Top activities on Maui and the Big Island
Black sand beaches, Kona coffee, fragrant flowers and the occasional rainbow to let you know you’re truly in paradise. Hawaii! What’s not to love! We were fortunate to travel to Hawaii to film on the Big Island and Maui and then enjoy our own vacation. Here are ten things to love about Hawaii that we discovered for visitors and locals alike.
#1 Beachside Breezes
The beautiful ocean with its abundance of wildlife and the feel of the ocean breeze are reason enough to fall in love with Hawaii and make for a romantic vacation. Pack a picnic and soak in the quintessential beach experience along the white sands at Hapuna Beach State Park. The $5 parking fee is worth it to enjoy swimming or snorkeling with sea turtles or chilling on the soft sand of one of the largest white sand beaches on the Kohala Coast.
For a step back in time the whole family may enjoy, visit the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, where a hiking trail winds through over a thousand petroglyphs and centuries old lava rock carvings.
#2 Tasty Fruit
Hungry in Hawaii? It’s nature’s bounty with tasty fruit found in a variety of places, from the trails to local farmers markets. Some of the top and longest established farmers markets are located on the Big Island in Hilo (Corner of Kamehameha Ave. and Mamo St. from Wed., Sat., 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sun., 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Waimea at the Hawaiian Homestead Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 12 noon (Waimea Middle & Elementary School Playground 67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy. Lindsey Road – Back of Post Office).
#3 Fun, Free Activities
Hit the beach, soak in café life in Kona or people watch in Lahaina, there are lots of fun things to do that won’t cost you a dime in Hawaii. A day trip from either Hilo or the Kohala Coast, Waipi’o Valley is the southernmost of seven valleys that run in a chain along the Hamakua Coast. Also called the Valley of the Kings because of the early Hawaiian kings reared here, the valley encompasses dramatic Big Island scenery, offbeat culture and lush vegetation that may blow your mind.
While you could just stop by the lookout point, I recommend making the trek down. Once in the valley, fields of taro, fragrant flowers and exotic fruit abound, as do streams and waterfalls. Don’t miss the black sand beach about a half-mile walk from where the road levels off. You may also run into a wild horse or a few.
#4 Year Round Bikinis
You don’t need to pack a lot or stress a lot about what you might wear in Hawaii, because bikini temperatures are year-round. There are a variety of resorts on the Big Island where you can enjoy the ocean and a poolside experience with lots of extra activities. For a Kohala resort experience that’s a top family pick, the Hilton Waikoloa Village has regular room rates starting at $229. Honeymooners or those looking to splurge will not be disappointed with the luxurious Fairmont Orchid, a 32-acre oceanfront retreat where you can snorkel or canoe to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
#5 No Showers Necessary
Okay, well this is taking it to the extreme, but some people enjoy showering in nature and waterfalls in Hawaii abound. While we don’t recommend getting into unknown waters, some of the prettiest waterfalls can be found on the island of Maui along the Road to Hana. The Hana Highway (Hwy. 36) runs along the Northeastern coast of Maui and is a thrilling road trip that the whole family can enjoy.
Those who brave the route will be rewarded with dramatic coastal views and plenty of photo opportunities by beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, parks and gardens.
#6 Chilling Out is Okay
You’ve heard of island time? Life definitely moves a little slower in Hawaii and that’s a good thing. You’re on a beautiful island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Chilling out is okay! Whether you float with sea turtles or take a break with a good book by the beach, take the time to soak in the beautiful nature that beckons people to these islands.
If you’re visiting the Big Island and want to truly experience the power of nature, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an accessible, spectacular excursion. Located 30 miles southwest of Hilo, the park features one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. It’s been coined, “the world’s only drive-in volcano,” because you can usually get up close to Kilauea from the comfort of your vehicle, though I’d recommend also hiking a bit to truly see the terrain.
The Big Island’s terrain is constantly changing because of Kilauea, which has been spewing lava since 1983. Crater Rim Drive is an approximately 11-mile route around Kilauea’s Caldera, taking you past some of the top things to see in the park including steam vents, Thurston Lava Tube and the Kilauea overlook. If you look out over the caldera, it might seem like its settled, but that can change in an instant. Make sure to drive further down to the ocean near the end of Chain of Craters Road to see the Sea Arch and enjoy the pretty rainbows that form when the ocean crashes against the volcanic shore
#7 Distinctive Culture
From Paniolos, Hawaiian cowboys, to the luau, Hawaiian’s hold fast and celebrate their unique culture, making visiting here really feel like you’ve gone somewhere. To take in the Big Island’s paniolo or cowboy country, enjoy a scenic drive through the Upcountry, Waimea, along Kohala Mountain Road (Hwy 250). This connects the cowboy town of Waimea, home to historic Kahua Ranch, with the small, funky town of Hawi. There are stunning vistas as you drive at higher elevations past verdant, cow-dotted, rolling pastures overlooking the Pacific Ocean and awesome views of Kohala, Maunakea and Hualalai Volcanoes. Keep driving past Hawi along Hwy 270 to hit the Pololu Valley Overlook, where you can stretch your legs by hiking down to a black sand beach and take in beautiful views of verdant cliffs cascading into the sea.
#8 Stunning Sunsets
It doesn’t get much better than this. Sunsets are stunning especially on Maui, so sit back and relax. You’ve earned it! In the West Maui Mountains, enjoy the romance and beauty of a Maui sunset from on horseback. Ironwood Ranch offers evening sunset horse rides appropriate for all levels of riders. You may ride over lush pineapple fields, through tropical valleys and ironwood forests, and enjoy panoramic views of Maui, as guides recount the history of the Hawaiian valleys and ancient home sites. This ranch is located a short drive from Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, or Napili, above West Maui’s resort areas. In addition to sunset horse rides, they also offer other special trail rides through lush mountains and exotic valleys.
#9 Paradise Found
People say Hawaii is paradise and we agree. Spend a bit of time amid the awesome scenery and you may not want to go back to your regular life. My initial plan for my Hawaii vacation was to drink banana daiquiris and lay by the pool at a resort, but the draw of swimming with sea turtles, seeing hot lava flows and discovering a black sand beach drew me into the car and onto the roads to explore. Though I highly recommend doing nothing but enjoying the Big Island and Maui’s beaches, if you do feel motivated, there are lots of choices for activities and adventures to truly enjoy your precious time in paradise.
Definitely rent a car to explore the Big Island and, if time allows, stay both along the stunning Kohala Coast and Hilo. Fly into either Hilo or Kona to enjoy all the Big Island has to offer.
