Hawaii’s Big Island has so much to offer its visitors – from active volcanoes, to lava flows, white, green and black sand beaches, and beautiful waterfalls! I’ve tried to highlight of experiences of the Big Island in this blog post, so read on if you’re curious to know what all there is to do.

1. Visit The Volcanoes National Park

The moon shines above the burning Halemaumau Crater, and their lights meet in the middle

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Island of Hawaii (Big Island). It covers two active volcanoes, Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive shield volcano.

Visiting the park is a must for anyone visiting the Big Island. Once inside, there is the Sulphur Bank Trail, the Thomas A. Jagger Museum,  the Halemaumau Crater, the Kīlauea Caldera! You can also explore the park through numerous hikes.

2. Watch The Lava Enter The Sea

Watching the lava flow at sunset

Watching the lava from the volcanoes flow into the sea is a surreal experience! It’s like watching one of those nature documentaries, except it’s happening right in front of you! You cannot afford to miss this. Pictures or videos don’t do any justice as the experience of witnessing the event, and feeling the heat is something on a different level!

You can either take a boat to get to the lava (and you do get really close),  or hike up to a point from where it’s visible. Read all about it here.

3. Admire The Milky Way At Mauna Kea

Clouds below, the Milky Way above – at Mauna Kea VIS

This was my most memorable experience on the Big Island. There’s never been a time where I’ve been in more awe of our universe. Standing under the stars makes you realise how small you are.

The park rangers with their knowledgeable talks add to the experience. Read all about our experience stargazing at Mauna Kea in this post.

4. Visit The Most Unique Beaches

Hawaii’s Big Island has some truly unique beaches. In a span of a couple of hours of driving, you can go from pure white sand beaches, to a green sand beach, and then a black sand beach. The island’s volcanic activity has given birth to sands of different colour in different parts of the island. It’s absolutely incredible!

Black Sand Beach

The sand on the beach is jet black

Green Sand Beach

Descending into the Papakolea Beach

5. Check Out Rainbow Falls

The Gorgeous Rainbow Falls, Hilo

Somewhere near downtown Hilo are the Rainbow Falls.  The falls derive their name from the rainbow that forms around the mist. There is also a beautiful groove of banyan trees just behind the falls. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in Hilo.