The Big Island's size (larger than all other Hawaiian islands combined) rewards full-day loop drives connecting its volcanic, coastal, and upcountry regions.
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.