Everything is bigger here
The island of Hawaii (Big Island) is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. In fact, it’s near twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, and since the early days, it’s been referred to as “The Big Island.” The Big Island boasts multiple climate zones, ranging from steamy tropical to snow-covered slopes.
ARRIVAL
The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaii. It serves transpacific and interisland flights. The Kona side is perfect for a first visit because of its close proximity to ocean activities, developed resort areas, and amount of restaurants. You also have the option to fly into Hilo Aiport (ITO) and start your trip there and flying out of Kona. The Hilo side encounters much more scattered showers which feed the lush rainforests near the steep volcanoes.


DAY 1: Beach by Day, Lu’au by Night
On your first full day, your body will still be adjusting to the time difference most likely. For this reason, it’s a good idea to just take it easy and take in the beaches around your resort. The best beaches are along the Kohala Coast, particularly Hapuna State Beach.
A Big Island Luau is the perfect opportunity to experience the community and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. While luaus were not traditional in ancient Hawaii, where laws dictated that men and women weren’t allowed to eat together, today, they are a classic aspect of any Hawaiian vacation. They represent today a gathering of all people under the magical Hawaiian sky, while you feast on a lavish buffet of local foods, enjoy a dinner show with music and dance, including hula and fire dancers! Locations and starting times vary, so you can choose what suits you.


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Royal Kona Luau
The Royal Kona Luau features an evening of authentic island... More
- 2.5 Hrs. Luau at The Royal Kona Resort
- Food, Drinks, and Entertainment
from $170.00 -
Legends of Hawaii Luau
Under a magical Hawaiian night-sky and swaying palms, our Big... More
- 3-Hour Hawaiian Feast & Show Every Sun., Tue., and Fri.
- Full Dinner, Unlimited Drinks, Music, and Show
from $215.00 -
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Luau
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Luau is a fun Hawaiian cultural... More
- 3 Hrs. Luau at Waikoloa Beach Marriott
- Food, Drinks, and Entertainment
from $179.00
DAY 2: Explore the Two Erupting Volcanoes Under the Island’s Stars
As of November 28th, 2022, the Big Island is home to two erupting volcanoes! This is a very rare and sacred event. There has never been a better time to visit the island to witness something truly unique to Hawai’i.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. At 523 square miles, you’ll find plenty to explore! Discover 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts, and rainforests. Begin your visit at the Kilauea Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps, learn about the park’s hikes, and get the latest volcano updates here. Before 2022, Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, and Kilauea’s last major eruption was in 2018, but it’s been erupting almost continuously since 1983! Nighttime visits to the caldera on foot or by helicopter will leave you in awe by the sheer power of nature.
The Big Island sky is protected by a strong lighting ordinance, which has preserved the dark night sky over the island. Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are ideal for stargazing.


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Twilight Volcano And Stargazing Tour
See the top Hawai’i Island sights during the afternoon and... More
- 10 Hrs. Volcano and Stargazing Tour From Kona Resorts
- Evening Lava Glow and Night Photo Experience
from $249.00 -
Grand Circle Tour Of The Big Island
See the best parts of the Big Island of Hawaii on this full-day... More
- 12 Hrs. Grand Circle Island Tour From Kona Hotels
- Akaka Falls, Volcanoes, Black Sand Beaches & More
from $259.00 -
Big Island Helicopter And Volcano Sightseeing From Oahu and Maui
Enjoy a birds eye view of Volcanoes National Park on an... More
- 10 Hrs. Helicopter & Volcano Tour From Maui or Oahu
- Includes 45-Minute Helicopter Over A Volcano
from $989.00
DAY 3: Explore the Ocean at Night
After yesterday’s activities, you may want to sleep in and get some extra rest. Enjoy a leisurely morning and afternoon and start getting ready around sunset to see the ocean in a completely new way!
There is nothing more magical than swimming with manta rays in the moonlight. Gear up for an evening of snorkeling with these graceful ocean creatures off the Kona coast. Board the boat at the Honokohau Marina near Kailua-Kona. As you motor to the snorkeling destination, learn everything there is to know about manta rays from the knowledgeable guides. Once there, the strobe lights from the boat will illuminate the water, attracting plankton for the rays to feed on. Jump in the water beside these gentle rays as they glide through the ocean. Swim up-close to several of these amazing marine creatures. You’ve never had a snorkeling experience like this!


