Chain of Craters - Old Lava Flows
Big Island Best Things to See
Big Island Sights Guide (60+ Attractions)
To say the Big Island is bursting with some of the best and most popular sights and attractions in Hawaii is certainly an understatement.
Tour otherworldly volcanic landscapes; marvel at the beautiful waterfalls, lovely parks, and botanical gardens; or stop by the museums and cultural centers. You can even commune with the stars on the world's tallest mountain. Here we'll show you the best landmarks and natural wonders the Big island has to offer. Start planning your Hawaiian vacation right here with HawaiiGuide.
This entry includes resources for the Big Island's Top Things to See, including tips, advice, rankings, maps, and more.
- Browse every sight side-by-side with our interactive Big Island sights map
- The 10 Best Things to See on the Big Island - ranked based on several important visitor criteria
- Discover all of the Big Island's Sights, categorized by region
- Explore our hand-picked Big Island of Hawaii Sightseeing Tours
Explore the Big Island's Sights on the Map
Every Big Island sight we cover, side by side with the map. Tap a filter to narrow the list — the pins follow along.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Plan Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island: fees, lava status, Crater Rim Drive, Chain of Craters Road, hikes, weather, and first-visit ...
Fees / permits
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Plan ʻAkaka Falls State Park on the Big Island: current fees, hours, comfort-station notice, 0.4-mile paved loop, ʻAkaka Falls viewpoint, and nearb...
Fees / permits
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Puuhonua o Honaunau Historical Park is a sacred site located in the Kailua-Kona region of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Fees / permits
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is one of the must-see sights along the Big Island of Hawaii's Hamakua Coast.
Fees / permits
Wailuku River State Park
Just outside of downtown Hilo, 16-acre Wailuku River State Park is home to several of the most striking waterfalls in the area. Among the several f...
Fees / permits
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
One of the gorgeous views of Hilo Bay is from the edge of the gardens. The sun glistens on the calm bay waters while palm trees gently sway in a wa...
Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is one of the main attractions for visitors as they explore the park. Like v...
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
The Panaewa Zoo is the only United States zoo situated in a rainforest, featuring animals native to the rainforest. It recently celebrated it's 25t...
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a 1,160 acre area on the Kona coast. Established as a park in 1978, development and preservation is on...
Pololu Valley Overlook
Pololu Valley Overlook is a must-see stop on the Big Island of Hawaii's Kohala Coast and offers stunning views of the Pololu Valley below.
Kilauea Caldera Overlook
The parking lot for the Kilauea Caldera Overlook is on the left side of Crater Rim Drive about .7 miles past the Steam Vents. From this vantage poi...
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea on the Big Island — summit drive, stargazing at the Visitor Information Station, guided tour options, altitude safety tips, and cultural ...
Wailoa River State Park
Located on the banks of the Wailoa River, the park offers many places to wander and relax. The park encircles Waiakea Pond, a spring-fed estuary wi...
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Visit Puʻukoholā Heiau on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, a sacred temple tied to King Kamehameha's rise to power. Explore its history, legends, and stu...
Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa, or 'Long Mountain' in Hawaiian, is located on the island of Hawaii. It rises 13,680 ft. (4,170 m) above sea level. Since 1843, Mauna Loa...
Lava Tree State Park
Just outside Pahoa take a left onto Highway 132 (Pahoa-Kapoho Road) to head to our next stop. As you get closer to the park the road will become gr...
King Kamehameha Statue
Between the 23 and 24 mile markers on Highway 270 in Kohala look to your right for a view of a statue of King Kamehameha in the town of Kapa'au. Th...
Painted Church (St. Benedict's)
An unassuming white building with a sloped green roof, the wooden exterior of St. Benedict's Catholic Church gives nothing away about the beauty of...
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area encompasses 20 acres within the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve but is also very close to the Pohakuloa Military Reservati...
