Information about some of the most visited
and most popular visitor attractions
on the Big Island of Hawaii.
West Hawaii Island Attractions
Town of Kailua-Kona
The largest town on the west coast of Hawaii Island
has many hotels, restaurants, shops, and other visitor
amenities.
Kealakekua Bay
This beautiful bay in the South Kona Region
is a popular spot for kayaking and snorkelig
and it has several historic sites, including
a monument marking the spot where Captain Cook
was attacked and killed.
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park
The 420 acre area of Honaunau Bay that was historically a place of refuge
for Hawaiians who had broken traditional laws, was declared a National
Historic Park in 1955. At that time it was called the City of Refuge
National Historic Park. On November 10, 1978 it was given a new name:
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. Historic structures and
features within the park include temple platforms, royal fishponds,
sledding tracks. Reconstructed structures include the Hale o Keawe
temple and several thatched huts. Picnic and barbecue facilities are
available at the back of the park and while the National Parks Service
does not want visitors snorkeling inside the park, due to the cultural
and spiritual significance of the area, there is good snorkeling
in the adjacent Honaunau Bay, near the boat ramp. Sea turtles
can often be seen at Keoneele Cove or swimming just offshore,
but if you see one, a federal law says you must stay at least
15 feet away from them. Honaunau Bay is located on the west coast
of Hawaii Island, south of Kailua-Kona and a few miles south of Kealakekua Bay.
East Hawaii Island Attractions
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This United States National Park was established in 1916 and
features within its boundries include the Kilauea Volcano Caldera,
the Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the
historic Volcano House Hotel, the Jagger Museum, and many
trails and wilderness areas. The Kilauea Volcano is one of
the most active volcanoes in the world, and within the park
it is sometimes possible to view active lava flows up close.
Akaka Falls State Park
Located a few miles north of Hilo.
Hilo Town
Popular visitor attractions in the town of Hilo include the
Lyman Mission House and Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum,
Rainbow Falls, the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Nani Mau Gardens,
Liliuoklanai Gardens, and Banyan Drive.
Imiloa Astronomy Center
State-of-the-art Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii is located on a hillside
above the town of Hilo and it features a planetarium and exhibits telling
the story of the Maunakea Volcano as it relates to astronomy and the
Hawaiian culture. Astronomy buffs visiting the Big Island will probably
also want to visit the observatory area on top of Mauna Kea.
Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
Annual hula competition held in the town of Hilo
for ore than 50 years.
North Hawaii Island Attractions
Waipio Valley Lookout
Scenic overlook on the north coast of Hawaii Islands.
Popular stop for visitors driving between the
Big Island's two most developed towns, Kailua-Kona on the west cost and
Hilo on the east coast.
Pololu Valley Lookout
View point near Hawi Town overlooking the Pololu Valley.
Home of the trailhead of the hiking trail down into the valley.
Town of Waimea
Inland, Western style town in the center of Hawaii's Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy)
country. Visitor amenities include overnight lodging,
restaurants, and shops.
King Kamehameha State at Kapaau
The original golden King Kamehameha Statue is located in the
town of Kapaau, the birthplace of King Kamehameha I. Every June
11 there is a celebration honoring King Kamehameha in Kapaau that
includes a statue lei-draping ceremony, a floral parade, and a
hoolaulea and music festival. Kapaau is located a few miles
east of Hawi near the far northwest tip of Hawaii Island.
Top Big Island Attractions by Type
Beaches of Hawaii Island
Historic Sites on Hawaii Island
Parks on Hawaii Island
Volcanic Attractions Hawaii Island
Other Attractions on the Big Island
Hawaii Island Travel Guide
All of the Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
