Big Island Map

Perched atop the island’s north point just an hour’s drive from Kailua-Kona, this upcountry boutique town is sure to enchant. Breathe crisp mountain air, and dive into several fun shops and eateries. Hawi is where Ironman triathletes – having accomplished half the competition’s cycling leg – turn around to race back down the highway. It’s okay with us if you’d rather watch than ride!

A steep road accessible only on foot descends into the vast Waipio Valley, where lush forests and taro patches meet a mile-long black sand beach on Hawaii’s eastern shore. Walk through wild horse habitat and alongside sacred burial grounds to reach the sand. Additional hiking along the coast will lead you to two lovely waterfalls. Keep an eye on the rough ocean waves while walking, and do not attempt to swim here.

One of five volcanoes that make up the Big Island, Mauna Kea is top-notch for amateur star gazing and professional star science. Its summit – almost 14,000 feet above sea level – is home to 11 observatories run by scientists from seven different countries! Just so you know, there is 40% less oxygen up there than at sea level. This volcano has been dormant for the last 3,600 years.

Hawaii’s rainy east side is perfectly suited for plant growth. 60 extraordinary acres showcase and preserve hundreds of tropical plants from Hawaii and around the world. The park runs alongside the sea – a setting no other botanical garden can match. A raised boardwalk and other trails wind through the grounds, where a triple-tiered waterfall flows. This attraction opened in 1984: the gorgeous realization of constant tending by four nurturing men.

Home to Kilauea, part of Volcanoes National Park, and an increasing number of adventurous new residents willing to risk their properties to the whims of the goddess Pele, Puna is the island’s easternmost district. It encompasses Pahoa, Chain of Craters Road, and beaches for miles! Ahalanui Beach boasts spring-fed pools heated from below by geothermal vents. Hot tub, anyone?

Currently an 18.8 mile stretch of road along the southeast coast, this cornucopia of touring sites is often altered by flowing lava. Witness the aftermath of Mauna Ulu’s 1969 eruption, the one-of-a-kind Holei Sea Arch, and ancient petroglyphs at Pu’u Loa. At the End of the Road, lava often pours into the sea! Wear sunscreen, bring a lot of drinking water, and mind all posted signs regarding safety and respect.

This small, off-the-grid neighborhood rests quietly among the crumbling lava fields of the southern Ka’u District, halfway between Kona and Hilo. Main visitor attractions include the lookout point near Mile Marker 75 on Mamaloha Highway, and the 13-mile warren of tunnels at nearby Kula Kai Caverns. On your visit, you are likely to discover more beautiful sights of your own.

Hawaii has only been inhabited by humans for about 1500 years. In this short time, the archipelago has witnessed some tumultuous history. Captain Cook first anchored off Hawaii Island in 1778, becoming the first verifiable contact between Hawaiians and Europeans. These days, a monument to the British navigator is adjacent to a marine preserve – one of the west side’s top snorkeling sites for water clarity and density of life.

Most of the Big Island’s Kona-side tour boats depart from this small harbor, just south of the airport. Board your favorite vessel for any number of ocean activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, and whale watching! The evening hours bring manta ray encounters and sunset sails. Once you’ve had some fun and you’re back on land, enjoy more food and drink at the Harbor House Restaurant.

Once you drive down the crazy dirt road into Kekaha Kai State Park, you’ll expect to stay awhile! Whorls of frozen lava to either side escort you silently to a beautiful jagged shore. Hike to Makalawena Beach for some sunbathing, throw some shrimp on the barbies near the parking lot, and watch the clear blue sky above while listening to the crashing waves. Don’t plan to swim here; it’s not safe.

Consistently rated one of the most beautiful places anyone has ever been, Hapuna Beach takes the Kona coffee cake! This state recreation area, which offers shelters for camping, sits pretty on Hawaii’s northwest coast. Waves and weather dictate whether Hapuna’s waters are suitable for swimming or expert body boarding. Talk to the lifeguards, and if the waves are over three feet, stay safe on shore. $5.00 parks a vehicle. Enjoy, and aloha!