Surely those planning to visit Hawaii, The Big Island stands as an option in their bucket list. Start your exciting vacation with a walk in the coffee farms, ride on horseback while enjoying the sunset, and enjoy the infamous luau. Snorkel alongside unique sea creatures, hike to the cascading Akaka falls, gaze at the starry sky and complete the holiday by getting close to famous lava flows on the island. The perfect destination for a honeymoon, romantic get-away, and dream vacation!
Where to start? Big Island offers so many experiences but to name a few here you go:
Volcanoes National Park
The eerie glow of a lava lake, secluded palm-fringed beaches, ancient petroglyphs pecked into hardened lava and miles of hiking trails through smoking craters, rainforest, and desert – what's not to love about Hawai'i's number one site? For a singular experience, try and snag one of the 12 coveted spots on the weekly Secret Lava Tube Tour. This is one of the island's top places to experience Hawaiian culture, including hula on the crater rim, annual festivals, and lecture series.
Mauna Kea Star Party
It is breathless and breath-taking in the rarefied air of Mauna Kea, Hawaiʻi's most sacred location. Once the sun goes down, the stars come out, and with them telescopes for your viewing pleasure. The world's clearest stargazing is here – what you see through those telescopes, you won't soon forget. For a real trophy experience, head here for both the sun- and moonrise.
Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay
It's all true – from the teeming, Technicolor fish in knee-deep water, to the spinner dolphins lazily circling your kayak or catamaran. Tourist brochures hype Kealakekua Bay as the best snorkeling in the state, and, in this case, you can believe it. Even new rules regulating kayak use can't tarnish the luster of this must-see spot
Waipi'o Valley
Legends begin here, where the road ends overlooking this magical valley. You can linger at the scenic viewpoint; however, the waterfalls, wild horses, and wilder black-sand beach tend to beckon explorers. Choose from hiking, horseback, or even a mule-drawn wagon to get you there.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Dotted with ancient temples, and hangouts watched by menacing teeth-baring idols, a visit to this Pu'uhonua O Honaunau known as the Place of Refuge, makes a memorable introduction to traditional Hawaiian culture. There's no better place to gain an understanding of the kapu system that governed ancient Hawaii. Look for heads of honu (sea turtles) bobbing in the bay, foreshadowing the underwater wonders to come at the nearby snorkeling haven of Two-Step.
Lava chasing
If you're lucky (lava is fickle, don't you know?) you may get the chance to see live lava flowing over and under the land within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park; ending with a magnificent plunge into the sea, sending a steam plume over a mile skyward, as hot lava is mixed with roiling surf. Feel the heat, on a walking, or boat tour out of Puna.
Hapuna Beach
Rock up to this half-mile of powdery white-sand beach with a rented umbrella and boogie board, and one of Hawaii's most iconic beaches becomes your playground. Whether you are armed with a surfboard, lounge chair, or water wings – this beach has something for the whole family.
In Hawaii, the Big Island is Majestic and geographically unique, the Big Island boasts everything from black-sand beaches to snow-covered peaks, from hardened lava deserts to steamy and lush rain-forests. It's a destination not to be missed, and we can help you plan your next dream vacation here!