There are so many things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii it’s no wonder that it draws more than 1.5 million visitors per year. Yet despite the number of tourists, it’s still one of the least crowded Hawaii islands. This makes it a perfect contender for your next trip.
While there are different islands, each with their own unique characteristics and attractions, I love the Big Island for its outdoor adventures and laidback culture. From pristine sandy beaches to one of the country’s most beautiful national parks, there is so much to experience on the Big Island.
If you’re ready to dive in, here’s my list of all the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, use this as your ultimate guide for planning your trip!
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25 Things to Do On The Big Island of Hawaii
Before diving into all the best things to do, I’ll go over whether or not the Big Island of Hawaii is worth visiting so you know what to expect when you go. Then I’ll dive into all my favorite activities, organizing them by different travel styles.
Is Big Island Hawaii worth visiting?
100% yes, visiting the Big Island is worth it. There are a ton of activities, it’s absolutely beautiful, and it has a more laidback and casual vibe compared to Oahu or Maui. While people flock to the other islands for big resorts and fancy shops, the Big Island is a rugged playground that has both rocky mountainous landscapes and pristine beaches to explore.
As the name implies, the Big Island is the biggest of the Hawaiian islands. Most tourists stay on the Kona side of the island for its white sand beaches, snorkeling, and fancy resorts along the northwestern Kohala Coast. The Hilo area on the east coast also has beaches, but also has more forest and mountains to explore. I prefer Hilo because it feels more like where the locals hang, but I recommend trying to stay on both sides so you can really explore all the best things the island has to offer!
Staying on both sides also puts you in the perfect position for day trips to the more remote northern and southern coasts. The north has a ton of farmland and cute towns while the south has colorful beaches and rocky terrain at the foot of the volcanoes. It’ll take you anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours to drive between the Kona and Hilo side, depending on which route you take, so get ready to road trip between all the best Big Island attractions!
What to Do in Hawaii Big Island
Now to the good stuff: the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii! I’ll break it down into three sections based on what you’re looking for: cool, free, and family-friendly things to do.
Cool things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Here’s my short list of the coolest things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. These are the activities I’d tell anyone visiting to prioritize!
Snorkel with Manta Rays
area: Kailua-Kona (get directions) | price: ~$75 – $180pp | best for: bucket list water adventure
If you’ve done any research before finding my article on the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, you definitely saw that just about everyone recommends snorkeling with manta rays. I’ll be honest, when I read this too before my first visit, I thought it was a total tourist trap. But I’m here to tell you that it’s a truly fun and unique experience worth splurging on during your trip to Hawaii. And don’t worry, manta rays don’t have stingers so it’s completely safe!
There are a lot of tour options for manta ray snorkeling. I chose Hawaiian-owned Anelakai Adventures because their traditional outrigger canoe means it’s a smaller group and the lack of an engine is better to for environment. Plus we’re supporting a locally-owned business and giving back to the Hawaiian economy. Our tour only had 6 people and it was fun getting in a short kayak excursion to the viewing spot.
We were in the water for about an hour and immediately encountered manta rays so close I was low-key worried I’d accidentally touch one. Watching them glide through the water is so magical, and I loved how there was the option for people who didn’t want to go into the water to still see the rays from the canoe. This is also great for people with limited mobility. There’s a ladder to get back into the canoe, but you have to just throw yourself out to get into the water!
Other manta ray tours to consider
There were other tour groups around us, all on bigger boats with larger light sources. Because manta rays are drawn to the light, they ended up leaving us and we were without rays for the last 25ish minutes of our tour. We got a great show at the beginning so it wasn’t a downer, but I do wonder if the other boats had more time with the manta rays.
If you feel more comfortable going on a bigger boat with larger light sources and likely more sturdy ladder situation, here are some options. Since the boats are bigger, the prices are often cheaper!
- Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Guaranteed Sightings
- Night Manta Ray Snorkel + Videos
- Small Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel
- Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure
- Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
website | area: Volcano (get directions) | price: ~$30 per car | best for: hiking and viewpoints
Established in 1916, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park spans from sea level to 13,680 feet, meaning it has a diverse geological landscape to explore. The park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Given these accolades, a visit to the national park is one of the best things to do on the Big Island in Hawaii. While you’d need multiple days to explore every corner of the park, it’s a manageable enough size to see all the highlights during a day trip. Here are my favorite stops:
- Crater Rim Road – Scenic drive with tons of viewpoints
- Pu’uola Petroglyphs – Easy ~1 mile hike to ancient petroglyphs
- Hōlei Sea Arch – Rock formation and stunning coastal views
- Kīlauea Iki Trailhead – Moderately-challenging ~3 mile hike to a caldera
- Thurston/Nākuku Lava Tube – Easy, flat walk through a lava formation
- Steam Vents – Cool area with steam seepage near the popular Kilauea Overlook
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the live cams to time your visit during an eruption for epic photos!
National park tours to consider
If you’d prefer to have a guide take you around to all the best spots in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, here are some options:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience
- Volcanoes National Park & Rainbow Falls Excursion
- Small Group National Park & Coffee Farm Tour
- Fat Tire E-Bike Tour Through Volcanoes National Park
- Volcanoes National Park Helicopter Safari
Hike to a Green Sand Beach
website | area: South Point (get directions) | price: free if you hike | best for: stunning coastal views and colorful sand
A visit to Papakōlea Beach Green Sand Beach is a bucket list activity because it’s one of four green sand beaches in the world. It’s on the Big Island’s southernmost tip and offers incredible coastal views to get there.
You can pay locals at the trailhead to drive you to the beach in their trucks, but I don’t recommend this for two reason:
- It’s technically illegal because it ruins the delicate landscape
- The hike there is more fun than the beach itself
The beach itself is rather small and requires a sketchy ladder and some scrambling to get to. We didn’t go because we didn’t plan to relax at the beach and the views from above were good enough. Plus, I’m cautious, so paying to drive to a beach I couldn’t get down to would have been a let down. And if I’m being honest, the sand wasn’t as green as a lot of pictured show. It’s more mustard yellow with a green tint.
The hike itself was one of my favorite things I did during my first trip to the Big Island. It’s about 2.5 mi each way on relatively flat coastal trails. However, it feels harder because the terrain is rocky and you’re in direct sun the whole time. Luckily it’s super windy so you won’t feel hot, but I’m averagely fit and started feeling a bit fatigued in the butt and legs toward the end of the hike. Make sure to cover up and wear sunglasses to protect yourself from the sand!
Pro tip: There are no trail amenities, so stop at Hawaii’s Local Buzz a few miles from the trailhead for flushing bathrooms, samples, and souvenirs. They also often have food trucks, which I bet is better than the buzzy Punalu‘u Bake Shop nearby. We went there after our hike for lunch and most malasadas were gone and the lunch not great.
Star Gaze at Mauna Kea
website | area: Mauna Kea (get directions) | price: ~$250-315pp | best for: star and space lovers
Mauna Kea is Hawaii’s highest point. So high, in fact, that you need a 4×4 vehicle to get there. It’s a popular spot for stargazing because the lack of light pollution provides breathtaking views of the constellations. We almost did this on our last trip to Hawaii, but unfortunately ran out of time.
Star gazing tours to consider
Most people like to book a tour so they don’t have to worry about navigating the roads. If you’d prefer this option as well, here are some tours to consider:
- Mauna Kea Summit Tour + Free Star Photo
- Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure
- Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset, and Stars
Explore a cave system
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: free | best for: hiking
Kaumana Caves is one of my favorite things to do on the Big Island Hawaii. It’s a cave system a short drive from downtown Hilo that requires descending a short, but steep set of stairs and some light scrambling to get into two different cave entries that flank each other. I’ve visited a lot of caves in Bend and Maui, but this one was the most challenging. Not because there’s a lot of elevation, but because there is a ton of craggy debris to navigate as you walk. I saw some people doing the cave in Crocs, but I don’t recommend this!
Once inside, you’ll be able to explore for about 2 miles. We only had time to explore the cave to the right of the stairs, but I didn’t go the whole way because it required a high scramble to get up a ledge and I was wearing a skirt with bare legs. But even what I did explore offered cool rock formations and tons of eeriness!
Pro tip: Make sure to bring a headlamp if you have it, as it’s better than your phone’s flashlight and helps keep your hands free for navigating the rocky terrain.
