One thing we can never get enough of is Hawaii. Over the past few years, we’ve been on a quest to uncover the most secluded, beautiful spots on the Big Island, perfect for weekend getaways and short breaks.

Every time we venture out, we discover something new. With its adventurous activities, stunning landscapes, and wonderful people, the Big Island is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you’ve never been to the Big Island, I’m here to tell you that it absolutely needs to be on your bucket list! While most travelers flock to Oahu or Maui, the Big Island offers a unique experience. It’s less developed, less touristy, and far more adventurous. 

In this Hawaiian island-hopping guide, I’ll share my Big Island itinerary, places to visit in Big Island, Hawaii, personalized recommendations, and more!

Where to Stay

When it comes to choosing the right accommodation on the Big Island, you’ve got plenty of fantastic options. But first, you’ll need to decide which side of the island you want to call home base: the Kona side or the Hilo side. 

The Kona side is known for its upscale resorts, but don’t worry. There are some budget-friendly choices, too. On the other hand, the Hilo side isn’t famous for luxury hotels, but it makes up for it with lush landscapes, incredible hiking, and Volcanoes National Park and its must-see sites.

But here’s a wild idea: skip the traditional hotel altogether and get a camper on rent in Hawaii’s Big Island. It will give you freedom, flexibility, and amazing sunrises from your doorstep – Sounds pretty darn tempting, right? And it’s a budget-friendly option too.

Top 10 Big Island Attractions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

You must have seen it coming: No list of “top Big Island Hawaii places to see” can miss the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

Located on the Big Island’s windward side, it covers a whopping 500 square miles. Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It is the park’s molten heart, putting on a show that’ll leave you speechless.

Fee: $30

Things to do: 

• See Lava
• Hiking
• Camping
• Volcano Viewing
• Scenic Drives
• Thurston Lava Tube
• Kilauea Iki Crater

Best Time to Visit: 24 hours a day, year-round. 

What to Bring:

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Plenty of water
• Snacks or a picnic
• Sunscreen
• Camera, smartphone, and battery-backups
• Jacket and sweater

Star Gaze on Mauna Kea

There’s no place on Earth like Mauna Kea, so trust me; just go. You’ll thank me later. Mauna Kea literally means “White Mountain,” named for the snow often found at its high-elevation peak.

Pro tip: Stargazing from Mauna Kea is one of the coolest experiences you can have on the Big Island. You’ll be amazed at the sheer number of stars you can see. It’s like stepping into another world.

Location: Island of, HI, United States

Things to do: 

• Stargazing
• Hiking
• Sunset Viewing
• Cultural sites

Best time to visit: April to October, mid-night and during dawn

Essentials to Bring: 

• Jackets and sweater
• A jacket or sweater
• Binoculars or a telescope for stargazing
• Water and snacks
• Camera, smartphone, and battery backup
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for the day

Akaka Falls

What’s Akaka Falls, you ask? Well, the name says it all! Akaka Falls State Park is a wonderland of whimsical waterfalls. Hike along paved paths and be blown away as you explore this lush jungle with exotic plant life and wild birds. 

Location: On the northeastern Hilo Coast of the Big Island, about 11 miles north of Hilo.

Fee: $5

Things to do: 

• Hiking
• Waterfall Viewing
• Birdwatching
• Photography

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Essentials to Bring: 

• Comfortable walking to shoes
• A hat and sunscreen
• Water and snacks
• A camera or smartphone for photos
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• A light rain jacket

Puʻukoholā Heiau

Next up on the Big Island list is Pu’ukohola Heiau, a historic temple that’s more than just ancient rock. This powerful site tells the story of king Kamehameha, the warrior who united the Hawaiian islands.

Location: 62-3601 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

Fee: No fee

Best time visit: 8:00am to 4:45pm

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

If you’re feeling wiped out after your epic Hawaii island adventures, Kona Coffee Farm is just the pick-me-up you need. Kona Coffee farms are your gateway to a delicious pick-me-up, with some of the world’s most gourmet coffee beans waiting to jumpstart your day.

