Unexpected Hawaii’s Big Island

Yes, it does snow in Hawaii. During winter months you may see the snow-capped peaks of the 4,205-metre Maunakea, the tallest sea mountain in the world. Stargazing or taking a tour up Maunakea is just one example of the many unexpected attractions and activities you’ll find on the Big Island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers the most unexpected sights of all. From hundreds of kilometres of trails through steaming lava fields, arid deserts and tropical rainfalls, to walking through lava tubes and even seeing lava enter the sea, the natural wonders of the Big Island will leave you speechless. Other amazing land adventures include discovering waterfalls along the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, seeing the stunning views from the Pololu Valley Lookout and the Waipio Valley Lookout, and exploring the beautiful oasis of Hawi Town and the charming art and coffee village of Holualoa.

And the Big Island’s coastlines offer even more surprises. Black, white and even green sand beaches encircle the island’s 428 kilometres of coastline, from Punaluu Black Sand Beach to Hapuna Beach. Scuba and snorkel in the clear waters of Kona and see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), humpback whales in the winter, and massive manta rays who harmlessly swim within centimetres of you, taking your breath away. With so much ground to cover on Hawaii’s Big Island, you’ll never know what you’ll find just around the corner.

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  Art Galleries and Museums of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Whether it’s through paintings, sculptures, glassware, jewellery or hand-carved koa wood bowls, you’ll see the distinct styles that make the art found on the Big Island truly unique.
  
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  Beaches of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island features some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the islands.
  
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  Boating and Cruises on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island offers a variety of ways to set sail and explore the seas.
  
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  Fishing on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island is world famous for its sport fishing, its waters full of marlin and other big-game fish.
  
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  Hiking on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Whether you’re looking for a challenging trail on fields of lava to a short scenic hike, Hawaii’s Big Island is heaven for hikers.
  
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  Historic Places of Hawaii’s Big Island

  From the birthplace of King Kamehameha to the birthplace of paniolo, Hawaii’s Big Island is home to some of the most historic places in Hawaii.
  
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  Horse riding on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Explore the wealth of scenic, open landscapes in Waimea and other spots throughout the island on horseback.
  
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  Hula on Hawaii’s Big Island

  See authentic hula throughout Hawaii’s Big Island at seasonal festivals, competitions, luau and live performances at hotels and resorts.
  
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  Kayaking on Hawaii’s Big Island

  The protected waters of the Kona, Kohala and Hilo coasts make Hawaii’s Big Island a perfect place to take a guided kayak or outrigger canoe tour.
  
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  Live Music on Hawaii’s Big Island

  You’ll find live music venues throughout Hawaii’s Big Island in restaurants, lounges and in the island’s fine hotels and resorts.
  
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  Manta Ray Diving on Hawaii’s Big Island

  The Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island offers the best opportunity to encounter Hawaii’s amazing manta rays.
  
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  Marine Life on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Explore the waters of Hawaii’s Big Island and you may see everything from manta rays and humpback whales to green sea turtles and dolphins.
  
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  Natural Wonders of Hawaii's Big Island

  From Kilauea Volcano to the peaks of Maunakea, Hawaii’s Big Island is home to a variety of incomparable natural wonders.
  
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  Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboys) of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island has a rich paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, culture dating back to the early 1800s.
  
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  Parks of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big island features four National Parks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as beautiful state and county parks.
  
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  Sig Zane’s Favourite Places in Hilo

  Celebrated fashion designer Sig Zane shares his favourite spots in Downtown Hilo.
  
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  Snorkelling and Scuba-diving on Hawaii’s Big Island

  From North Kohala to South Kona, Hawaii’s Big Island is famous for its calm and clear waters perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.
  
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  Stargazing on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Maunakea on Hawaii’s Big Island is home to one of the most renowned astronomical sites on the planet.
  
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  Surfing on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Whether watching surfers or taking your first surf lesson, Hawaii’s Big Island offers fantastic surf adventures from Hilo to Keauhou.
  
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  Volcano Eruption Update on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Recent updates on volcano activity in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island.
  
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  Waterfalls on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Some of the Big Islands most breathtaking and accessible waterfalls can be discovered along the Hilo and Hamakua Coast.
  
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  Whale Watching on Hawaii’s Big Island

  From December to May, go on a whale watching tour or spot humpback whales from the Big Island’s coastal areas.