Hawaii’s Big Island is a captivating paradise full of fun activities, natural wonders, and once in a lifetime adventures waiting for you. For those who love unique experiences, here are some of the best bucket list activities to do on Hawaii’s Big Island!
Snorkeling and Diving with Manta Rays
For a true bucket list experience, go snorkeling or diving with Manta Rays off the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Tours will take you to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat and will stun you with the beauty of these magnificent creatures. You will be able to watch as the majestic Manta Rays somersault through the water, illuminated by the gentle glow of underwater lights. Don’t worry because Manta Rays do not have a stinger like the much more well-known stingray, so it is safe to be near these animals. This was my personal favorite activity on the Big Island and is an otherworldly experience that you will talk about for years to come.
Stargazing on Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea, known for hosting the largest observatory in the world, is one of the best places on Earth to see a clear view of the stars. I absolutely loved stargazing here and fully enjoyed the amazing view of the sunset as well. I also loved the fact that I was able to see Saturn and its rings through a telescope that was brought out for visitors. The stars are incredibly bright at Mauna Kea and truly light up the whole sky like a painting. On a clear night, you will even be able to see the milky way with the naked eye! There are few places around the world that have such an extraordinary view of the night sky, so if you have the chance, I would highly recommend going here.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
With two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an amazing experience for those seeking an experience filled with science, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors may see molten lava within Halema’uma’u Crater and may even hike inside of the ancient, underground Thurston Lava Tubes. For those who may not be up for hiking, there are also two beautiful scenic drives that may be driven known as the Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. These drives have many popular pitstops that will allow visitors to see the main attractions of the park.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Punalu’u is a gorgeous black sand beach on the south side of Hawaii’s Big Island. Black lava rocks created from basalt line the beach and create a unique contrast with the blue ocean waves. This beach is extremely picturesque and turtles may sometimes be seen sunbathing on the rough black sand. This location is only a half an hour drive from Kilauea’s Visitors Center and is a great stop on the way to or from Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. For the adventurers out there, Punalu’u also offers a camping site right next to the beach as well. This is a must see for those looking for a unique beach experience.
Kona Coffee Tour
For the coffee lovers out there, taking a Kona Coffee tour may be an exciting experience! With a great quantity of tours to choose from, visitors may find a tour that is the best fit for them. Some tours may be free while others have a fee. Usually, guests may expect to be shown around the farm and educated on the process of farming coffee beans. Some farms may offer taste tests or even the chance to roast your own coffee. Kona coffee is famous worldwide and taking a tour is a wonderful opportunity for coffee fans to learn more about this popular drink.
Snorkeling at Captain Cook
Captain Cook monument, located in Kealakekua Bay, is a top notch snorkeling site on the Big Island. This serene snorkeling spot is known for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and chance to swim with wild dolphins. Seeing wild dolphins is a common site here, so just make sure to keep your distance and respect these beautiful creatures in order to keep them safe. Captain Cook is remote due to its distance from any road, so it is recommended to take a tour or kayak to get there. However, for those who love hiking, there is a 3.7 mile round trip trail that may be taken to get to the monument as well.