One of the world's most stunning places

ALL WORTHY PLACES TO VISIT IN BIG ISLAND, HAWAII...

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Big Island, the Hawaii archipelago's largest island, most definitely lives up to its name. Consisting of 5 volcanoes, rising from the Pacific, this island could never get boring. It is nearly as big as all the other islands in the archipelago combined. Every day is like a new picture, where the different colored beaches and rough lava rock formations to picturesque landscapes. Rich history and culture make this island certainly a place worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Read on more to find all the best tourist spots on the island, to make your trip here to Big Island worth it and one that you will remember all your life...

1.Hāmākua Coast Scenic Drive

Vista Point: Creek meets the Ocean @Tempting Tastebuds
The Hamakua coast is a truly stunning stretch of scenery that begins in Hilo and ends at the Waipio valley. Having about 84 inches of rainfall a year, this region is filled with lush tropical forests, gorgeous waterfalls, and pleasant green valleys which will make you want to say, "let's stop there!" again and again.

This drive also includes Gardens filled with exotic plants:- in the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Valley (more on this in a bit) and world botanical gardens. The drive also contains deep water-carved gulches, which are thick with tropical foliage.

2. The Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls

The 'Akaka Falls is the highlight of the 'Akaka Falls State Park which is quite close to Hilo. A visit to this majestic 442 ft tall waterfall should be part of any road trip crossing the Hāmākua. The walk to the Falls is short and pleasant and it is also called the 'Akaka falls Loop Trail. You can also go on to look at the 100 ft tall Kahuna Falls which are more difficult to spot.

Kahuna Falls

Akaka Falls Loop Trail

3. Rainbow Falls

This 80 ft tall waterfall within the Hilo town cascades over a lava cave in the Wailuku River. According to the legends, it is home to the ancient goddess Hina or the goddess of the moon. A big selling point of the waterfall is that there are many rainbows that you can see early in the morning.

Interesting fact: The Rainbow Falls are actually called “Waiānuenue” in the Hawaiian language "Rainbow [seen in] water”, or Waiānuenue."

4. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Again on this topic, this Tropical Paradise features streams, waterfalls, and a boardwalk along the ocean just off the trail! It has breathtaking views and is extremely organized. Today the garden contains over 2,000 plant species, consisting of more than 125 families and it literally transports you to another world!

Interesting fact: Some of the garden's Mango and Coconut Palm Trees are over 100 years old.

Berries... Caution! Not edible

5. Coconut Island

This little island's Hawaiian Name is Mokuola which means "island of life " or "healing", but it is more commonly referred to as Coconut Island. This cute little island is located just offshore of Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo and can be reached via a pedestrian footbridge. It has beaches, picnic tables and the best thing in here is a 20 ft tower for jumping and diving!!

6. Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo

This zoo is home to more than 80 animal species including the Endangered Nene which is the Hawaii state bird and Namaste -- a White Bengal Tiger from India. The tiger was named after the traditional greeting in Hindi* - Namaste. *(the language spoken in India).

This zoo is very unique because it is the only Natural Tropical Rainforest Zoo in the United States. It serves as both an educational and recreational facility for Keiki (children) and boasts a fantastic botanical collection.

7. Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Set on the rugged and beautiful south Kona coast, is also called the ‘place of refuge’ or ‘city of refuge’. It was a historic village, but it also served as a fishing and farming area. Up until the early 19th century, this place was a safe haven for those Hawaiians who broke the ancient Kapu Laws. The punishment for this was death, give by Kahuna.

Those who fled and reached the Pu’uhonua would be pardoned by Kahuna.
PC:@TemptingTastebuds

A tour of this park is an excellent way to experience the legendary Hawaiian history and coastal beauty. At this wondrous place, you will see a part of a village displayed, which includes a thatched-roof hut built in traditional Hawaiian style. The traditional Hawaiian Tiki wood carvings are exhibited next to the Honaunau bay. What a beautiful sight!!

8. Farmers Markets

There are many Farmers' markets around the Big Island. The Hilo farmers market is the largest and the most popular farmers market on the Big Island. But if you happen to visit any other farmers' markets then they are certainly worth the visit. The Hilo Farmers Market is an exceptional place with a cheerful atmosphere and offers many kinds of products and gifts.

Over 200 local farmers sell their produce, tropical flowers and fruits (also more on that in a bit 😁), unique Hawaiian handicrafts, and locally-made souvenirs and gifts.

