stone lanterns and koi ponds give younger kids plenty to point at and explore without any admission fee or set route to follow.

The park is open and shaded in patches, with restrooms and parking right at the entrance, so it works well as a short, low-effort stop rather than a full excursion. An hour or so is enough for most families, more if the kids want to wade near Coconut Island.

Reached by a steep, unmarked jungle trail off Highway 137, this secluded black sand beach in the Puna district has long been a gathering spot for a free-spirited local crowd, and clothing is optional on parts of the shore. Spinner dolphins frequently appear just offshore, sometimes swimming close enough to see clearly from the sand. The setting is dramatic, framed by lava cliffs and dense tropical vegetation, with a bohemian energy that feels worlds away from resort beaches. There are no facilities, no lifeguards, and the shorebreak can be strong, so it suits confident swimmers rather than families with small children. Visitors should be respectful of the local community that treats this as a low-key retreat rather than an attraction. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, and drumming circles sometimes form here around sunset.

A dense ironwood forest planted in the early twentieth century covers this coastal park on the Puna coastline, creating an eerie, shaded canopy that feels more like the Pacific Northwest than tropical Hawaii. Trails wind along dramatic sea cliffs where waves crash against jagged black lava, and the park is said locally to be haunted, adding an atmospheric edge to a walk here. It sits along the old King's Highway, a historic footpath once used by Hawaiian royalty, and remnants of that trail can still be traced through the trees. The park is free, rarely busy, and popular with local campers, though swimming is unsafe due to rough surf and no sandy entry. It is an easy stop for a quiet picnic or short walk while exploring the Puna coast, with almost no tourist infrastructure to interrupt the mood.

Just upstream from the better-known waterfalls of Hilo, the Wailuku River tumbles through a series of connected lava-rock pools that churn and bubble like they are boiling, an illusion created by underground lava tubes forcing air up through the water. The viewing area is a short walk from a small roadside parking lot, making it an easy detour that most visitors driving past never realize is there. After heavy rain the pools swell dramatically and the churning intensifies, though swimming is strictly prohibited and has caused fatalities in the past. The surrounding riverbank is shaded and peaceful, a nice contrast to the open, sun-exposed viewpoints elsewhere on the island. It is best visited in the morning when light filters through the trees onto the water. A few minutes here rounds out a Hilo waterfall stop that most itineraries skip entirely.

Tucked into a lava-rock coastline in the Puna district, this network of naturally formed tide pools offers some of the calmest, clearest snorkeling on the island. Warmed by the sun and sheltered from surf, the pools teem with tropical fish, urchins, and the occasional sea turtle, making them ideal for families and beginner snorkelers. The surrounding area sits within a marine life conservation district, so no fishing or collecting is allowed. Go early in the morning for glassy water and soft light, and bring reef-safe sunscreen since the pools are shallow and enclosed. There are no lifeguards, facilities, or shade, so pack water and check tide conditions before visiting. Because it is unmarked and off the main highway, most visitors never find it, leaving the pools blissfully uncrowded even on busy weekends.

This beach did not exist before 1990, when lava from Kilauea buried the original Kaimu Bay and its famous coconut grove under a fresh field of black rock. Today a young palm grove has reclaimed the shoreline, and visitors can walk across the cooled lava to a wild, rugged beach where swimming is dangerous but the scenery is extraordinary. It is a rare chance to see land that is, geologically speaking, brand new. Nearby Kalapana village has a handful of food trucks and a laid-back market some evenings, giving the area a distinctly local, unhurried feel that contrasts with more polished tourist stops. Bring sturdy shoes for the uneven lava surface and expect intense midday heat with almost no shade. Sunset here, with waves crashing against jagged black rock, is quietly spectacular and rarely crowded.

Held annually in Hilo, the Merrie Monarch Festival is the worlds most prestigious hula competition, drawing halau (hula schools) from across Hawaii and beyond. In 2026 the festival runs from April 5 to April 11, opening with a royal parade and craft fair before three nights of competitive hula at the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium. Expect kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula performances, live Hawaiian music, and a vibrant arts marketplace selling featherwork, quilts, and lauhala weaving. Tickets to the stadium sell out within minutes each December, so most visitors watch the free live broadcast at outdoor viewing parties around Hilo. Even without a ticket, the surrounding week is full of energy, with hula halau rehearsing in parks and lei-making demonstrations happening downtown. It is a rare, authentic window into living Hawaiian culture rather than a staged tourist show.

Kailua-Kona becomes the center of the endurance sports world each October when the Ironman World Championship returns to its birthplace. The 2026 race is scheduled for October 10, with race-week festivities beginning around October 5, including the underpants run, parade of nations, and carbo-loading party along Alii Drive. Thousands of athletes swim 2.4 miles in Kailua Bay, bike 112 miles across the lava fields toward Hawi, then run a marathon back to the finish line on Alii Drive, often late into the night under stadium lights. Spectators line the seawall for the swim start and gather downtown for the emotional midnight finish. Even non-athletes enjoy the buzzing atmosphere, with vendor expos, live coverage screens, and a town-wide celebration of grit and endurance. Hotel rooms in Kona book up months in advance, so plan accommodations early if visiting during race week.

Celebrating the islands famous harvest, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival takes over Kailua-Kona and the upland coffee farms for ten days in 2026, running from November 6 to November 15. Now in its ninth decade, the festival includes farm tours, a coffee recipe contest, a cupping competition judged by industry experts, and the popular Miss Kona Coffee pageant. A lively parade through downtown Kona features floats, marching bands, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) riders, while the farm tours let visitors watch cherry-picking and processing firsthand at family-run estates. Food booths sell coffee-infused treats from malasadas to barbecue rubs, and evening events showcase local art and music. Timed to coincide with the peak of the coffee harvest, it is the best week of the year to taste fresh-picked Kona coffee directly from the growers. Many farm tours require advance reservations as they fill quickly.

Each summer, the open-air pavilion at the Queens Marketplace in Waikoloa hosts a free evening concert series featuring local Hawaiian musicians, slack-key guitarists, and island bands. In 2026 the series runs weekly on Friday evenings from June 5 through August 28, typically starting around sunset. Visitors bring blankets or beach chairs to the grassy lawn while food trucks and nearby restaurants supply plate lunches and shave ice. The lineup mixes contemporary Hawaiian reggae with traditional falsetto singing and ukulele performances, and many nights include a short hula demonstration between sets. Its an easy, low-cost way to spend a warm evening with genuine local flavor rather than a resort-produced luau. Parking is free in the Queens Marketplace lot, and the shopping center's shops and restaurants stay open late on concert nights. Arrive early during peak weeks in July, as the lawn fills up fast with families and returning snowbirds.

Ringing in the new year Big Island style, the community gathers along Kailua Pier and Alii Drive on December 31, 2026 for a fireworks display over Kailua Bay starting at midnight. Families picnic on the seawall through the evening, with local vendors selling shave ice, malasadas, and grilled plate lunches while a DJ or live band keeps the waterfront lively before the countdown. Boats anchor offshore for a front-row view, and nearby restaurants along Alii Drive host their own countdown parties with reserved patio seating. Unlike big-city fireworks shows, this is a relaxed, family-friendly affair where kids run along the seawall and strangers share aloha over shared blankets. Arrive by early evening to claim a spot on the seawall, since parking in downtown Kailua-Kona fills up fast. It is a fitting, laid-back way to close out the year on island time.