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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Go for an unforgettable moonlight snorkel with manta rays off the... More
- 2.5 Hrs. Snorkel With Manta Rays From Honokohau Harbor
- Snacks, Warm Beverages, and All Required Equipments Provided
from $130.00 -
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Join our knowledgeable and friendly crew for a night to remember... More
- 2 Hrs. Snorkel Tour From Honokohau Marina
- Night Snorkel Tour With Manta Rays
- Food, Drinks, Guide And Snorkel Equipment Included
- Guaranteed Manta-Ray Experience
from $129.00 -
Kona Manta Ray Night Dive
Join us for an evening of entertainment with a manta ray dive.... More
- 3 Hrs. Night Dive From Honokohau Marina
- Food, Drinks, Guide And Snorkel Equipment Included
from $159.00
DAY 4: Explore the Ocean
Here in Hawaii, we love the ocean. It’s such a huge part of our culture and everyday lives that we want time on the water to be part of your favorite memories. There are so many ways you can enjoy the ocean it’s hard to pick just one – so choose a couple to round out your experiences.
Snorkeling is a must-do. Choose from options that include dolphin or whale watching, nighttime snorkeling up close and personal with graceful Manta Rays, or perhaps a submarine trip like a National Geographic film where you can explore a 25-acre natural coral reef! All snorkeling adventures include gear, and reef-safe sunscreen, and most include food and snacks.
Does a catered lunch following an adventurous day surrounded by waterfalls and lush forest sound perfect? Kayaking and ziplining go together like peanut butter and jelly in Hawaii! Ziplining through the jungle canopy will have you screaming with delight and will make for some fantastic photographs to share.
Paddleboarding is another fun way to experience the ocean, and you can enjoy it with several options for beginners or experienced paddlers. Lessons are available daily from Kona.
You’ve seen pictures of Hawaii’s famous outrigger canoes – now you can ride and paddle one. These traditional Hawaiian Wa’a canoes will seat 6 guests for a fun 1-hour ride. An experienced guide will give you a beach-side orientation, and you will launch from the protected beach at Kamakahonu Bay. Explore some of the local landmarks, learn about the history of the area, and learn about the role of the wa’a in Hawaiian culture as you paddle into Kailua Bay.
No trip for an ocean adventurer would be complete without a day of fishing for mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, and ono. All gear is provided on these modern, well-kept fishing boats. Your experienced captain knows the best places to catch fish, and you get to keep what you catch! Excursions are available daily.


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Super Raft Morning Snorkeling Experience
This 4-hour tour is an unforgettable way to experience the... More
- 4 Hours Departing From Kona
- All Snorkel Gear Included
- Learn About Native Hawaiian Fish
- Light Breakfast & Lunch Included
from $130.00 -
Dolphin Watch And Deluxe Snorkel Adventure
Board a 65 Ft. Catamaran and embark on a snorkel adventure for... More
- 4.5 Hrs. From Kailua-Kona Pier
- Breakfast, Lunch, All Snorkel Equipment, and Water Toys
from $175.00 -
Waikoloa Snorkel Sail with Lunch
Start your tour with a pickup at the beach right near the... More
- 3 Hrs. Snorkel Tour From Anaehoomalu Bay
- Meal, Drinks, And All Equipment Included
from $159.00
DAY 5: See the Big Island from the Air
Some of the most beautiful parts of Hawaii are so remote they can only be seen from the air. The Big Island is so massive that it can take a full day of driving to see just one side of the Island, but you can see it all from the air. Choose from several one- or two-hour tours to take in the spectacles of Kilauea’s active lava flow, spectacular waterfalls, and the tropical rainforests of the Kohala Valley. These tours leave from different locations and feature different scenery, so you can choose the one that best suits your desires.


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Ultimate Big Island Overnight Volcano Adventure
Take a once in a lifetime experience while in Hawaii by taking an... More
- 2-Days In Volcanoes National Park
- 45-Minute Helicopter Flight
- Sightseeing Tours On Big Island
- Flight From Oahu, Maui or Kauai
from $1,889.00 -
Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour
The 50-Minute Hilo Fire and Falls Adventure is a fantastic way to... More
- 50 Min. Doors-On From Hilo Airport
- See Hilo Rainforests & Park Volcanoes
from $439.00 -
Kohala Coast Helicopter
Tour the Kohala coast, valleys, and waterfalls. Many consider... More
- 50 Min. Doors-On From Waikoloa
- Pilot Narrated Flight, 6 Guest Max.
from $419.00
DAY 6: End Your Trip with a Sunset Dinner Cruise
Step aboard and journey back in time, when ancient, powerful Kings ruled the rugged and fertile land of the Hawaiian Islands. Our luxurious, three hour guided historical sunset dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook’s monument will capture your imagination and reveal many secrets of the Big Island.

DEPARTURE
It is best to fly out of Kona if that’s where you stayed. Otherwise, it is possible to start a trip on Kona side and fly out from Hilo or vice versa. If you flying to another island after Big Island, be sure to check out our other island guides.

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