Must-See Places on the Big Island of Hawaii: Favorite Places From Someone Who Lived There
Make your next trip to the Big Island unforgettable with these must-see spots. Skip the overhyped tourist traps and experience the true beauty of the island instead.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
The manta ray night snorkel in Kona is one of the most unforgettable experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii. This nighttime snorkel takes place on the Kona coast and is the only place in the world where you can snorkel with manta rays in their natural habitat. Powerful underwater lights attract plankton, bringing these gentle giants incredibly close as they glide beneath you. Pro tip: don’t save this for your last day, many tour companies offer a free return trip if manta rays don’t appear. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime activity and an absolute must-do when visiting the Big Island.
Sunrise at Honoli’i Beach
Honoliʻi Beach is hands down my favorite spot on the Big Island of Hawaii. This black sand beach is well known as a beginner-friendly surf break and offers one of the most breathtaking sunrise views on the island. A steep staircase leads down to the shore, where you can head left toward the dramatic black sand beach or right to a wide grassy area that’s perfect for picnics and photo ops.
While Honoliʻi isn’t ideal for swimming due to its rocky shoreline, the scenery alone makes it worth the visit. The black sand does get hot, so plan accordingly, but there’s plenty of natural shade, and the ocean is always there to cool off. If you’re willing to wake up early, the sunrise at Honoliʻi Beach is absolutely magical and something you won’t want to miss.
Wai’ale Falls(Eagles Nest)
Waiʻale Falls is one of the closest and most accessible swimmable waterfalls in Hilo, Hawaii, making it a popular stop for visitors looking for a quick adventure. The hike to the falls is short, around 10 minutes, but the trail is well-worn, uneven, and can be muddy, so it may not be suitable for elderly visitors or anyone who struggles with hiking. Once you arrive, there’s a spacious open area to set down your belongings before heading into the water.
For those seeking adventure, you can hike to the top of the waterfall or swim to the rocks behind it, but cliff jumping should be done at your own risk. There are shallow areas and submerged rocks, so always check water depth and conditions before jumping. The water is refreshingly cool, and the surrounding greenery makes Waiʻale Falls a beautiful spot for photos and a memorable stop while exploring Hilo.
Sunset on Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the highest point on the Island of Hawaiʻi, rising 13,803 feet above sea level. Even more impressive, when measured from its base on the ocean floor to the summit, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on Earth, standing at roughly 33,500 feet—taller than Mount Everest. So what makes sunset on Mauna Kea so special? At this elevation, you’re often above the cloud layer, which means you can watch the sun dip below a sea of clouds. It’s a rare and unforgettable sight, and one of the most unique sunset experiences in Hawaiʻi.
Getting There: What You Need to Know
Before planning a trip to the summit, there are several important things to keep in mind.
Vehicle requirements: A four-wheel-drive vehicle with low range is required to reach the summit. Rangers at the Visitor Information Station (VIS) check vehicles before allowing access.
Altitude and timing: Plan to arrive at the VIS 1–2 hours before sunset to allow your body time to adjust. Altitude sickness is common at higher elevations and should not be taken lightly. Many visitors experience it on their first visit.
Weather and clothing: Temperatures at the summit are much colder than at sea level and can drop below freezing, even in summer. Bring warm layers, gloves, and closed-toe shoes.
Road conditions: The summit road is steep, winding, and partially unpaved. Visibility can change quickly due to weather. Take your time both going up and coming down, and plan your visit so you’re not rushing after dark.
Respecting a Sacred Place: Mauna Kea is not just a scenic destination, it is a deeply sacred place in Hawaiian culture. Stay on designated areas, avoid disturbing the land, and treat the mountain with care and respect so future generations can experience it as well.With the right preparation, Mauna Kea offers one of the most extraordinary sunset views in the world, just be sure to plan ahead, drive carefully, and respect the mountain.
Shipman’s Beach
This beach truly doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The six-mile round-trip hike is likely what keeps it quiet and uncrowded, but it’s absolutely worth every step.
The hike itself is very manageable, though it can be muddy at times and there are exposed tree roots along the trail. About three-quarters of the way in, you’re rewarded with an incredible coastal view, where waves crash dramatically against the black lava rock below, an unforgettable preview of what’s to come. Reaching the beach is straightforward.
The trail leads you directly in, and suddenly the trees open up to reveal a beautiful, secluded bay. The water is crystal clear, the sand is black and volcanic, and sea turtles are often seen sunbathing along the shore. On both of my visits, there were only two other people there, making it feel like we had the entire beach to ourselves.
There is typically a park ranger on site who is happy to answer questions about the area’s history and local wildlife, which adds to the experience. From the beach, you can also see the stunning Shipman Estate in the background, known for its lush landscaping, ponds, and manicured grounds. The water here is very shallow, making it a family-friendly spot for relaxing and exploring.
Between the peaceful setting, wildlife sightings, and sense of seclusion, this beach is an excellent stop to add to your Big Island itinerary.
Kilauea Eruption
If you’re on the Big Island during a Kīlauea eruption, it’s an experience you should not miss. Seeing an active volcano erupt in person is rare and unforgettable, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places in the world where it’s safely accessible. The drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is straightforward, and the park offers multiple designated viewpoints, each providing a different perspective of the eruption. On active nights, you can often see the red glow in the sky before you even arrive.
The National Park Service also operates live webcams and eruption alerts, making it easy to track activity before heading out. Every lookout offers a unique view, and if conditions allow, it’s worth visiting more than one—you truly can’t get enough of witnessing an active volcano. Rangers are frequently present to provide updates, safety guidance, and educational information about the eruption. Be sure to dress warmly, especially at night. The park sits at a higher elevation, and cold temperatures, strong winds, and sudden weather changes are common. Even if lava is not actively visible, the park still offers incredible experiences. Visitors can hike across a crater floor, explore ancient lava tubes, and walk through landscapes shaped by past eruptions, making the park worthwhile regardless of current activity.
Important Things to Know Before You Go: Access and viewpoints change frequently during eruptions due to safety concerns. Lava visibility is never guaranteed, even during active eruptions. Stay on marked trails and overlooks only, leaving designated areas is dangerous and illegal. Volcanic gas (vog) can affect air quality; those with respiratory conditions should monitor alerts. Bring flashlights or headlamps if visiting at night. Check the National Park Service website the day of your visit for closures and updates.
Maniniʻōwali Beach
Maniniʻōwali Beach, more commonly known as Kua Bay, is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the Kona side of the Big Island and a great choice for a beach day. The beach features a striking mix of bright white sand and black lava rock, paired with clear, sparkling blue water. Located just off Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, Kua Bay has a paved parking lot, restrooms, and outdoor showers, making it an easy and convenient stop. Shade at the beach is very limited, so bringing sunscreen, hats, or a beach umbrella is highly recommended.
Ocean conditions vary depending on the day. At times, larger waves roll in, making the water more fun for confident swimmers, while the far right side of the beach can offer snorkeling opportunities when the ocean is calm. The surrounding lava rocks also provide plenty of photo-worthy views. With its dramatic scenery, convenient amenities, and ever-changing ocean conditions, Kua Bay (Maniniʻōwali Beach) is a must-visit spot on the Big Island.
Thank you so much for reading and following along. I truly love sharing the places that make the Big Island so special to me, and I hope this guide helps you discover a few favorites of your own. If you want more travel finds, coffee spots, and everyday island inspiration, you can find all my links below.
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