Best Things to Do on the Big Island: A First-Timer's Guide

The Big Island of Hawaii is unlike any other place on Earth. It is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain, still actively growing as lava flows into the sea. It is home to the world's most active volcano, the tallest mountain on the planet (measured from its base on the ocean floor), and some of the most diverse landscapes you will ever see in a single day.

If this is your first visit, the sheer scale of the island can be overwhelming. At nearly 4,000 square miles, the Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. You cannot see everything in one trip, but with the right plan, you can see the best of it.

Here is a first-timer's guide to the Big Island's most unforgettable experiences.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

No visit to the Big Island is complete without spending time in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This is one of the most geologically active places on the planet, and the park gives you access to landscapes that exist nowhere else on Earth.

Walk the rim of Kīlauea Caldera, one of the world's most active volcanic craters. Hike through the Kīlauea Iki Crater, where you can walk across a solidified lava lake. Explore the Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old tunnel formed by flowing lava. Watch steam rise from the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at dawn.

The park is best experienced with a guide who can explain what you are seeing. The geology here is complex, and the stories behind the landscape, both scientific and cultural, make the experience far richer.

Show You Hawaii's volcano tours depart from both Hilo and Kona, with options ranging from a focused 7-hour Hilo Volcano Adventure to a full 11-hour Grand Circle Tour that combines the park with other island highlights.

Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls

The Hilo side of the island receives more rainfall than the Kona side, which means it is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii.

Rainbow Falls, just minutes from downtown Hilo, is a 80-foot cascade that drops into a natural pool surrounded by wild ginger and tropical vegetation. On sunny mornings, the mist creates a rainbow in the falls, hence the name.

Akaka Falls, about 11 miles north of Hilo, is even more dramatic: a 442-foot plunge waterfall set in a lush rainforest gorge. The short loop trail to the falls passes through bamboo groves, orchids, and ferns.

Both falls are included on Show You Hawaii's Hilo-side tours.

The Kona Coast

The Kona side of the island offers a completely different landscape: sunny skies, calm turquoise bays, and a rich cultural history.

Kealakekua Bay is one of the most historically significant sites in Hawaii, it is where Captain James Cook first made contact with Native Hawaiians in 1778. Today the bay is a marine sanctuary with exceptional snorkeling.

The City of Refuge (Puʻuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park) is a sacred site where ancient Hawaiians who broke kapu (sacred laws) could seek sanctuary. The restored temple grounds and carved wooden ki'i (statues) are among the most evocative cultural sites in the islands.

Painted Church, perched on a hillside above the bay, is a small 19th-century Catholic church with hand-painted interior murals depicting biblical scenes against Hawaiian landscapes.

Coffee and Chocolate Country

The slopes of Mauna Loa above Kona are home to the only commercially grown coffee in the United States. Kona coffee is world-famous for its smooth, rich flavor, and a visit to a working coffee farm is one of the most enjoyable stops on any Big Island itinerary.

Bay View Coffee Farm, one of the farms included on Show You Hawaii's Kona tours, offers a look at the entire process from cherry to cup.

The Big Island is also one of the few places in the world where cacao grows commercially. Big Island chocolate is exceptional, and a tasting stop is a highlight of the Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Adventure tour.

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley, on the northern tip of the island, is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Hawaii. The valley floor sits 2,000 feet below the rim, accessible only by a steep road with a 25% grade. From the overlook, you can see a black sand beach, a waterfall, and taro fields that have been cultivated for over a thousand years.

The valley is sacred in Hawaiian culture, it was the home of ancient Hawaiian royalty and the site of important historical events. A guide who can share that history makes the overlook far more meaningful.

Mauna Kea Stargazing

At 13,796 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea's summit sits above 40% of the Earth's atmosphere. On a clear night, the stargazing here is among the best in the world, which is why the summit hosts some of the most powerful telescopes on the planet.

The Deluxe Volcano Twilight & Stargazing Adventure offered by Show You Hawaii combines an evening visit to Volcanoes National Park with world-class stargazing, giving you two of the island's most extraordinary experiences in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need on the Big Island? Most visitors spend 4-7 days. With 3 days, you can cover the highlights with guided tours. With a week, you can explore at a more relaxed pace and add specialty experiences.

Is the Big Island good for first-time Hawaii visitors? Absolutely. The Big Island offers the most diverse range of experiences of any Hawaiian island, from active volcanoes to tropical beaches to alpine terrain. It is an extraordinary introduction to Hawaii.

Do I need a rental car on the Big Island? Not if you book guided tours with hotel pickup. Show You Hawaii picks you up from your hotel on both the Kona and Hilo sides, so you can see the entire island without ever getting behind the wheel.

What is the best time of year to visit the Big Island? The Big Island is a year-round destination. The dry season (April through October) offers the most consistent weather on the Kona side. The Hilo side receives rain year-round, which keeps the waterfalls flowing and the rainforest lush.

Plan Your Big Island Adventure

The Big Island rewards curiosity. The more you explore, the more you discover, and a knowledgeable local guide makes every stop more meaningful.

Browse Show You Hawaii's Big Island tours to find the right experience for your trip, or contact us to discuss a custom private tour.