Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
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Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Sure, all the Hawaiian islands are great, but they don’t offer the same experiences. If you want history, you go to Oahu. If you want beaches, you visit Maui. But if you want wonder, you visit the Big Island. As you could guess from the name, the Big Island, also known simply as “Hawaii,” is the biggest Hawaiian island. With that said, this island has more to offer than its size. The island is home to ten of the fifteen types of climate zones that exist on our planet. So, you’ll find all kinds of landscapes here! This island is boasts stunning sights that will remind any traveler of the beauty and of nature. So, if you’re willing to take a break from the monotony of daily life for sights you’ll never forget, this is for you. We’ll cover the best things to do in the Big Island: Hawaii.
While the island itself is large, the Big Island is actually home to just two major cities: Kailua Kona and Hilo. These also happen to be the cities with the island’s only airports. So, if you’re flying into Hawaii, you’re flying into one of these cities. As a result, it’s good to think of Hawaii as being divided into two sides: the Kona side, and the Hilo side. First, let’s take a look at some things you can do on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Be honest, was coffee the first thing that came to mind when we mentioned Kona? Yes, this side of the Big Island is home to the world famous Kona Coffee. These tours give you the opportunity to walk through these coffee farms and learn all there is to know about how the coffee is made. You’ll get a look at the entire process, from how the plants grow to how it reaches your cup. Some of the best tours include the Kona Coffee Living History Farm and the Heavenly Hawaiian Farm Tour. Both of these tours don’t just take you through how the coffee is made, but also the rich, living history of how coffee was first cultivated in Hawaii.
This activity is likely one of the most popular things to do in the Big Island of Hawaii, and it’s easy to see why. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend time with manta rays? You’ll join a boat with a group and guide to the snorkeling site off the Kona Coast. From there, you’ll don snorkeling gear and dip into the water, all while manta rays gracefully swim around you. These manta ray tours are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that must be experienced to be believed, making for an unforgettable experience to end a night in Hawaii.
Other Hawaiian islands may showcase more of Hawaii’s history or culture, but the Big Island is no slouch there either! The city boasts a lively dining and shopping scene with a broad range of cuisine and local arts and crafts. Not to mention, Kailua-Kona is also home to Hulihe’e Palace, one of the most important historic sites on the island. This palace was originally built out of lava rock and was home to more members of Hawaiian royalty than any other residence in Hawaii. Today, the palace is a museum that showcases artifacts from the era of King Kalakaua, like furniture, portraits, kapa, and more. With everything there is to see, visiting Kailua-Kona is easily one of the best things to do in the Big Island of Hawaii.
On the other hand, the Hilo side has plenty of fun of its own. From its stunning beaches to its sweeping rainforests, this side showcases the natural beauty of the Big Island. So, let’s take a look at what the Hilo side has to offer.
It’s one of the first things you’ll see flying into the Big Island and easily one of the coolest things to do there: visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll find not one, but two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea Volcano. While you’re there, you’ll get to explore lush rainforests, walk across ancient lava flows, and even watch the dynamic processes of volcanic activity firsthand. In other words, you might be able to watch an active eruption—from a safe distance, of course!
If there’s one thing you’ll never run out of on the Hilo side, it’s beaches. From secluded beaches to more popular tourist areas, you’ll have plenty of ways to sit back in the sand. Speaking of sand, did you know that Hawaii is home to one of the four green-sand beaches in the world? You’ll find Papakolea Beach near the South Point, and its striking green sand contrasts the ocean nicely. The beach is also a great spot for hiking, and you’ll see eroded ancient sites scattered around the area. The Big Island is also home to many black-sand beaches like Punalu’u, Beach 49, and the Isaac Hale Beach Park.
Another spot everyone should visit in Hilo is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. Here, you’ll find over 2,000 species of tropical plants from all over the world. In fact, the gardens are filled with volcanic soil, making them a great place for plants to go. Additionally, you can stroll through over a mile of trails lined with these plants, walking over mountain-fed streams and waterfalls to enjoy majestic views of the Onomea Bay. If you value the tranquility of nature, this is easily one of the best things to do in the Big Island of Hawaii.
If you’re looking for a good spot to stay to experience the best things to do in the Big Island of Hawaii, look no further than Pacific 19. While the hotel was originally built in the 1970s, it has been fully renovated to give the property a contemporary island-urban vibe. Of course, there’s more to this hotel than its atmosphere. Pacific 19 is just steps away from Kailua Bay, and the hotel also offers a carefully curated list of excursions that provide visitors with a rich cultural experience. So, if you want to learn about the best historical sites, restaurants, or other points of interest, Pacific 19 has you covered.
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Like what you’ve seen of the Big Island of Hawaii? There’s a lot more where that came from! At Nook, we’re always looking for fun vacation ideas packed with exciting, nature-filled activities. That’s why we’ve put together a list of vacation properties—so that no matter where you go, you know you’ll have a great place to stay after a day filled with adventures. Ready to get some more travel inspiration? Then click on the button below!
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