Hawaii is a special place to visit no matter what island you go to. I recently took my first trip to the Big Island of Hawaii and will say there is no place on earth like it! There is a never ending variety in landscape making it incredibly scenic and beautiful. Not to mention the laid back happy atmosphere everywhere you go. It was really hard to leave! I learned a lot about this island on my 7 day road trip. The Big Island makes for an incredible soul filled adventure! Here is my list of the 11 best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

1. Voyagers of the Pacific Luau

No Hawaiian adventure is complete without a traditional luau! I read a lot of reviews before choosing which luau to see. They are all different and they are not cheap so this is one experience you want to research first. I chose Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort. This is the only luau on the island that is right on the beach. You get to watch the sun set right behind the stage! It includes the standard luau feast, drinks, and an amazing show. That’s why it’s on the 11 best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii list!

Luaus are a bit more touristy than I usually do, but you learn so much it’s worth it. This is a great way to learn the general story of Hawaiian heritage and culture. And have fun while doing it! 

2. Ali’i Drive

Ali’i Drive runs along the waterfront beginning in Kona and several miles south. You can find all sorts of fun stuff to do along this road. I recommend spending a whole day exploring this stretch of waterfront. There are endless shops, restaurants, coffee shops, juice bars, gift shops, walking paths, farmers markets, etc… There are even some little beaches to stop at so don’t forget your swimsuit and beach towel. My favorite beaches were Honl’s Beach and Magic Sands Beach. Both are accessible right from Ali’i Drive and parking was a breeze. 

3. Visit Coffee Farms

Kona produces some of the best coffee beans in the world and you can get them everywhere! If you are a coffee lover then make sure to stop in at some coffee farms.

My favorite was UCC Coffee . It is a short and beautiful drive from Kona. I was fortunate to be there when the coffee trees were in bloom, which only happens a few days a year. Self guided tours of the farm are free and the view of the ocean is amazing! The coffee shop overlooks the farm and the ocean making it an ideal setting to stop in for a coffee. 

They have an amazing Affogato (espresso poured over ice cream) and have bags of beans to go. They also sell locally grown macadamia nuts that were so fresh and delicious. This is the place the locals go so you know it has to be good!

4. Whale Watching

The best season to see whales on the Big Island is December through April. So if you are visiting during those times then check out the whale migration! You can book a boat tour where they can pretty much guarantee seeing whales. Or you can just find a lookout to sit at for awhile. The whales were very active when I was there in February and it was even easy to spot them from the road. 

The sailboat cruise I booked was canceled due to high winds. It was disappointing but I learned a huge lesson. Don’t book a sailboat cruise at the end of your trip. If you do, you have no option to reschedule before returning home. I really wish I had scheduled this one at the beginning. Lesson learned!

5. Botanical Gardens

There are gardens everywhere in Hawaii! My favorite one on the Big Island was Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary . It’s a beautiful 30 minute drive south of Kona and well worth it. It’s near a Painted Church that is also a popular spot to visit. 

Paleaku Gardens are incredible! They overlook the ocean and are unique in design. There are several prayer gardens that exude a feeling of peace. The gift shop there where you enter has tons of locally produced goods from art, to salt, to coffee, to jewelry and soap. It’s’ also off the beaten path so not full or tourist. I only saw a handful of other people there during my visit. This is definitely one of the 11 best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii!

6. Pu’uhonoa O Honauau National Historical Park

Head a little further south and you will stumble across this unique park. Pu’uhonoa O Honauau is a really special place where history has been recreated. Start at the visitor center to learn more about the history of the park. Then you can walk through the park and see the structures, habitats, tolls, etc… That were recreated to tell the story of the ancient Hawaiian people. 

The beach Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a popular spot for sea turtles to sunbathe. If you are lucky you may see some! Like most beaches on the Big Island, this beach was formed by lava so it is a really cool spot to walk around and see how the lava has impacted its development. 

7. Hawaii Belt Road

The Hawaii Belt Road is the highway that runs across the southern edge of the island. This is one route you can take from Kona to Hilo. It takes a little longer but is well worth the extra time if you have it. There are many scenic places to stop along the way including beaches and lookouts. There are also coffee, fruit, and nut farms if you have time to stop. 

8. Hilo Farmers Market

Hilo is the wet side of the island and where most of the farming happens. The Hilo Farmers Market is hands down one of the 11 best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii if you are a foodie like me. There is booth after booth piled high with exotic foods. And the prices are low!

 9. Volcanoes

I don’t even know where to start, I could write a whole blog post about this alone. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park was my absolute favorite part of the whole trip. Here are the main things you want to do while you are there:

  • Make a reservation at Volcano House. If the volcano is active (it was very active while I was there!) then be there around sunset to see the lava. The restaurant is a bit spendy but the food is excellent and well worth it.
  • Drive the Chain of Craters Road and stop along the way. I almost didn’t do this because I was worried it would take too long. I’m so glad I did! I stopped at all the pull outs, hiked a short distance to incredible views, and went to the very end. 
  • Hike out to the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs. It’s a short easy hike and you feel like you are on a different planet.
  • Hike out to Holei Sea Arches. Again, short and easy hike to some spectacular views. The sea aches were created by lava tunnels and you really do have to see them with your own eyes. 

The general landscape here is unlike anything you’ve ever seen! You can see where the lava flowed straight into the ocean. The Volcano National Park is one of the 11 best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii so don’t miss it. 

10. Drive the Red Road

The famous Red Road of Hawaii is known to be one of the most scenic drives in Hawaii. It is a short span of road along the southeastern shore of the Big island. This part of the shoreline is more rugged, and this part of the island is dense jungle. There are several great places to stop along the red road, here are a few of my favorites:

  • Kehena Black sand Beach- there is a really nice lookout from the road, or you can hike down to it if you are feeling adventurous. Just know that it is a clothing optional beach so don’t be surprised if you see some nudity. 
  • Issac Hale Beach Park- this is at the end of the Red Road. This unique park is all black sand beach with lots of places to swim or just chill in the water. 
  • Kalani Oceanside Retreat- This retreat center has a little store with ice cream, coffee, natural foods, handmade clothing, and a variety of locally made products. It has a lovely outdoor area and wifi. It is a great place to stop in for some locally grown coffee where you can enjoy the peaceful vibe. 

11. Hapuna Beach

Most of the beaches you will find are pretty rocky because of all the lava. One of the best white sand beaches you will find on the Big Island is Hapuna Beach . Just a little north of Kona and worth the drive. If you want a nice long beach day this is the palace to go.

There is so much more to explore and I can’t wait to go back some day! If you want to learn more about Hawaii read my post Which Is The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii?.