As someone who grew up on the Big Island, it’s easy for me to recommend it as the ideal Hawaii destination. There is SO much to do on the Big Island, and so many beautiful places to see. From colorful sandy beaches to lush waterfalls, you’ll be in awe at the things this island has to offer. This article features the top 10 places you must see on the Big Island.
Waipio Valley
There are two major valleys on the Big Island: Waipio and Pololu. Waipio is much steeper and harder than Pololu, and much more crowded. But each has their own beauty. Waipio dawns a black sand beach, wandering horses, and a river dividing the valley in half. You can enjoy the view from up top, or opt for an adventure and hike down.
The hike is one mile long but is incredibly steep. Hikers should walk on the right side of the road in the direction they’re going, allowing other hikers and cars to pass by. At the parking place, a group of locals have a shack, where they charge $15 one way per person. Many people opt to ride down because it saves a lot of time. We walked and it was fine, just very hot and humid so be sure to take a lot of water and something to wipe yourself off when you’re done (because you’ll be soaking with sweat). A great place to go after this hike is Tex Drive-In.
Akaka Falls
This is one of my must see sites on the Big Island, as it’s a class and favorite falls. Akaka Falls is a long waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The entrance fee is $1 and parking is free if you’re outside the gates (usually you’ll have to park outside the gates anyways because it’s so packed). Akaka falls is tall and beautiful, and the mini hike to it is full of lush greens and vibrant gingers and flowers.
South Point + Green Sand Beach
This place fascinates me and keeps me coming back by its beauty and its unique location in the United States of America. It is the southern-most tip of the country and many people jump off it. Even if you don’t jump, the beauty of the cliffs is breathtaking. Whenever we go to South Point, I always bring a couple jugs of water so that we can rinse the salt off our bodies before jumping back in the car. There are many signs that say not to jump, so really you’re jumping at your own risk. Be careful climbing the ladder because it’s pretty rusty and I cut my leg on it the first time I jumped. It’s still a really neat experience. 🙂
Hiking to Green Sand Beach is not an easy feat, especially because the sun and sticky salt can make you feel sweaty, hot, and even dehydrated. Many people opt to pay $30 for a ride from the locals that takes you to and from the beach.
I love walking along the beach and finding shells. I’ve found some beautiful, large shells while walking along the rocky shores to the Green Sand Beach. There are also a lot of ugly things, like trash along the shores, and bunches of trash floating in the distance. When you’re walking along the path, the red dirt can stain your shoes and stick to your legs and ankles.
I would recommend having: sunscreen (apply and keep reapplying), hat, sunglasses (the light can get really blinding after a while), and lots of water. We took our lunch from Punalu’u Bakery to the Green Sand Beach.
Once you reach the beach, you can hike down to swim in the water, or you can find a shady spot by the cliffs to rest.
Rainbow Falls
With this falls being free, it’s easy to put this on the top ten must see sites on the Big Island. Free to the public and located in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a beautiful, strong, rushing waterfall. Depending on the rain, the falls can be trickling one day and surging the next. Use caution when walking around because the rocks on the trails can be slippery. This is a great spot for pictures, plus it’s free!
Volcano National Park + Thurston Lava Tube
The park has a multitude of hikes. One of my favorite hikes is the Crater rim hike because you get to see the steam vents, and get up close and personal with many of the beautiful native plants. This is a hike that should be easy for the whole family. Keep an eye out for Liko Lehua, the flower most prestigious and well-represented in Hilo. It is a red flower that has tiny strands sticking out so it forms the shape of a small ball. There are also many native birds at the park, and I would highly recommend just taking the time to listen and enjoy the diversity of Hawaii.
The Thurston Lava Tube is an easy and fun hike for the whole family. The lava tube isn’t very long, but it’s still fun to walk through it. Entrance fee for the park is usually $25 and provides a pass that lasts for a week and a half.
Coconut Island
This is a fun place to go for a picnic and swim. The popular thing to do at Coconut Island is to jump off one or both of the two towers. State events, parties, and other activities are usually held here. You will see people fishing, paddle-boarding, and there are places for little children to swim. The island has views of the hotels. If you are watching, you can sometimes see whales in the distance. Parking here is very limited, so if it’s a nice day, hurry on over! 🙂
Hapuna
One of the only white sand beaches on the Big Island, Hapuna stretches out, allowing a plentitude of people to share its area. The only limits come with parking. If you don’t get there early enough, you could be circling the parking lot, waiting for a spot to open. There is a park fee of $5 for non-Hawaii residents.
The place offers food and shave ice (it’s very pricy, like $5 for a small shave ice) but I recommend bringing your own food and lots of water.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
The black sand looks like tiny particles of black rocks. The beach is known for the many turtles who rest on its shores, and for the tiny tide pools that children can play in. You will find many locals here playing ukulele, barbecuing with family, or fishing on the outskirts. It’s a great gathering place.
Parking fills up fast, and if you aren’t there quick enough, you might have to park on the side of the road. There is a shower to rinse off as well.
Queen Liliuokalani Garden
Hawaii’s last queen had a garden on the Big Island. She would visit every now and then, and the cultures blending perfectly in this little area. The gardens are full of red bridges and toris, and the little ponds once held many koi fish. Bamboo shoots and other plants grace the garden. It’s a very beautiful area for relaxation, with the sounds and smell of the ocean in the background.
Hilo Farmers Market
Visiting the Hilo Farmer’s Market is one of my favorite things to do on the Big Island. Local vendors come from all over Hilo and sell their goods. There are also many Filipino and Chinese vendors, selling dresses, jewelry, and other goods not made in Hawaii. Just because you bought it in Hawaii doesn’t mean it’s made in Hawaii. I still love looking at all of the art and jewelry. A lot of my jewelry has come from the Farmer’s Market and local jewelry makers.
On one side of the Farmer’s Market vendors sell vegetables, fruit, and other produce. There are also vendors selling bentos and food. I love the Filipino food from the Farmer’s Market because it reminds me of the Philippines. There are also vendors selling Chinese food, Spam musubi, jam, jelly, honey, cookies, and pretty much any food you can think of. I love the Vietnamese vegetable spring rolls with peanut sauce so keep an eye out for that! I also love the Filipino sweet sticky mochi rice.
So there you have it! These are the top ten places I love to see and visit in Hawaii. With the beautiful diversity of the Big Island, you’re sure to have a grand time! In the comments below, let me know which places you want to see the most—or if you’ve gone, what was your favorite place on the Big Island?
Wishing you a wonderful adventure,
Leialoha
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