TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ON THE BIG ISLAND

Larger than all the other islands combined, The Big Island truly does have it all. The island features black sand beaches, waterfalls, a variety of rainforests, lava deserts, and snow-capped mountains. One of the world's most active volcanoes is also located on the island.

Here are my top 10 things to do on Big Island

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to visit on the Big Island for hiking, views, and beautiful landscapes. The park is open 24 hours daily, year round. For the latest information (entrance fees, closures, events, etc.) at the park, visit the website at www.nps.gov/havo. These are my personal best things to see while visiting:

• Halemaʻumaʻu crater overlook (the glow)

• Kīlauea Iki crater + hike

• Thurston Lava Tube

• Chain of Craters Road

• Mauna Load Volcano/Road

• Keanakākoʻi Crater

Volcano Winery

The Volcano Winery was established in 1993 and is tucked between two volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Visitors are welcomed into a quaint and cozy tasting room which offers eight different types of wine. Tea tasting is also available. The winery is open everyday from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm (Closed Christmas day). For more information, visit www.volcanowinery.com.

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island. It's peak measures 4,207.3 m (13,803 ft.) above sea level, making it the highest point in the state of Hawaii and the second-highest peak of an island on Earth. The summit offers incredible views of lava, desert, the valley and Mauna Loa. In Hawaiian mythology, Mauna kea was home to the snow goddess Poli'ahu and was forbidden to all except the highest chiefs and priests. For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for stargazing and offers a rare opportunity to experience snow in Hawaii.

Manta Ray Snorkel/Dive

If I had to suggest any activity on Big Island, this is a must-do. My friends and I signed up through Big Island Divers and I couldn't recommend them enough. The trip is led by a local guide where you will take a short cruise out to the manta site. You will get to experience a beautiful Hawaiian sunset before dipping into the water to see the manta rays up close. All equipment is provided for the excursion as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board.

Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is said to be the most famous and accessible waterfall on the Big Island and plummets down 422 feet (129 meters). It is a short, easy .5 mile loop trail from the parking lot. Visiting the park is free for Hawaii residents but is $5 per car, or $1 per pedestrian if you park a little further up the road.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Punalu'u is the most famous black sand beach on the Big Island and is also well known for its sea turtles. his black sand beach is famous for the sea turtles who come to rest on it. Punaluʻu was made from basalt sand that formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava hitting the ocean water. If the surf is up, visitors should avoid swimming and just enjoy the beach.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is one of only 4 green sand beaches in the world. The rare sand was formed by the cinder cone next to the beach which was formed during an eruption almost 50,000 years ago. To get there, you can either walk for about an hour along the coast or one can take a high clearance, 4×4 vehicle. That being said, my friends and I paid a local $20 each to drive us out. I’d aim for the morning or early afternoon to avoid the heat if you are planning on walking.

Ka Lae

Ka Lae, which is also known as South Point, is the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii and of the 50 United States. To get to Ka Lae, visitors must take the narrow South Point Road 12 miles through open ranch lands that are lined with white windmills. There is a small heiau (sacred place of worship) near Ka Lae so visitors should treat the area with great respect. Because of the dangerous currents, swimming is not recommended. However, visitors will see the occasional cliff jumpers.

Captain Cook Memorial/Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay is a State Historical Park and is home to the Captain Cook Monument. The park is the ideal spot for many water activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. British Sea Captain James Cook, is thought to be the first Westerner to set sight on the Hawaiian Islands, on Jan. 18, 1778. However, Kealakekua Bay, however, is acknowledged as the first sight and serves as a significant piece of history,

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour

There is no better way to see the Big Island then from up above. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters serves all four major Hawaiian Islands. The company's Big Island helicopter tours take visitors on epic sightseeing adventures—from steep coastal cliffs and ancient settlements of the Waipio Valley to the jaw-dropping lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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