21 Things to Do Around the Big Island, Hawaii | Two residents share their favorite things to do
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Here are our favorite things to do in Big Island, Hawaii in 2022. This is your guided tour of what the Island of Hawaii has to offer and the best things to do for your Hawaii vacation! See our itinerary for more details and more places to visit.
Update: The Octopus Farm has been closed!
There is so much to do on Hawaii. We debated long and hard to make this list of our favorite things to do on Hawaii. Jump in the car with us as we show you all the Big Island has to offer for your Hawaii vacation.
How to fit these things to do into your Big Island, Hawaii vacation? Download our Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary, learn more here:
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Here are our Big Island tour recommendations: We recommend these tested and vetted Hawaiian Islands tours. To support our channel, we earn a small commission at no cost to you when you book using our links. Mahalo!
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Pono Pledge: Know the Pono Pledge before you arrive on the island
www.ponopledge...
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour near Kailua-Kona:
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7 Tips for Snorkeling with Manta Rays (article):
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9 Best Big Island Farm Tours (article):
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Kohala Waterfall Swim & Hike Tour
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Umauma Falls Zipline Tour (see our website for more Umauma tours)
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USGS Kilauea Eruption Status:
www.usgs.gov/v...
Best Kilauea viewing location:
www.nps.gov/ha...
Hawaii Packing List
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Hawaii Discount Car Rental: Great deals on car rentals and no pre-payment required:
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FREE Hawaii Cheat Sheets for each Hawaiian Island:
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The greatest thing I love about Hawaii is that even though it’s broken up into many islands you can never say “see one, you’ve seen em all”. They each have their own character and climate. I absolutely love the place and pray I can retire there one day.
I would add the Tropical Botanical Gardens north of Hilo to this list. It was one of my favorite places I visited on the Big Island. And stay at The Volcano House, great way to see the eruption at night.
thanks for sharing! Volcano House isn't luxury but boy, is it a fun place to stay! We have the Tropical Botanical Gardens incorporated into our itinerary!
That botanical garden is the best I've ever seen by far!!!
Probably not touristy enough for this video.
@@free2trvldid you see a lot of birds there? I’m a bird photographer on his 10th wedding anniversary in October, so any good spots for birds on any island is helpful if you can!! Thanks!
I know this is a yr later but just back a from a week at BI. Used this channel a lot for research before trip!
Added 22 birds to my list. Was a great time but wanted to share something only birders will appreciate!
Went to botanical garden with family and was super excited about to see a bunch of birds. It was late in day so kind of overcast. The ONLY bird I could positively ID was a northern cardinal (womp womp) lol. Everything else was too far away for my binoculars or my skill level ;). Did end up seeing a Hawaiian creeper in parking lot while fam was in gift shop!
We don't fully understand just how intelligent octopus really are. They are well known to do problem solving, like how to get out of complex enclosures and they have extensive memory and recognition skills. They are a truly fascinating creature and we have so much more to learn about them.
we can say that about a lot of animals but yes, octopuses show a lot of intelligence. You can pick up on it at the research center/Octopus farm tour.
Spent a month there when I was 11 (1965). Finally going back. Thanks.
Have a wonderful trip back. It has gotten a lot more people but is still charming
Last time I was there, I went to the seahorse farm. The only one in the entire world. They ship mature seahorses all the world for aquariums. They only let so many people experience this. You get to see them in every stage of their lives, in their cold water, pristine tanks. With an adult seahorse in a tank, you put you finger in, and the seahorse swims over and actually CURLS around your finger, so gently. An experience of a lifetime!!!
it is near the airport too, like the octopus farm so worth a visit! thanks for sharing! We talk about the seahorse farm in our article: thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-big-island-farm-tours/
What!?!?!?! I must do this!!! Thanks for the info!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I’ve done that night dive with the mantas, and it is ONE of the best experiences of my lifetime. They are busy feeding on plankton. There mouths open to 12 foot wide, come at you & you think you are going to be swelled up. At the last minute, they know you are ther, and lightly brush by you. It’s surreal.
I cannot wait to get back and see the waterfalls. So much to explore.
