Get to Know the Big Island of Hawaii

The 2026 Ironman World Championship Race will be held in Kailua Kona, Hawaii on Saturday, October 10th, 2026.

One of the most memorable and fascinating activities to seek out on your Big Island adventure is diving or snorkeling with the manta rays at night.

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.

World-renowned for the quality and consistency of its beans, Kona Coffee alone is worth a trip to the Big Island.

More than 11 countries, non-profit institutions, and scientific cooperatives have established, funded, and maintained 13 telescopes atop Mauna Kea.

An air tour of the Big Island is a striking way to experience all Hawaii has to offer.

Hawaii’s Big Island is an incredible, world-class, deep-sea fishing destination with plenty of high quality fishing guides and boats to keep you reeling in the fish.

Home to pop and Tiki art, Kozy’s Tiki Palace is a unique and lively scene hosting live comedy and magic shows every evening.

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.

For those seeking a fun-filled and exciting kayaking adventure on the Big Island, here’s how to enjoy kayaking on your own.

Attending a Hawaiian lu’au is a great oportunity to get friends and family together and celebrate with food, fun and dance!

Ziplining through lush tropical rainforests and over breathtaking waterfalls is a an adrenaline-filled way to see the natural wonders of the Big Island.

The western side of the Big Island is home to Kona Brewing Company and that success has spurred one of the best brew festivals in Hawaii.

The Big Island is a major hub for island-grown art and culture, and these events make for the perfect Friday evening outing for those who appreciate it.

Attend the world famous Kona Coffee Festival for one of the most enlightening and delicious experiences you can undertake on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Attention bird lovers, the Hawaii Island Festival of Birds is a fun event featuring a film festival, hands on activities, expert speakers and guided birding excursions.

Held on a monthly basis, Kokua Kailua is a leisurely art stroll through the streets of historic Kailua Village that brings together artisans and craftspeople throughout the Big Island.

A celebration of beer, food, and Hawaiian culture, the Rotary Club of Hilo’s annual Hilo Brewfest is an afternoon of fun, beer, and music.

Visiting Hilo during the annual Merrie Monarch Festival is a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy traditional Hawaiian hula, arts and crafts, music, and fun local events.

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.

If you’re visiting the Hamakua Area, there are many state and national parks you should see to gain a taste of Hawaii’s culture and unique natural wonders.

The 2025 Ironman World Championship Women’s Race was held in Kailua Kona, Hawaii on Saturday, October 11th, 2025.

A robust and distinctive collection located within the Mauna Kea Hotel, the Mauna Kea Hotel Art Collection proudly displays important cultural touchstones of Big Island’s last 50 years.

Puna is the perfect place to explore off the beaten path and experience a nice flavor of local life at the Ho’olaule’a Farmers Market.

Kona’s Farmers Markets give you the opportunity to find the freshest produce, give straight back to the community and enjoy one of Hawaii’s favorite shopping experiences.

From Hawi and Waimea to the Waikoloa Beach Resort area, the Kohala region is teeming with Farmers Markets offering the freshest produce and handcrafted local goods.

One of the main communities on the southern end of the Big Island is Naalehu, where you can find a wonderful, small Farmers Market.

Every Sunday morning the community of Volcano Village congregates at the Cooper Center for the Volcano Farmers Market where local farmers, crafters and bakers come to sell goods.

The temperate and sunny climate of the Hamakua Coast allows farming communities to grow delicious produce which is sold at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers Market each Sunday.

Puna is host to several large Farmers Markets offering up some of the island’s best produce, delicious cuisine and handmade crafts.

With Hilo being the largest city on the Big Island, it is host to several great Farmers Markets with a diverse selection of offerings, from Tai Chi lessons to exotic fruits and hand made crafts.

An agricultural wonderland, the Big Island is the perfect locale for browsing farmers markets and investigating the local produce and handmade goods.

Offering pristine golf conditions and stunning views, the Makani Golf Club is an amazing place to check out the golf scene during your Hawaiian vacation.

If golf is at the top of your must-do list during your Big Island vacation, you won’t be disappointed with these amazing ocean side courses.

The Waikoloa Beach Golf Courses span 27 holes of pristine Hawaiian real estate, with three nine hole courses offering breathtaking and unique golf experiences on the Big Island.