When planning a trip to the Big Island, it is important to decide what activities you want to do before you leave. This way, you can pick the perfect activities and avoid any last-minute changes. There are many great places to visit on the Big Island. Below is a list of some of the most popular attractions and activities.

Akaka Falls

If you’re looking for a place to go on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll want to check out Akaka Falls. This 442-foot waterfall is located 11 miles north of Hilo, off Hawaii Route 220 near the end of Honom. You can also get there by taking the Hawaii Belt Road, which leads to the park. The park has several hiking trails, but it is especially popular for its waterfall.

The waterfalls are surrounded by lush vegetation. This is the best time to visit Akaka Falls because the filtered sunlight accentuates the greenery. The waterfall is most impressive during the early morning, when the greenery is at its peak. The waterfall is open for visitors, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Bicycles, alcoholic beverages, and pets are not allowed.

The park is free for Big Island residents, but non-residents must pay a $5 entrance fee and parking fee to access the park. Visitors can use their credit cards to pay for the entrance fee and parking fee.

Rainbow Falls

While on your trip to Hawaii, be sure to visit Rainbow Falls, an 80 ft tall waterfall with a 100 foot diameter. The waterfall is located within Hawai’i State Parks and is free to visit. This waterfall will give you an unforgettable experience. Here, you can swim in a waterfall, view wildlife, and relax by the waterfall’s peaceful stream.

There are several ways to see Rainbow Falls, including hiking or driving. The best time to see the falls is during the morning when the sun is at its back. The mist and pool below the waterfall can form a beautiful rainbow in the morning. You can also visit the lower waterfall area, a short distance from the parking lot, to get a close look at the waterfall.

If you are a first time visitor to Rainbow Falls, be sure to plan ahead. You should plan to spend 30 minutes to take in the views. You’ll want to avoid peak tourist times, so go early in the morning and try to avoid peak hours.

Mauna Kea Observatory

One of the places to go in the Big Island is the Mauna Kea Observatory. Located on the summit of Mauna Kea, this observatory is home to large telescopes and independent astronomical research facilities. You can view stars and other celestial objects with these telescopes.

However, there are some issues with this observatory. First, the area is considered sacred to the Native Hawaiians. There are several burial sites and heiaus in the vicinity. Additionally, the observatory’s operation is threatened by future developments.

The observatory is open to the public during daylight hours. However, during nighttime, the observatory is closed to the public and to astronomers. Hence, if you are planning on going up to the summit at night, it is best to plan your trip during the day.

Besides the observatory, you can also visit the lower slopes of the volcano. You can do various activities on the lower slopes, such as hiking, bird watching, and sightseeing. Compared to the barren summit area, this is a more pleasant environment.

Beaches

Hawaii is one of the largest islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is known for its varied landscape, including rainforests, volcanic craters, and colorful-sand beaches. The island is home to the Volcanoes National Park, which contains two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Popular snorkeling locations include Hapuna Beach and Kahalu’u Beach Park.

Visitors to Hawaii’s Big Island beaches should bring plenty of water and reef-safe sunscreen. They should also be aware of strong currents, choppy seas, and other hazards while in the water. It is also a good idea to pack a beach umbrella in case of rain or windy weather. While there are many beautiful beaches on the island, a few are especially dangerous.

Waialea Bay Beach is one of the busiest and most popular beaches on the Big Island. This long, flat, and sloping beach is protected by surrounding reefs, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. It is also popular with families.

Some of the Big Island’s beaches are ideal for families, with shallow waters and showers. Many beaches have snorkeling rentals and lessons for all levels. Snorkelers have a good chance of seeing endangered green sea turtles, as well as a variety of tropical fish.

State parks

There are many state parks on the Big Island, Hawaii. If you want to visit a unique place with a unique history, consider one of the state parks. From waterfalls to cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone. Check out the following recommendations for fun days out on the island. While you’re here, make sure to visit these historic sites.

If you like hiking, the Big Island State Park is a good place to go. It has 16 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles for mountain biking and snowmobiling, and is home to the Blazing Star State Trail, a 6.5-mile paved multi-use trail. It is not recommended for swimming, but it is shallow for hiking.

For something a bit smaller, try the Wailuku River State Park, a 16-acre park with an 80-foot waterfall. Located near Hilo, this is one of the easiest Big Island parks to reach. While there are a number of other beautiful parks on the Big Island, there are several that are more accessible than others.

The Big Island’s state parks are some of the most popular places to visit. There are some beautiful waterfalls on the island and the best places to snorkel are right on the island’s coasts. There are also plenty of beautiful white-sand beaches to be found in the state parks, including Kealakekua Bay.

Luaus

A luau is a Hawaiian party, and many of Hawaii’s best luaus can be found in the Big Island. Known as Hawaii Island, this island is also home to Kona and Waikoloa. You can choose a large or small production, and enjoy a buffet featuring traditional Hawaiian fare like macaroni salad and pineapple. Many luaus also have children’s menus.

The luau is a Hawaiian tradition that originated in 1819 when King Kamehameha II lifted the religious requirement that men and women eat separately. The king performed a symbolic act by eating with women, and the first luau was held. Though there are many different kinds of luaus, most of them follow a similar format, and are a fun experience for the whole family.

If you are looking for a luau that combines traditional Hawaiian cuisine and local influences, Koolau Mountain Luau is the perfect location. It offers an outdoor setting with beautiful mountain views. Whether it’s raining or shining, this intimate luau will not disappoint. Despite the weather, you will still be able to enjoy the food and the show.

Hot springs

When you’re visiting Hawaii, don’t forget to check out the famous hot springs on the island. The volcanic eruption in 2018 destroyed some of the islands most popular hot springs, but luckily, not all of them were destroyed. While it’s still not safe to go naked in the water, you’ll still be able to enjoy the warm waters. Just remember to leave the hot springs and tide pools cleaner than when you found them.

If you’re looking for a natural thermal spring, Isaac Hale is a good place to visit. The ponds are natural and surrounded by new black sand, which traps the hot spring water. This is the newest natural thermal spring on the Big Island. Just be aware that the water is hot, so don’t get too close to it if you’re pregnant or have an open wound.

The Big Island gets plenty of rain. The average rainfall here is 300 inches (8 meters) per year. This water doesn’t always make it to the ocean, so it sinks into the ground instead. This water is then heated by the rocks beneath it, and it flows to the coastal areas. This water then cools off, but it isn’t necessarily salty.