Top 10 Things to do on the Big Island

After getting so much positive feed back on my Top 10 for Oahu I decided I need to show some love for the Big Island too! The Big Island is definitely my Oasis. It has so much to offer and is a great option if you want to vacation somewhere more quiet than Oahu.

10. Take a bath at Kiholo Bay

Located just North of Kona is Queens bath at Kiholo Bay. The “queens bath” was formed by a collapsed lava tube filled with freshwater from a nearby spring. In the 1800’s only ancient Hawaiian royalty, also known as the Ali’i could use the pool for bathing and relaxation. The queens bath is on the way to Kiholo Bay. The hike to the bay is not the easiest (you’ll be trekking though lava rocks and coral), but it is most definitely worth it. After the hike, you can take a dip in the turquoise water and swim around with some sea turtles.

9. Snorkel at 2 step

2 step is located in Captain Cook, Hawaii and is the second best snorkel spot on the island. It got its name “2 step” because of the two natural steps carved into the rocks. Be advised, getting in and out can be tricky due to the slippery rocks, so be careful! The coral seabeds are in good shape so you’ll see plenty of underwater life at this spot.

8. Swing at Pololu Valley

Pololu Valley located on the North end of the island is a great hike to a black sand beach. There is a lookout right by where you park that provides an incredible view of the valley. The hike down is short but steep. When you reach the bottom you can venture around the beach and find some drift wood teepees and swings.

7. End of the world

The End of the World is a super cool spot right in Kona. I ended up going here twice, the first time my friends and I walked around and enjoyed the amazing views. There’s plenty of goats around too if you want to practice your billy goat call like I did. The second time, we came back with my sister and our local friend and jumped off the cliff. I cant recommend this for everyone, but to all my adrenaline junkies it’s totally worth it.

6. Relax at Magic sands

Magic Sands located in Kona is a great spot to sun bathe for the day. Some of the locals call it “disappearing sands” because the high winter surf sometimes carries the sand away revealing the lava rock below. You can do some snorkeling while you’re there and attempt to body surf the huge shore break. Right next to the beach is a restaurant called Magic Beach Grille, it’s a must after spending the day there. 

5. Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument

Hands down the best snorkel spot on the island. I wont lie the hike to get there is gruesome and getting back up is even worse, however, you can also reach this spot by doing a boat or kayak tour. When you reach the end of the trail you’ll turn left and see the monument, which is where you’ll snorkel. If you go right at the bottom of the trail you can cool off in the tide pools, but beware of the sea cucumbers! They’re everywhere!

4. Kua Bay

Just north of Kona is Manini’owali beach, more commonly known as Kua bay. It’s a white sand beach and the water here is the most perfect shade of blue. Another great place to snorkel and it had a good mix of locals and tourist every time I went. There is also a rock not too far off shore that is super fun to jump off of!

3. Night snorkeling with Manta Rays

One of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Val and I went with our girlfriend Haley we met on the island. Shout out to Haley because it was her idea and she set the whole thing up. The place we went gave us wetsuits and took us out on a boat to where the manta rays are. Once you get in the water you’ll be holding on to a floating device with a light on it so you can see the rays. Although you can not touch them, they quit literally swim right up to you.

2. Pe’ePe’e falls

Peepee falls is an awesome waterfall located in Hilo. From the look out point, Its a pretty short hike to the falls and it has a fun little spot where you can jump. We actually ended up swimming to the falls. There’s a swimming hole and two waterfalls that are breathtakingly beautiful.

1. Waipio Valley

Waipio valley is this incredible place on the north shore of the Big Island. This valley was once home to many Hawaiian kings. To get there you can either hike down the steepest road in America or take a 4 wheel drive down to the black sand the beach. The best part are the friendly wild horses along the way. 

Thanks for reading! Make sure to also check out my blog post Top 10 Things You Need to do in Oahu.