Walk Among Hawaiian Ruins
website | area: Hōnaunau (get directions) | price: ~$20 per car | best for: history and culture
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is a Hawaiian ceremonial site with deep cultural and historical significance. In ancient Hawai’i, a system of laws known as kānāwai enforced the social order. Certain people, places, things, and times were sacred, or “kapu“. If someone broke kapu, it was punishable by death.
However, any fugitive who broke kapu could seek refuge and forgiveness within the walls of the Puʻuhonua. The area was also a safe harbor for families of combatants during war. Although many pu’uhonua existed in ancient Hawaiʻi, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau is the best preserved and most dramatic given the extent of its monumental architecture.
The National Park Service provides a welcome video and informational audio tour that guides you along the coastal trail. You’ll see many historic artifacts and structures, plus breathtaking water views. This is one of my favorite activities on the Big Island, so carve out at least 1-2 hours to explore.
Pro tip: If the national historic site gates are locked, you can still explore the Ala Kahakai Trail via a side gate after hours.
Seek Out Local Farmers Markets
Given Hawaii’s isolation, the state is big on farming. The best way to experience a lot of the island’s produce in one go is at a farmers market.
Tour books will recommend the Kona Farmers Market and Hilo Farmers Market. While both have some cute produce stands, overall I find the markets cater to tourists. If you’re like me and want to be at a farmers market that feels more for locals, check these out:
- Pure Kona Green Market – Sundays 9 AM – 2 PM (west side)
- Pro tip: The popular Shaka Tacoz is across the street
- Waimea Town Market – Saturday 7:30 AM – 12 PM (northern part of island)
- Pro tip: This is near the cute town Hawi for shopping and Fish & the Hog, a fun BBQ spot
- Hāmākua Harvest Farmers Market – Sundays 9 AM – 2 PM (east side)
- Pro tip: Near the cute town of Honoka’a for shopping
Visit Farms
If you have more time during your trip, consider visiting farms directly to get a tour and tasting. It’s a great way to support the local economy while learning about how different crop are grown, harvested, and manufactured into iconic souvenirs.
I haven’t had the time to visit any farms on the Big Island yet, but I shortlisted these 3 during my last trip:
- Lavaloha Chocolate – Chocolate farm near Hilo recommended to my by a follower
- Hawaiian Vanilla Co. – Learn how vanilla pods are grown and pick up baking souvenirs
- Puna Gold Estates – Another chocolate farm with tasting rooms in downtown Kona and Hilo
Farm tours to consider
If you’d prefer to have a farm tour planned for you by a tour operator, here are some options:
- Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour Kona
- Big Island Farms Tour
- ATV Ride Through a Working Ranch
- Family Off Road Farm Adventure
- Bottle Feed & Cuddle Baby Goats
- Horseback a Working Cattle Ranch with Views
- Edible Hibiscus Guided Farm Tour
- Abalone Farm Tour & Seaweed Tasting
- Award-Winning Coffee & Chocolate Tour
- Exotic Fruit Tasting Tour in Kona
- Honey Farm & Beekeeping Tour
Take in the Views at Pololū Valley Lookout
website | area: Kapaau (get directions) | price: ~$10 per car | best for: views and optional hike
Near the northeastern tip of the Big Island is Pololū Valley Lookout, a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the water and rugged coastline. The parking lot is super small, but you’re only allowed to stay there for 10 minutes so it cycles out relatively quickly. There is often local workers helping enforce the parking rules…as well as collect $10 per car.
There is an optional ~1 mile hike down a steep set of stairs and switchbacks to a black sand beach. If you want to do this, you need to park on the road leading up to the viewpoint parking lot. I didn’t do this because Dan was sick and was worried if he could make it, but I hear it’s beautiful!
Peruse downtown Kona & Hilo
Both Kona and Hilo have a concentrated section of shops, restaurants, and bar. Exploring them is a great excuse to pick up souvenirs and get a lay of the land.
Here are some of my favorite stops in Kona:
- Huli’hee Palace – Historic building right on the water with self-guided tour
- Kona Brewing – Good beers and ambiance, plus frequent events
- Kona Wave Cafe – Great stop for refreshing acai bowls
Here are some of my favorite stops in Hilo, my favorite of Hawaii’s two biggest towns:
- Hana Hou – Local shop with Hawaiian goods
- One Gallery – Art gallery with a ton of Hawaiian artists
- Wild HeArtist – Witchy shop with eclectic souvenirs
- Simply Sisters – Beautiful Hawaiian dresses, shirts, and more
- Nalani Farm Store – Small shop with Hawaiian-made goods
- Two Ladies Kitchen – Fresh mochi that draws a line (call ahead!)
