Table of Contents
Enjoy the Natural Wonders of the Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the most spectacular places on earth. With its majestic mountains, lush rainforest, and stunning beaches, the Big Island is an ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiast. From the breathtaking Waimea Canyon to the volcanic wonder of Kilauea, the Big Island offers a wealth of natural wonders. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the must-see places on the Big Island.
Waimea Canyon
The Waimea Canyon is one of the most iconic spots on the Big Island. This awe-inspiring canyon is 10 miles long and over 3,000 feet deep. Its sheer walls are a stunning contrast to the vibrant colors of the surrounding vegetation and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. From the observation points along the canyon’s rim, visitors can take in spectacular views of the canyon’s walls, ridges, and gorges. The Waimea Canyon is a popular destination for hikers, who can explore the canyon’s trails and get a closer look at its dramatic beauty.
For those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are several tour companies that offer guided hikes and other excursions in and around the canyon. There are also several vista points along the canyon’s rim, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. And for those who don’t mind the height, there are also helicopter tours that offer spectacular views of the canyon from above.
No matter how you choose to experience the Waimea Canyon, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet and is located on the Big Island’s east side. The volcano has been continuously erupting since 1983, and visitors can take in spectacular views of its fiery lava flows from the nearby observation decks. For those who are feeling adventurous, there are guided hikes to the volcano’s summit, where visitors can get a firsthand look at the lava flows and experience the power of the volcano up close.
For a unique experience, visitors can also take a helicopter tour and view the volcano from the air. This is a great way to get an aerial view of the volcano and the surrounding landscape. And for those who are feeling especially daring, there are even lava boat tours, where visitors can take a boat out to see the lava flows up close.
No matter how you choose to experience Kilauea, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Hilo
Hilo is the Big Island’s largest city and is located on the east side of the island. It’s a bustling and vibrant city, with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse range of attractions. From the historic downtown area to the spectacular Hilo Bay, there’s plenty to do and see in Hilo.
Hilo is home to a number of historical sites, including the Lyman Mission House and the Hilo Palace Theater. Visitors can also explore the city’s many parks and gardens, such as the Liliuokalani Gardens and the Mauna Loa Botanical Garden. For those who are looking for a more adventurous experience, there are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Wailuku River State Park Trail and the Mauna Kea Summit Trail.
No matter what your interests are, Hilo is sure to have something for everyone.
Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the Big Island. Located in the Akaka Falls State Park, the falls plunge 442 feet into a lush tropical gorge. Visitors can take in spectacular views of the falls from the park’s observation decks, and for those who are feeling adventurous, there are also several hiking trails in the park.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a guided kayak tour and explore the falls up close. This is a great way to get an up-close look at the falls and experience the power of the water up close. And for those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are also boat tours available that take visitors on a leisurely cruise along the falls.
No matter how you choose to experience Akaka Falls, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the highest mountain on the Big Island and is an awe-inspiring sight. It stands 13,796 feet above sea level and is a sacred site for the Hawaiian people. Visitors can take in spectacular views of the mountain from the nearby Mauna Kea Visitor Center, which offers free telescopes and guided star-gazing tours. For those who are feeling adventurous, there are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Mauna Kea Summit Trail and the Pu’u Huluhulu Trail.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a guided tour and explore the summit of Mauna Kea. This is a great way to get an up-close look at the summit and experience the power of the mountain up close. And for those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are also several helicopter tours available that take visitors on a scenic flight around the mountain.
No matter how you choose to experience Mauna Kea, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on the Big Island and is an awe-inspiring sight. It stands 13,677 feet above sea level and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. Visitors can take in spectacular views of the volcano from the nearby Mauna Loa Observatory, which offers free guided tours and star-gazing sessions. For those who are feeling adventurous, there are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Mauna Loa Summit Trail and the Mauna Loa Trail.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a guided tour and explore the summit of Mauna Loa. This is a great way to get an up-close look at the summit and experience the power of the volcano up close. And for those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are also several helicopter tours available that take visitors on a scenic flight around the volcano.
No matter how you choose to experience Mauna Loa, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most spectacular parks on the Big Island. The park is home to two of the most active volcanoes on the planet—Kilauea and Mauna Loa—and offers visitors a chance to explore the power of these volcanoes up close. The park is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and there are several trails in the area, including the Kilauea Iki Trail and the Mauna Loa Summit Trail. Visitors can also take in spectacular views of the volcanoes from the park’s observation decks.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a guided tour and explore the park up close. This is a great way to get an up-close look at the park and experience the power of the volcanoes up close. And for those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are also several helicopter tours available that take visitors on a scenic flight around the park.
No matter how you choose to experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach State Park is one of the most popular beaches on the Big Island. Located on the western side of the island, the beach is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing, and there are several surf schools in the area for those who are looking to learn the sport. Visitors can also take in spectacular views of the beach from the nearby observation points.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a guided kayak tour and explore the beach up close. This is a great way to get an up-close look at the beach and experience the beauty of the ocean up close. And for those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are also several boat tours available that take visitors on a leisurely cruise along the beach.
No matter how you choose to experience Hapuna Beach State Park, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is one of the most iconic beaches on the Big Island. Located on the southeastern side of the island, the beach is a stunning contrast to the surrounding white sand beaches. The beach is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and visitors can take in spectacular views of the beach from the nearby observation points.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a guided kayak tour and explore the beach up close. This is a great way to get an up-close look at the beach and experience the beauty of the ocean up close. And for those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are also several boat tours available that take visitors on a leisurely cruise along the beach.
No matter how you choose to experience Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is a stunning bay located on the Big Island’s west side. It’s an ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking, and visitors can take in spectacular views of the bay from the nearby observation points. The bay is also a popular spot for scuba diving, and there are several dive shops in the area for those who are looking to explore the area up close.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a guided tour and explore the bay up close. This is a great way to get an up-close look at the bay and experience the beauty of the ocean up close. And for those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are also several boat tours available that take visitors on a leisurely cruise along the bay.
No matter how you choose to experience Kealakekua Bay, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Summary
Hawaii’s Big Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From the breathtaking Waimea Canyon to the volcanic wonder of Kilauea, the Big Island offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely adventure or an adrenaline-filled experience, the Big Island has something for everyone. From the iconic Waimea Canyon to the majestic Mauna Kea, the Big Island is sure to provide a memorable experience for every visitor.