Lending its name to the entire state, Hawaiʻi is home to magnificent moon-like mountains, charming oceanfront towns and the world’s most active volcano!

Affectionately known as the Big Island, the Hawaiian archipelago’s youngest sibling is almost twice the size of all the other islands combined. Boasting unique, visually spectacular scenery, diverse ecosystems and a charming, laid back lifestyle befitting a bygone era, the Big Island appeals to nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers and those seeking a relaxed island vacation.

Hilo

Located on the island’s northeastern coast, Hawaiʻi’s biggest small town is built around a natural crescent shaped bay that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its bustling farmer’s market and centuries-old wooden storefronts, Downtown Hilo is home to a collection of quirky independent shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries and museums including the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Museum and the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center.

Explore the beautiful Japanese gardens at 25-acre Liliʻuokalani Park, discover the art of ancient Polynesian navigation at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, enjoy a feast of local flavors from one of the town’s famous food trucks, and look out for native marine life on the pristine black sands of Richardson Ocean Park (also a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding and fishing!)

The area around the town is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty with the spectacular Hāmākua Coast, lush tropical rainforests and numerous dramatic waterfalls amongst the scenic highlights. Rainbow Falls just outside Hilo at Wailuku River State Park, and so-named for the vibrant rainbows that often appear in its mist, is a must-see sight, so too the impressive 440-foot ʻAkaka Falls and Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo - the only zoo of its kind in the United States. Further afield, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea summit are major tourist attractions easily accessible from Hilo.

However you choose to spend your time here, Hilo’s little-town charm, laid back vibe and traditional experiences - coupled with the town’s convenient location for exploring everything the island has to offer - make it the perfect base for your Hawaiʻi Island adventure.

Top Ten Things To Do On The Big Island

1. Climb To The Top Of The World!

Everest might be the world’s tallest mountain above sea level, but from base to tip - from the ocean floor to its peak - Hawaiʻi’s Mauna Kea reigns supreme. Park up at the Visitor Information Station (9,200 feet), before ascending to the summit (13,800 feet) on foot, or - if you have a four wheel drive vehicle and your insurance provider permits - drive the narrow dirt road to the top for incredible stargazing opportunities and breathtaking sunset vistas. Either way it’s wise to spend some time acclimatizing at the VIS before continuing your climb, and if hiking, let the attendant know your plans, incl. expected return time. (Note also that true summit is considered sacred by native Hawaiians, so be sure to respect the signs and halt your hike before you reach the very top).

2. Gaze At The Stars

The island of Hawaiʻi is a stargazer’s paradise; it's high elevations, clear skies and minimal light pollution making it one of world’s premier destinations for viewing the wonders of the night sky. Join a guided program at Mauna Kea summit, the Visitor Information Station or the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, or fly solo at various favorable locations in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or at Hapuna State Beach Park on the North Kona Coast.

3. Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

With unique geographical landscapes, rare indigenous flora and fauna, and an up-close encounter with the world’s most active volcano, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the first stop for many visitors to the Big Island. Drive the scenic Chain of Craters Road, walk through lava tubes and hike to the Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs where ancient native rock carvings have been preserved in hardened lava. Then - if there's an eruption occurring - hang around after dark to witness this remarkable spectacle from one of the designated viewing platforms. Quite unlike anywhere else on earth, this vast 350,000 acre park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987 on account of its unique geological and ecological value. A must see site, for sure!

4. Catch A Rainbow

Hawaiʻi’s mountainous terrain, together with its unique combination of abundant sunshine, frequent rain showers and clean air, creates some of the best conditions for viewing rainbows anywhere on the planet. In fact, the islands are now so synonymous with these optical phenomena, that rainbows have become an unofficial symbol of the state, featuring on vehicle license plates since the early 1990’s as well as in the names of various local businesses and organizations. Common enough for you to be sure of seeing at least one rainbow during even a short stay on the island, why not catch one at the aptly named Rainbow Falls just outside of Hilo?

5. Take A Chopper Tour

A bucket list item for sure, seeing the island’s dramatic - and largely inaccessible - landscape from the air is a truly unforgettable experience. With a bunch of tour operators on the island, the opportunity to marvel at remote waterfalls, moonlike mountains, rugged coastlines and active lava flow from a unique aerial perspective, is more accessible than ever before. Established operators offering a range of itineraries and durations out of Hilo, Kona and Waikoloa Heliports, include Blue Hawaiian and Paradise Helicopters.

6. Visit The United States’ Southernmost Point

Historically significant as one of Hawaiʻi’s earliest settlements, Ka Lae is a remote coastal region known for its dramatic lava cliffs, strong ocean currents and, of course, its status as the southernmost point in all fifty states. Reached via a scenic 12 mile drive off the main highway, this area of untouched natural beauty is perfect for a spot for quiet contemplation, as well as being a popular place for photography, fishing and cliff jumping!

