Things to Do on the Big Island
7 Lesser-Known Hidden Gems Rarely Visited by Tourists
The Big Island is packed with tourist hotspots like Kilauea, Mauna Kea Beach, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but plenty of hidden gems can also be found among the green valleys and sandy shores. From a secluded, rugged hike through green valleys to breathtaking photo ops on a dramatic cliffside, there are plenty of things to see Big Island if you know where to look. Read on and get inspired to explore the hidden corners of Hawaii during your stay at Volcanoes National Park hotel.
Things to See Big Island: Pololu Valley
Immerse yourself in Hawaii’s lush, green hillsides with a trip to Pololu Valley on the northern end of the island. The area offers scenic lookouts, hiking trails to the valley floor, tropical forests, and a black sand beach. Begin your trip with a drive to the Pololu Valley Lookout where you’ll be able to park your car and peer out over the cliffsides and water below. Continue on foot to the Pololu Trail, which will take you on a half-hour, moderate hike to the valley floor below. The hike is steep and rocky, so pack sturdy hiking shoes and prepare for the journey.
At the end of the trail, you’ll arrive at a black sand beach surrounded by tropical forests. The peaceful shore, framed by towering cliffs and ironwood trees, is the perfect place to rest and recuperate before making the hike out of the valley. Swimming is not recommended due to strong riptides, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the ocean view.
Things to See Big Island: Ka Lae
Ka Lae, also known as South Point, is a rocky cliff known as the southernmost point in the United States. The windswept cliffs were once home to an ancient Hawaiian settlement but are now a quiet place to enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Walk out to the tip of Ka Lae and take a photo against the backdrop of blue and white waves or relax on the rocky ledge and enjoy the view of the ocean. Ka Lae is also popular with experienced cliff divers but taking the jump is only recommended if you’re a skilled swimmer able to navigate the fierce currents below.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Explore Hawaii’s rich history with a trip to Lapakahi State Historical Park on the northwestern side of the island. The main attraction of this historic site is a set of six-hundred-year-old ruins from an ancient fishing village. The excavated and partially-reconstructed structures can be seen on a one-mile, self-guided tour through the park complete with educational displays. Gain insight into the lives of early Hawaiian settlements as you wander through stone walls, reconstructed houses and agricultural structures throughout the site. The park is set against the picturesque Kohala coastline, offer both a scenic and secluded afternoon surrounded by local history.
Hāmākua Coast
Located on the northeastern side of the Big Island, the Hamakua Coast is brimming with beautiful greenery. Begin your adventure with a trip down the Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive, which takes travelers on a journey surrounded by dense jungle. You’ll see beautiful foliage and remarkable waterfalls along the drive, and you’ll even have the opportunity to stop at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, positioned along the route.
End your drive at the Waipi’o Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Kings.” The valley was once home to many Hawaiian kings, making the destination a sacred historic site in addition to a scenic destination. Visitors can pull off at the Waipi’o Valley Lookout to experience the breathtaking view, or book a local tour to travel down to the valley floor.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Step into a beautiful coastal park surrounded by history when you visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. The site was once an ancient Hawaiian settlement and spiritual sanctuary. Several structures from the civilization still remain. Make sure you explore the fish ponds, halau (a type of thatched house), and the sacred temple — which is one of the oldest structures in the park.
Visitors can take a self-guided path through the sacred grounds, dotted with sacred wooden statues of gods called “ki’i.” Travel down to the shore and admire the view of the ocean, or walk the length of the Great Wall, a twelve-foot-tall structure built over four hundred years ago.
Things to See Big Island: Kiholo Bay
Stroll down to the turquoise tidepools of Kiholo Bay to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Hawaiian waters. The black sand beaches and brackish waters are home to sea turtles and other marine life. If you hike along the shore, you’ll discover ancient lava structures like the Keanalele Freshwater Pool. This sacred lava tube is home to a small community of vibrant marine life. When you continue down the shoreline you’ll eventually arrive at the Kiholo Bay Lagoon where you can expect to see clear waters and even a few sea creatures.
Makalawena Beach
The white sands of the Makalawena Beach is the perfect place to spend a secluded afternoon. The remote location of this beach has made it less popular among beachgoers despite the stunning views. If you decide to visit, you’ll need to pack a pair of hiking shoes and trek for one to two miles to reach the shore. Although the hike to Makalawena Beach is relatively flat, it takes an average of forty-five minutes because of the rocks and sandy hills.
Once you arrive on the shoreline, rest underneath one of many towering palm trees or take a dip in the clear, blue waters. The lava rocks in this area make snorkeling a popular pastime, and the waves are great for bodyboarding.
Keep in mind that the Makalawena Beach is nestled between a nature conservation area and private lands. As you make the trek to the shore, make sure to remain on marked paths and stay on the designated public beach area upon arrival and due to the remoteness of the location, do not leave valuables in your car.
Don’t be afraid to take your Hawaiian vacation off the beaten path. There are an abundance of things to see Big Island if you take your time. From the four-hundred-year-old structures and crystal waters to the lush forests and black sand beaches, Volcano is truly unparalleled. You’re bound to discover something incredible at one of these hidden gem locations.
Book now at our Volcano hotel and start planning your trip to one of Hawaii’s less-traveled destinations.