Hawaii's Big Island - What to Do, Where to Eat and Places to explore and photograph
Exploring Hawaii's Big Island - What to Do, Where to Eat and Places to explore, places to photograph
The west side of the island is where you'll find the really nice swimming beaches, and the east side of the island is more jungle-ey with a coastline that is jagged cliffs (not good for swimming). We spent time in both areas, but don't have as many suggestions for the west side, as we spent all our time lounging and winding down at the hotel. If you're looking for a really nice dinner, Canoe House is a great restaurant at the Mauna Lani hotel that we loved! Our friend, who lives on the Big Island recommended 69 Beach, Kiholo Bay, Makalawena Beach, and Captain Cook for beaches on the West side. (excerpt by Ashley Spontelli, thanks for the words my boo!)
A few food places to check out during your trip on the Big Island:
Big Dogs Hot Dogs - near South Point/Green Sand Beach. Sounds odd to have a hot dog in Hawaii but they were delicious! Family owned
Ka Lae Coffee and Hanua's Coffee House - two great coffee spots, also on the drive down to South Point
Tuk Tuk Thai - Amazing food truck near Volcano National Park if you're in the area
Loved By The Sun - amazing acai bowls in Hilo
…here’s what chat GPT has to say about what to do and how to explore the locations we’ve highlighted on our Big Island Itinerary: Exploring the Marvels of Hawaii's Big Island: A Journey Through Pololu Valley, Volcano National Park, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, Red Road Coast, and Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Hawaii's Big Island is a paradise for travelers seeking diverse landscapes, unique natural wonders, and a taste of authentic Hawaiian culture. This volcanic island, the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago, offers an array of breathtaking locations to explore. In this blog post, we'll take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the island's most captivating destinations, including Pololu Valley, Volcano National Park, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, the scenic Red Road Coast, and the mesmerizing Papakolea Green Sand Beach.
1. Pololu Valley: A Hidden Gem on the Northern Coast | Our adventure begins on the northern coast of the Big Island at Pololu Valley. Located at the end of Highway 270, this hidden gem offers a dramatic view of steep cliffs, a lush valley, and a black sand beach. The hike down to the beach is a moderate one, but the reward is worth the effort. As you descend the trail, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the coastline, and once you reach the beach, you can explore the volcanic shoreline and enjoy the peaceful serenity of this remote spot.
2. Volcano National Park: Witnessing Earth's Fury | A visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an absolute must when exploring the Big Island. Here, you can witness the raw power of nature as Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, constantly shapes and reshapes the island. The park offers a range of experiences, from scenic drives along Crater Rim Drive to hiking through the eerie landscapes of Thurston Lava Tube and the Kilauea Iki Trail. Be sure to visit the Jaggar Museum for informative exhibits and stunning views of the volcanic activity.
3. Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls: Nature's Spectacular Shows | Located just outside Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a magical sight to behold. This 80-foot waterfall is known for creating rainbows in the mist on sunny mornings. The falls are easily accessible, making them a great stop for travelers of all ages. A short drive away, Akaka Falls State Park offers another opportunity to immerse yourself in Hawaii's natural beauty. A well-maintained loop trail takes you through a lush rainforest to two impressive waterfalls, with Akaka Falls dropping 442 feet into a gorge. The vibrant flora, including tropical flowers and bamboo groves, makes this hike a sensory delight.
4. Red Road Coast: A Scenic Drive Like No Other | Driving along the Red Road, also known as Highway 137, is a scenic journey through the southeastern coast of the Big Island. This winding road takes you through dense tropical rainforests, past lava fields, and along dramatic coastal cliffs. Along the way, you'll discover hidden beaches, tide pools, and unique lava tree molds, a testament to past volcanic activity. Don't forget to stop at Ahalanui Park, a geothermal hot pond perfect for a relaxing soak.
5. Papakolea Green Sand Beach: A Geological Wonder | Our journey culminates at Papakolea Green Sand Beach, a geological rarity and one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The green hue of the sand comes from the olivine crystals, remnants of volcanic activity. Getting to this beach involves a 2.5-mile hike (each way) or a four-wheel-drive ride from the parking area. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the striking contrast between the vibrant green sand, turquoise waters, and the surrounding black lava cliffs. It's a truly unique and photogenic spot that should not be missed. My note from this hike… WARNING: This hike is direct sunlight and blisteringly hot, make a solid plan for plenty of water, shade or a sun hoodie. We jumped on a ride on the way back, I wasn’t feeling hiking out in the direct sun after soaking in the sun for hours. Don’t hike this one unprepared… just a heads up.
Exploring Hawaii's Big Island is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts, travel photographers and adventure seekers. From the rugged beauty of Pololu Valley to the fiery spectacle of Volcano National Park, the cascading waters of Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, the scenic wonders of the Red Road Coast, and the otherworldly allure of Papakolea Green Sand Beach, this island offers a diverse array of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories of Hawaii's incredible natural landscapes. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the magic of the Big Island. Until next time, thanks for checking in and reading our Big Island Itinerary Blog Post!
Follow all of our adventures on my IG @fr33water . Questions?! Drop them in comments section or send me a DM!
-Frankie Fr33Water
