Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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What to do and see in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best National Parks
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
Reviewed By kpammy
This is a really nice place to stop for a walk as there are not that many people. Hike the Ala Mauka Makai trail for 0.7 miles-- you will see a Hawaiian royal fishing ground, There were signs that green sea turtles are around but that morning we went, there were none sighted. We saw a Indian mulberry tree full of the unusual ripe yellow color fruit that ancient Hawaiians used as food source, the Alo'pio fish trap, and a canoe house (Halau Na'a) at the shoreline. The walk on the trail can be somewhat hot, so make sure you bring along some water. Also, the trail is all on soil so prepare with good walking shoes. A ranger does walk around the surroundings to help answer questions. Great to stop for a least 1 - 1 1/2 hours with a few minutes stop at the Visitor Center and gift shop.
4. 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.
5. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By btreid - Portland, United States
We have been in this park several times and there is always something new. Always join the ranger led tour, it's only 45 minutes. You get to know more about the Volcanoes and the history of the island. Take your time and enjoy the hike around Kilauea caldera. Make sure you have the right shoes. I would recommend hiking shoes. The landscape of this park has changed since the 2018 eruption so be aware that there are no magma that glows red at night. Kilauea caldera looks like a giant football field. The Thurston lava tube is now open. It's all lit and kids can definitely do the short walk.
6. Devil's throat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By MikeH305 - Phoenix, United States
I heard about this place but we drove past it the first time. Not marked on the maps but I had printed a google map of the location. Not too far from the Hilina pali Road. Parking is ont he side of the Chain Of Craters Road. Some might say its just a big hole in the ground.
