The Big Island of Hawaii offers an endless number of activities for visitors. With a range of indoor and outdoor activities. The Big Island offers an array of beaches, water sports, cultural events, festivals and educational activities--which means there is something offered for just about everyone to do. An active volcano pours lava into the sea, lush jungles are located on the beaches' perimeters and an ancient culture is embedded into the landscape--making Hawaii one of the most diverse vacation destinations.
Outdoor Activities
Hawaii is known for its lush greenery, tropical setting and divine views. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the big island of Hawaii, 30 miles southwest of Hilo, has an active volcano--Kilauea, walk-in lava tubes, petroglyphs, hiking and a park museum. You will have the option of viewing the volcano as it spews into the ocean on a lava boat tour. Many water activities are also available on the Big Island and include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and kayaking. Just be sure to get a landing permit before you take a kayak onto the water, though. Most of the time, permits can be approved in the same day. Swimming with the manta rays is another activity that is not to be missed, and locals recommend you swim with them at night.
Family Activities
Hawaii boasts plenty of family activities that are educational and fun for children and adults. The Imiloa Astronomy center tells the story of our solar system in relation to the ancient Hawaiians' beliefs. Your kids can burn off energy at Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese garden, while learning about Japanese history. The Parker Ranch, a Hawaiian cowboy ranch, offers your kids an opportunity to see how a ranch functions while educating them about the culture of the Hawaiian cowboy.
Historical Activities
The Big Island of Hawaii is rich in history and culture. Visit the historic Kailua Village where the palace of King Kamehameha I still stands. The Lyman Mission House, an 1800s art exhibit in Hilo, Hawaii, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum and exhibits art of the Hawaiian people. The Puukohola National Historical Site is the largest restored native temple on the island, built between 1790 and 1791. Or you can visit the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, which offers a walking tour and a glimpse of thatched workhouses and a Hawaiian temple.
Beaches
Spending the day on a Hawaiian beach is an ideal way to spend a vacation. Hawaii's beaches offer many different attractions. Hamakua Beach offers a jungle garden setting complete with a waterfall and banyan tree rope swing. Hilo offers a beach with shallow waters that provides snorkeling, and you can view tide pools and water inlets. Visit Punaluu, a black sand beach that is home to Hawaiian green sea turtles. Or take a trip to Hapuna Beach,the largest white sand beach on the island--popular with sunbathers.
Cultural Activities
Rich with culture, one of the Big Island of Hawaii's popular activities is watching a hula dance. Several festivals in Hawaii offer hula shows, including the Iolani Luahine Hula Festival that runs in February and the George Naopekane hula fest in June. If you miss these festivals, many of the hotels in Hawaii offer hula shows. To get a glimpse of Hawaiian art, take a trip to the East Hawaii cultural center that serves as a gathering place for local artists.
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