7. Drink Coffee!

World famous Kona coffee, known for its unique flavor profile, is grown at almost 1000 individual farms on the island and served just about everywhere. Take a tour of a local estate and learn about the coffee-growing process from seed to cup, or simply enjoy having ready access to this rare and exclusive product for the duration of your stay. Scenic tours are offered by Heavenly Hawaiian and Buddha’s Cup, amongst others. Whilst Greenwell Farms - a family-run estate established in 1850 - offers a free, highly informative, 45 minute tour with plenty of samples and no reservation required!

8. Hike To Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

The only green sand beach in the US, and one of just four worldwide, Papakōlea is accessible via a 5.6 mile round-trip hike from South Point parking lot. The trail’s uneven terrain and high winds can make it challenging at times, but the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the island’s ruggedly beautiful coastline are more than adequate payback for your efforts. Plan accordingly - wear suitable hiking shoes, bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, etc - as there are no facilities here, and make sure to leave the beach exactly as you found it!

9. Explore ʻAkaka Falls State Park

If you like your hikes short and scenic, the half-mile loop trail at ʻAkaka Falls State Park is one not to be missed. Showcasing not one, but two, of the island’s most impressive waterfalls - the stunning 100-foot Kahuna Falls, and the spectacular 440-foot cascade from which the park takes its name - ʻAkaka Falls State Park is a beautiful example of Hawaiʻi’s lush tropical landscape, just half an hour’s drive from downtown Hilo.

10. Book A Whale Watching Tour (Winter Only)

Although Maui is generally considered Hawaiʻi’s foremost whale watching destination, the Big Island comes in a close second with plenty of opportunities to see humpbacks from November to April. Book an official tour, charter a boat or simply stare out to sea from Kapaʻa Beach Park or Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, to catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of these majestic giants!

Where To Eat

Like its older siblings, the food scene on the island of Hawaiʻi offers a vibrant mix of local flavors, innovative cooking techniques and international inspiration. From sushi bars to steakhouses, roadside poke shacks to upscale oceanfront dining, the Big Island’s diverse range of restaurants and cafes reflects its rich cultural history and synonymity with the sea. Whether you're looking for traditional island cuisine or contemporary New American fare, established eateries or hidden gems waiting to be discovered, use our restaurant filters to help you find your new favorite place to eat on the Big Island, or check out the popular options below…

Where To Sleep

Hawaiʻi’s Big Island offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every type of traveler. Large resorts, including big name luxury brands like Four Seasons and Fairmont, are focused around Kailua-Kona and along the Kohala Coast. Whilst smaller - often good value - options, including bed & breakfasts, traditional inns and private rentals, can be found in and just outside of Hilo, as well as the charming towns of Hōlualoa and Volcano. Find your perfect Big Island hotel match with the help of our innovative search tools, or check out some of our favorites below…

How To Get Around

By far the best, and easiest, way to get around the Big Island is renting a car. Having your own wheels not only affords you the ultimate flexibility to explore the island on your own terms and at your own pace, but with multiple agencies represented at Hilo and Kona airports, as well as at the cruise terminals, picking up and dropping off your vehicle is also super-quick and hassle-free. Note however, that driving the dirt roads to the summit of Mauna Kea or to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is not permitted under most rental agreements, so check with your provider if you're planning to visit these places by car.

If you don’t drive or, for whatever reason, don’t want to rent a car on the island, the free public bus system, Hele-On, is your best bet for traveling between major towns and coastal areas. Be aware though that transit times can be long, services infrequent and largely optimized for commuters, and many of the most popular attractions cannot be easily reached by bus. To improve flexibility and enable access to more remote areas, ride share services such as Uber and Lyft can be used in combination with the bus, whilst taxis are another favorable option for short journeys, particularly in and around the town of Kailua-Kona.

Best Times to Visit

Like all of the islands in the archipelago, the Big Island is a year-round vacation destination with mild temperatures and abundant sunshine pretty much guaranteed whatever the season. There are of course some variations in weather, with the winter months generally wetter and the summer on average a few degrees warmer with less frequent showers. With this in mind, the best time to visit the Big Island is a matter of personal preference and largely comes down to the activities you want to enjoy whilst on vacation. Whale watchers should plan to visit in winter (December to April) when thousands of humpback whales visit Hawaiʻi’s warm waters to breed, whilst sun-seekers should opt for the peak summer months of July and August when temperatures are at their highest. Hikers, scuba-divers, and sight-seers might prefer the shoulder seasons (April / May and September / October), when the weather remains warm but there are generally fewer crowds.