2026 Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

I just got home from my family’s annual trip to what is, in my heart, the most special and underrated Hawaiian island. After visiting five times, I no longer have to wonder about the best things to do on the Big Island. Instead, I’ve started collecting favorite places that I look forward to returning to year after year.

So, I put together this guide to help you plan your own itinerary with the best things to do on the Big Island, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure.

While most visitors spend the majority of their trip on the Kona side, I also wanted this guide to highlight Hilo, which feels especially magical to me. Think awe-inspiring waterfalls, orchid-filled botanical gardens, and an ube latte that just might be my favorite coffee anywhere.

Mahalo for reading!

Getting Oriented With the Most Amazing Things to do on the Big Island

As the largest (and youngest) island in the Hawaiian chain, there’s a lot of ground to cover. In fact, the Big Island spans over 4,000 square miles, making it larger than all of the other Hawaiian islands combined!

Because of its size and six volcanoes, three of which are active, the island’s climate can vary dramatically from one side to the other. The western side, better known as Kona, is typically dry and sunny. When you picture Hawaii’s white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, you’re probably imagining Kona.

On the flip side, the eastern side, Hilo, is lush, rainy, and incredibly green. Yes, you’ll likely encounter more clouds here, but that rain is exactly what creates the island’s incredible waterfalls, tropical gardens, and dense rainforest. Even on overcast days, temperatures stay warm enough to enjoy exploring.

For simplicity, I’ve organized these things to do on the Big Island by the Kona and Hilo sides of the island. While there are dozens of towns and regions worth exploring, this format should make planning your trip much easier.

This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of every attraction on the island. Instead, it’s a collection of my most treasured experiences, many of which I’ve returned to again and again.

7 Irresistibly Fun Things to Do in Kona

If you’re researching things to do in Kona, this is probably where your trip will begin. Kailua-Kona is home to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), along with many of the island’s resorts, beaches, and sunny weather. While Hilo also has an airport, it primarily serves inter-island flights.

From snorkeling adventures to coffee farms and unforgettable sunsets, these are my favorite things to do in Kona.

1. Get on the Water with Kona Style

While Kona has no shortage of beautiful beaches, I’d recommend getting out on the water at least once. If you only splurge on one excursion, make it a boat tour.

Here’s what makes it worth it:

• Incredible wildlife viewing, especially Hawaiian spinner dolphins
• Spectacular coastline views that honestly give Kauaʻi a run for its money
• Easy access to some of the island’s best snorkeling

My favorite company is Kona Style. They depart directly from Kailua Pier, which is especially convenient if you’re staying downtown. We usually stay within walking distance, so we simply stroll over instead of worrying about parking.

{RELATED POST: Best Whale Watching in Washington State}

We’ve taken several tours with them over the years, but the one I still daydream about is the morning sail to Captain Cook. Kealakekua Bay is consistently considered one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island, yet it’s difficult to access by land. Exploring it by boat made the experience incredibly easy, and all snorkeling gear is included, even giant pool noodles for floating.

Bestie Tip: During the busy summer season, book at least three weeks in advance because tours often sell out. Have your camera ready as soon as the boat leaves the harbor. Hawaiian spinner dolphins frequently swim alongside the boat, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot flying fish (mālolo) skimming across the surface. They were one of my favorite surprises from the trip.

2. Learn About Native Hawaiian Culture at Historic Parks

You’ve probably heard of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, but did you know the Big Island has more National Park Service sites than any other Hawaiian island?

The Kona Coast alone is home to four incredible sites that showcase Native Hawaiian history and culture. I recommend visiting at least one during your trip.

From closest to downtown Kailua-Kona:

• Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (3 miles north)
• Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (20 miles south)
• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (22 miles south)
• Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (34 miles north)

If you’re looking for things to do in Kona beyond the beaches, these parks provide meaningful insight into Hawaiian history. Also, gift shops have great reading materials as well as passport stamps.

3. See, Hear, and Feel a Volcano Erupt

No guide to the best things to do on the Big Island would be complete without mentioning Kīlauea.

Located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea has been erupting in short episodes with remarkable frequency since late 2024. During our visit, we happened to witness Episode 27, and it remains one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve ever had.

Most guides recommend entering the park from Hilo since it’s closer. However, we drove from Kona and actually had the better experience. While cars were backed up at the Hilo entrance, there wasn’t a line from our direction. The drive was scenic too, although there are limited services after Captain Cook, so plan accordingly.

Photos simply can’t capture what it’s like to stand there feeling the heat on your face and hearing the roar of molten lava. Before this trip, seeing an erupting volcano wasn’t even on my bucket list because it felt almost impossible. Now, it’s one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced. Moments like this are exactly why I keep coming back to the Big Island.