I’ve been going to the Big Island for 20+ years now, every other year. I have done & seen all that this video profiles. And guess what? I am STILL discovering things I haven’t seen or didn’t know about. ❤️🌴🌺
so much to do on the Big Island! thanks for sharing!
Mahalo for watching! There is so much to do around the Big Island. Share your favorite place to go below!
For more things to do and to finish your planning, grab our Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary: thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-hawaii-itineraries/
Also, know the Pono Pledge before you arrive: www.ponopledge.com/
Very nice!! When leaving Akaka falls, don’t forget to stop at the fruit stand for a coconut of fresh water and some fresh fruit and then at the baby goat farm for a snuggle!!! Also in Volcano the winery is a hidden gem! Do a tasting and then grab a glass or a bottle and some local cheese and crackers and sit outside among the grape vines while enjoying! For a good sampling of local food, stop at Tex! Don’t forget Green Sand Beach. It’s a must see!
oOoOO, some things for me to check out! However, green sands beach is such a hike. And the local trucks that bring you back and forth is incredibly sketch and they treat those that want to take their own Jeeps and trucks like trash. Maybe why they didn't mention it....
@@derbagger22 I’ve taken to local vehicles many times and never a problem! Most of the guys are great! I would never take my own vehicle or a rental. It’s $2500 tow if you get stuck.
@@kimr808 well, my response was how they responded to me in my Jeep. Now that I've done it, I know the trick to doing it pretty easily. But, yeah, I would never recommend it to someone with a rental.
Green sand beach is a good, but hard hike. The community is discouraging taking vehicles out there as it’s causing erosion. It is even illegal now to drive there.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide oh, good to know!
This video is perfect timing. My wife and I just came back from our hawaii honeymoon and we were literally talking last night about visiting the Big Island next year and now his video drops! It's meant to be lol
A great place for your anniversary! Book Merriman's in Waimea now!
I have the Big Island as my favorite. Both the Kaloko Fish pond and Manta Ray night snorkel were amazing
I live in Hawaii and it's great and you see...How great it is!!?
Thank you for taking the time to post this video.
I’ve been to the Big Island the first time I went to Hawaii…need to go back!
It’s a great place!
I stayed in Kona for about a week in a house and it was beautiful. Love the big island and your videos!
We also love legal vacation rentals in West Hawaii. We like to stay in coffee country for the views and the jungle feel. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for representing & respecting & being very informative on the areas you have covered. One place that is great for families to learn about ocean farming is OTEC. Its near the Kona Airport. Seahorses, lobster abalone.
Hilo theres also the Imiola Astronomy Center. 2 great places to have the kids learn.
Thanks for sharing those great places!
Aloha and Thank you! What a great service you provide. My wife and I (married 35 yrs) are bringing our 2 daughters and our granddaughter to the Big Island this August. We are all so stoked! If you guys ever want to visit the Oregon South Coast, hit us up as we have a vacation rental we'd be glad to share with you. We have some pretty magnificent coastline here too. Mahalo!
Have a wonderful trip with the family. Congrats on 35 years! Thanks for the invite to the Oregon Coast! That’s for nice of you! We will keep that in mind when planning our next trip.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide ❤
Great 15 min. Tour. We love tropical Botanical garden and Liliuokalani park.
those are great places! thanks for sharing. good places for kids to visit too
I was stationed there (Pearl Harbor) from 1998-2001. I never wanted to leave.
YOU GUYS ROCK ❤ FIRST TIME GOING TO HAWAII NEXT WEEK 🌸
Have a wonderful trip to Hawai'i!!
Alohaaaaaaa!!!!! That was awesome. Thank you all so much. You ROCK. I CAN'T wait to get back to the Big Island. God bless you all. Blessings from Arizona
Thanks for watching from Arizona!
Amazing big island content. Thanks for this
I LOVE the Big Island. We lived in Keahou in the early 90s.❤️
Saddle Rd from Kona to Hilo..❤️
We just did that drive! Love the saddle road, even when Moana Loa off any erupting. You lived in a great spot!
Erica & Jordan make the best Hawaii videos! Can’t wait to use this to help with our big island itinerary for our multi-island honeymoon this May! ❤️
Have a wonderful honeymoon. Enjoy that island hopping before the family needs more bags.