So, as I said earlier, there are many tropical fruits and flowers that are available in Hawaii. They are originally sown and grown there. Isn't that amazing! Won't it be cool if you had a huge garden behind your house so you can pick fruits whenever you want and make a yummy snack?

A Small Backyard Garden @TemptingTastebuds

Oh well, back to the topic :), you will find golden pineapples, fresh coconut, and the rare ulu (breadfruit) here.

The list never ends, but here is some flora too! Red ginger flowers, Pink Anthurium, varieties of enthralling Carnivorous plants, and how can I forget- the Hawaiian state flower-The Yellow Hibiscus.

Yellow Hibiscus @Tempting Tastebuds
9. Colored Sand Beaches
Papakolea Green Sand Beach- This beach is one of the two green sand beaches in the United States and takes about half a day to reach, but it is truly worth it!

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach- This beach is probably the most famous black sand beach in Hawaii, where if you are lucky, you will get to see tons of endangered Hawksbill and green turtles, basking in the sun, and perhaps even get to pet one!

Turtles on the black sand! @TemptingTastebuds

Hapuna White sand beach - White may not be a really great color, but the views here are amazing. With the rich blue sea and sky, it looks majestic. This beach is almost always sunny and has a continuous shore that is great to have fun in. You can snorkel here too! Just be sure to come here early to find a good spot as the beach can get a bit crowded...

Two-Step Beach- On the topic of snorkeling, another excellent spot for snorkeling is Two-Step. This beach is located in Honaunau Bay, on the west coast of Big Island. Many people, tourists, and locals alike consider this as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. With sparkling sky-blue crystal-clear waters, hundreds of diverse types of fishes, all of different sizes and colors, green sea turtles, Two-Step is simply a Must-Go place in Hawaii.

A small patch of shallow water right next to Two-Step Beach is quite comforting for enjoying the sun and kid's activity.

Snorkeling@Two-Step

Boogie Boarding @Tempting Tastebuds

10. Mauna Kea

PC:@Tempting Tastebuds
Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, is the Tallest Mountain on the Hawaiian island. Most of this volcano is situated underwater and when measured from its underwater base, it measures approx. 10, 211 m.This mountain is considered a sacred place flowing with tradition. If I were to give an example, local Hawaiians take the umbilical cord of a newborn to Lake Waiau ( the highest lake in the US, situated on Mauna Kea at 13,020 feet) and place it on its banks. This symbolizes the connection between the baby's family and Earth. One more would be that it is considered the place where spirits leave and enter the world.

The temperature here is really low, which is quite a contrast to the tropical weather below. But tourists don't let the cold be a reason to not visit this place. Every night, tourists come here for stargazing, as the unrestricted view of thousands of stars is breathtaking. There are numerous small telescopes here too, and when I was there, I got to see Jupiter too! Of course, it was really small, but it was really cool. :) Just be sure to get on some warm clothes, because the temperature at night is freezing at that altitude. Hot chocolate and other warm beverages are also available there due to the frigid temperature.

11. Volcanoes National Park

I love to save the best for the last :)

One of the most geologically fascinating national parks in the U.S.A, this park comprises two active volcanoes- Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. This wonderful national park was established more than a century ago, on August 1, 1916, and is a great example of nature's greatest creations. This whole park encompasses about 505 square miles, the volcanoes about 25 miles apart.

Now let me tell you a bit more about these volcanoes, Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth and is much taller than Mount Everest. Mainly that is because part of it is located underwater. From about 3 miles from the ocean's bottom to an elevation of 13,677 feet on land, this volcano is truly majestic. This volcano is certainly active, the last eruption dating back to 15 April 1984. On the other hand, Kilauea is considered the Earth's most active volcano, its last eruption just on December 20, 2020! The irony is, in fact, Kilauea is Hawaii's youngest volcano!! :)

Lava Rocks, Lava meets Ocean @Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Also, visitors can sometimes see a breathtaking view of lava pouring into the ocean, that is, where lava meets the ocean. Reaching this place requires strong legs, or you can rent a bike at the entry of the hike. My family and I chose to walk, as its a whole other experience :) The point, where lava meets the sea, is a 10-mile roundtrip on a gravel road, surrounded by miles and miles of hard lava rock. So be sure to start this hike early in the day, so it isn't too dark while coming back!

Here are some more viewpoints you can visit, you can learn more about them by clicking on them!

Hōlei Sea Arc

Crater Rim Drive

Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs

Doors-off Helicopter Ride Over The Volcano

Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)

Thurston Lava Tube