Bestie Tip: If seeing an eruption is high on your wish list, I’d recommend planning a trip of at least two weeks to increase your odds. I also signed up for USGS email alerts, which is how I found out about the eruption. We got the notification, jumped in the car, and drove straight there. Luckily we did, because the eruption only lasted that day.

4. Drive to Pololū Valley Lookout

If you’re looking for one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the island, don’t skip Pololū Valley Lookout.

I truly believe you haven’t seen the full beauty of Hawaii if you’ve only seen the beaches. The dramatic cliffs, lush green valleys, and rugged coastline here reveal a completely different side of the island.

The drive from Kona is part of the experience. You’ll travel through black lava fields before reaching rolling ranchland, the charming town of Hawi (a great lunch stop), and eventually the lookout itself.

If you’re up for it, you can hike the half-mile trail down to Pololū Beach. We chose to admire the view from above, but the black sand beach below looks stunning. Just remember that swimming isn’t recommended because of the strong currents.

Bestie Tip: It’s incredibly windy here. If you’re planning to take photos, leave your hat in the car and prepare for your hair to have a mind of its own.

5. Explore Downtown Kailua-Kona

Every trip to the Big Island includes time wandering through downtown Kailua-Kona.

While it’s true that a few longtime businesses have closed in recent years, there are still plenty of wonderful local shops and restaurants worth supporting.

Some of my favorites include:

• Crazy Shirts for custom-dyed t-shirts
• Kona Wave Cafe for acai bowls and shave ice
• Koa Wood Ranch for locally crafted koa wood gifts
• Hulakai Surf for beachwear and surf-inspired clothing
• Kai Eats & Drinks for their incredible sharing-sized haupia cake
• Island Ono Loa Grill for Hawaiian favorites like loco moco and fish tacos

6. Catch a Kona Sunset

One thing I learned on my very first visit is that the best sunsets on the Big Island happen on the Kona side.

Because the west coast faces the Pacific, you’ll get those classic Hawaiian sunsets over the ocean. Hilo has beautiful evenings too, especially when the clouds turn shades of pink and lavender, but nothing compares to watching the sun melt into the water from a Kona beach.

Bonus points if you end the day with a sunset swim!

7. Visit a Kona Coffee Farm

No list of things to do in Kona would be complete without visiting a coffee farm.

Kona coffee is world-famous, and the hills south of Kailua-Kona are filled with beautiful plantations. Our favorite stop is Kona Joe Coffee, which sits high above the coastline with sweeping ocean views. During the winter months, I’ve heard you can even spot whales from the property with a good pair of binoculars.

They offer complimentary coffee tastings as well as plantation tours. Personally, I’m perfectly content ordering a latte and relaxing in the garden with the view. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a cup of coffee in a more beautiful setting.

{RELATED POST: Best Coffee Shops in Portland Oregon}

7 Best Things to Do in Hilo

If you’re looking for quieter things to do in Hilo, welcome to my favorite side of the island.

While I think the Big Island as a whole is underrated, Hilo feels especially overlooked. You won’t find nearly as many resorts or tourists here (although cruise ships do occasionally stop). Instead, you’ll discover lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, charming local businesses, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the resort towns on the Kona Coast.

It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you love nature and don’t mind a little rain, I think Hilo is absolutely worth adding to your Big Island itinerary.

1. Sip an Ube Latte from Sippin Siren

First things first: coffee.

I get excited about just about anything with ube, so when I spotted an ube latte on the menu at Sippin Siren, I had to order it. Years later, it’s still my favorite drink on the island.

My order? A half-sweet iced ube latte topped with ube whip, a fluffy nitro whip made with coconut, vanilla, and ube. It’s the same drink I ordered on my first visit, and I’ve probably had it twenty times since.

They use locally grown Kaʻū coffee beans, which perfectly balance the sweetness of the ube.

If coffee isn’t your thing (it isn’t my partner’s either), they also serve real-fruit smoothies, yogurt boats, breakfast sandwiches, and homemade baked goods.

One more reason to visit? The entire coffee shop is mermaid themed. It’s also just minutes from Hilo’s beaches, making it the perfect stop before a quiet morning by the ocean. Speaking as someone who’s done exactly that more times than I can count, it’s one of my favorite ways to start the day.

For me, this is always at the very top of my list of things to do on the Big Island. If you order my go-to drink, let me know what you think. Better yet, tag me in your Instagram Story so I can see!

2. Visit the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden

If you found yourself admiring the bright pink flowers while driving away from the airport, then you’ll absolutely love the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden.

Although tropical beauty surrounds you almost everywhere on the Big Island, this garden feels especially magical. Set within a lush rainforest that stretches all the way to the ocean, the trails wind through towering palms, freshwater streams, and more than 2,500 species of tropical plants. You’ll see everything from orchids and hibiscus to giant cannonball trees from around the world.

