While you’re traveling, it can be hard knowing how to dedicate your time and what to prioritize. Everyone vacations differently, and we’re not here to tell you theres one way to spend your vacation that’s better than any other way. That being said, the Big Island is home to some truly incredible experiences and sights, some you may never encounter again. If you travel to check things off your “never, have I ever..” list, then these are the most island-specific activities and locations for you to consider making time for!
Mauna Kea
The tallest (notice how we didn’t say highest) mountain in the world and a highly suggested stop while you’re on island. Make sure you have 4WD and you read about acclimating and signs to watch out for in case of altitude sickness. This is a particularly great spot to go for sunset and some star gazing. If you don’t have 4WD then you can still go all the way to the visitor center (where views are supposed to be better than the summit because of the oxygen) and enjoy the stunning views from there.
Green Sands
Green Sands beach is an incredible spot and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s one of very few actual green sand beaches IN THE WORLD. Green Sands Beach is most likely quite a drive from wherever youre staying, so if you decide to check it out plan a whole day around getting there and back. It’s on the very south end of the island, and besides a long drive requires an adventurous mindset to get to. This incredibly gorgeous and rare spot is even more special because of how difficult it is to reach. For more details on how to get here and what that entails check out our blog on just that!
Manta Ray Snorkel
An easy no-brainer first suggestion. Not only is this experience exceptionally unique to only a very few places in the world (and you happen to be in one), but it has this been listed consistently as one of the top ten experiences (in the world). We personally have gone on the scuba dive and the snorkel quite a few times and these experiences will never cease to be in our top suggestions for Big Island activities. Although both the dive and the snorkel are at night, there’s no reason to be nervous (the guides are knowledgeable and go many times a week). If you’re not a certified diver than there truly is no reason to fret, the snorkel is an equally incredible experience and we MEAN that. We wouldn’t necessarily suggest the dive over the snorkel even if you are a diver. It just depends on what you’re looking for.