Big Island (Hawaiʻi)

Hawaiʻi

The largest and youngest Hawaiian island featuring active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and diverse climates. It offers dramatic natural attractions including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea.

Things to do

• Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — Walk through the Crater Rim Trail or descend into Kīlauea Caldera to witness active volcanic landscape, steam vents, and native ʻōhiʻa forest.
• Hike to Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) — Trek through a 500-year-old tunnel surrounded by lush native ferns and ʻōhiʻa trees in the heart of the national park.
• Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach — Relax on jet-black sand formed by lava fragments and watch endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) basking on the shore.
• Observe Mauna Kea Summit at Sunset — Drive to the 13,796-foot summit for world-class stargazing and views above the cloud layer from the world's largest volcano by volume.
• Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay — Dive into crystal-clear waters to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs near the Captain Cook Monument.
• Explore Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots — View a 80-foot waterfall surrounded by native vegetation and swim in natural pools formed by flowing water near Hilo.

Food to try

• Kona Coffee — Sample world-renowned coffee grown on the volcanic slopes of Hualālai in Kona, characterized by rich flavor and smooth finish.
• Ahi Poke — Taste fresh yellowfin tuna cubed and marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and local sea salt—a staple at island fish markets and restaurants.
• Kalua Pork — Enjoy succulent pork slow-roasted in an underground imu oven, often served at local plate lunch shops and lūʻau.
• Fresh Papaya and Macadamia Nuts — Indulge in sun-ripened papayas and locally-grown macadamia nuts, both thriving in the island's rich volcanic soil.
• Loco Moco — Savor the Big Island's comfort food classic—rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and savory brown gravy.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the ʻāina (land) and volcanic landscape — Never take lava rocks as souvenirs and stay on marked trails in volcanic areas, as the land holds deep spiritual significance to Native Hawaiians.
• Learn and use Hawaiian words — Pronounce place names correctly (like Hawaiʻi, Kealakekua) and use Hawaiian greetings like 'Aloha' and 'Mahalo' to show respect for the culture.
• Participate in community values of mālama ʻāina — Leave no trace, support local farmers and fishermen, and contribute to environmental conservation efforts while visiting.