The places, most named first
From the 10 guides that rank for "best places to visit in big island"
Named by 7 of 101. Hawai'i Volcanoes National ParkHome to Kilauea, the most active volcano on the island, and Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano.Recommended as a full-day visit to take in the highlights.Named by 5 of 102. KonaThe leeward side has warm weather, mostly clear skies and calm, swimmable beaches.Dry and sunny, so usually more popular than Hilo.
Named by 5 of 103. HiloOne of the two large towns, on the east side, and one of the rainiest places in the world.Flights arrive at Hilo International Airport, and the Hamakua drive starts here.Best time to visit Hilo
Named by 4 of 104. Akaka FallsArguably the most famous waterfall in Hawaii, on a loop trail of only half a mile.North of Hilo, with a paved loop trail through rainforest.
Named by 4 of 105. Hamakua CoastThe east side drive from Hilo to Waipio Valley Lookout has minimal crowds.Has waterfalls and lush valleys.
Named by 3 of 106. Kealakekua BayDescribed as one of the best places to snorkel in the entire world.Reached by about a one-hour hike down, with a monument to Captain Cook.
Named by 3 of 107. Papakolea Green Sand BeachOne of only a few known green sand beaches in the world, on a windy part of the island.Reached by a one-hour hike each way.
Named by 3 of 108. Rainbow FallsAbout a 5 minute drive from downtown Hilo and free to visit.In Hilo with parking and a short walk to the lookout.
Named by 3 of 109. Mauna KeaA drive from the coast to the summit, with a visitor center stop partway up; the final stretch needs a 4x4.The summit is suited to stargazing and has a visitor information station.
Named by 3 of 1010. Waipio ValleyThe lookout gives views of the valley, its waterfalls, black sand beach and taro fields.Pairs well with a scenic drive along the Hamakua Coast.
Named by 2 of 1011. Hilo Farmers MarketOpen daily 7 AM to 3 PM in a shaded pavilion by the Hilo Bayfront.Open daily, with local fruit, herbs, macadamia nuts and baked goods.
Named by 2 of 1012. Punalu'u Black Sand BeachBlack volcanic sand and a popular spot to see Hawaiian green sea turtles.
13. Kohala CoastAlso called the Gold Coast, with some of the best beaches, such as Hapuna Beach.Some beaches have strong currents and waves in winter, making them dangerous for swimming.
14. WaimeaA cowboy (paniolo) town in inland Kohala, along with Hawi and the sacred Pololu Valley.
15. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical ParkA historic site in the Kona district.
16. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife RefugeA habitat for native forest birds, and the setting for a birdwatching trip.
17. Kaumana Lava CavesFree lava tube caves just outside Hilo; the left tube runs about half a mile one way and needs flashlights.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name September to October as the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii.
Questions people ask
- What is the best month to go to the Big Island?
- The pack gives no best month, but one guide says most activities run year round because of the tropical climate.
- Which side of the Big Island has better beaches?
- The Kona side is described as having calm, swimmable beaches. The Kohala Coast has some of the best beaches, though winter currents can make swimming dangerous.
- What is the #1 thing to do in Big Island, Hawaii?
- Night snorkeling with manta rays is often listed as the number one thing to do on the Big Island.
