On the island of Hawaii, known by locals as “The Big Island” you can fly over molten lava, above Mauna Kea stargaze and swim with manta rays at night. For outdoor adventure applicants, this is the ultimate experience in Hawaii.
1. Mauna Kea summit
In Hawaiian, Mauna Kea means “White Mountain,” named for its snowy slopes. At 13.803 feet above sea level, is the highest peak in the Hawaiian Islands. Stargaze atop Mauna Kea Summit and see the stars or participate in an experiment of the sunrise and watch the sunrise over the vast lava fields.
2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit the Jaggar Museum and learn about the history of many volcanoes of Hawaii. Enjoy the day hiking through lava fields or take another route flying over by helicopter. View fiery red Kilauea volcano at the sight of the eye of a bird on a scenic flight tour.
3. Kealakekua Bay
Rent a kayak and head out to sea to Captain Cook Monument. This bay is home to spinner dolphins local Hawaiian and much other tropical fish endemic to Hawaii. As you kayak on the bay, enjoy the serene beauty of the dolphins frolicking in the distance.
4. Waipio Valley Lookout
Located on the Hamakua Coast, Waipio Sacred Valley was the home of childhood Hawaiian royalty, King Kamehameha I. The Deer Hamakua Heritage Corridor to watch on the “Valley of Kings”. Admire the valley filled taro farms, sprawling over water, expansive black beach, and beautiful vistas.
5. Punalu’u Beach
Experience the feeling of sand between your toes at one of the most famous black sand beaches of Hawaii. The beach has sand in black basalt, which is created when lava flows into the ocean and explodes cooling. If you’re lucky, see green turtles in Hawaii come ashore to bask in the sun.
6. Akaka Falls State Park
Located along the northeastern coast of Hilo, you can see two beautiful waterfalls to Akaka Falls State Park. See an abundance of wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns that you hike through the rainforest on this easy to moderate increase. Follow the trail to the waterfall iconic 400 feet known as “Akaka Falls.
7. Kohala Coast
In stark contrast to the miles of Big Island lava fields dark, the Kohala Coast is known for its lush green foliage and thousand-foot waterfalls. Take the sites by zip lines, go with Kohala Flumin tube, or take a helicopter tour over amazing cliffs.
8. Hapuna Beach State Park
Because the Big Island is one of the last islands of the Hawaiian island chain, most of the beaches here are hardened lava rocks. If you are looking for a range of iconic white sand, Hapuna Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the sun of the Big Island.
9. Kona coffee
Explore the coffee farms just south of Kona to see how coffee is grown, harvested and roasted. Enjoy coffee tastings at many Kona coffee farms throughout the region. Find out why Hawaii is known for some of the best coffees in the world.
10. Akaka Falls State Park
Located along the northeastern coast of Hilo, you can see two beautiful waterfalls to Akaka Falls State Park. See an abundance of wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns that you hike through the rainforest on this easy to moderate increase. Follow the trail to the waterfall iconic 400 feet known as “Akaka Falls.
