Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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Top 10 Nature & Parks in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI)
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.
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1. Kilauea Iki Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,428 reviews
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. Kilauea Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
Nature truly is amazing. One of the highlights of the Big Island tour because there are very few places on Earth where one can see an active volcano like this. Unfortunately for us tourist, there hasn't been an active lava flow for a few years since the last major eruption, but it is still an active Caldera. There are also really amazing steam vents that you can walk right up to and really get surrounded by this natural phenomenon.
3. Mauna Kea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
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!
4. Kauna'oa Bay
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Kealakekua Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 813 reviews
Reviewed By celestewest10s - Waikoloa, United States
This Is a wonderful day trip for the whole family to experience the wonders that make up what Hawaii is all about. It has history in that it was the site of a thriving Hawaiian village, you can rent kayaks to take across the bay to Captain Cook Monument; if you are a good swimmer, you can swim/snorkel in the bay and catch a glimpse of the magnificent dolphin pods that frequent the bay and you can just hang out at the rocky beach and watch the world go by. Easy to get to by car down the main hwy to Napooopo Rd, then follow the road down to the beach, about 5 miles. There are a few interesting things to see on the way down, besides the view, like Hawaii Island honey farm and the Kona coffee roasting building, with free samples at both places. Definitely worth the stop.
8. Punalu'u Black Sand beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,693 reviews
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!
9. Pololu Valley Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,096 reviews
One of many scenic valleys on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Reviewed By tano14130831 - San Ramon, United States
Had to insist that we give this hike a try. The concierge at our hotel said it was her favorite. Took about an hour to drive from Waikoloa to the lookout point but there were cute little shops in little towns on the way. Parked at the top of the cliff and hiked down to the most beautiful, serene and breathtaking scenery on the Big Island. There were tree swings near the black sand beach, majestic mountains on one side and ocean on the other. Cows were grazing in a far-off field near a peaceful meadow. I’d say hiking down took longer than hiking back up but neither took too long. Amazing views as you traverse the path. Went near sunset so only a few other people there. I’d do this hike again in a second!
10. Akaka Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,119 reviews
Reviewed By Steve82WCHS - Nappanee, United States
An easy walk (although there are quite a few stairs) to this beautiful waterfall, with the added bonus of a wide variety of tropical plants along the route. A limited view of another waterfall as well (partially hidden across a valley), but well worth the time. Park on the road just outside the lot and pay only $1 per person (it's $5 to park in the lot and you gain next to no saved walking distance).
