Hawaiʻi Island · Sights & Parks
Things to Do on the Big Island
An active volcano, a sacred summit above the clouds, rain-forest waterfalls, and places of refuge — the island’s sights are big and far apart, so plan them by region.
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Volcano Tours
Kīlauea’s summit is about 4,000 feet up and a long drive from the Kona resorts. A guided tour handles the driving, the timing, and the park’s ever-changing list of closures.
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Maunakea Stargazing
Watch the sun set above the clouds beside some of the world’s largest telescopes, then stargaze through a telescope on the mountain astronomers chose for its skies.
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National & State Parks
Volcanoes, sanctuaries, and historic parks run by the NPS and the state.
National & State ParksVolcano
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
This is the island's essential day trip, with craters, lava flows, and rainforest all along one drive. Give it a full day, and check the USGS updates before you go, because a fountaining episode can be spectacular.
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National & State ParksSouth Kona
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
It's the island's most moving cultural site, and the setting of palms, black lava, and turquoise water is as beautiful as it is sacred. Pair it with a snorkel at Two Step next door.
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National & State ParksSouth Kona
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
History and some of Hawaiʻi's best snorkeling share the same water. Visit the right way, on foot or with a permitted operator, and you'll see why it's worth protecting.
Read moreKona
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
It's free, often quiet, and close to town, and it's the easiest way to see how Hawaiians engineered the coastline to feed whole communities.
Read morePuna
Lava Tree State Monument
A strange, shady, short wander that breaks up a Puna drive nicely, and it's free.
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Waterfalls
The rain-fed falls of the Hilo side and the Hāmākua Coast.
WaterfallsHamakua Coast
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Maximum waterfall for minimal effort. The island's most dramatic falls are a short loop from the parking lot.
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WaterfallsHilo
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
A five-minute stop that delivers. Come early on a sunny morning for your best shot at the rainbow.
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Lookouts & Scenic Points
Valley overlooks, sea cliffs, and the southernmost point in the United States.
Lookouts & Scenic PointsMauna Kea
Maunakea Summit & Visitor Information Station
Watch the sunset above the clouds, then take in a sky full of stars at the VIS. It's one of the island's great free experiences. Respect the mountain: stay on the roads and leave every rock where you found it.
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Lookouts & Scenic PointsHamakua Coast
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
It may be the most dramatic view on the island, and it costs nothing but the drive. Take it in from the top. The valley floor is mostly private land and a living community.
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Lookouts & Scenic PointsNorth Kohala
Pololū Valley Lookout
The view from the lot alone is worth the drive past Hāwī. The hike down is a bonus if your knees are up for it.
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Culture & History
Palaces, heiau, gardens, and museums that tell the islands’ story.
Culture & HistoryHilo
Liliʻuokalani Gardens
A free, peaceful hour on Hilo's waterfront. Walk the bridges early, then head into town for breakfast.
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Culture & HistoryHilo
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
It's the best rainy-day stop in Hilo and the perfect primer before you drive up Maunakea.
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Culture & HistoryKona
Huliheʻe Palace
A rare, close-up look at royal Hawaiian life right on Aliʻi Drive, and an easy add-on to a morning in Kailua-Kona village.
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Culture & HistoryKohala Coast
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
It's one of the most important places in Hawaiian history, and it's free. Follow it with a swim at Spencer Beach Park just downhill.
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Tours that pair well
Guides
Read before you go
Trip planning · 5 min read
Best Time to Visit the Big Island: Weather, Whales & Crowds
When to visit the Big Island for dry weather, humpback whales, calm beaches, and fewer crowds — plus the festival weeks and 2026 storm notes to plan around.
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Trip planning · 5 min read
Big Island Itinerary: The Perfect 5 or 7 Days
A day-by-day Big Island itinerary that splits your nights between Kona, the volcano, and the Kohala Coast — with a 5-day version and the bookings to make first.
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Trip planning · 5 min read
Do You Need a Car on the Big Island? (Yes — Here’s Why)
Yes, for almost every trip. Real drive times, the limits of buses and rideshare, the days a tour beats driving, and the Big Island road rules worth knowing.
Read the guideGetting around
You’ll want a rental car.
Public transit is limited and the best sights are hours apart. Pick up at Kona (KOA) or Hilo (ITO) and compare every major company in one search.