Drive the Northeast Hamakua Coast
area: north of Hilo (get directions) | price: free | best for: road trip to farm stands and small towns
The Hamakua Coast to the north of Hilo is dotted with breathtaking viewpoints, hikes, and small towns perfect for exploring. One of my favorte things to do is to just drive and see what I find! But if you want a little more guidance, here are some of my favorite stops:
- Waipi’o Valley Lookout – Beautiful lookout. You used to be able to go down to the valley, but it’s now closed to tourists unless you take this tour.
- Waipi’o Fruit Shack – A yummy fruit stand with plenty of seating
- Lilinoe Fruit Stand – Another yummy fruit stand with a hidden garden area
- Honoka’a – Quaint town lined with shops and restaurants
- Honoka’a Chocolate – Chocolate shop that offers tastings and farm tours
Seek Out the best eats
I spend a lot of energy trying to find the best Hawaiian food in Seattle, so you can imagine that effort is tripled when I actually visit Hawaii! Out of all the places I’ve eaten on the Big Island, here are my favorite restaurants.
Pro tip: Overwhelmed by the thought of planning your meals? Try a walking food tour of Kona!
Da Fish House
area: Waimea (get directions) | price: ~$20+ per bowl | best for: the island’s best poke
I’ve eaten a lot of poke on the Big Island. Da Fish House is hands down my favorite. The portions are huge and the texture of the fish is perfect. I also love the kimchi served on the side. There isn’t much seating, so if there isn’t a counter stool to sit at, take your poke down to the water!
Poke Market
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$16 per bowl | best for: the island’s 2nd best poke
This is my second favorite poke spot on the Big Island. It’s a tiny window in downtown Hilo, so expect to eat standing if you can’t snag one of the few bistro tables outside. The fish is super fresh so they sell out early. My favorite part, though, is the purple potato salad and pickled cucumbers served with it!
Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$6.50+ per cup | best for: Dole whip
Across the street from Poke Market is an ice cream and acai bowl shop. The Dole whip soft serve is so creamy I prefer to order it on its own. However, you can top the acai bowls with it and get fun toppings for an Instagrammable moment.
Na’au Hilo
website | area: Pepeekeo (get directions) | price: ~$200pp | best for: fancy tasting menu
One of the best things to do on the Big Island in Hawaii is experience a multi-course dinner at Na’au Hilo. There isn’t a lot of fine dining on the island, but Chef Brian is providing the exception. He was born and raised in Hawaii where he grew up hunting, fishing, farming, and foraging in the islands. This inspired his culinary approach: take seasonal, often foraged ingredients and turn it into an elevated masterpiece.
The menu changes regularly, but I still think about a lot of dishes he served us. For example, he served a smoked kanpachi terrine that was earthy, sweet, and bright. Then he took the kanpachi wing and fried it up into the most crispy tempura. There was also the poke bowl with addictive crunchy puffed rice and the roast pork that was a play on my beloved lau lau pork Hawaiian dish.
While it’s a splurge, this is definitely one of the best meals you’ll have on the Big Island!
Keaukaha General Store
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$2.50/each | best for: spam musubi
You wouldn’t think a convenience store would be one of the best places to eat on the Big Island, but Keaukaha General Store surpasses expectations. While they have a full menu of grindz and a smoothie and coffee bar, insiders know the best thing to get here is the fresh-made musubi. It sits in a big basket next to the cashier and sells out quickly, so get there early. We brought a bunch to Volcanoes National Park and watched everyone look at our meal longingly.
Free things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Since Hawaii is a tropical paradise with a ton of coastline to explore, there are a bunch of free things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here are some of my favorites in addition to the free things I mentioned above.
Walk A Black Sand Beach
website | area: Punalu’u (get directions) | best for: interesting sand
The Big Island’s volcano sediment has eroded to create a black sand beach just a short drive from the island’s green sand beach. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach doesn’t require a hike to get to and has amenities like bathrooms, a BBQ, and beach pavilion. While you can swim here, I think it’s best for walking and taking in the beautiful color. There are also ropy rock areas great for tide pooling.
