Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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Things to do in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
Kona Historical Society's Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook is a "must see" Hawaii attraction and the only living history coffee farm in the nation. Stroll through this Smithsonian-affiliated, outdoor museum that tells the story of Kona's Japanese immigrants that became Kona's coffee pioneers during the early 20th century. A self-guided experience, you're free to walk among the coffee trees, meet a "Kona Nightingale", or watch how farmers used the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry their world-famous coffee. Visit the original 1920's farmhouse where you may find the homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for the farmer's lunch. "Talk story" along the way with living history interpreters and discover the story behind Kona's gourmet crop.
Reviewed By X7222OQstephenr
Coming to the end of our vacation in Hawaii, we wanted to do something different than go to the beach again (don’t get me wrong, the beaches are awesome). I (Dad) had suggested going to a coffee farm, and with a bit of searching, came up with this place. So, we wandered down the road for a visit. It was fantastic. The docents (I’m not sure if that’s really the right word to use here) were so knowledgeable, and the stories they told were fantastic. We really hope someone records all those stories for the future! The farm itself was fantastic, and gave new insights into some of the history of Hawai’i and of the Japanese immigrants who lived and worked there. My spouse and I have both been to Hawai’i before, and have both done coffee farm tours elsewhere, but by and large they’ve been showing how modern coffee growing is done and are ready to just push you along to the gift shop where you can (of course) buy their coffee. But this place was completely different — interesting, educational, and fun. Loved it. And, importantly, my 8-year old loved it too! We spent about 2 hours there, and were all really happy that we did!
2. Paradise Meadows
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
An authentic, diversified family farm. We specialize in hand-crafted, artisanal, 100% Hawaiian products including macadamia nuts that are dehydrated rather than roasted so they taste more like the fresh macadamia nut right out of the shell, unique varieties of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, award-winning 100% Ka'u coffee, several varieties of natural Hawaiian honey and buttery Tropical Shortbread cookies. On a visit to the farm you can enjoy free samples of all of our tasty treats, and you can meet the farmers, take a free self-guided tour (including our Aquaponic greenhouse), take a scenic and educational guided tour, and learn about honey, coffee and macadamia nut production. You can also meet our 4 parrots and see a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers growing in our fields and gardens. We also have clean bathrooms, beach showers, free WiFi, and USB charging stations available for visitors.
Reviewed By dunadan - Lynnwood, United States
We followed the signs to Paradise Meadows on our way back to the highway from South Point, and were very glad we stopped and spent 15 minutes browsing the gift shop, walking the grounds, and checking out some of the animals on display. The annoying duck who kept walking into he open-air shop and had to be shooed out was funny to deal with, as we enjoyed tasting samples of the delicious products. We purchased a couple of bags of the chocolate-coated goodies, said hello to the birds on displays, and dodged raindrops while we walked the grounds a bit to stretch out our legs. Definitely worth the stop if you are driving to or from South Point!
3. The Vanillerie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
We invite guests to our farm to see, smell, taste, and feel vanilla growing on the vine in our shade house oases in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, five minutes from the Kona International Airport. Come to learn about the beautiful vanilla orchid's fascinating history and experience entertainment and delight for all ages. Our vanilla infused food and body products excite all the senses, and allow guests to take the experience home with them.
Reviewed By 617areacode
The story of JR's decision to launch this vanilla farm and his many experiments in figuring out how best to grow, harvest, and process the beans so super interesting. Great little shop where you can try vanilla ice-cream (included with the tour) and buy other food and bath/body products. Seems as if JR is always inventing something new, so probably by the time you go, there will be even more to do or see!
4. Lavaloha
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
We are growers and makers of single origin, 100% Hawaiian chocolate. Our 1,000 acre cacao farm is set high on the slopes of Mauna Kea, just outside of Hilo, where the rich volcanic soil adds depth and flavor to our cocoa beans. We invite you to take the scenic drive up to our Visitor Center where you'll be welcomed with sweeping mauka to makai views. Enjoy samples of our handcrafted chocolates at the Visitor Center & Gift Shop! Embark on a Tree-to-Chocolate Tour with our knowledgeable guides where you'll explore our cacao orchards, walk through our chocolate processing facilities, visit the chocolate kitchen and learn about the tree-to-chocolate journey. Our vast lanai (porch) is a great place to take in the views of Hilo. Entrance to our Visitor Center & Gift Shop is free and open to the public.
