Things to do in Big Island of Hawaii
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Kulaniapia Falls Day Pass: Swim under Hawaii's largest waterfallYou get access to Hawaii's largest private waterfall and 40 acres of trails with four waterfalls, plus the rare chance to swim, kayak, or paddleboard under Kulaniapia Falls when conditions permit. Your daypass includes a $50 discount on rappelling, cooking classes, and other guided experiences you can add on the day or book ahead. Arrive at your reserved time, explore at your own pace, and skip the crowds that pile up at the public falls.Is it for me?Book this if you want to actually get in the water at a major waterfall instead of viewing it from a distance — the private access and small daily guest limit are what make that possible without fighting crowds.
Big Island: Umauma Falls Zipline & Private Waterfall SwimYou’ll soar over Umauma Falls on nine ziplines with a local guide leading the way, then cool off with a private swim in a hidden waterfall pond on Hawaii’s Big Island. Try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding if you want, or just relax in the sun before enjoying an included picnic lunch surrounded by tropical gardens. It’s equal parts thrill and calm — something about that mix stays with you.
Big Island: Whale Watching Cruise Kona Coast & SnacksYou’ll scan the Kona coast for migrating humpback whales with local guides who know every story behind these waters. Expect laughter, ocean air clinging to your skin, snacks and bottled water on deck—and maybe that hush when someone finally spots a tail flicker in the distance.
Big Island Kona: Beginner Surf Lesson with Lifeguard InstructorsYou arrive at Kahaluu, get fitted with a board and protective gear, spend an hour learning technique on the sand and in shallow water, then paddle out with your instructor to catch real waves. The small group size and lifeguard-certified staff mean you are not just being pointed at the ocean — someone trained in rescue and first aid is in the water with you the whole time. Pickup is not included, so plan your own transport or use the public options nearby.Is it for me?Right for beginners of any age who want to actually ride a wave in one session with instructors who are trained in rescue and first aid. The small group size and one-on-one attention for kids under 12 means you are not lost in a crowd, though you will need to arrange your own way to Kahaluu Beach.
Big Island: Abalone Farm Tour & Tasting with SeaweedYou’ll step behind the scenes at Hawaii’s largest abalone farm on the Big Island, meet passionate locals, touch live shellfish, and taste freshly grilled abalone plus seaweed—all with plenty of time for questions or laughs along the way. This tour leaves you thinking differently about seafood—and maybe craving more.
Beekeeping Tour & Honey Tasting in Hawaii: View live hives from screened areaA beekeeping tour and honey farm visit in Hawaii where you enter a screened area to observe live hives up close, then taste raw organic honey in the museum tasting room. The beekeeping tour requires advance reservation; the museum, tasting room and store are open without one. Tea and snacks are available alongside free honey samples. Persons allergic to bee stings should visit the museum only, not the hive tour.Is it for me?The farm sits at Kealakekua Bay without requiring a car to get there or a guide to lead you through the museum and tasting room — you move at your own pace, and the beekeeping tour (if you book it) is the only part with a fixed time. That setup works whether you're staying nearby or renting a car is more hassle than it's worth.
Big Island Mountain Biking: Anna Ranch & Kohala TrailsYou ride a high-end full-suspension mountain bike up volcanic terrain on private Anna Ranch land, climbing 1,200 feet through pastures and past lava rocks while your local guide shares the ranch's history. The two-hour loop includes a snack break at a stream overlook and descends back to the homestead. Bike, helmet, hydration and energy bars are provided; groups stay under twelve riders.Is it for me?Book this if you're fit enough for a steady climb and want to ride volcanic terrain with a small group and a guide who knows the Big Island's history — the private ranch setting and the 1,200-foot elevation gain are what make the ride feel remote and challenging in two hours.
Big Island: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach Day TripYou’ll circle Hawaii’s Big Island in one packed day—tasting fresh Kona coffee on a working farm, feeling black sand under your feet at Punaluʻu Beach, walking rainforest trails to Akaka Falls, and seeing steam rise from Kīlauea’s crater. With local stories woven throughout and snacks (plus lunch) included, it’s more than sightseeing—it sticks with you.
ATV Riding on Big Island Hawaii: Drive a Working RanchATV riding on Big Island Hawaii puts you behind the wheel of your own side-by-side 4WD vehicle on a 533-acre working ranch and farm. You drive through traditional land divisions (ahupua'a) that span from mountain to ocean, passing orchards of 57 banana varieties, dwarf coconut, taro and other island fruits, fishponds, cattle herds and wild horses before reaching the Hamakua coastline. The experience includes a guide who shares the culture and history of the islands, and a chance to sample seasonal fruits grown on the property. Check-in is 30 minutes before your 10am or 2pm departure; you provide your own transportation to the ranch.Is it for me?Book this if you want to drive the vehicle yourself rather than ride along as a passenger — you're in control of the pace and the route, and the experience centers on what you do, not what you watch. Choose the solo option if you're traveling alone, or pick a group size that matches your party and let one driver operate the ATV while the rest ride as passengers.
Big Island Kona: Hidden Crater Hike & Hualalai VolcanoYou hike 4 miles through Hualalai's volcanic slopes, walk through a lava tube, and stand at crater edges 5,000 feet above Kona's coastline. Your guide handles the geology and history; the tour provides walking sticks, rain gear, snacks, and water. You avoid the crowds and long drives of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and get private land access instead. Meet at Kailua-Kona headquarters and plan for a full morning or early afternoon.Is it for me?Right for hikers with moderate fitness who want Kona's volcanic landscape without the national park crowds and long drives — the private land access and small groups are what make that possible in a single morning.
