Black sand beaches, bountiful waterfalls, crazy cliff jumps, surf worthy waves, snorkeling, hiking trails, tours of small farms, two of the world's most active volcanoes, one of four in the world green sand beach, the highest summit, tropical rainforests and more... amazing adventures on the big island...makes me wonder why I didn't visit sooner and when can I go again.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. - Albert Einstein
On the Island of Hawaii, affectionately known as Big Island, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with the pure, untainted, natural creation.
Here are 7 pursuits that I highly recommend:
Kilauea Volcano
Mauna Kea
Polulu Valley Black Sand Beach
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach and South Point
Snorkeling
White Sand Beaches
Coffee, Macadamia nuts, Vanilla farms, and more...
1. Kilauea Volcano
As one of the most active volcanoes on earth, Kilauea volcano is a force of wonder. When you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, plan to have plenty of time to take in all that the 335,259 acres offers. Consider staying in the town of Hilo, which is about 45 minutes from the park, or, even closer at only 5 minutes from the park entrance, Volcano Village. Choose from exploring a lava tube, hiking, the crater rim drive, the chain of craters road tour, or getting close to lava! (Tip: you need to rent a car, or car share.)
Our first stop was to view steam being released from the ground, followed by a hike to the lava tube.
Click on the slideshow to view the Lava Tube experience:
If you are planning a visit and want more details, I took photos of the posters on display at the Visitor's Center , (where you will also find washrooms), and put them in the slideshow below:
2. Mauna Kea Visitor's Center and Summit Area
National Geographic states that the dormant volcano, Mauna Kea, is the tallest mountain on earth, 1116 meters taller than Mount Everest! But don't worry, if you want to reach the top, you get to drive most of the way up. If you are visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and staying in Hilo, then definitely add a trip to Mauna Kea, which is about an hour from the town. Most important to know is, although you can drive most of the way up to the visitor's centre, you cannot drive a rental to the top. Access to the top is denied half an hour before sunset. It's also necessary to have a 4x4. Joining a tour is highly recommended. Parking is first come, first served.
For more detailed information on Mauna Kea, visit this blog: https://www.lovebigisland.com/stargazing
3. Polulu Valley Black Sand Beach
Drive to the end of Hwy 270, literally, to find Polulu Valley in the North Kohala region. Although there is a small parking lot, this is only for 'drop offs', to turn around, or a quick photo-op. Otherwise, if you want to hike down to the black sand beach, just park on the side of the road, like everyone else does. Next to the parking lot, you will be greeted by local stewards who are there to assist visitors with their knowledge of the area. Ask them your questions and they will readily share information and history. Keep in mind there are no washrooms, so stop and use one in Hawi. Hawi is an adorable, historic town, so plan to spend a bit of time enjoying this once thriving sugar producing industry.
Give yourself at least a half day to do this hike, although I recommend spending the whole day here. It will take about 20-30 minutes to hike down to the black sand beach. Click through my slideshow below to see my journey from the top to the black sand beach below, and then to the top of the first cliff, where it overlooks the first valley. I didn't get a good photo of the valley.
(Update 2024: Although visitors can still venture down to the black sand beach, you are no longer allowed to continue into the valley.)
There are more black sand beaches around the island. If you are going to spend a little bit of time in Hilo, or the Volcano National Park area, then you definitely want to include a trip to Punaluu Beach, which was created from the Kilauea volcanic eruption. Among the human visitors, you may also see the green and hawksbill turtles resting on the sand (they are often there). As lifeguards are present from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., this makes this beach area a perfect family getaway.
4. Green Sands Beach and Southpoint
There are only 4 green sand beaches in the world, and you can find one of them, Papakōlea beach, near the most southern point in the United States.
Drive south on highway 11, from either direction, and then turn onto South Point Rd. Just before arriving at South Point follow the fork in the road to the left to get to Green Sand Beach. You will arrive at a parking area. There are no washroom facilities here, or any other facilities. A few locals with pick-up trucks will try to offer you a return ride to the beach. After doing a little research I learned that these rides are illegal and there are no vehicles allowed past the parking lot, as these grounds are sacred. So, start walking. Head to the ocean from the parking lot and then turn left. There are multiple paths and people to follow, but one tip is to keep the ocean on your right side. When we first started our trek, we were met by an elder couple. I asked how far we needed to go.