Hunt for Water Falls
The Hamakua Coast north of Hilo has a bunch of waterfalls thanks to higher elevation and more rainfall. You can find a bunch of free ones to visit just a short drive from downtown. These are tucked in what seems like residential neighborhoods, so they have a hidden gem quality to them:
- Wai’ale Falls – Small falls that feel the most secluded
- Peepee Falls & Boiling Pots – A river that seems to “boil” with falls in the distance
- Rainbow Falls – The largest of the 3 with a viewing platform in front of and below the falls
Go Beach Hopping
Given it’s an island, one of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii is explore the beaches. There are seemingly endless beaches both big and small along the whole coastline, but here are some of my favorites:
- Two Step Beach – Popular snorkeling beach near Pu’uhonua O Honaunau
- Hapuna Beach – Island’s largest white sand beach
- Waialea Beach – Quaint beach near Hapuna with less crowds and cool rock formations
- Carlsmith State Park – Beach near downtown Hilo known for snorkeling and tide pools
- Richardson Ocean Park – Another beach near Hilo great for snorkeling
Bike the Hilo Bay Trail
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | best for: biking
Hilo is a very walkabout city, but there’s also about 6 miles of paved paths perfect for exploring by bike (or foot!). They take you along Waiākea Pond, Lili’uokalani Gardens, and Hilo Bay for a mix of nature and city views.
You can grab a bike at one of the few city bike stations scattered around Hilo. Or rent them from a company like Hawa E-Bikes.
Enjoy a free Coffee Tasting
website | area: Kealakekua (get directions) | best for: coffee lovers
Kona is the largest coffee growing region in the US, so trying some of the homegrown coffee on the Big Island is a must. There are plenty of coffee farms that offer paid tours and tastings, but Greenwell Coffee Farm is one of the only ones to provide them for free. Their knowledgeable guides will take you around the farm for 45-60 minutes and make sure you’re fueled up with plenty of samples.
Pro tip: While not free, one of my favorite coffee shops, HiCo Coffee, is down the street!
Family things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Of course you can do most of the other activities I already mentioned with your family. But here are some more family-friendly things to do on the Big Island.
Snorkel Captain Cook
area: Captain Cook (get directions) | price: ~$100-200pp | best for: snorkeling and hiking
Kealakekua Bay, which means “the pathway of the God”, is a sacred Hawaiian site. It’s said that the Hawaiian fertility god, Lono-i-ka-makahiki, lived here.
On the northern coast of the bay sits Captain Cook monument, erected by the British to commemorate where one of their most recognizable explorers died. It sits high above the water and requires a hike to get to it by land.
However, most people opt to see the monument from the water because Kealakekua Bay is known for some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island. It’s also a popular spot to rent kayaks or paddle boards if you’d prefer to stay on top of the water.
It’s not recommended to try and swim the length of the bay to snorkel near the monument. Instead, take a tour if you’d like to be guided to the best snorkel spots. Many also include visits to caves, breakfast, and/or lunch.
Snorkeling tours to consider
- Captain Cook Small Group Snorkel Tour
- Catamaran Snorkel to Captain Cook with Lunch
- Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to Captain Cook Monument
- Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakeuka Bay
- Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument
Gawk at Akaka Falls State Park
website | area: Honomu (get directions) | price: ~$5pp + $10 per car | best for: an impressive waterfall
Just outside of Hilo sits one of the Big Island’s most impressive free-falling waterfalls, Akaka Falls. It plunges 442 feet into a gorge, which you can see from a viewing platform just across from it. You’ll need to walk a ~0.4-mile paved loop footpath to get to it. On the way you’ll also see the cascading Kahuna Falls in the distance. The path is relatively easy, but there are a few steeper grades as you walk through lush rainforest to get to the viewpoint.
Go Whale Watching
area: Kohala Coast near Kona (get directions) | price: ~$100-150pp | best for: humpback whale sightings
One of my favorite things to do when I visit Maui is whale watch, and there’s no shortage of that on the Big Island. Prime time for seeing the majestic humpback whales is from December through April when they’re migrating around Hawaii.
Your best bet for seeing them is via a whale watching tour. Most of them leave from the western side of the Big Island, as that’s where the whale prefer to hang out.
