Top Things to Do in Island of Hawaii, HI
Places to Visit in Island of Hawaii
Popular things to do
Nature and Wildlife
Snorkeling
Observatories & Planetariums
Full-day Tours
4WD Tours
Volcanoes
Hiking
Fishing Charters & Tours
State Parks
Ziplining
Swim with Dolphins
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Kayaking
Day Cruises
Lookouts
Sailing
Submarine Tours
Beaches
Bus Tours
Half-day Tours
Scenic Drives
Photography Tours
Self-guided Tours & Rentals
Historic Sites
Theatres
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Bodies of Water
Likely to Sell Out
Top Picks
Luxury & Special Occasions
Multi-day & Extended Tours
Day Spas
Yoga Classes
Shopping Passes & Offers
Viator VIP Tours
Weddings & Honeymoons
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Island of Hawaii.
Top Attractions in Island of Hawaii
Historic Walking Areas • Valleys
Open now
Historic Sites • Bodies of Water
Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
Mountains • Observatories & Planetariums
Popular Cities in Island of Hawaii
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- JCL-MarkhamMarkham, Ontario10 contributionsIt was a cool experience to drive up to Mauna Kea, to be above the clouds and to watch the sunset. Then the second part of the excursion, our guide Aidan gave us an astrological tour of the stars. We capped off the tour with some hot beverage and snacks and a cool picture of the stars.Written 16 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- SuzertteChapVictor, NY59 contributionsWhen you arrive at Pololu Valley Lookout, there is a small 8 car parking spot. Everyone else just parks along the road. The lookout is like something out of a movie. In fact, there has to have been a movie that used this view! Amazing. Peaceful. Inspiring. Please be sure not to miss this! I didn't hike down to the water as I had a knee injury, but the husband did and loved it. What an incredible display of Mother Nature at work.Written 14 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Melissa BHenderson, NV11 contributionsThis was a beautiful doable hike for 55 year olds. I think it’s a must do. Path was paved with steps and good handrails.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- williwannaBoston, MA104 contributionsThe lookout is pretty, you can see the valley, the far-away mountain. However, the most famous trail that can let you reach the valley and mountain is closed for maintenance or something.
Still recommend a visit to the look out, but other than taking photos, there is not much to do.Written 18 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Marilyn MColumbia, MD99 contributionsIt was disappointing because the volcano was not erupting. No red lava flows. Just cooled lava, rents in the earth, and steam. Other than the sheer size of the caldera, it was boring.Written 7 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Clare L4 contributionsThe dolphins are amazing! The trainers are very knowledgeable and answer any/all questions you might have. You get to meet 3 dolphins in total, but spend the most time with 1 of them. Overall incredible experience. Only downside is the photos are very expensive to purchase.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Linda M3 contributionsI loved this beautiful white sand beach! Such a comfortable fun way to spend and afternoon. There is plenty of shade if you do not enjoy having too much sun. The water is a nice comfortable temperature too.Written 19 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- marriott946London, UK346 contributionsThis place is a must, an active volcano.
Steam rising in so many places, I noted that hesitant cars made the steam vents create more prolific steaming.
There is a pathway to the crater rim with a hiking path and you can get very close. Obviously for the danger merchant's out there, not me.
Time restrictions my excuse!
A genuine natural wonder of the world.
Thank you Mr Volcano 🌋Written 21 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Brown_SamanthaKennewick, WA1,346 contributionsWe took about two hours round trip for this drive. Lots of lava flow fields, overlooks, trails. Very fun and leisurely drive. At the end, you are rewarded with the beautiful lava sea arch Holei.
Packed ample water and snacks. Pretty desolate drive with vast lava throughout the decades. Wonderful journey.Written 17 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - CowboyStanwood, WA460 contributionsWorth the drive. Limited parking but you should go and check it out. Watch out for heavy surf, you might get wet.Written 13 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Joe CanuckOttawa, Canada299 contributionsThese are normal beaches except that the sand is black and kinda of cool when you know this if finely grounded lavaWritten 19 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Kenneth EErwin, TN420 contributionsGreat place to chill, swim or snorkeling. This beach has it all. Off to the right there are some rocks that sea turtles swim in. I swam with about 3. Waves do get rough around the rocks though.
In middle is a huge rock with tons of fish around it. Waves are minimal. Beach gets very busy but has good space. By far my favorite snorkeling spot.Written 17 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Kara017Bayport, MN47 contributionsThis beach has phenomenal snorkeling! The waves were choppy, and the bottom was rocky, so some skill was helpful. We saw a huge variety of fish, likely die to it being a protected area. We have two teen boys that prefer the waves of Hapuna (your parking ticket covers both beaches), but it’s worth a stop.Written 12 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- lotsagoldensSurprise, AZ728 contributionsWe went the day after a huge rainstorm, so the water was really muddy. No rainbow for us, but it was still beautiful. Easy to get to, good parking, bathrooms available (none too clean).Written 14 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- nlcuEugene, OR37 contributionsThe ranch was beautiful and definitely a different experience from our many previous visits. But the apartment was disappointing because the view over green hills to the ocean from the wall of windows in the main room was completely blocked by the roof of the adjacent house. This was not shown in any of the photos so it was easy to expect views like the photos. Most reviewers didn’t mention the obstruction or that the little outside table had views of several old sheds and pens. Glimpses of rolling green are visible in side windows but none with comfortable seating (like in the stairwell going to the laundry in the garage). What bothered us so much would probably be no problem for younger, more active people who wouldn’t mind walking and sitting on the grass to enjoy the peaceful green vistas whatever the weather.Written 17 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Island of Hawaii
- The top attractions to visit in Island of Hawaii are: See all attractions in Island of Hawaii on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Island of Hawaii according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Hawaiian Vanilla Company
- Kona Cloud Forest
- Kula Kai Caverns
- Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
- Kilauea Iki Trail
- The best day trips from Island of Hawaii according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History
- Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
- Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up
- Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour
- Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour
- The most popular things to do in Island of Hawaii with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Island of Hawaii on Tripadvisor