10 Outdoor Activities in Island of Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss

January 4, 2022 Claudia Navarrete

Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii

1. Kilauea Iki Trail

Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, HI 96785 +1 808-985-6000 http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/Kilauea-Iki-Trail-Guide-2013.pdf
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,428 reviews

Kilauea Iki Trail

A moderate 4 mile hike into a an old volcanic crater.

Reviewed By jdc8mbc

Start early in the day, if only because parking is extremely limited at the Kilauea Iki Overlook. There are two ways to hike: clockwise, the more difficult direction which begins with an unpaved path, or counterclockwise, the easier direction which begins with going down steps. The descent to the crater floor is 400 feet... the ascent back to the parking area via the counterclockwise direction involves hiking switchbacks which is easier than climbing uneven, high, and steep steps if one has taken the clockwise direction. If in relatively decent shape, allow approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Elevation/altitude is about 4,000 feet. The interpretative map/guide is available for $2 at the park headquarters and is worthwhile. Pack a hat/cap, sunglasses, plenty of water and insect repellent.

2. Mauna Kea Beach

62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-9799
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 427 reviews

Mauna Kea Beach

Located behind the Mauna Kea Hotel.

Reviewed By MTS--1000 - Everett, United States

Very nice beach. Clean. Even the public restrooms are reasonably clean. As others have said very limited parking which is good if you’re one of the lucky ones. Went with the family and the young grandkids had a great time in the water and playing in the sand. The parking is uphill from the beach with a paved walkway. The grade was manageable for this old guy. We all had fun!

3. Kauna'oa Bay

Island of Hawaii, HI
Excellent
81%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Kauna'oa Bay

The number one beach in the United States.

4. Chain of Craters Road

Island of Hawaii, HI +1 808-985-6000 http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/ccr_tour.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 330 reviews

Chain of Craters Road

Reviewed By queenofrolic - Sacramento, United States

It was raining ( mostly lightly) the day I did this drive and I really enjoyed the Devastation Trail hike and the hike to see the petroglyphs. The Thurston Lava Tube was closed but I have hiked that before. Highly recommend but be sure to get out of your car!

5. Onomea Bay

Island of Hawaii, HI
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Onomea Bay

Reviewed By marieequebec - Quebec City, Canada

light hiking free parking on the street free access some trails were in common with the botanical garden an absolute must the scenic drive to and from there je striking

6. Punalu'u Black Sand beach

Highway 11, Pahala, Island of Hawaii, HI 96777
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,693 reviews

Punalu'u Black Sand beach

Nestled in an area with coconut trees and a black sand beach, this park is one of the best in Hawaii.

Reviewed By mjhoug - Minneapolis, United States

This beach was our last stop of the day and what a gem it was! Black sand beach with plenty of coconut trees for shade. There was a turtle resting on the beach. There is a beautiful lily pond and bridge behind the beach - it made you feel like you were in a completely different area. The water was definitely cooler on this side of the island compared to the Kona side but we were happy to just relax on the beach. Definitely worth stopping here!

7. Dolphin Quest

Excellent
77%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,762 reviews

Dolphin Quest

Dolphin Quest Hawaii, located at the spectacular Hilton Waikoloa Village, brings people and dolphins closer than ever in fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all ages. This unique experience is on-of-a-kind on Hawaii's Big Island and is great for kids, adults or the entire family! Reservations can be made a year in advance. Dolphin Quest's Learning Center Lagoon, opened in 1988, was the first of its kind and inspired a new generation of large, natural habitats for marine mammals. A portion of the proceeds from your Dolphin Quest encounter program supports vital marine education, conservation and scientific study. TripAdvisor Certificate Excellence winner for the last 6 years (2012 to 2017)!

8. Papakolea Green Sand Beach

Near Ka Lae South Point, Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96772
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,118 reviews

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

The big island of Hawaii's southernmost point features the Green Sand Beach.

Reviewed By BethneyD

We had no idea what we were in for when spontaneously we took someones advice to see the "green sand" beach. This is something that should be planned as an all day event....getting to the parking area is simple and directions easy to follow. Parking your car at this spot means about an hour and a half walk/hike to the actual beach!! Be prepared to have water, good walking shoes, snacks just for getting to the location. We walked half way and then caught a ride with one of the locals who ferry people back and forth on old vehicles for a modest charge (25$ per person). Walking/hiking is free....but will take time. Once you reach the beach, a walk down steep stairs to the actual sand and water is breathtaking and truly majestic.

9. Saddle Road

Hawaii Highway 200, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI +1 808-935-6268 http://www.hiloliving.com/DrivingSaddleRoad.html
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,687 reviews

Saddle Road

Reviewed By AroundtownCT - Atlanta, United States

Beautiful drive through mountains See lots of different landscapes and weather Best way to cross the island

10. Anaehoomalu

69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, Island of Hawaii, HI 96738-5711 +1 808-464-0840
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 745 reviews

Anaehoomalu

Reviewed By christinern - Vancouver, Canada

Go in the morning, before the waves and wind pick up. A long beach to walk, there are loungers close to the Marriott resort. Good for boogie boarding, some snorkeling and swimming. Lots of shade if you get there early. Beautiful sunsets from behind the fish pond looking towards the ocean. Walk down the beach past Lava Lava to spot turtles on the rocks and beach. Many feral and friendly cats live here.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.