Onomea Falls
Onomea Falls is a waterfall located in the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hulihee Palace
This historic landmark is located near the seawall on Ali'i Drive in Kona. Hulihe'e Palace, managed by the Daughters of Hawai'i, is one of only thr...
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Lapakahi State Historical Park is located just before mile marker 14 on Highway 270 in Kohala. Six hundred years ago this land was discovered by th...
Kiholo Bay Scenic Overlook
Kiholo Bay is a little puddle of blue and green from this vantage point. The mixture of sea and fresh water gives it this interesting blend.The hik...
Kilauea Iki Overlook
Half a mile past Thurston Lava Tube on the left on Crater Rim Drive in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the parking the lot for Kilauea Iki Crater...
Pacific Tsunami Museum
This small museum provides a wealth of multimedia information on tsunamis and their effect on the Pacific islands. Docents, many of whom are actual...
Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley on the Big Island: lookout viewpoint, shuttle tours, valley floor access rules, hiking, and tips for visiting this sacred Hawaiian va...
Laupahoehoe Point
Between the 28 and 27 mile markers turn makai onto Laupahoehoe Point Road. As you twist and turn through the thick jungle neighborhood and eventual...
Ahuena Heiau
A slice of ancient Hawai'i amid the modern-day Kona, Ahu'ena Heiau was reconstructed by King Kamehameha as his retreat and the place where he mento...
'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii
In Hawaiian, "imiloa" means "exploring new knowledge." The center bridges Hawaiian culture and astronomy at the base of Mauna Kea in Hilo.
Parker Ranch
The Parker Ranch, formerly one of the largest, privately-owned ranches in the country, has a presence in just about everything in Waimea Town (Kamu...
Lyman Museum and Mission House
Behind the rather reserved walls of the Lyman House Memorial Museum is a fascinating collection of galleries that span the natural and cultural his...
Tree Molds
Lava trees are created when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest completely surrounding the moist trees. The lava cools on the outside as the t...
Kealakekua Bay
As you can probably guess from the name, this area is steeped in history both Hawaiian and European. It is also the site where those two societies ...
Mokuaikaua Church
The steeple of the Mokuaikaua Church reaches toward heaven amid the tourist shops and restaurants on Ali'i Drive, a testament to the industriousnes...
Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park)
A kipuka is an area of land which was once lava but has been surrounded on all sides by more recent flows. If left undisturbed for a long time, an ...
Umauma Falls
The captivating triple-tiered Uma Uma Falls is only accessible through the Umauma Experience; it is no longer accessible through the World Botanica...
Mo'okini Heiau
Mo'okini Luakini Heiau was the first temple ever built in the islands around 480 AD. According to family chants of the Mo'okini family, High Priest...
Ka Lae (South Point)
Discover Ka Lae, the southernmost point of Hawaii and the U.S. Explore its rich history, dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, and stunning ocean views. ...
Kaumana Cave
Explore Kaumana Caves, a lava tube park near Hilo on the Big Island. Formed during the 1881 Mauna Loa eruption. Directions, what to bring, and tips.
Four Mile Scenic Route (Pepe'ekeo Scenic Route)
The Big Island of Hawaii is known for its dramatic landscapes, lush rainforests, and stunning coastal views. One of the best ways to experience its...
Hi'ilawe Falls
Hi'ilawe Falls is the most famous waterfall in Waipio Valley. The falls is between 1,200 and 1,600 feet tall (depending on who you ask), making it ...
Kona Historical Society Museum
The Kona Historical Society Museum is actually housed in the H.N. Greenwell Store, a restored general store originally built in 1875 to serve the n...
Lekeleke Burial Grounds
At the end of Ali'i Drive in Keauhou is where the ancient Hawaiian kapu system met a bloody end. At the end of the road near mauka is the Lekeleke ...
Kamehameha Akahi Aina Hanau
A little farther down the road from Mo'okini Heiau is the birthplace of King Kamehameha, Kamehameha Akahi Aina Hanau Heiau. It is not exactly known...
