Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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Top 10 State 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.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. 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!
2. Kona Coast State Park
3. 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).
4. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,646 reviews
One of the nicest sand beaches on the Kohala coast.
Reviewed By Goatgirl194
Not far from Kona, this beautiful white sand beach is so family friendly when you have a 4 year old in tow! It was easy to park at the beach, clean bathrooms, outdoor showers to rinse off the sand and salt, right sized waves for boogie boarding, lovely vistas everywhere you look, outdoor food shack, lots of space on the beach to spread out. This was truly a winner for our family!
5. Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Odyssey617627
We had a beautiful exceptional sunset at Mauna Kea Sate Recreation Area. It was breathtaking. The allitude to go all the way to the top was not good for elderly people and there are signs posted everywhere and onlyl 4 wheel drive vehicles were allowed to drive to the top. But we got a very good sunset from the Recreation centre.I would recommend this particular outing to family and friends.
6. Kekaha Kai State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States
Ka’elehuluhulu & Mahai’ulu Bay are on the southern end of Kekaha Kai State Park, and are reached from the main highway via a rough road (w/ occasional paved sections that have double back to back speed bumps) through a black lava field... if you’re driving a low clearance sedan, then caution is advised (!). The lengthy drive is worth it ... Ka’elehuluhulu is located next to the parking lot at the end of the road, while Mahai’ulu Bay is a short walk along a path to the right (look for direction signs ). Picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms etc are found here... better swimming is located at Mahai’ulu (broad sandy beach there), while the rocky reefs at Ka’elehuluhulu seem to have more fish. Access is controlled by a gate (opens at 8am)... enjoy this cool north Kona seaside area :)
7. Kahalu'u Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States
Kahalu’u Beach is located towards the southern end of Alii Drive, near Keauhou, and can be easily reached via the Honu Trolley (or scooters, bicycles, etc). Showers, covered picnic tables, & a lifeguard station makes it a great place for families and ocean enthusiasts... there’s a protective rock reef encircling the beach which provides for calmer water inside it, and there’s a myriad of fish to observe while snorkeling. The northern end is a popular spot for beginning surfers (nice sized waves and a short paddle; big storms can create large surf here, so caution is advised under such conditions); rental boards and surfing instructors are available across the street. Enjoy!
8. Mauna Kea State Park - Halepohaku Area
9. Lapakahi State Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By ryans69 - San Francisco, United States
The view is great, the spot is very relaxing and contemplative. You can get a sense of how they lived in the village 500 years ago, if you have a good imagination. I liked picturing the idyllic lifestyle - they had very few cares in the world, compared to our lives now. Pick up the map/brochure first, and then follow the numbered signs. The hike is well marked and the brochure has descriptions. Bring some water and wear a good sun hat, although I am happy to report there were actually several places to sit on a bench in the shade during the hike. There are also 1-2 perfect picnic tables (in the shade) near the parking area. There's a porta potty. The entire park is not really staffed, it's more self-service, which may be why it closes so early. Common situation you may be in (as I was): feel like it's a good day for a short activity away from the hotel after breakfast, before coming back to the pool/beach at your hotel for the afternoon...for this purpose, I suggest Lapakahi is a nice length drive from the Kohala Coast hotels, a nice length hike on flat terrain, and you can also drive a bit further up to Hawi afterwards in 15 minutes... in all, it makes a great 3-hour break from hotel pool/beach, sometimes just what you want. See my separate review of Kohala Coffee Mill in Hawi, suggested for ice cream maybe after the Lapakahi hike.
10. Wailuku River State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By ColleenC974
My husband and I love waterfalls, and this one we found rather by accident. It is right off the road (there is a small area to pull off), and it is just beautiful! You can watch it continue on both sides of the bridge. Nice little stop.