Whale watching tours to consider
- Guaranteed Dolphin & Whale Watch Tour
- Whale Watching on the Big Island
- Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure
Visit the Botanical Garden
website | area: Papikaou (get directions) | price: ~$15-32pp (kids 6 and under free) | best for: lush gardens
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden just north of Hilo is 17 acres and home to 2,500+ species of plants. There’s a raised boardwalk that takes guests through the lush Onomea Valley rainforest. You can also book a guided tour directly through the garden’s website.
Note that while most of the path is accessible, it requires a steep grade to get onto the boardwalk and some parts are conducive to wheelchairs or strollers.
There are a few other smaller botanical gardens right within Hilo if your family particularly likes exploring nature. The University of Hawaii – Hilo campus has a free botanical garden and Liliʻuokalani Gardens is a public park near the bay.
Paddle Reeds Bay
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$45+ per paddle board | best for: leisurely water activity
Reeds Bay is a little cove near the larger Hilo Bay that offers calm waters and an easy watercraft access point from Reeds Bay Beach Park. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards from nearby Hilo Ocean Adventures and spend a relaxing day on the water.
Pro tip: Prefer a guide? Check out this Hilo Bay & Coconut Island Kayak Tour!
Partake in some trivia
website | area: Hilo (get directions) & Kona (get directions) | price: free, though beer + food purchases encouraged | best for: evening activity
One of my favorite things to do on various trips with my nieces is seek out family-friendly breweries hosting trivia and bingo. It allows the adults to unwind over a drink while also entertaining the kids.
Ola Brew offers trivia on Mondays at their Kona taproom and Tuesdays at their Hilo location. Beer wise they offer a diverse range of styles, many with interesting Hawaiian flavors. For example, the lilikoi IPA is amazing because the fruit balances out the hops. But my favorite drink to get at Ola is their hard juices made with local fruit. They’re crisp and not too sweet. Definitely make sure the dragonfruit and lilikoi orange are part of your order if available!
Go Zip lining
area: both east and westside of the island | price: ~$250pp | best for: thrill seekers
Kids and kids at heart both love zip lining. If you’re not familiar, you’re strapped onto a cable that sails you through lush rainforest. Many zip lining options offer multiple lines, so you get a lot of time catch thrills with different views. Some of them even offer glimpses of waterfalls.
Zip lining tours to consider
- Big Island Zip Line Tours Near Akaka Falls
- 9-Line Waterfall Zip Line Experience
- Big Island Kohala Canopy Zip Line Adventure
Check Out a Luau
area: both east and westside of the island | price: ~$175-200pp | best for: cultural performance
Hula dancing and luaus are an important part of Hawaiian culture. Experience what they’re like firsthand at one of the many performances around the island. Most include a buffet-style dinner so it’s easy to get dinner and a show in after a day at the beach.
Luaus to consider
- Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna Lani
- Hawaii Loa Luau on the Big Island
- Feast and Fire Luau Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa
When is the best time to visit Hawaii Big Island?
The shoulder seasons from April – June and September – November are considered the best times to visit the Big Island. That’s because the weather is milder and there are fewer crowds, which means better deals. However, know the Big Island’s rainy season is October – November.
December – March is the busiest time to visit because most tourists are escaping harsh weather in their hometown. That means prices are higher, especially since kids are out of school around the holidays. However, this time of year is when the majestic humpback whales are in the area, so this could be a good time to visit if that’s high on your bucket list.
July and August tend to be the hottest, plus it draws a lot of crowds because kids are off school. So this is my least favorite time to visit the Big Island.
I’ll turn it to you: When do you prefer to visit the Big Island? There are pros and cons to all seasons, so I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
More to explore in Hawaii
After you decide which of these things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, check out my other guides to exploring the Aloha state!
- Where to Stay on the Big Island
- Hawaii Itinerary with All the Best Stops on the Big Island
- Best Things to Do in Maui
- Where to Stay in Maui
- Ultimate Road to Hana Road Trip
- Where Locals Eat in Maui
- Best Snorkeling Spots in Maui
- Easy Hikes on Maui with Stunning Views
- Best Shopping in Maui
- Souvenirs From Maui You’ll Actually Use
- 5-Day Maui Itinerary for Hitting All the Sights
- The Perfect Kauai Itinerary
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