There’s so much to see and do on the beautiful Island of Hawaii. Whether you have one day or an entire week, make the most of your time visiting the state’s largest and most diverse island.
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- Pololu ValleyHistoric Place
You’ll want to add North Kohala to your list of places to visit. Located in the northern most part of the island, it’s the perfect place to get away for the day. Take in the gorgeous scenery at Pololū Valley Overlook in Hawi and hike down to the black sand beach for a picnic. It’s truly one of the most breathtaking locations in the world.
- Kahilu TheatreTheater
After a day of hiking and exploring, drive over to Waimea and have dinner at one of the town’s renowned restaurants and catch a live performance at the Kahilu Theatre.
- Photo: Getty ImagesKealakekua Bay State Historical ParkState ParkOpen7 AM – 8 PM
With four days on the Island of Hawaiʻi, add a fun water activity such as snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, an underwater marine sanctuary in South Kona. There are also some great surf instructors that can get you riding a wave in no time. Take a historical sunset dinner cruise and learn about the history of the Kona Coastline.
- Photo: Getty ImagesHawai‘i Volcanoes National ParkNational ParkOpen 24 Hours
If you love adventure and have five days to explore the Island of Hawaiʻi, consider driving down to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Larger than the entire island of Oʻahu, there’s a lot to do and see in the park, from checking out the Kīlauea Iki Overlook to exploring the Nāhuku lava tube. Of course, visiting the lava lake located in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater is a must.
- Volcano Village LodgeHotel
You can also spend the night in the nearby Volcano Village and wake to the sounds and smells of the rainforest.
- Waipio ValleyTourist Attraction
The historic Waipi‘o Valley is located on the northern Kohala coast of the Big Island, 60 miles and one and half hourʻs drive from Kona and 50 miles and a one-hour drive from Hilo. Most visitors stop only to admire the valley and the black sand beach from the lookout 800 feet above the valley floor. Bathrooms and a few picnic tables make this a good spot to take in the breathtaking views of the narrow valley, black sand beach, and coastline.
- Photo: Getty ImagesMaunakea Visitor Information StationVisitor CenterOpen9 AM – 9 PM
Mauna Kea: Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its summit and the Hawaiian people go to it in search of ancient spiritual connections. For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky and offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar tundra in Hawaii.