Bestie Tip: Mosquitoes can definitely be persistent here, especially during the summer, so bug spray is a must. If you forget yours, you can buy some at the entrance. Visiting in the winter? Bring binoculars. We were lucky enough to spot whales from the garden during our February visit.

3. Swim at Carlsmith Beach Park

If you’re searching for relaxing things to do in Hilo, spend an afternoon at Carlsmith Beach Park.

The beaches around Hilo Bay are all worth exploring, but Carlsmith is the one I return to again and again. The first time I visited, I couldn’t believe the crystal-clear, blue-green lagoons. They almost looked too beautiful to be real.

Much of the water is shallow, making it a wonderful place to float and swim. Just remember that, like many beaches on the Hilo side, it’s rocky. Water shoes make getting in and out much easier.

Bestie Tip: I’ll be honest, the water here is noticeably cooler than many Kona beaches because freshwater streams flow into the lagoon. Personally, I find it incredibly refreshing on a warm afternoon. We’ve also seen several honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) here. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, stay at least 15 feet away, never touch them, and be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen before getting in the water.

4. Chase Waterfalls

One of the biggest perks of Hilo’s rainy climate? Waterfalls.

Rainbow Falls, located within Wailuku River State Park, is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit on the island. At 80 feet tall, it actually reminds me quite a bit of Snoqualmie Falls back home in Washington. If you’ve visited both, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Admission is $10 per vehicle plus $5 per person.

The falls get their name from the rainbows that occasionally appear in the morning mist. I haven’t personally been lucky enough to catch one, mostly because my visits have been pretty cloudy, but the waterfall is beautiful regardless. Best of all, it’s only minutes from downtown Hilo and requires almost no walking.

Another waterfall I highly recommend is Akaka Falls. At 442 feet tall, it’s nearly impossible not to be impressed. Nestled within a vibrant green canyon, it’s exactly the kind of tropical scenery many people picture when they imagine Hawaii.

The viewpoint is reached via a half-mile paved loop trail with stairs and moderate elevation gain. Admission is $5 per person.

Bestie Tip: There are a handful of free roadside parking spaces just outside the entrance if you don’t mind a short walk. Otherwise, parking inside costs $10. On your way back, stop in Honomū for tacos at Big Island Birria Boss. They were easily one of our favorite lunches of the trip. I also loved browsing Glass From the Past, a charming little vintage shop nearby.

5. Drive to the End of the Road

One of the things that makes Hilo so fascinating is its proximity to one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

When lava flows reshape the landscape, life here changes with it. The 2018 eruption dramatically transformed parts of the eastern side of the island, and you can still see those changes today by driving toward Pāhoa, Kalapana, and Lava Tree State Monument.

This is one of the more rugged things to do on the Big Island, and you’ll notice far fewer tourists once you leave Hilo behind.

Please remember to be respectful of local communities. Also, resist the temptation to climb around on lava fields. While they’re fascinating to see up close, the rock is incredibly uneven and surprisingly sharp.

Bestie Tip: Services become limited once you pass Keaʻau, so fill your gas tank and pack snacks before heading out. I’ve also heard to be especially mindful about leaving valuables in your vehicle at remote beach parking lots. We simply leave nothing visible inside the car.

6. Explore Historic Downtown Hilo

Historic downtown Hilo is much larger than many visitors expect.

Although the town has endured multiple tsunamis throughout its history, you’ll still find beautifully preserved buildings that are more than a century old. I love how walkable, artsy, and refreshingly local it feels.

My favorite stops include:

• Makini’s Magic Pineapple Shack for soft serve, açaí bowls, and Dole Whip floats
• Seaweed Snack Shop for adorable keychains and hair accessories
• ONE GALLERY for locally made artwork

You’ll also find the Hilo Farmers Market nearby. While it’s a little touristy for my taste and some vendors sell imported products, it’s still worth visiting, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays when the market is at its biggest.

7. Take a Walk Along Banyan Drive

If you’re a nature lover, don’t skip Banyan Drive.

The enormous banyan trees lining the road were planted by celebrities beginning in the 1930s. At first glance, you might simply notice the impressive canopy overhead. But if you stop and read the plaques, you’ll discover trees planted by Amelia Earhart, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and many other notable figures.

It’s one of those places that becomes more interesting the slower you explore it.

Bestie Tip: Don’t miss Banyan Gallery while you’re there. This locally owned gallery features beautiful paintings, jewelry, and glass art. One of my favorite purchases was a book telling the story behind every banyan tree along the drive. It made the perfect companion for a peaceful early morning walk before the day warmed up.

Final Thoughts on Things to do on the Big Island

I hope this guide helps you discover a few new things to do on the Big Island, whether you spend your trip soaking up the sunshine in Kona or chasing waterfalls around Hilo.

For me, that’s the beauty of this island. Every visit feels different, and somehow I always leave with a new favorite place, coffee shop, or memory. If you discover one of your own, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.