Top 7 Big Island Activities to do
Top 7 Big Island Activities to do
The Big Island features endless activities for vacation goers, from adrenaline-inducing excursions like water rappelling and zip lining to more relaxing endeavors like cooking classes, farm tours, and massages, the island offers accommodations that everyone will enjoy. Keep reading to see our guide to the top seven Big Island activities that you will want to do in Hawaii so that you can get the most out of your visit!
Activities to Experience when you're on the Big Island of Hawaii:
Waterfall Rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls
For those looking to experience adventure during their stay on the Big Island, waterfall rappelling is a must. One of Kulaniapia Falls's signature excursions is waterfall rappelling, which is by far the most exciting activity on our list. It involves suiting up in a harness and belaying your way down the 120-foot waterfall. Maximize these Kulaniapia moments by jumping into the pool at the bottom of the waterfall and go for a dip afterward! Warning; prepare to get wet no matter what!
Farm Tour
Take an immersive tour through the lush, tropical farm, and learn about the 30 different types of food that are grown at Kulaniapia Falls. This tour is guided by a community member with extensive knowledge and passion for growing healthy food. This tour enables you to live in harmony with the environment, and you will leave the island feeling like a member of the farmily. You will take home with you a new appreciation for fresh, healthy, farm grown food and ingredients.
Cooking Classes
Go a step further beyond exploring, and taste the ‘ono grinds (delicious food) that Kulianapa’s farm produces, by taking a cooking class on the Big Island in Hilo, Hawaii. Begin with a stroll through the garden and learn about the Kulaniapia’s farm from a passionate member of the community. Live like a true Kama’aina Kama’aina (child of the land) , when you harvest ripe vegetables from the farm’s rich, Hawaiian volcanic soil.
After the brief tour, you’ll create and share a plant based lunch, making this activity particularly ideal for anyone that follows a vegetarian or vegan diet. Through this experience and by indulging in the freshest, most delicious food possible, you will gain a new understanding of farm-to-table and sustainable eating. This activity is great for families or couples looking for the perfect balance of relaxation and a healthy Hawaii Big Island experience.
Massage
Take a break from the adventure at our off-the-grid destination by indulging in an ultimate relaxation activity; a massage. Massages have a plethora of both mental and physical health benefits and are perfect for couples, or anyone looking to release travel related stress. It is a great way to relax on the big island of Hawaii.
Zip Lining
For travelers looking to explore the Big Island, The Umauma Falls 9-Line Zipline Tour is an awe-inspiring adventure. Find yourself immersed in nature on this two mile zip line, where you will zip over 14 waterfalls, allowing you to absorb breathtaking ocean views while adventuring. This zip line is known by many as, “The Most Beautiful Zip Line in all of Hawaii.”
Each line has new and exciting views, with Line #2 featuring a view of a 100 foot waterfall; a hidden gem that many Hawaiian locals have never even seen! Additionally, you will get to cross a river gorge, lava tube, and fern grotto. The zip lining excursion is an absolutely perfect family-fun activity, providing a combination of both action & adventure and immersion in Hawaii’s one-of-a-kind nature!
Snorkeling
When visiting The Big Island, or anywhere in Hawaii, snorkeling is a must activity to do. In Hilo, you can choose between two snorkeling excursions; Sea Turtle Lagoon and Black Sand Beach, or the Dolphin Adventure and Tropical Reef Rafting.
For a visually stimulating experience that the kids will love, opt for The Sea Turtle Lagoon! You will have the opportunity to snorkel with a local snorkel guide, who will school you on how black sand beaches and volcanic islands are made, and teach you all about your lush surroundings.
Say aloha to the array of aquatic wildlife that you will encounter, some of which includes colorful corals, eels, eagles and manta rays. This area is particularly concentrated with tropical reef fish, and has a large sea turtle population, making you feel just like you are in Finding Nemo!
If you’re looking for a slightly more intense snorkeling experience, get on board a 20 foot inflatable boat for the Dolphin Adventure and Tropical Reef Rafting. An expert snorkeler will be your guide, and they will take you through the scenic Wailoa Harbor as you make way to your destination. You’ll have the chance to learn, in depth, all about natural wildlife that occupies this area while simultaneously exploring untouched reefs and watching dolphins play in pods; a truly magical experience!
Maunakea Stellar Explorer
For astronomy enthusiasts or those looking for a unique day-long excursion, The Maunakea Stellar Explorer is for you. This activity is the only Big Island star tour to feature night time astronomical observing and daytime solar viewing for all ages. Led by tour guides well versed in astronomy, you will drive along the historic waterfront, then arrive at an iconic, picturesque waterfall; Rainbow Falls. Travel up the Wailuku river to secluded boiling pots; and get your camera out because you can expect impressive photo opportunities!
Retreat into the Kaumana caves, which are a part of the lava tube system that was responsible for bringing lava 1.5 miles from Hilo-town in the late 1800’s. You can then stop for a picnic lunch on top of the caves, before traveling to Saddle Road, which is situated between two of the most massive volcanoes on earth.
You will find yourself experiencing sensory overload as you learn, in depth, about volcanoes, geology, and history, while simultaneously taking in breathtaking terrestrial views. Your guide will set up a state of the art solar telescope for you to view, and you’ll stargaze on Mauna Kea, where you’ll observe galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more! Wrap up the evening with 100% Kona coffee, or hot chocolate.
The Top 7 Big Island Hawaii Activities & Experiences
The Big Island offers a long list of activities for every type of traveler, from foodies, to adrenaline junkies, adventurers, and sightseers. Regardless of what the essentials are on your vacation to-do list, The Big Island is the ideal location for anyone wanting to explore and do the top Hawaii activities in a unique, off-the-grid community destination.
Mahalo!