Reviewed By AussieBonz
We saw Lavaloha in a Facebook ad, booked a tour, and boy was it wonderful. I absolutely love chocolate but never knew how it was made. Our guide took us through the entire chocolate making process as we toured their cacao farm, and we tasted everything from the cacao fruit to the roasted bean to the finished product. Lavaloha grows their own cacao, processes the beans, makes the chocolate and packages it all right on their farm. They focus on making top quality chocolate and it really is much nicer regular store-bought chocolate. There is a shop where you can buy some to take home. They are only about 10 mins from Hilo downtown and their property is beautiful, with its own waterfall. Because it’s higher up on the base of Mauna Kea, there is a beautiful view of Hilo and the bay from there. It’s definitely worth a visit.
5. Puukohola National Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Historical park honoring King Kamehameha
Reviewed By artess1 - Tiburon, United States
The"Place of Refuge" national park has a fascinating Hawaiian history and is still a sacred site with Chiefs Temple and 3 Heiaus, one of which is located just offshore underwater. It has a small, charming gift shop and "guided tours" are offered twice a day (morning & mid-afternoon). However, the "self-guided tour" is easily followed on your own. Local volunteers are Informative and work thruout the park maintaining the grounds, restoring paths, walls & other structures found thruout and the Chiefs Temple surrounded by large, wooden Ki'i's statues. One guide explained a question we had re. the Hawaiian laws & sanctuary while weaving a grass cape for an upcoming ceremony. NOTE: As a sacred site, the activities by visitors are truly limited to walking & viewing the gorgeous location & grounds (No pets, beach or picnicking equipment, weddings, etc). Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a sun hat & definitely a water bottle.
6. Waipi'o Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,026 reviews
A scenic area of waterfalls and thousand foot cliffs.
Reviewed By swearengen
You can drive a 4-wheel (though rentals might not let you) or hike down. But we took the Waipio Valley Shuttle down for a great tour of the valley. Surrounded by mountains with gorgeous rivers, taro farms, wild horses, and fruit trees all around, it is really something to see. A beautiful and unique area.
7. Dahana Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
A working cattle ranch that allows tourists to drive cattle.
Reviewed By Porcupine-415 - San Francisco, United States
My family of 4 (2 adults, 17yo, 14yo) went on the Ranch Ride (1.5 hours) at Dahana Ranch. We horseride occasionally so are probably in the beginner with some experience category. LOCATION: in the highlands east of Waimea. Much cooler and with more mist than along the coast (this was a positive as we would have been uncomfortably hot at sea level). HORSES: Born and raised on the island and sure footed among the rocks. Horses all were well trained although some required more prompting to gallop. GUIDE: we had a very experienced guide, Kiyo, who gave us tips and tried to teach us in how to lead the horse. She would have us go in "Z" patterns and practice turning the horses around and coming to a stop. We were also accompanied by 4 ranch dogs during the entire route. ROUTE: we rode along the hills east of the ranch for a solid 1.5 hours OVERALL: 1) My whole family enjoyed the ride due to the countryside, the guide, and the horses. 2) Easy to fit in the schedule: the ride duration of 1.5 hours + 30 minutes check-in worked great for us and is shorter than most other rides (they also offer a 2 hour advanced ride and a 2.5 hour range station ride where you actually herd cattle). 3) Excellent value: this was one of the least expensive horseback riding options we found on the Big Island.
8. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,652 reviews
This 182-acre park contains the Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge, as well as other temples and coastal sites.
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, United States
Located on the southern edge of Kealakekua Bay, Pu'honua Honaunau was designated as a National Park in 1961. Also called Place of Refuge this extraordinary historical sight offers a fascinating journey through Hawaiian history. Within the extensive grounds of the park are a Great Wall over 1000 feet long and 10 feet high built of lava rock in the 1500's, reconstructed thatched roof Hawaiian houses, temples and wooden carvings of gods protecting the Hale-o-Keawe mausoleum. Park Rangers offer introductory talks at times during the day and a visitors center, restroom facilities, picnic tables, tide pools, hiking trails and free audio tour of the cultural sights is available. There is a small fee to park.
9. Crater Rim Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
An 11-mile scenic drive within Volcanoes National Park
Reviewed By HOCKPOOH - Boonton, United States
Crater Rim Drive was a real fun drive. It's located smack dab in the center of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Along our drive we had wonderful views of volcanoes, steam vents, pit craters, underground lava tubes and so much more.
10. Pu'ukohola Heiau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
A stone temple built by King Kamehameha in 1719.
Reviewed By ayakoi619
This is a old temple, Heiau, which was built by King Kamehameha I and one of the best preserved place compare to all of the others which locate in Hawaii state. You also can enjoy short trail around the heiau, so please wear comfortable shoes. Visiting the center first, then look around the heiau will be easy to understand for young kids.