Chain of Craters Road
Drive Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 19-mile scenic route with lava flows, craters, petroglyphs, and sea arches. Stops an...
Wai'ilikahi Falls
If you are eager to explore this waterfall, you're going to have to pay the piper with some sweat and hard physical labour (tough hiking may be an ...
Banyan Tree Drive
Banyan Tree Drive is composed of a canopy of banyan trees outlining the Waiakea Peninsula. The Hilo Parks commission began lining the entire drive ...
Crater Rim Drive
Crater Rim Drive is an 11-mile road that skirts the edge of the Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and contains several scenic views...
Kalapana
Sometimes it is very easy to forget amid the vast beauty of the Big Island that deep below the surface a primal force is at work. A force so powerf...
Kumukahi Lighthouse
The Kumukahi Lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the easternmost point of Hawaii's Big Island, at Cape Kumukahi. Built in 1934, this is not a pictur...
Pali O Haukiuki (Broken Road)
Pali O Ha`uki`uki is often referred to as 'Broken Road'. It is located just north and west of Ka Lae (South Point) in the Ka'u district of the Big ...
Pe'epe'e Falls
Pe'e Pe'e Falls is a waterfall located on the Big Island of Hawaii that is fed by the Wailuku River.
Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue)
The beautiful Rainbow Falls State Park, which is located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a stop you don't want to miss.
Big Island Sights Map
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
HawaiiGuide's Best Sights & Attractions on the Big Island
Our editorial ranking of the must-see sights and attractions on the Big Island — chosen by our team, not crowdsourced.
Ranked by John Derrick · covering Hawaiʻi since 2002
The numbered sights listed below are our absolute favorites on the Big Island of Hawaii. When ranking sights & things to see for visitors, we consider several variables - accessibility, scenery quality, location history, costs (if admission required), type of path (if walking/hiking is necessary), and general safety. Here are our top picks for Hawaii's Big Island.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Volcano (south)
#1 Rated Sight on the Big Island
Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day.
HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
The park encompasses 333,000 acres of natural wonders and is situated at 4,000 feet above sea level. With its wealth of trails, drives, and activities you will likely need at least two days to fully experience all the park has to offer.
Mauna Kea
Saddle (central)
#2 Rated Sight on the Big Island
At nearly 13,800 feet, Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaiʻi — and measured from its base on the ocean floor, the tallest mountain on Earth. Sacred to Native Hawaiians and crowned by world-class observatories, the summit is one of the planet's premier stargazing sites, with bone-dry air and 300+ clear nights a year.
The Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet is the realistic stop for most travelers — free, on a paved road, and home to the best free public stargazing program in the islands. The summit itself needs 4WD, acclimatization, and real caution (altitude is no joke), and rental cars are prohibited above the VIS.
Puuhonua o Honaunau Historical Park
South Kona
#3 Rated Sight on the Big Island
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (poo-oo-ho-noo-ah o hoe-now-now), formerly known as Place of Refuge at Honaunau, is an incredibly beautiful and educational experience that no trip to the Big Island should be without.
After paying your vehicle entrance fee and walking past the educational displays, you round a corner and are transplanted into the world of the ancient Hawaiians. On this scorched land of sand and lava rock, the ali'i (ruling class) of Hawaii made their home.
Visitors can explore how the Hawaiians worked and played underneath the shade of Honaunau's stately palms. Great snorkeling is available nearby at Two Step at Keone'ele Cove.
Akaka Falls State Park
Hamakua (Honomu)
#4 Rated Sight on the Big Island
Akaka Falls State Park, along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery to delight visitors.
The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After taking a short set of stairs, turn left and follow the paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams.
You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner, you'll catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 ft. through a green-lined gorge.
Pololu Valley Overlook
North Kohala
#5 Rated Sight on the Big Island
As you pass the 28-mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of the lovely Pololu Valley.
On a sunny day, you will see the vibrant blue and green ocean crashing into the rugged sea cliffs and the deep green carpet of vegetation lining the sides of the valley.
