Hawaii Island In World Map: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, you’re in for a treat. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and endless outdoor adventures, this island is a paradise for travelers of all kinds. From the top attractions to the hidden gems, from the food scene to the adventure sports, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive travel guide.
Top Attractions
One of the most popular attractions on the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes. You can hike through lava fields, explore underground lava tubes, and watch as molten lava flows into the ocean. Another must-see is Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii, where you can stargaze at one of the world’s best observatories. If you’re into water sports, head to Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling and kayaking, or visit Hapuna Beach State Park for some of the best swimming and sunbathing.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, check out the Kaumana Caves, a network of lava tubes near Hilo. You can explore these caves on your own with a flashlight and some sturdy shoes. Another hidden gem is the Green Sand Beach, located at the southernmost point of the island. The sand gets its green color from the olivine crystals that make up the beach. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the view is well worth it.
Food Scene
The Big Island is known for its delicious local cuisine, which is a fusion of Hawaiian, Asian, and American flavors. Some must-try dishes include poke (raw fish salad), kalua pig (slow-roasted pork), and loco moco (rice, hamburger patty, gravy, and a fried egg). For a taste of the island’s coffee culture, head to Kona and try some of the world-famous Kona coffee.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? No problem. You can save money by staying in a hostel or camping instead of a hotel, cooking your own meals instead of eating out, and taking advantage of free activities like hiking and beachcombing. You can also save money on attractions by purchasing a multi-day pass or booking a tour that includes multiple activities.
Outdoor Adventures
The Big Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike through rainforests, swim with dolphins, go whale-watching, zip-line through the jungle, and even go on a helicopter tour. Some of the best outdoor experiences include hiking to the top of Mauna Kea, swimming with manta rays at night, and taking a helicopter tour of the volcanic landscape.
Historical Landmarks
The Big Island has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many historical landmarks to explore. Some of the most significant sites include the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and the Lapakahi State Historical Park. These sites offer a glimpse into the island’s past and its native Hawaiian culture.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Big Island is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Some of the best family-friendly attractions include the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. You can also take a family-friendly hike to Akaka Falls or visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something truly unique, try one of these off-the-beaten-path experiences. You can take a horseback ride through Waipio Valley, visit a coffee farm in Kona, or go on a night snorkeling tour to see the glowing plankton. You can also explore the island’s black sand beaches, visit a traditional Hawaiian fishpond, or take a yoga class on the beach.
Natural Wonders
The Big Island is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. You can visit the Akaka Falls State Park to see the 442-foot waterfall, or hike to the top of the Mauna Loa Observatory for panoramic views of the island. You can also visit the Waipio Valley Lookout for breathtaking views of the valley and the ocean, or take a helicopter tour to see the active volcanoes from above.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Big Island may be known for its natural beauty, but it also has a vibrant nightlife scene. You can enjoy live music and dancing at the Kona Brewing Company or the Hilo Town Tavern, or sip on a tropical cocktail at the Mai Grille or the Lava Lava Beach Club. You can also take a sunset cruise or a nighttime snorkeling tour to see the island’s marine life after dark.
Local Markets
If you want to experience the local culture, head to one of the island’s many farmers markets. You can sample fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, and artisanal crafts. Some of the best markets include the Hilo Farmers Market, the Kona Farmers Market, and the Waimea Town Market.
Beaches and Mountains
The Big Island has it all, from pristine beaches to towering mountains. You can relax on the white sands of Hapuna Beach State Park, go snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach Park, or hike through the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast. You can also explore the mountains, including Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai, all of which offer incredible views and hiking trails.
Cultural Immersion
If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, there are many opportunities to do so on the Big Island. You can learn traditional Hawaiian crafts like lei-making and hula dancing, or attend a luau to experience the island’s music, dance, and food. You can also visit the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, a sacred Hawaiian temple, or the Kona Historical Society to learn about the island’s history.
Art and Music Scene
The Big Island has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries, studios, and live music venues. You can visit the Volcano Art Center to see works by local artists, attend a concert at the Kahilu Theatre, or take a painting class at the Donkey Mill Art Center. You can also attend the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, a celebration of Hawaiian music, dance, and culture.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore the island is on foot. You can take a walking tour of historic downtown Hilo, or hike the Waipio Valley Trail to see the valley up close. You can also take a guided tour of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or explore the Akaka Falls State Park on your own. Whatever your walking style, there’s a tour for you on the Big Island.
Architectural Marvels
The Big Island has many architectural marvels to explore, from the ancient Hawaiian temples to the modern-day observatories. You can visit the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park to see the restored Hawaiian temple, or take a tour of the Keck Observatory to see the world’s largest telescopes. You can also visit the historic Palace Theater in Hilo or the beautiful St. Benedict’s Painted Church in Captain Cook.
Historical Sites
The Big Island has a rich history, and there are many historical sites to explore. You can visit the Captain Cook Monument to learn about the explorer’s arrival in Hawaii, or tour the Parker Ranch to see how the island’s cowboys lived. You can also visit the Laupahoehoe Train Museum to learn about the island’s railway history, or the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site to see the ancient Hawaiian temple.
Biking Routes
If you’re a fan of biking, the Big Island has many scenic routes to explore. You can bike along the Kona Coast to see the ocean and the mountains, or take a ride through the Kohala Mountains to see the island’s stunning landscape. You can also rent a bike and explore the island on your own, or take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the area.
Wellness Retreats
The Big Island is a great place to relax and rejuvenate, with many wellness retreats and spas to choose from. You can practice yoga on the beach, attend a meditation retreat, or indulge in a spa treatment. Some of the best wellness retreats include the Hawaii Island Retreat in Kohala, the Kalani Retreat in Puna, and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kona.
Adventure Sports
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, the Big Island has plenty of adventure sports to keep you busy. You can go on a zip-line tour of the jungle, go skydiving over the ocean, or take a surf lesson in Kona. You can also go on a deep-sea fishing trip, go on a