Top 14 Must-See Attractions in Big Island

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.