A short walk to the lookout reveals the many folds and creases of the inner part of the valley which drop into a rich, green floor. Lines of ironwood trees divide the lush valley from the grainy black sand beach that meets the ocean.
Kealakekua Bay
South Kona
#6 Rated Sight on the Big Island
A protected marine sanctuary on the South Kona coast, Kealakekua Bay holds some of the clearest water and best snorkeling on the island — and a heavy weight of history: it's where Captain Cook first landed and, a year later, was killed in 1779. A white obelisk marks the spot across the bay.
The reef at the Captain Cook Monument is spectacular but only reachable by kayak, boat tour, or a strenuous hike down (and back up) the Kaʻawaloa Trail. Most visitors come on a morning snorkel cruise. Treat the bay's cultural sites with respect.
Waipio Valley Overlook
Hamakua
#7 Rated Sight on the Big Island
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains.
Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents.
At the mouth of the valley, the ocean licks the mile-long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free-falling Hi'ilawe Falls which resides deep in the valley.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Hamakua (Onomea)
#8 Rated Sight on the Big Island
This isn't a free attraction, but we still encourage all visitors to make some time and stop at one of the most beautiful botanical gardens you'll find anywhere: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
This stunning rainforest preserve is touted as one of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii; a distinction it well deserves. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of this magical lush wonderland. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree.
Rainbow Falls State Park
Hilo
#9 Rated Sight on the Big Island
One of several falls along the path of the Wailuku River in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous waterfall to visit early in the morning. Its name originated from the fact that on some early mornings a rainbow can be seen arching across the falls.
From the lookout, the surrounding vegetation is a dense jungle. A path to the left of the lookout provides a view from the top of Rainbow Falls.
South Point at Ka Lae
Kaʻū (south)
#10 Rated Sight on the Big Island
The traditional Hawaiian name for South Point is Ka Lae meaning "the point." The turnoff for South Point Road is between the 69 and 70-mile markers with a large green sign pointing toward the ocean.
The two-lane paved road cuts through macadamia nut groves, pasture land, and a Mauna Loa lava flow. About five miles into the 12 mile trip to Ka Lae the road shifts to a one-lane rugged passageway through vast, flat pastureland. Short, scrubby plants cling to the fields while cattle graze.
Just past mile marker 8 is an excellent view of South Point. The road splits at the 10-mile marker with the left fork heading to the Kaulana Boat Ramp and beginning of the Papakolea (Green Sand Beach) hike.
Puukohola Heiau
South Kohala (Kawaihae)
#11 Rated Sight on the Big Island
As you approach the junction of Highway 19 and 270 heading north, look makai (toward the ocean) and you should see a majestic stone structure atop a hill. This is Pu'ukohola heiau.
This heiau, a sacred place of worship, has a particularly interesting history. Built between 1790-91, Pu'ukohola was the project of the great King Kamehameha.
Today the heiau and neighboring structures are part of a national historic site. The entrance to the park is after the 2 mile marker makai on Highway 270.
Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP
Kona (Kaloko)
#12 Rated Sight on the Big Island
A 1,160-acre national historical park on the Kona coast preserving one of the island's most important ancient Hawaiian settlements — massive hand-built fishponds (lokoiʻa), fish traps, house sites, and petroglyphs set in a stark, sun-baked lava landscape.
It's free and uncrowded, with easy walking trails to the fishponds and a good chance of spotting green sea turtles basking on the small beaches. A quiet, deeply Hawaiian counterpoint to the Kona resort strip just up the road.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Hilo
#13 Rated Sight on the Big Island
On the University of Hawaiʻi campus in Hilo, ʻImiloa — ‘exploring new knowledge’ — is the island's science-and-culture center, weaving Mauna Kea's astronomy together with the Polynesian wayfinding that first brought people to Hawaiʻi. A full-dome planetarium anchors interactive exhibits on both.
It's the best rainy-day stop in Hilo and the right place to understand the cultural stakes around Mauna Kea before (or instead of) driving up. Plan around the planetarium show times.
