Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a 175-mile Hawaii Island coastal corridor with shoreline paths, lava scenery, cultural sites and ocean views.
Big Island Attraction Guide
Big Island Attractions
Find the best Big Island attractions for volcano landscapes, historic sites, scenic valleys, coastal trails, family stops and local food experiences, from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea to Waipio Valley, Pololu Valley, South Point, Hilo and the Kona Coast.
Attraction directory
Big Island Attractions
Browse Big Island attractions, from scenic lookouts and historic landmarks to family-friendly stops, cultural sites and memorable places to visit.
Big Island Candies
Big Island Candies in Hilo is known for chocolate-dipped shortbread, macadamia nut treats, factory viewing and island gift boxes.
Captain Cook Monument
Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay is a historic Big Island landmark known for snorkeling, boat tours and steep trail access.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects Kilauea, Mauna Loa, crater views, lava fields, rainforest trails and changing volcanic landscapes.
Hilo Clock
Hilo Clock is a Big Island tsunami memorial stopped at 1:04 a.m., marking the May 23, 1960 wave that struck Hilo's bayfront.
Hilo Coffee Mill
Hilo Coffee Mill is a Mountain View coffee farm and roastery with island-grown coffee, gifts, cafe items and a convenient Volcano Highway location.
Kaimu Beach Eco-Path
Kaimu Beach Eco-Path is a short Big Island lava-field walk near Kalapana, leading toward a newer black sand shoreline shaped by the 1990 eruption.
King Kamehameha Statue
King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo honors Kamehameha the Great, who unified the Hawaiian Islands and founded the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Manuka State Wayside Park
Manuka State Wayside Park is a quiet Big Island rest stop with picnic areas, an arboretum, forest scenery and a 2-mile nature trail.
Mauna Kea Observatories and Summit
Mauna Kea Observatories and Summit offer high-elevation views, world-class astronomy, sacred Hawaiian significance and serious altitude safety considerations.
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area is a cool high-elevation Saddle Road rest stop with picnic areas, mountain views and permitted bunkhouse use.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company near Hilo is a visitor center and gift shop known for macadamia nuts, samples, orchard scenery and island snacks.
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo is a family-friendly rainforest zoo and garden with animals, tropical plants, walking paths and peacocks.
Pololu Valley
Pololu Valley is a remote North Kohala lookout with dramatic sea cliffs, a steep trail, black sand beach views and important safety concerns.
South Point - Ka Lae
South Point - Ka Lae is the southernmost point of Hawaii Island and the United States, known for cliffs, wind, history and dangerous currents.
Star of the Sea Painted Church
Star of the Sea Painted Church is a historic Kaimu chapel known for colorful murals, stained glass and its 1990 lava-flow relocation.
Thurston Lava Tube
Thurston Lava Tube, also called Nahuku, is a short Hawaii Volcanoes National Park walk through rainforest and a lava tunnel.
Volcano Art Center
Volcano Art Center is a historic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park gallery featuring local artists, handmade gifts, classes and cultural programs.
Volcano Winery
Volcano Winery is a small Volcano tasting room near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, known for island wines, local flavors, tea and cool upland scenery.
Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area
Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area protects rare brackish lava ponds, tiny aquatic life, coastal trails and sensitive Kohala Coast habitat.
Waipi'o Valley
Waipi'o Valley is a sacred Hamakua Coast valley best viewed from the lookout, with steep cliffs, taro lands, waterfalls and restricted road access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions on the Big Island?
Top Big Island attractions include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, Waipio Valley, Pololu Valley, South Point, Captain Cook Monument and Hilo-area stops.
Which Big Island attraction is best for volcano scenery?
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the best-known place for volcano scenery, with crater views, lava fields, rainforest trails, steam vents and changing volcanic landscapes.
Which Big Island attractions are good for families?
Family-friendly options include Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Big Island Candies, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, Thurston Lava Tube and easy Hilo-area stops.
Which Big Island attractions require extra safety planning?
Mauna Kea, South Point, Waipio Valley, Pololu Valley and steep coastal trails require extra care because of altitude, road limits, cliffs, currents or restricted access.
Are Big Island attractions spread far apart?
Yes. Hawaii Island is large, and attractions can be hours apart. It is best to group stops by region, such as Hilo, Volcano, Kona, Kohala or the Hamakua Coast.