10 Big Island Things To Do In 2023 For A Unique Experience

The coasts around Hilo & Hamakua on the main island of Hawaii are brimming with tropical flowers, waterfalls and lush rainforests. The natural treasures are easily found in the botanical gardens.

These big island rainforests are perfect as a wedding venue. You can book Nani Mau Gardens where weddings starts at $2713 for 50 guests.

Not only do you get to enjoy the natural wonder, but you can also make a point of loving the area by getting married in it. Yes, you heard me right. Be spontaneous and get married during your vacation.

Or plan a destination wedding and book one of the wedding venues offered by the gardens on the Big Island.

Watching red-hot lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is by far one of the most unique things to do on the big island. Therefore, it is a popular tourist destination on the Hawaiian island.

Here, you can live your fantasy of the film Jurassic World by immersing yourself in rain- and fern forests and hiking over recently solidified lava fields just like Chris Pratt.

Watch the lava glow over the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at night, and experience the heat and thrill of active lava through binoculars & more!

A Luau show is an extraordinary tradition of Hawaii that depicts its rich culture and heritage. Not only do you get to watch some magical performances but you also can taste some amazing traditional cuisine which you didn't know was that good.

Once you are on the island, find out about all of your options and experience Luau & hula shows on the main island.

Attending Luaus is a great way to learn about the Aloha culture and art as they present myths and legends of the island through the graceful movements of their hands which is incredible.

Enjoy traditional foods and tropical drinks while watching impressive performances by fire & hula dancers at the cultural experience presented by the artists.

Mauna Kea is one of the finest spots in the world to stargaze because of its dry atmosphere and lack of air disturbance. Here, a stargazing escapade from the top of the Maunakea reveals the wonders of the night sky.

The stargazing centre at Mauna Kea is equipped with 13 government-funded telescopes. This abundance of facilities takes you for a private star show letting out the mesmerizing view of the sunset, sunrise and stars of the night.

Although the summit is 14000 feet tall, the Mauna Kea visitor centre sits at 9,200 feet. Because of the height, most of the vehicles cannot make it to the top. Therefore you can hike to the summit which is a 6-mile trek one-way trail. 

From the visitor centre, one can clearly see the milky way. So, what are you waiting for? Pull out a warm jacket from your bag and enjoy the celestial orbs above.

Are you wondering what's on the big island of Hawaii that no other islands can offer?? The one thing only the big island offers is to experience the closeness with manta rays which are hands down one of the most extraordinary experiences of your life.

To snorkel with the Manta Rays, firstly, you need to book a boat and pack the snorkelling gear. Then, hop on the boat to reach the mouth of the bay. Then, light up your boogie board and hang on as you await the glorious giant.

For the record, when you turn on your headlight, it shines on the blue water attracting plankton which attracts manta rays. Hence, this amazing marine animal will come right across you and might even bump into you.

But one need not worry because as huge as they are, mantas are the sweetest and adorable creatures of the sea. You know they are harmless but the thrill you experience while it swims inches away from your face is uncanny!

The whole snorkelling ordeal lasts for 20 minutes which will give you a wonderful memory to cherish for your lifetime. Finally, you can hop back in your boat and get back to your hotel room and call it a night.

Side Note: Do not miss to visit Pahoa while travelling to the Big Island.

Home to the active volcanoes on the planet, You might wonder about the activities on the island. But you will be amazed to discover the wonders of nature as you step into the wonderland of this island.

The are a plethora of hot springs and ponds in the district of Puna, which is located on the east side of the island. Most of the springs are easily accessible but some of them were consumed by lava in a recent eruption, leaving only one untouched.

If you are staying more than 7 days on this Island, watching the natural hot tub is a great addition to your itinerary!

Side Note: Looking for a place to stay on the big island? Click on the link to find a few options.

Hawaii Zipline Tours has around 7-Line ziplines over the Kolekole Falls near the Akaka Falls State Park. It is one of many agencies on the Big Island.

Ziplining on the Big Island is among the things to do in Hawaii right now. Experience the high flight with Umauma Falls 4-Line for $182 per person.

The Umauma Falls also offers ATV rides, horseback riding, paddle boarding, and a whole lot of fun and adventurous things.

Details about the adventure

• Departure Address: 31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Hakalau, HI 96710, USA
• Phone: 855 375-6071
• Age Limit: At least 4 years
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Yes, you heard me right. I know it sounds basic but sometimes basic is what you need to live a happy day. Plus you will get to see so many different types of animals in one place.

For example, a seahorse farm, a petting zoo and (exotic) animal sanctuaries.

So, while travelling to big island, spare a day from your busy itinerary to make a deep connection with the land and explore our exotic farms and animals.

Meanwhile, you will get to learn & taste their local coffee, vanilla, honey, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and more. 

Big island tour with Safari Helicopters starts at $319 per person. The 55-minute aerial adventure ride, will carry you from Hilo Airport and tour the natural wonders.

The chopper will take off from Hilo Airport and it will take you into the world of volcanoes, waterfalls and rainbows. The captain will be your guide while you explore the prodigy of nature.

• Departure Location: 2220 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
• Phone: +1 855 275-5071
• No. of People: 6 per group (at max)
• All fees and taxes included
• Not wheelchair accessible

Ken’s House of Pancakes is a 24-hour diner in Hilo that offers an abundance of food choices. From loco moco to pancakes and fruit bowls, this place has it all.

Doesn't matter if it is your midnight cravings or a breakfast quest, you will find traditional cuisine with a Ken twist.

Opened in 1971, this place is known for ono grindz which is exactly what one would expect a typical eatery would be.

With a wall full of pictures of the diner’s history, friendly staff, and oversized plates of food, Ken's House of Pancakes is one of the adventurous things to do on this island.

In addition to pancakes, this eatery is known for loco moco, corned beef hash & Portuguese sausages.

But the best breakfast item in this place is the pancake which is served in a huge dish with a stack of 3 cakes drizzled with homemade syrups, coconut, guava and lilikoi (passionfruit).