We just got back from the Big Island and really enjoyed reliving so many of the places we saw! Was bummed Waipi’o Valley is all closed! Maybe one day it will be ready for visitors again.
I am glad our videos helped. We are heading to the Big Island soon! Yes, Waipi'o Valley is a sacred and beautiful place. I hope they can find a solution that works.
Stargazing at Mauna Kea visitor center was great, though too many left before the fog burned off around 8:30pm. Also, taking Hwy 132 and 137 around Pahoa to see the most recent flows was humbling and impactful for me.
Not sure if a 40 Things to Do that went 45 minutes would get as many views, lol. But I agree with you, 1000%!
Another awesome video. I'd say I was hoping for some hidden nuggets I didn't know about, but there weren't that many because I have seen so many of your videos.
😂 we recommend the best! thanks for watching! Our Big Island itinerary gives a few more... (shameless plug)
I love your videos! They bring me back, every time. I swear, I can feel the air. Can’t wait to return! Next time big island!
I love the smell and feel on the jet bridge. It is the best way to leave an airplane.
I love this video thank you for making this and the other content you create 🎉😊
You're so welcome! thanks for the great comment and for watching!
awesome vid. I saw some of our favorite spots, and a couple of new things for our next trip in April!
Plenty of time to plan for your next trip in April! Thanks for watching.
Thank you!!!
Thanks for watching!
Great video=well done. My next Island to visit.
race fans can go to the races, circle track, drag racing, moto cross, go karts, SCCA and more.
The Grumpy Plumber Does Hawaii 😊
You found us!
Thank you
Thanks for another great video!
thanks for subscribing Bill!
Eating at the Managos hotel south of Kona is always a go to for me. Get the pork chops or try the fish. Really good stuff!
It won a James Beard award this year too! Thanks for sharing
Congrats Erica on doing the zip line! Not sure I would be able to do it. Just wanted to mention, I really enjoy the newsletters you send out via email. Appreciate all the work that goes into them. Cheers from Canada.
Thanks for reading the newsletter and for the comment! The newsletter is our favorite thing we make. It is fun to write. Thanks for watching Erica get up on the zip line!
Great video!😍
I remember when I went to Kona and I remember doing a lot of fun things
great video thank you :)
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching
Thanks!
Beautiful island 🏝
i named some places for BIG ISLAND HAWAII lol hmmmmm you guys will find out more when there, i really don't want to overwelhm you guys fam
What is the best coffee farm tour? ...GO!
We like Monarch Coffee and Hala Tree. Easy. Lots of good ones up there on the mountain!
This year!🥹
have a great trip!
Kanaloa Octopus Farm is always a great stop. I also like hitting Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co, and Hamakua Chocolate Farm (it's near Hilo) but there's so much more the Big Island offers,.. too many to list.
Too many to list! Thanks for the tip on the Mac nut farm. I’ve seen that brand for sale on maui.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide they have free samples at their store. And if you're from the mainland, they'll even ship your purchases home for you.
Visiting my friend hannah in a week in hilo this is awesome tempted to get a go pro
get a GoPro. Maybe she knows some safe and good snorkel spots near Hilo!
I am definitely buying your guide for the big island! Whaa no time share properites in Lanai :(, You said no car and I was heading there asap
haha, check the vacation rentals though on Lana'i! Thanks for reading the newsletter!
LOVE THE VIDEO!!! ❤️🙏❤️
Thanks Bill! These are fun ones to make. Hard to find the right song at times with the limited selection!
You missed the fantastic green sand beach at South Point!
Sad about Waipi'o Valley. I'm so fortunate I got to go last year. Heading to the Big Island again in November. With all the amazing sights to see, I'm still going to miss it!
I hear you! Residents are challenging the county in court. I hope they find a safe solution that gives people access while protecting the sacred valley.
Hey man I’ll be there in November aswell have fun!
😊
👌
I was so happy to run into you during your dinner at a local spot. What did you think of the food? I did takeout later.😊
If we met you at Kapena's last night, we loved it! They have a great happy hour. I'm glad you got take out!