Big Island Kealakekua Bay: Captain Cook Reef Snorkeling & LunchYou board a boat in Kailua-Kona and cruise to Kealakekua Bay, spotting dolphins and humpback whales along the way. Once there, you snorkel the famous reef with provided gear and a professional guide. Lunch — sandwiches and fruit — is served on the boat while you float in the bay. The whole outing takes four to five hours and includes all snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and water. Bring motion sickness medicine if you're prone to it, and plan to be back by early afternoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want to snorkel Kealakekua Bay without arranging your own boat or gear — the tour handles transport, equipment, and a guide, so you just show up and get in the water. It's not the right fit if you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns that make time on the open ocean risky.
Big Island: VW Buggy Rental for Self-Guided Island DriveYou’ll feel pure freedom driving an open-air VW buggy around Hawaii’s Big Island. Choose your route with help from local tips, stop at beaches or coffee farms, and enjoy beach gear included in your rental. It’s less about seeing everything and more about feeling every mile—windows down, playlist up.
Mauna Kea Summit: Sunset & Stargazing on Big IslandYou acclimate at the visitor center, then drive to the summit to watch the sunset from above the clouds and stargaze with a local guide who explains the constellations and the mountain's cultural significance. The tour requires minimum fitness and health clearance, runs with at least two guests, and includes a jacket and all fees. Book from Hilo or arrange a Kona pickup for groups of four or more.Is it for me?Book this if you're fit enough for high altitude, want to see the sunset and stars from above the clouds, and are willing to follow health restrictions (no diving in the past 24 hours, no respiratory or cardiovascular issues). The acclimation stop at 9,000 feet is what makes the jump to 13,796 feet safe, and the local guide is what makes the mountain itself—not just the view—the reason you came.
Kona Coast: Private Helicopter Tour with All Window SeatsYou’ll fly above Kona Coast in your own private helicopter, every seat by a window for those unreal ocean views. Chat with your local pilot mid-flight using your headset’s push-to-talk feature, spot landmarks like Honokohau Bay or Captain Cook, and soak up stories only locals share. It’s quick but leaves you buzzing long after you land.
Hawaiian Imu Cooking Experience Big Island: Build & Feast UndergroundYou’ll help build an authentic Hawaiian imu oven with native hosts on Oahu, learn to prepare traditional dishes side by side with locals, and share a backyard feast featuring kalua pork and kalo vegetables. Expect laughter over imperfect folding techniques, honest conversation around the table, and a taste of true island hospitality you’ll remember long after you leave.
Big Island: Volcano, Black Sand Beach & Rainbow Falls Day TripYou’ll walk through ancient lava tubes near Kilauea volcano, feel black sand between your toes at Punaluʻu Beach, taste island-grown fruit over lunch in Volcano Village, and stand in the spray of Rainbow Falls—all with a local guide who shares stories as real as the places themselves.
Hilo & Volcano: Waterfalls, Lava Fields & Local Flavors Day TripYou’ll ride along Hilo’s lush coast spotting surfers and waterfalls before tasting fresh coconuts and local ice cream. Feed wild pigs (if they appear), sample macadamia nuts at the farm, then walk steaming lava fields in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with your guide sharing stories along the way. Expect moments of laughter, unexpected flavors—and maybe even turtles on black sand—before heading back salty-haired but smiling.
Soaring Over Hawaii: 8K motion theater in KonaYou experience Hawaii's iconic landscapes—valleys, waterfalls, ocean cliffs—from a motion seat surrounded by 8K visuals, wind, mist, and scent. The ride weaves in Hawaiian cultural stories and music, making the experience about connection to the islands, not just the thrill. It takes thirty to forty minutes, is wheelchair accessible, and works for all ages. Choose the standard ride or VIP double feature with printed photo and pin.Is it for me?Right for families, cruise passengers with limited time in port, and anyone who wants to see the Big Island's full landscape without the cost or physical demands of a helicopter tour. The motion is smooth and seated, so it works across ages and fitness levels—plan for 30–40 minutes, which is what makes fitting a full island experience into a short stop possible.
Kailua Kona: Stained Glass Workshop with Ocean Views & SouvenirYou’ll shape and solder your own stained glass sun catcher in a relaxed Kailua Kona studio overlooking the ocean. Local artists guide you step by step—no experience needed—and all materials are included. Expect laughter, hands-on learning, and time to soak up those island views while creating something uniquely yours.
Snorkel With Giant Manta Rays in Kailua KonaSnorkel with giant manta rays off Kailua Kona or Keauhou on a 2-hour boat excursion led by a Red Cross-licensed in-water guide. Wetsuit and snorkel gear are included, and you'll hold onto a custom light board equipped with powerful underwater lights designed to help you see the rays up close. Prior snorkeling experience and basic swimming skills are required, and you must be able to independently climb a boat ladder.Is it for me?Book this if you want a small-group snorkel with a crew that's been running manta excursions for over a decade and uses underwater lights to give you an edge — the trade-off is that manta rays are wild animals and their appearance isn't guaranteed, though the crew's track record is strong.