Huliheʻe Palace
Kailua-Kona
#14 Rated Sight on the Big Island
On Aliʻi Drive in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Huliheʻe Palace is one of only three royal residences in the United States — an 1838 seaside home of Hawaiian royalty, now a museum run by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi.
Inside are koa furniture, royal portraits, and personal artifacts of the aliʻi; outside, an oceanfront lawn directly across from the historic Mokuʻaikaua Church. A quick, atmospheric stop in the middle of Kona town.
Liliʻuokalani Park & Gardens
Hilo (bayfront)
#15 Rated Sight on the Big Island
On the edge of Hilo Bay, Liliʻuokalani Gardens is one of the largest authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan — arched bridges, stone lanterns, koi ponds, and a teahouse, all framed by sprawling banyans and views across the bay to Mauna Kea.
Named for Hawaiʻi's last queen, the free park is a serene, easy stroll, and a short causeway leads out to Coconut Island. A lovely, uncrowded Hilo stop — especially in the morning calm.
Lava Tree State Monument
Puna
#16 Rated Sight on the Big Island
In the Puna rainforest off Highway 132, Lava Tree State Monument preserves an eerie field of ‘lava trees’ — hollow lava molds left standing when a 1790 flow swept through a forest, cooling around the tree trunks before draining away.
An easy, shaded loop winds through the moss-draped molds and ferns. It's a quick, atmospheric stop — bring mosquito repellent, and note it's well off the main tourist track in lush lower Puna.
Kīholo Bay Overlook
Kohala Coast
#17 Rated Sight on the Big Island
A turquoise, spring-fed bay rimmed by black lava on the Kohala Coast, Kīholo is a striking blend of fresh and salt water that glows an unreal blue-green. The scenic overlook off the highway gives you the postcard view without the long, hot hike down.
Adventurous visitors can hike or 4WD down to snorkel its turtle-filled coves and find the lava-tube ‘Queen's Bath.’ From the overlook, it's a quick, free stop on the drive between Kona and Waikoloa.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
North Kohala
#18 Rated Sight on the Big Island
On the North Kohala coast, Lapakahi preserves the remains of a 600-year-old Hawaiian fishing village — stone house platforms, canoe sheds, salt pans, and game sites strung along a self-guided coastal trail above a clear blue cove.
It's a quiet, free, open-air history lesson with interpretive signs and almost no crowds. Bring water and sun protection — the trail is exposed — and stay out of the cove, which is a marine preserve.
Mokuʻaikaua Church
Kailua-Kona
#19 Rated Sight on the Big Island
Rising above the shops on Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona, Mokuʻaikaua is the oldest Christian church in Hawaiʻi — begun in 1820 by the first missionaries and completed in 1837, built of lava rock and koa with a soaring 112-foot steeple that was long Kona's tallest structure.
The cool, dim interior, hand-hewn koa beams, and a model of the brig Thaddeus that carried the missionaries make it a quick, free, worthwhile stop directly across from Huliheʻe Palace.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Hilo (downtown)
#20 Rated Sight on the Big Island
In a historic 1930 bank building in downtown Hilo, the Pacific Tsunami Museum tells the story of the waves that twice devastated the city — in 1946 and 1960 — through survivor accounts, photographs, and interactive science exhibits.
Many of the docents are tsunami survivors themselves, which makes the small museum hit harder than its size suggests. A meaningful, sobering Hilo stop, and a primer on why the bayfront is now mostly parks.
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All Top 50+ Big Island Sights & Attractions
Categorized by Region
Need Help? Check out our Big Island of Hawaii Regions Guide →
Hilo Region Sights
Hilo Region Sights
Hilo offers something for everyone- whether you're into beautiful waterfalls, parks and gardens, or even caves, you'll find something to love. Or stop by the Tsunami Musuem or the Lyman Museum to learn about the natural and cultural history that has shaped the Big Island.
