7 Best Places in Big Island

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Tanya Byelova
March 16, 2022

Hawaii Island is the largest and youngest Island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Some locals call it the Big Island. The Island is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Hawaii. This one-of-a-kind location is home to a stunning national park, active volcanoes, and black-sand beaches.

In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you may climb over 150 miles of trails through scalded deserts, craters, and rainforest, stroll through a 500-year-old lava tube, and learn about volcanology at the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum.

Hawaii's Island's west part also provides an ideal temperature for cultivating the world-famous Kona coffee.

Read about 7 Best Places in the Big Island

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

In the park are two active volcanoes: Klauea and Mauna Loa. Every year, millions of visitors visit National Park to amaze up-close glimpse of a dynamic volcanic system where lava pours from cracks in the soil.

The Thurston Lava Tube, Devastation Trail, and the boiling Halema'uma'u crater are just a few of the attractions in the park. Tourists may experience the excitement of feeling seismic activity, hearing the boom of gas releases or even witnessing an ash pillar escape into the air at the area's most active moments. If you travel at night during an active eruption, you could see a blazing "lava lake" – carry a flashlight to navigate safely.

At this spectacular national park, you may also go through the massive Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old tube carved into the soil by boiling, flowing lava. Don't forget to take the best photos ever!

2. Hilo

Hilo is located only 45 minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hikers may enjoy waterfalls and the Boiling Pots at Wailuku River State Park.

You may visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Mission House and Museum, the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and the Imiloa Astronomy Center if you can pull yourself away from the beach. Hikers may enjoy waterfalls and the Boiling Pots at Wailuku River State Park.

One of Hawaii's greatest outdoor markets, attracts approximately 200 merchants each week who sell fish, fruit, apparel, crafts, and other items each week. A very colorful array of locally grown exotic fruits and vegetables, macadamia nuts, island jams and jellies, tasty baked items, and enormous buckets of orchids and anthuriums are available. Arrive early for the finest selection, and don't be afraid to haggle.

3. Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea (means "white mountain") is a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The top is snow-covered all year and available for skiing from December to May.

Because the volcano's top is the highest point in Hawaii, it has become a global hub for astronomy research. It is home to the world's biggest observatory, with 13 telescopes operated by astronomers from eleven different nations.

Evening stargazing sessions at the visitor center, which stands at around 9,200 feet, are popular with visitors and residents. Tours are also available to the visitor center or the top for astronomy and planet watching - Manua Kea's secluded position provides a particularly glittering sky on clear evenings.

4. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Beach is Hawaii's most well-known black sand beach. The black sand was formed as a consequence of lava hitting the ocean and rapidly cooling.

All sea turtles prefer breeding in warmer black sands, so you will undoubtedly see turtles throughout your stay.

There are beautiful rows of coconut palms on the Punaluu beach. Because the black sand may get quite hot in the sun, the shade beneath the palms is an excellent area to hang out.

From 8:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m., lifeguards are on duty at the beach every day. Parking, a picnic area, bathroom facilities, and an outdoor shower are available at the beach.

5. Kehena Black Sand Beach

If you want to swim with dolphins but can't afford the price, you might want to explore Kehena Black Sand Beach. You may stand on the cliffs above and wait for the wild pod of dolphins that swims past the rocks.

Kehena Beach, located in the Puna section of the Big Island, is one of Hawaii's few unofficial "clothing optional" beaches. It is a long narrow black-sand beach known to locals as Dolphin Beach due to the regular occurrences of spinner dolphins in the vicinity.

Swimming is only feasible when the water is calm since the beach is exposed to the open ocean, and powerful rip currents and undertows can occur during heavy surf times.

6. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Hapuna Beach is located on the island of Hawaii and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, with half a mile of smooth sand and stunning turquoise seas.

Hapuna Beach, the largest of the island's white-sand beaches, has constantly been placed in worldwide Top Ten lists of the greatest beaches in the world. Hapuna also has regularly superb swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and snorkeling conditions. During the year, migratory whales may also be seen in the distance.

It's also a simple beach to get to: there's plenty of parking, as well as food sellers, picnic spots, bathrooms, and showers.

7. Akaka Falls State Park

The Akaka Falls State Park on Hawaii's Big Island is home to thick forests, waterfalls, and a deep valley, making it an ideal site for nature enthusiasts to explore when taking a vacation from the island's beautiful beaches.

As you walk through thick tropical foliage along a concrete route that leads to many viewpoint locations, you can see the flowing Kahuna Falls and the spectacular Akaka Falls. As you walk through thick tropical foliage along a concrete route that leads to many viewpoint locations, you can see the flowing Kahuna Falls and the spectacular 442-foot Akaka Falls. The entire Akaka Falls Loop Trail is less than a mile long and includes many steps.