Location: 82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704, United States

Fee: $10-$20

Best time of visit: 6am-6pm

Things to do: 

• Farm tour
• Coffee Tasting
• Shopping
• Photo Ops

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

There’s something both mysterious and mesmerizing about a bold black-sanded beach. Here at Black Sand Beaches, instead of golden grains, you get a coastline dusted with smooth, black volcanic sand that shimmers under the sun. It’s a sight to behold.

Pro tip: Don’t be surprised if you spot turtles lounging around under swaying coconut trees, even if they enjoy chilling on the inky-colored coast. 

Location: Located between the towns of Pāhala and Nāʻālehu in Kaʻū

Best time to visit: January and March

Fee: No fee to visit, but they charge parking fee

Things to do: 

• Turtle watching
• Snorkeling
• Beachcombing

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii and its magnificent gardens are the perfect place to enjoy 2,000 species of tropical plants. Situated between Hilo and the Waipio Valley Lookout, Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden is the best place for tropical flora and fauna, this non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving and studying tropical flora, drawing in tourists, botanists and photographers from around the globe. 

Location: 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781, United States

Best time to visit: 9 am–5 pm

Fee: $30.00

Things to do: 

• Wander the paths
• Palm vista
• Photography Relax and Unwind

Shop at the Hilo Farmers Market

There’s no way you’ll travel all the way to Hawaii without exploring the vibrant Hilo Farmers Market. More than 200 vendors gather in Hilo’s historic downtown, offering a feast for the senses with locally grown produce, beautiful flowers, handmade artifacts and souvenirs. 

Pro tip: The market also hosts special events, including annual festivals and weekly themes like Hilo Hula Tuesday and Market Music.

Location: At the corner of Mamo Street and Kamekameka Avenue

Best time to visit: 7 am–3 pm

Fee: No charges

Must Buy: 

• Fresh produce
• Local flowers
• Handmade gifts
• Souvenirs

Essentials to bring:

• Reusable Bad
• Comfortable shoes
• Hat and sunscreen

Parker Ranch (Kona Coast)

One of the lesser known attractions is Parker Ranch, the largest ranch in the United States. Spanning 355 square miles from the Kohala mountains to the northwest coast of the Big Island, Parker Ranch accounts for about 9 percent of Hawaii’s total area.

Location: At the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in Kona.

Best time to visit: 7am-3pm

Fee: There’s no charge 

Things to do:

• Historical tour
• Scenic drives
• Horseback riding

Waipio Valley and Waterfalls

Within the extraordinary Waipio Valley, you’ll find the Big Island’s most famous waterfalls: Hiilawe Falls, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls. As you hike through this mesmerizing valley, it’ll feel like nature has turned on a tap, with water cascading down the hillsides. 

Location: Located on the northeast coast of Big Island

Best time to visit: Morning or mid-day to early afternoon

Fee: There’s no charge 

Things to Do: 

• Hiking
• Waterfall viewing
• Photography
• Swimming
• Horseback riding 

Wrap-up

So that was our list of places to visit in Big Island Hawaii. And as you can see, the Big Island of Hawaii is filled with extraordinary experiences and stunning terrains. There is so much to see, from the hot and bright views of the volcanoes in Hawaii National Park to the quiet and stunning Akaka Falls and the colorful Hilo Farmers Market.

For a great time, rent a camper on Hawaii’s Big Island and explore the island at your own pace. With a camper, you can wake up to beautiful sights like the sunrise and truly enjoy the beauty of the Big Island. For affordable camper options, check out Hawaiian Overlanders, where you can find different sizes and types to fit your budget.

Well, what are you waiting for? Grab your bags, get into your car, and start exploring the unexplored beauty of the Big Island—welcome to Hawaii!!