Kohala Region Sights
Kohala Region Sights
The Kohala region offers glimpses into ancient places of worship, burial sites, remains of ancient homes, and even a statue in honor of Kamehameha the Great. The region is simply beautiful and is rich not only in natural sights, but also in its lovingly-maintained cultural and historical locations.
- Pololu Valley Overlook - #5 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- Lapakahi State Historical Park
- Puukohola Heiau - #11 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- King Kamehameha Statue
- Mookini Heiau
- Kiholo Bay Scenic Overlook
- Kamehameha Akahi Aina Hanau Heiau - Kamehameha I Birthplace
- Parker Ranch
- Waimea 'Kamuela' Town
- Hawi Town
Kailua-Kona Region Sights
Kailua-Kona Region Sights
If you can only see one area on the Big Island (but we hope that's not the case), make it the warm and sunny Kona (West) Coast. Here you'll find plenty of historical sites, picture-perfect bays, and museums that showcase the importance of this region. Explore everything from Native Hawaiian fish ponds and burial sites to scenic overlooks and more. The best Big Island sights, maybe? See for yourself.
North Hamakua Region Sights
North Hamakua Region Sights
This area is a lush tropical paradise and the botanical gardens here are nothing short of heavenly. Of course, lots of rain is needed to keep those trees and flowers nice and vibrant, and that means waterfalls should be on your must-see list. The coastline is wonderfully picturesque, the valleys are a lovely green, and the sights are one of a kind.
- Waipio Valley Overlook - #7 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - #8 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- Akaka Falls State Park - #4 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- Onomea Falls
- Four Mile Scenic Route - #10 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- Umauma Falls
- Hiilawe Falls
- Laupahoehoe Point
Puna Region Sights
Puna Region Sights
If you like new things, you’ll simply love the Puna region and its sights and attractions. Coastal land here is so young that the earth's crust is probably younger than you in several places.
South Kau Region Sights
South Kau Region Sights
Did we mention this is the southern coast? So southern, in fact, that a stop at Ka Lae (South Point) means a stop at the southernmost point in the United States. Stop at the "Broken Road," admire the ancient cultural vestiges, and ponder the lives of ancient Hawaiians as you look out over the ocean and imagine Antarctica a mere 7,338 miles away.
- South Point at Ka Lae - #10 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- Green Sand 'Papakolea' Beach - Excellent Beach/Hike Adventure
- Pali O Haukiuki 'Broken Road'
Volcano Region Sights
Volcano Region Sights
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, watch the landscape change before your eyes, and walk on ground younger than you are! Here you'll find Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes and the force behind so many unbelievable sights. However, don't think everything is barren here- stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum to learn all about the fascinating forces at work.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - #1 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- Chain of Craters Road - A Must See inside HVNP!
- Crater Rim Drive - A Must See inside HVNP!
- Kilauea Caldera Overlook
- Tree Molds
- Kilauea Iki Overlook
- Thurston Lava Tube
- Kipuka Puaulu Bird Park
Saddle Road Region Sights
Saddle Road Region Sights
Driving along Saddle Road is an adventure in and of itself, as it spans over 50 miles across the east-to-west "saddle" formed between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Stop by the Visitor Center, gaze at the stars, and enjoy your time on the world's highest mountain.
- Mauna Kea
- Mauna Loa
- Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
- Rainbow Falls State Park - #9 Best in Sights on the Big Island
- Kaumana Cave
Big Island Sightseeing Tours
The Big Island has a vast array of sights and attractions, and we’re sure you have your Hawaiian must-do list well underway! No matter which destinations you choose, be sure to see the sights with a professional guide. We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again (with experience): Nothing beats touring Hawaii with an expert, local guide with in-depth knowledge of the history, culture, flora and fauna, and practically anything else you’d like to know about Hawaii. So, peruse our handpicked tours led by some of the industry’s best guides and book the ones you simply can’t pass up. And remember, many of these tours fill up quickly, so book early to ensure availability. Mahalo!
