The geographic diversity on the Big Island allows for incredible scenic and sightseeing experiences no matter where you go. No other place on Earth provides world-renowned stargazing, up-close lava viewing, stunning waterfalls, and scenic drives through dense rainforests and arid deserts. There is no corner of Hawaii Island without an incredible sight to see and exploring all of our Big Island sights is the best part of any island adventure.
If youʻre looking for history, Big Island sightseeing includes incredible historic villages, religious sites and the island was home to generations of Aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty) with fascinating stories to tell. The rich history of the island is encompassed in several National and State Parks that are definitely worth a visit on your sightseeing adventures.
Natural beauty abounds in Hawaii and Big Island sightseeing will take you from the 14,000 foot volcanic mountain tops of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to the depths of the blue Pacific Ocean to catch a glimpse of it all. If you are looking for stunning vistas, every road on the Big Island leads to a new sightseeing adventure and the number of beautiful scenic drives is only limited by the length of your visit and the toughness of your vehicle.
From fresh lava fields to tropical botanical gardens, the sheer diversity of Big Island sightseeing will keep you guessing at what you will encounter each day of your visit. Because of the size of the Big Island, our advice is to prioritize your most important, must see places on the Big Island then plan a full dayʻs activity in that area or region. This will give you plenty of time to explore the many destinations on the Big Island without having to zip back and forth, saving yourself drive time that you can then spend on more sightseeing or relaxing.
keep exploring
Throughout the Big Island, you’ll find amazing natural beauty, but nowhere else but Kohala offers the adventure and sightseeing opportunities – and Kohala Zipline is the perfect provider.
One of the most exhilarating and memorable adventure experiences on the Big Island, Umauma Falls and Zipline Experience Tours is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the whole family.
One of the most unique and engaging farms you can experience on the Big Island, Big Island Bees offers tours and a great gift shop with their island-made goods.
Spanning throughout the Big Island’s most notable natural attractions, Paradise Helicopters offers luxury aerial tour experiences the whole family can enjoy.
A splendid aerial tour experience soaring above the Big Island, Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours brings the best of Hawaii to you with a unique perspective.
With knowledgeable guides and access to some of the Big Island’s most prized lands, Hawaii Forest and Trail brings you closer to the true beauty of the island.
Mauna Kea is the tallest sea mountain in the world, offering unprecedented views of the heavens above. So get ready for some stargazing like you’ve never seen before.
Experience the Big Island’s volcanic activity, a miracle of nature that isn’t found elsewhere on planet Earth. Hawaii provides incredible access to see the red glow of molten lava.
An air tour of the Big Island is a striking way to experience all Hawaii has to offer.
An award-winning aerial tour that takes you throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Blue Hawaiian is a reliable and exciting air tour for the whole family.
Fly high on a parasail and enjoy an awe inspiring bird’s eye view hundreds of feet above the Big Island’s Kona Coast.
The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is permanently closed due to damage from the 2018 Kilauea Eruption. It will be deconstructed starting in 2024. Read about the museum’s history here.
The Big Island experienced an eruption of Kilauea during the summer of 2018, marking some of the most significant seismic activity in decades.
Enjoy our Recap of the 2023 Ironman World Championship Women’s Race, held in Kailua Kona Hawaii on Saturday October 14th, 2023.
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation offers a fun and tasty visitor center experience for guests to the Big Island.
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a 40-acre natural garden of tropical plants and a nature lover’s paradise located in the Onomea Valley.
The 2022 Ironman World Championship was another one for the record books!
Teeming with protected and endangered species, Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm allows you and your family to see and interact with these unique animals.
The 2021 Ironman World Championship was held in St. George, Utah on May 7, 2022.
No visit to the Big Island is complete without heading out to see molten lava. There are many ways to see the flows but a Lava Boat tour is a real treat.
The Waipio Valley Shuttle is an easy and safe way to explore the wondrous “Valley of the Kings” along the northeastern end of the Big Island, the tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing experience.
The Waipio Valley is a stunning scenic destination with a black sand beach, beautiful waterfalls and Hawaiian historical & cultural significance.
With intense volcanic activity over millions of years, there are hundreds of lava tubes, caves, and volcanic formations to explore on the Big Island.
A place of both historic and natural importance, Kealakekua Bay along the Big Island’s western coast is a remarkable spot to hike, snorkel and see the sights.
This 12 acre zoo and garden offers a fun and free family activity in Hilo, Hawaii and is celebrated as the only naturally, occurring tropical rainforest zoo in the United States.
Thurston Lava Tube, dating back 350-500 years is an exemplar example of the many lava caves on the Big Island formed by continual volcanic activity.
Na’alapa Stables and their unique take on Big Island horseback riding provides an incredible opportunity for adventurous visitors to enjoy the beauty and grace of Hawaii.
Mauna Kea is the highest point in the state of Hawaii, that’s why it’s so important to stay safe and take every precaution before venturing up the summit.
A highly regarded scientific site, Mauna Kea is one of the world’s most important astronomical research centers, allowing mankind a portal to see the Universe.
The alpine environment that lies below Mauna Kea is home to startlingly unique and ruggedly-beautiful flora and fauna that you can’t find anywhere else.
There are two major hikes on Mauna Kea that attract most hikers: The full Mauna Kea Summit Trail and a shorter hike to Lake Waiau, both are amazing.
The Valley of the Kings is a stunning place, brimming with history and Hawaiian cultural significance.
Sunshine Helicopters is a Big Island institution in the aerial tour industry, offering incredible views of the greatest natural attractions on the Island of Hawaii.
Nani Mau, meaning Forever Beautiful, is a gorgeous botanical garden with fruit orchards, orchids, ginger and hibiscus gardens as well as an anthurium grove.
Locally-owned and operated right on Hawaii’s Big Island, Wasabi Tours does things different. With expert guides and ever-changing adventures, you’ll be as excited as you’ll be blown away.
Home to gorgeous valleys, exotic plants, and the heart of waterfall country, the Hamakua Coast is a breathtaking adventure waiting to happen.