If I am having a solo trip is there any of these you would not recommend alone
I absolutely love your adorable little family. I am planning a trip for October 24 and your videos have been so helpful, thank you so much! Can I ask what snorkeling gear you wear that allows you to completely submerge your head without filling with water?
Thank for watching! Lots of snorkel kits have a valve to stop water egress. We use Get Wet Store travel gear, see here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-travel-gear/
Please keep in mind that the temperature by The Beach compared to the top of the mountain can vary drastically even during the day when it's sunny.
Yes we went to Kilauea and it was pretty chilly
❤osm very nice
lindo❤
My grandsons love tide pooling on the California coast. Where is the best Big Island tide pooling location? Have checked out the tide pools at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and they were just OK. Also tried Holoholokai Beach Park at Puako. Again, just OK. Anybody with recommendations?
night snorkeling with Mantas....im shook
3 nights will be fine there in big island
im actually on the big island right now, and were going manta ray snorkeling tomorrow night! any tips of facts for that?
Edit: I went Manta Ray snorkeling and it was really cool. They were all around me, we ended up seeing 4, and the tour guide said they usually only get 2-3. The Mantas ended up "tapping me" 5 times. i was screaming a lot because they are huge, but they're so, so beautiful. truly magnificent!
You'll have a great time. Enjoy the experience. We have two videos sharing our experience, here is one with some tips: ua-cam.com/video/K9RLyR4Wml4/v-deo.html
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thanks so much! i got to go yesterday and it was very cool. the Mantas were all around me, and i ended up with 3 baby crabs on me when i was done 😂 it was definitely a very cool experience.
that is awesome! I am glad the manta were out that night
We are going to the Big Island coming week, do you know for every Snorkeling spot, are there shower options to wash out salt water?
Not every spot has shower options. State and county parks will have them.
Is this the coffee farm tour you do in this video? I didn't see a link for it. Thanks. Is it, Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm Tours?
Thanks for asking, it is this tour and amazing family: www.monarchcoffee.com/
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thanks a ton. I have been eating up all your great content. Newest sub :) Thanks for doing it!
I noticed you guys only snorkel and don’t scuba. Are there places you can’t scuba dive there?
I'm not aware of scuba restriction sites around Hawaii. There are a lot of amazing dive spots around all the islands. I dived frequently when when lived on Oahu. We are both certified divers but more challenging to go with the kids. We will make it a priority soon to showcase Hawaii dive companies and spots.
I noticed you had a life jacket on for the manta snorkel. Which company was this? I thought they didnt let you wear a life vest
We went with Manta Ray Advocates which was one of the tours recommended by this channel(I think). This was not a tour out in a boat with a huge lit platform, we simply swam from the resort beach into a cove not even 100 yards and the experience was INCREDIBLE. And, yes, they supplied life vests.
@derbagger22 is correct, Erica was going out with Manta Ray Advocates which is departing from the beach. I went out with Sea Paradise. A life vest was available and they recommend floaties so snorkelers don't kick or touch the manta rays on accident. Touching them is bad for the manta.
If we are there for a day, can we drive around the island if we don’t go to Volcano National 9:00-5:00?
Yes, you can drive around most of the island in a day with a few stops, like Hilo, 'Akaka Falls, etc.
Should we rent a car or does Uber exist? And how do we avoid parking fees?
Uber is around and taxis but a rental car is best to see the sights. We will have a rental car video coming out soon or visit the resources section in our website.
Rent a car!!!
Where is this waterfall?
Do you have a link for the outrigger canoe tour?
Here you go! www.konaboys.com/activities/canoe/
Any link for the outrigger canoe company
thanks for asking, here it is: www.konaboys.com/
I live on Hawaii and at Kona I rather to wear shorts with a normal shirt because it’s always hot on that side Waimea is kinda by Kona Waimea is always windy and cold the beaches over there when it’s summer you’ll find reef sharks everywhere like at the shore if your hiking watch out for boars hilo has a cow farm where you can pet cows the down town hilo people be always fishing if it’s sunny also at Waimea you can go too the road where it leads too too our mountain the mountain snows if it’s raining in Waimea Waipio is a good place too picnic or have a beach day it has a river and rainbow falls it depends if it’s gonna have a rainbow or not if you want too see a rainbow you gotta go when it’s sunny
UV index in the Volcanoes Natl Park is so high (11+ = extreme level), how are y'all not cooking without covering? 😅 Is the trick to visit early in the morning?
