10 Things You Can’t Miss on The Big Island Hawaii
Hawaii is one of those places on earth that no one leaves with a bad experiences, it’s truly paradise and all around 10/10 travel destination. Food is delicious, adventure at your finger tips and easy to navigate for any level of experienced traveller.
To learn more on how I planned, booked and budgeted this trip on less that $1500 CAD get inside our community group to learn my secret sauce!
Cliff Jumping at South Point
Jumping into the most southern point of the USA is a total bucket list moment and adrenaline rush. The road is long and narrow but once you make the jump it’s totally worth it and adds for some epic travel pics too!
2. Waipio Valley
“Waipiʻo” means “curved water” in the Hawaiian language. Located in the Hamakua district of Hawaii’s Big Island, the Waipi’o Valley is the largest of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains.
This drive down the Valley is what we all imagined from our Jurassic Park fantasies (yes, Jurassic Park was actually filmed in Hawaii) a 4X4 vehicle is a must and this is not a drive down for the faint-hearted. Be ready to be “woo-ing and wow-ing” right to left as you have in the rainforest views that nature as gifting Hawaii with.
3. Akaka Falls
Located on Hilo-side of the island, Akaka Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Big Island, and for good reasons. It’s stunning, quick to access and absolutely gorgeous. Plenty of good photo opts here!
4. Makalawena Beach
This beach is a must, it’s turquoise shades of blue will have you obsessed but it’s also very secluded, with many areas of the beach you can have completely to yourself.
If you keep walking east (over the volcanic rock) and walk for about 20 minutes you’ll also find another hidden beach equally as gorgeous.
5. Kona Farmer’s Market
It’s not a trip to Kona without visiting the Sunday’s Farmer’s Market. This is where you can get the cutest souvenirs, fresh fruit & veg and see all the traditional Hawaiian trinkets. I highly recommend it while visiting Kona.
6. Pine Tree’s Beach
Known for its Surfer’s at Sunset. This beach is the ideal spot to catch a sunset at, relax, unwind. I would say this is a more local beach. Probably because it’s easy to access than others. There’s also tide-pools that you can check out too!
7. Night Dive with Manta Rays
Even though I didn’t actually do this, I’m leaving regretting that I didn’t.; Having swum with Manta Rays before in Fiji I know just how magical the experience is and I can’t suggest this enough if you haven’t. We met a girl on our plane ride home that said it was the most incredible experience, the highlight of her trip!
PS. Big Island Hawaii, is world-wide known for doing this!
8. Kua Bay Beach
Noted by locals as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. This is your slice of paradise. We went twice, this beach is perfection. 10/10 no matter what way you put it. There’s freshwater showers, bathrooms, the tide isn’t too strong. The Sand is great, water is clean and absolutely breathtaking in color.
9. Hilo to Kona Drive
Ideally hit the way back before sunset if you can it’s amazing. You must take a driving tour to the Kona Coast. You will get to see some amazing scenery along the way.The reason why I think this drive needs to be on the list is that it’s such a show-stopper and, really gives you a glimpse into how vast the island's landscapes change.. Very cool to see.
10. Punaluʻu Beach Black Sand Beach
Punalu’u is an iconic black sand beach on the Big Island. As it is located near the 56-mile marker, just around 20 minutes' drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’s also one of the most easily accessible beaches on the Big Island. Punaluu black sand beach is a sanctuary of green sea turtles. So be sure to bring your camera!
All my insider tips to how I booked our trip all expenses paid for for under $1500 CAD can be found in our secret community FB group for travel babes! Find our how to plan your trip through the link below.
