Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Big Island Adventures
Things to do on Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island is the youngest of the islands and, thanks to its off-and-on-again molten lava flows, it is still periodically growing. And the Big Island is big not only in terms of land area but also in terms of adventure. From standing at the summit of Mauna Kea to a swim at the base of a paradisiacal waterfall, or maybe even a trek through an ancient underground lava tube, the Big Island is sure to please. Here you’ll find most of the world’s major climate zones, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and some of the most incredible adventures on the planet.
And because we here at Hawaii Guide want to make sure your Big Island adventures are as fun, safe, and memorable as possible, we have carefully handpicked the Top Big Island Things to Do for you. We are proud to partner with our friends, The Volcano Van, to provide you with the absolute best Big Island adventures. They offer you guided outdoor adventures to the most awe-inspiring Hawaiian locations; however, what sets them apart is their intimate knowledge of and love for the beauty that can only be found on the Big Island. Best of all, their passion for what they do translates into a spectacular experience with top-notch, personalized customer service for you
The Volcano Van Volcano Adventures
Are you looking for a personalized guided tour provider that serves all three major resort areas on the Big Island- Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Kohala? Do you want to sightsee and take your adventure at your own pace; perhaps making a quick unscheduled stop if something catches your eye? Then our friends at The Volcano Van are the perfect tour company for you. They have an extensive knowledge of the Big Island and its natural marvels that they would love to share with you. Their adventures include a full day of unforgettable sights, as well as a deli-style lunch. In addition to their best Big Island adventures listed here, they can also work with you to customize a one-of-a-kind adventure for you and your party. They can take you from macadamia nut plantations and coffee farms to waterfall swims and trail hikes- you choose what you want to see and do!
Your day starts as you’re picked up at the airport or your hotel and whisked away on an epic adventure. Be ready to cover a huge portion of the Big Island and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ve ever encountered. Highlights include the cinder cones and rolling grassy hills of Kohala (which happens to be home to one of the largest and oldest cattle ranches in the U.S.); Mauna Kea and its world-renowned astronomical observatories; and the imposing Kilauea, which has been erupting regularly since 1983. Also, legend has it that Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire, makes her home in Kilauea’s fiery craters. Of course, your expert guide will tell you more about that. Kilauea steaming bluffs, Kilauea Iki crater, Nahuku (Thurston lava tube), and so much more… this spectacular tour has it all.
As you wait for your ride, prepare yourself to experience a real slice of heaven on earth. Mauna Kea hasn’t erupted for thousands of years, but that doesn’t mean it’s not impressive; as it has aged, jungle streams, waterfalls, and sea cliffs have graced its ‘retirement’. This tour takes you from the highlands of Waimea, through the coastal jungles of Hilo, and down the Hamakua Coast. If you depart from the Hilo side, you’ll stop at the famous Rainbow Falls. As an added bonus, this adventure includes an amazing trip along the Saddle Road, which travels between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Other highlights include Laupahoehoe Bay, Akaka Falls, and Onomea Bay.
No trip to the Big Island would be complete without a visit to the magnificent Kilauea volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll travel along the south Kona and K’au coasts, through Pahala, and ascend Kilauea’s southwest rift zone. This adventure takes you from sea level to the summit and through many different microclimates along the way. At the summit of Kilauea, you’ll hike a few trails and visit the Jaggar Museum, Kilauea Iki crater, Thurston lava crater, and the Kilauea caldera. Then you’ll head back down with a few stops along the way. Once at Kilauea’s shores, you’ll visit the ancient Pu’u Loa petroglyphs. Plus, you’ll even take the famous Red Road to Kalapana- a town buried by lava in 1990.
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2025 Big Island Guidesheet!
Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, where to stay briefing, airport detail, a monthly weather summary, and where to find the most noteworthy local ono 'grindz' (best eats) on the island.
Choose one or more of these Top Big Island Things to Do and book your big adventure today!
