The Big Island is renowned for its incredible diversity of microclimates and ecosystems. It is in fact a *big island*—larger than all of the other Hawaiian islands combined—which means drives can be long. A rental car is a must.
Explore Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
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Located just south of Kailua-Kona, the park features incredible artifacts of early Hawaiian culture.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park spans two active volcanoes. View the lava glow from Kilauea’s eruption at night. Consider hiking some of the park’s many trails. Our favorite, Kilauea Iki, traverses a solidified lava lake.
Stroll through botanical gardens
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Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden is located just north of Hilo.
Swim with manta rays
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The Big Island is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with manta rays. Swim from shore at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or book a snorkel or dive trip.
Chase waterfalls
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Take a scenic drive along the Hamakua Coast, north of Hilo. There are many opportunities for waterfall viewing along the way. ‘Akaka Falls is particularly spectacular.
See Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
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Sea turtles love to bask in the sun here. Best visited on the way to or from Volcanoes National Park.
Snorkel, snorkel, snorkel
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The Big Island offers the best snorkeling in the state. We rent gear for the week so we can snorkel from shore as often as we like.