Top Attractions on the Big Island

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Nicknamed the Big Island, the island of Hawaii is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s known for its diverse terrain and wide-ranging climate zones — you can travel from the hot tropics of the beach to the snow-capped mountains in one day. So whether you’re a snowboarder or a beach bum (or both), you will definitely enjoy the many wonders of this Hawaiian island. Here is our curated list of the top attractions on the Big Island.

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Feature image: Courtesy of Martin Zengerl

Full-Day Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour with Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Pick-up: Kona and Waikoloa hotels

Witness the beauty of a land transformed on this luxury Volcano Tour. Explore the top attractions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, sample Kona coffee & visit a black sand beach. Enjoy the Big Island’s most comprehensive and intimate volcano tour.

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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Pick-up: Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa

Experience Hawaii’s most popular attraction! Visit the summit of Mauna Kea to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Hawaii. Next, travel to Mauna Kea Visitor Center and enjoy a guided stargazing tour with telescopes. Includes parka & gloves.

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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience and Free Photos

Check-in: Epic Tours at the Kilohana Off-Road Checking Station on Saddle Road

Enjoy stargazing from an exclusive location on the slopes of Mauna Kea with expert narration led by a professional astro-photographer and analog-astronaut on this 2-hour Hawaii stargazing & astro-photography tour. Photos from your tour are included.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure with Picnic Dinner

Pick-up: Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa and Hapuna

Explore Big Island’s number one attraction, the Mauna Kea summit for sunset. After a beautiful sunset descend to a lower elevation more suitable for a narrated stargazing tour and prepare to be amazed as the night sky lights up with glittering stars.

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Kealakekua Bay & Red Hill Sail & Snorkel Tour (from Keauhou Bay)

Check-in: Keauhou Bay Pier

Set sail for the Captain Cook Monument and discover the island’s finest snorkel spots. Snorkel the calm and clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary filled with tropical fish, coral reefs and more. Morning & afternoon departures.

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Ultimate Waipio Valley Off-Road Tour, Akaka Falls and Waterfall Swim

Pickup: Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa and Kohala Hotels

Explore Waipio Valley by 4WD Van and discover beautiful waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast. Visit a tropical fruit farm and swim or kayak under a 60-foot private waterfall.

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Hawaii Zipline Tours — Kolekole Falls Big island Zipline Adventure

Check-in: Hawaii Zipline Tours

Ride 7 thrilling ziplines, zip through Big Island’s lush rainforest and soar over the towering 250ft Kolekole waterfall. Hawaii Zipline Tours is voted the best zipline in Hawaii and it’s fun for the whole family.

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Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm

Check-in: Ocean Rider Inc.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm raises seahorses and sea dragons for home aquariums. The aqua-farm was established in 1998 as part of an effort to prevent endangered seahorses being taken from the wild. Today, the oceanfront 3-acre farm breeds more than 20 species. One hour tours offer glimpses of baby seahorses, pregnant males, and even the chance to let a curious seahorse curl its tail around one of your fingers. Reservations for tours are recommended, as they can sell out and are more expensive at the door.

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Manta Night Snorkel

Check-in: Puako Boat Ramp

Find yourself with the opportunity to be up close to Manta Rays as they traverse their natural habitat. After this part of the experience, you’ll still have the chance to enjoy views of the night sky and even potential bioluminescence in the water.

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Farm to Table Cooking Class

Check-in: Kulaniapia Farms

The Big Island is lush with vegetation and creatures, including farms. Learn how farms are maintained and how to grow and harvest healthy food. But best of you, you’ll get to make your lunch with what’s harvested at the farm for a fresh, immersive experience.

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