"Oh, we gave up," the lady replied, "I'll just look at the pictures in my book."
I kept her in mind while I took all my photos and added them to the slideshow below, for her benefit. This 4 km/2.5 mile hike should take you about an hour - one way! Once you arrive to the horseshoe shaped nook you will need to carefully climb down. In my last photo on the slideshow you can see how footsteps have been naturally carved into the rock from all of the visitors. Although a bit of a trek to arrive, it's worth the effort.
To visit Ka Lae, which means 'the point' in Hawaiian, also called 'South Point,' because it is the southernmost point of the United States, drive back to the fork in the road and turn left. First, you will likely see people jumping from the cliff, known as South Point Cliff Jump. This spot juts out over the ocean, making it safer to jump the 40-60 feet distance. You can either climb back out using the ladder or swim over to the side and climb the rocks back up.
5. Snorkeling
Snorkel opportunities abound here on the Big Island. My friend bought us all a snorkel adventure with Ocean Encounters. They provided snorkel gear, information and snacks. It's safe to say, though, that we provided the entertainment. What I found to be the 'extra' that paying for such an experience allows is the participation of the two guides who swam around pointing out important sea life, including a pin-cushion sea star, a turtle and a reef shark. I also loved the pool noodles so all you had to do was float like a starfish (although you float anyways because of the saltwater.)
If you don't want to spend the money on a boat tour, then you can snorkel just about anywhere there is access to the water. One great snorkel and hike is the Captain Cook Monument Trail. All trails gives a good description with reviews. Bring your own snorkel gear (you can rent some for a great price in Kailua, Kona). Tip: when trying to get out of the water, move backwards on your bum or climb up the fork in the wall. Many reviews claim this to be one of the best snorkel spots on the island.
6. White Sand Beaches
Along with black sand beaches and a green sand beach, you will find pockets of white sand beaches, a beautiful contrast against the black lava rock, all around the island. Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), north of the Kona region and the airport, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. While driving to this secluded gem I found it humorous when the GPS told me to "turn left on the road"... it's the first time I heard a road with no name. If you don't have a GPS you will want to turn left at the West Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery. Bring everything you need for the day, as there are only washroom facilities at this site. There are life guards present.
Below I posted photos in order of arriving to walking over to the far side of the beach. Snorkeling is good on a calm day. On windy days you can play in the waves, boogie board or learn to surf.
Other notable white sand beaches include: Hapuna Beach State Park, ranked best US beach in 2021, White Sands Beach, also known as Magic Sands Beach, located in Kailua Kona, and Makalawena, which you need a truck or motorcycle to access, as there are SO many deep potholes on the road to the parking lot.
7. Coffee, Macadamia nuts, Vanilla, and more...
Plenty of small farms dot the Big Island’s fertile terrain - from tea on the rainy north-eastern side to chocolate made entirely on the island (my chocolate covered macadamia nuts did not make it home as a gift). There are lots of diverse crops grown in the traditional way. The LoveBigIsland website lists farms that give tours. You can add a tour onto your other day plans.
Forget about Starbucks - when you're on the Big Island you must try the Kona coffee. Although The Coffee Shack does not give tours, their lanai (porch) overlooks their very own coffee trees, as well as, 41 km/26 miles of the Kona coast lining Kealakekua Bay. It's the perfect place for photos and to fuel up, both with food and coffee.
Before our snorkel adventure we visited The Vanillerie, and now I understand why real vanilla is so expensive after Steve informed us of the lengthy and delicate process!
When you visit, please respect and care for this beautiful big island!
We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. - Native American proverb
Helpful Websites for amazing adventures on the Big Island:
Go Hawaii - https://www.gohawaii.com/
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
University of Hawaii Center for Maunakea Stewardship - https://hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/visitor-information/
Maunakea Observatories: https://www.maunakeaobservatories.org/
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/
Wiki Voyage: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Big_Island
Big Island Guide: https://bigislandguide.com/
Love Big Island: https://www.lovebigisland.com/
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