Things to Do on the Big Island

Discover an island rich with magic and adventure. Meet diverse wildlife, explore beautiful beaches, swing through the trees, and admire Hawaii Island’s majestic volcanoes and waterfalls.

Swim with Dolphins

Meet friendly and playful dolphins in their saltwater habitat. The only dolphin interaction of its kind on Hawaii’s Big Island, Dolphin Quest offers fun family-friendly programming for all ages. Learn about the ocean’s most charismatic mammals from marine specialists while supporting conservation and research.

Book a Dolphin Encounter

Sail and Dive with Hawaii Nautical

Explore the Pacific Ocean on a catamaran or a sporty speedboat with Hawaii Nautical, our exclusive sailing and diving partner.

Whale and Wildlife Watching

Sail along the Kohala coastline and observe marine wildlife including dolphins and turtles year-round, and whales from December – March. Our wildlife guarantee means you can re-ride for free if you don’t spot any wildlife. Soda, juice, and water are provided.

Whale Watch (Dec-Mar) AM & PM Tradewind Sail (Apr-Nov) PM only

Tours & Activities

Glide among the treetops on a zipline ride or take to the skies for a birds-eye view of Hawaii’s island splendor. With an action-packed selection of thrilling excursions, any vacation can be an adventure.

Start Exploring

FOREST & TRAIL

KOHALA ZIPLINE

UMAUMA EXPERIENCE

BLUE HAWAIIAN HELICOPTER TOURS

Incredible Island Attractions

Check these amazing must-see destinations off your Hawaii bucket list.

Mauna Kea Observatories

Explore the world’s largest astronomical observatory, with telescopes operated by astronomers from 11 countries.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The top attraction in Hawaii, this national park is home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Hapuna Beach State Park

A rare white-sand beach on the Big Island, locally-loved Hapuna Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Hawaii.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Nestled amid coconut palms, this picturesque black sand beach is often visited by Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Waipio Valley

Known as “The Valley of The Kings,” the former home of King Kamehameha boasts beautiful views and challenging island hikes.

Akaka Falls

This state park is home to two amazing waterfalls, one of which plunges 422 feet into a stream-eroded gorge below.

Rainbow Falls

One of Hawaii’s most stunning waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is named for the rainbows that can be seen in the mist.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

This gorgeous botanic garden on the Hilo Hamakua Coast features more than 2,000 unique species of plants.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Experience early 20th-century pioneer life at the only living history coffee farm in the US.