Big Island Hawaii Activities
Things to do in Kona and Hilo
We have selected some of the most popular Big Island activities and things to do that may be helpful for planning your sightseeing destinations.
Include reservations for activities and sightseeing tours with your vacation package.
Things to do on the Big Island Hawaii
Volcano Hikes
Volcanoes National Park Tours
Feel a Hawaiian volcano’s heat radiate from its crater as you experience live volcanic activity up close, with nothing between you and the lava!
An open-door helicopter ride over the volcano is the adventure of a lifetime.
Kona Coffee Farms
The Kona Coast offers tours of the Big Island’s Kona Coffee Farms. Kona coffee is unique in flavor and richness due to the rich lava soil found only in this region.
Best Snorkel Beach
Kahaluu Beach Park in Keahou Kona
This beach may not look like the beach of your dreams, however, there are hidden secrets just beneath the surface of this shallow snorkeling paradise.
Kahaluu Bay is one of the only places where you can swim from the shore to view underwater reefs that are full of colorful fish and sea turtles.
The water along the beach shore is shallow with a rocky bottom so if you have water shoes this is your chance to use them, Kahaluu Beach is near Kailua Kona Town and your hotel concierge can show you on the local map, arrive early for good parking.
The beach is black sand and the submerged giant rocks are home to thousands of fish, it is an underwater spectacle with giant sea turtles, you can swim with them in shallow water or view them underwater from a large rock along the shore.
Kona Snorkel Cruise
The Body Glove
Enjoy a morning cruise and breakfast aboard the Body Glove Snorkel and Dolphin Watch, a custom Kanoa II is a 65′ custom catamaran.
Cascade down a 20-foot water slide into the crystal blue waters where you may see dolphins, turtles, and manta rays among the active reef life of calm reef life.
Volcanoes National Park
The Kilauea Crater erupted recently in the Puna District on the East Shore. It is currently active within the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park.
Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village
Northwest Coast, the Dolphin Quest Hawaii is known for its educational programs, support of scientific studies, and hands-on conservation advocacy.
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Volcano Helicopter Tours
Hilo Circle of Fire helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Hilo Circle of Fire and Waterfalls, book your tour of the Kilauea volcano eruption through the rural farmlands of Kapoho Hawaii.
The most geologically active eruption on earth the tour flies over the most current areas of volcanic activity.
Views of lava flows and black sand beaches, tropical rain forests, and waterfalls.
Circle of Fire and Waterfalls Tour
Waterfall Tours
Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls in Hilo are self-guided and easy to access from the main highway.
Luau Feast and Show
King Kamehameha Lu’au
The evening begins with a torch-lighting ceremony and the arrival of the royal court at the beachfront of Kamakahonu Bay.
Next feast on a sumptuous Hawaiian buffet featuring local favorites.
The luau dancers invite you to join the Ohana (family) and experience an evening of delicious food and authentic Hawaiian entertainment!
Green Sand Beach South Shore
The green sand beaches on the coast road to Hilo are too windy and rugged for most visitors. If you are driving around the island, a side trip to the most southern point may be a disappointment as the sand is only slightly greenish.
Mauna Kea Observatory
Mauna Kea Tours take you to the highest point of the steep, uphill road to the top. It isvery cold and rough up there so please do not try to drive yourself, if you must go, book a guided tour.
Hidden Wonders: Drive the Red Road in Puna on the Hilo side.
Have the car company or your hotel show you how to get there. 20 miles from Hilo.
The Puna District is rain forest and jungle. Visit Lava Tree State Park, Kalapana, and Pahoa.
All these areas are “off the beaten path” and the culture is “Old World” to put it nicely.
Watch your car, don’t park in remote areas. Lock up.
Preview hundreds of activities and tours.
Some of the most popular adventures are Helicopter, Luau, Historic Sights, Snorkeling, Waterfall tours, Sunset Dinner cruises, and Sightseeing Tours.
Fixed Wing Air Tours
Enjoy the comfort of a fixed-wing, 9-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft for a “complete air tour”.. Great views of the active Kilauea Volcano eruption in Kapoho Hawaii and Volcanoes National Park.
Views of the lush green valleys of ancient Hawaiian settlements established long ago in Waipio Valley adjacent to cascading waterfalls.
Vistas along the 266 miles of coastline including black and white sand beaches.
Every flight is fully narrated by your pilot whose knowledge of the myths and legends makes an unforgettable lesson about ancient lifestyles.
Discover why the geography and volcanology of the lifestyles of those who immigrated in canoes from the South Pacific throughout the flight.
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