Visit before the index gets high. We went when it was erupting at night.
I stay d at Hawaii to 2024to 2031😮😂
it should be illegal to be this early to the vid
😂 second comment. Early but so late.
How did you guys do all this stuff with both kids?
We take turns with them like when snorkeling or they come with us. They come with us on most adventures out!
I love the big island ! However, we were afraid to do the Manta ray snorkeling. Do you have a video on just the whole snorkeling experience?
Don't be afraid, they're very gentle. We did it and it was awesome.
The manta dive is the best! Every guest that visits me
Is always unsure and nervous and almost ALWAYS leaves saying it was the best thing they’ve ever done!! I’ve been on small tours and larger ones. Both have pros and cons but I’ve liked them all and I prefer when they head to the airport area with the underwater campfire!
Oh my gosh, no! Don't be! It was surreal! If being on a boat in the open is what gets your nervous, there are some you swim out only a few yards and you'll have the experience of your life!
@@kimr808 I will never not do a manta Ray swim if I'm on the Big Island. A must do!
@@derbagger22 agree!! It’s my favorite thing to recommend or take my friends to do!
thoughts on swimming at mauna kea hotel to see manta rays?
they do a great job. Erica went out with them last year.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide what about just snorkeling out by yourself?
Please don't. The guides help keep everyone safe and keep the manta rays safe as they are delicate. Plus, the guides know how to attract them. You can watch our manta ray video for tips: ua-cam.com/video/K9RLyR4Wml4/v-deo.html
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide the light at Mauna kea seems close to shore. Also the current is weak this week
What is best season to visit Main Island?
Summer and the Christmas holiday is a popular time to go. We like September and October for the weather and fewer people.
I am going in September 4th to Maui and then 7th evening to big island then 11th to Honolulu then 13 back to Maui and same day 1:30 pm flight to Charlotte. Hope days are fine to cover . I am not snorkeling guy
Is the octopus farm still open?
It is not, they got shutdown for not following the intent of their permit. Here are more farm tours to check out: thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-big-island-farm-tours/
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide awesome thank you for the tip. Im going in less than 1 month
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you!!
Car rental expensive?
They're expensive but you can save by renting from the locals, if you prefer. I don't remember the website but you can google it.
Depends. It depends greatly on time of year. The Big Island can be done souch cheaper than Oahu or Maui.
@@derbagger22 any recommendations?
See our website for discounts and local car rental companies: thehawaiivacationguide.com/rental-car/
where is your swimsuit from?! ☺
Erica's suit is from Rip Curl. She gets a lot of comments on it, it is great.
U missed south point and mauna Kea
The Big Island has a lot more than 21 things to do! Thanks for the tips
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide …a lot more…I live here 😎
Octopus farm closed 😢
I think it is a good thing. The DNLR is investigating...
include races on your site, race fans are also tourists.
Jordan & Erica, yes there is so much to cover to value & appreciate visiting each of the islands. While watching Ii did not hear or see you promote as GUEST(S) to the island(s) I did not hear anything about being respectful to the the island resident by how you talk, don't assume to change the islands culture this is not the mainland, if not sure ask question respectfully. Read & research the Hawaiian history behind the places visiting. Respect nature not leave your(opala-trash), watch where you walk on the lava rock(it may look solid) many areas could be lava tubes underneath. native plants, where you park. Please in future videos share these ideas not just visiting Hawaii but other vacation spots you are promoting
It’s not their job to go through every thing that visitors should already know…
@@billhobartclairvoyantmedium It is out of respect to plan ahead to be respectful, be safe safe, and honor the natural surroundings the guest will be visiting
Agreed, but it’s a shame we have to tell people to not litter.
Ok malahini
There are thousands of new people here on the big island because of videos like this, please stop.🙏🏼
Sooooo you can’t share the islands and their beauty? People are going to visit and the islands rely on tourism to survive.