Things to do on
Big Island

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY INFORMATION 

LOCATED AT THE GOOGLE DRIVE HERE:

In that file, you will find info sheets you can download, brand, and give out to your clients. Plus a LOT more.

Popular Activities & Things to do on Big Island

  • ATV Tours
  • Botanical Garden
  • Coffee Farms
  • Golf
  • Helicopter Tours
  • Hiking 
  • Historical Sites
  • Horseback Riding
  • Luau
  • Manta Ray Night Snorkel
  • Museums
  • Scuba Diving
  • Seahorse Farm
  • Snorkeling
  • Stargazing Tours
  • Sunset Cruise
  • Surfing
  • Tubes / Caves
  • Volcanoes National Park
  • Waterfalls
  • Zip-line

Many activities are pretty straight forward where you either have to book a ticket/tour, etc. But there are some other activities that don’t require a booking with a tour operator, or they require tickets through the government site online. Therefore these things will be outlined below so you know how to advise your clients. 

Coffee Farms

Greenwell Coffee Farm

Established in 1850, this is the oldest coffee farm on Big island. They are open from 9am – 3pm and offer free tours and free coffee tasting daily. No appointment required. greenwellfarms.com

Ka'au Coffee Farm

Come visit this coffee farm for free tours and free coffee tasting from 11am – 1pm, M-F. No appointment required.

kaucoffeemill.com

Golf Courses

Below are Golf Courses open to the public located on Big Island:

  • Hapuna Course
  • Hualalai Course
  • Kona Country Club
  • Makalei Course
  • Makani Golf Club
  • Mauna Kea Course
  • Mauna Lani Courses
  • Volcano Course
  • Waikoloa Beach Course
  • Waikoloa’s King’s Course
  • Waikoloa Village Course

Hiking

Below are some popular Hikes on Big Island:

  • ‘Akaka Falls State Park
  • Captain Cook Monument
  • Kalopa State Park
  • Kaumana Caves
  • Kilauea Iki
  • Mauna Kea
  • Mauna Loa
  • Napau Trail
  • Papakolea (Green Sand Beach)
  • Pololu Valley
  • Puna Trail

Historical Sites

Below are some Historical Sites worth checking out on Big Island:

  • Captain Cook Monument
  • Hulihe’e Palace
  • King Kamehameha Statue
  • Kuamo’o Battle Site
  • Kuʻemanu Heiau
  • Lekeleke Burial Grounds
  • Lyman Museum & Mission House
  • Naha Stone
  • Puako Petroglyphs
  • Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
  • Pu’ukohola Heiau

Snorkeling

Below are some places you can snorkel on Big Island:

  • Anaeho’olmalu Bay
  • Fishbowl
  • Honoaunua (Two Step)
  • Ho’okena Beach
  • Kahalu’u Beach
  • Kailua Bay
  • Kealakeakua Bay
  • Keahou Point
  • Ke’ei Beach
  • Mauna Lani
  • Pawai Bay

Volcanoes National Park

One of the best resources for information about the park is located at their website here: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

NOTE: When Kilauea is erupting be sure to inform any clients that are going to be there to witness this experience these things:

 

  • Admire with respect. Eruptions are powerful events
  • Expect crowds. 
  • Check the park’s  webpage for safety tips, air quality, best viewing areas, and more.
  • Stay on the trails!
  • Stay out of closed areas.
  • Avoid cliff edges and other hazardous terrain.
  • Keep your children near you at all times.
  • Enjoy the view from open and designated overlooks for your safety.

Protect yourself from Pele’s hair (thin strands of volcanic glass) and follow these guidelines: 

  • Avoid exposure and contact with skin and eyes
  • Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to reduce skin exposure. 
  • DO NOT TOUCH or handle Pele’s hair and keep it out of your eyes.

ENTRANCE FEES (Entrance fee is PER CAR)

Standard Pass Walking/No Vehicle: $15.00 per person

Standard Pass Motorcycle: $25.00

Standard Pass Car: $30.00

Annual Pass: $55.00
Hawai’i Tri-Park Annual Pass: $55.00
America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes): FREE or $80.00 if you want to get one.

 

2025 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

Thursday, January 9 — National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.
Monday, January 20 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Saturday, April 19 — First Day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day