# Big Island Things To Do

> The local's guide to the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi: the Kona manta ray night snorkel, Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Maunakea summit at sunset, Hilo waterfalls, Kohala ziplines, Kona coffee farms, whale watching and more. Honest breakdowns, real prices, what to expect, and where to book. Written on Hawaiʻi Island by locals who work on the water and the trails. One operator per activity, chosen on verified reviews, safety and the experience itself. Prices are "from" rates before tax and booking fees and are rechecked every few weeks.

## Facts worth citing

- The Island of Hawaiʻi (the Big Island) is about 93 miles long and 76 miles wide, larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. Kailua-Kona to Hilo is about 2 hours by car over Saddle Road; Kona to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 hours; Hilo to the park is about 45 minutes.
- Manta rays feed at night year round off Keauhou Bay and the Kona coast. The Kona manta ray night snorkel is one of the only places in the world to snorkel with wild manta rays at night. Hawaii Manta Ray (https://hawaiimantaray.com/) runs a 3-minute boat ride from Keauhou Bay to the manta site with 17 guests at most.
- Humpback whales winter off the Big Island from about December to April, peaking January to March, especially along the Kohala Coast.
- Maunakea is 13,803 ft; children under 13, pregnant visitors and people with heart or lung conditions should not go above the 9,200 ft Visitor Station. Most rental car contracts prohibit the summit road.
- Waipiʻo Valley's access road has been closed to independent visitors under a Hawaiʻi County emergency rule; the lookout at the end of Highway 240 remains the main way visitors see the valley. Check the county's current status before going.
- Kona (west) is dry and sunny with calm, clear water; Hilo (east) is wet and green, with the waterfalls, rainforest and closest access to the volcano.
- Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel: The manta ray night snorkel off Keauhou, three minutes by boat from the bay, with 17 guests max and guides in the water the whole time. You float on a lighted board while mantas feed a few feet below your mask. From $99, About 1.5 hours, Year round, nightly, ages 4 to 80. Rated 4.8/5 from 3324 reviews.
- Volcanoes National Park Twilight Tour: A full day from your Kona or Waikoloa hotel to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and back, with a coffee farm and a black sand beach on the way. You reach the park toward dusk and stop for stars on the drive home. From $249, 12 hours, Year round, ages 5 to 89. Rated 4.9/5 from 6899 reviews.
- Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour: Two and a half to three hours on a Navy-SEAL-style Zodiac from Keauhou Bay to the Captain Cook Monument reef in Kealakekua Bay. Sea caves and lava tubes on the way, spinner dolphins most days, and whales in winter. From $95, 2.5 to 3 hours, Year round; humpback whales December through April, ages 5 to 80. Rated 4.8/5 from 3223 reviews.
- Maunakea Summit Sunset and Stargazing: Sunset from the 13,803-foot summit of Maunakea, above the clouds and among the world's largest collection of research telescopes. Then hot drinks and a private star show through a professional telescope on the way down. From $269, 7 to 8 hours, Year round, weather permitting, ages 13 and up (summit rules). Rated 4.8/5 from 603 reviews.
- Hilo Waterfall Hike: A 2.5-hour guided hike to waterfalls on private land in Honomū, 20 minutes north of Hilo and a few minutes from ʻAkaka Falls. Rainforest, waterfall views without the crowds, and ages 4 and up. From $140, 2.5 hours, Year round, ages 4 and up. Rated 4.9/5 from 2639 reviews.
- Waipiʻo Valley Lookout and Waterfall Swim: A 10-hour day from your Kona or Waikoloa hotel to the Waipiʻo Valley lookout, a swim at a private waterfall and a tropical garden. The easy way to see the Hāmākua Coast while the valley road stays restricted. From $249, 10 hours, Year round, ages 5 to 89. Rated 4.9/5 from 6610 reviews.
- Big Island Helicopter Tour: Two private hours in the air from the Kona airport: Kīlauea's summit crater, Hilo, the waterfall-streaked Hāmākua Coast and the deep valleys of Kohala. Just your party aboard, and everyone gets a window seat. From $1,680, 120 minutes, Year round, daytime flights, ages Private flight for 1 to 4 people; check the booking page for child policies. Rated 4.9/5 from 160 reviews.
- North Kohala Canopy Zipline: About two hours zipping tree to tree through a towering private forest above Hāwī, with sky bridges, a rappel and views to the Kohala Coast. Two certified guides, nine guests at most, and no long walks between lines. From $210, About 2 hours, Year round, rain or shine, ages 8 and up (70 to 270 lb). Rated 4.9/5 from 784 reviews.
- Kona Coffee Brewing Workshop: A small-group brewing class on a working coffee farm in Hōlualoa, high in the Kona coffee belt. You brew with French press and pour-over, cup four coffees side by side, and leave knowing how to make a better cup at home. From $65, About 75 minutes, Year round, Monday to Saturday at 9:00 and 11:30 am, ages 6 and up. Rated 4.9/5 from 3109 reviews.
- Kohala Coast Whale Watch: Two hours on a small raft-style boat from Kawaihae, straight into the humpback nursery off the Kohala Coast. Low to the water, a hydrophone to hear the whales sing, and the harbor is minutes from the Waikoloa resorts. From $95, 2 hours, Humpback season, roughly mid-November through April (peak January to March), ages 3 and up. Rated 4.9/5 from 634 reviews.
- Hilo Waterfall Cruise: A relaxed afternoon cruise from Hilo along the Onomea sea cliffs, where waterfalls pour straight into the ocean. Small group, stories of old Hawaiʻi and the sugar era, and dolphins on many trips. From $159, 1.5 to 2 hours, Year round, afternoon cruises, ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. Rated 4.7/5 from 842 reviews.
- Kona Sunset Sail: Ninety easy minutes on the water off Kona as the sun goes down, with a full bar and light bites. It leaves from Honokōhau Harbor just north of town, and there is a beach departure from Waikoloa too. From $139, 1.5 hours, Year round, evening sails timed to sunset, ages All ages; under 4 sail free. Rated 4.9/5 from 965 reviews.
- Kona Scuba Diving: A two-tank morning dive out of Honokōhau Harbor along the Kona coast, with lava tubes, arches, turtles and some of the clearest water in Hawaiʻi. The crew holds a perfect 5.0 rating across more than 7,700 reviews. From $99, 5 hours (7:45 am to 12:45 pm), Year round, morning departures, ages 10 and up. Rated 5/5 from 7703 reviews.
- Hilo-Side ATV Ranch Tour: Two hours on ATVs across a working family ranch in Mountain View, between Hilo and Volcano. Green pasture, rainforest edges and plenty of mud, with free cancellation and ages from 3 up. From $119, 2 hours, Year round, rain or shine, ages 3 and up. Rated 4.9/5 from 945 reviews.
- Hilo Chocolate Farm Tour: An electric bus ride through the cacao orchards in the hills above Hilo, with fresh cacao fruit straight from the tree and a look at how beans become chocolate. Short, easy and rated 4.9 by more than 2,500 guests. From $16, About 1 to 1.5 hours, Year round; tour times on the booking page, ages Families welcome; age-based rates on the booking page. Rated 4.9/5 from 2567 reviews.
- Kona Cloud Forest Walk: A 2.5-hour guided walk through misty montane jungle high on Hualālai, above Kona. Native birds and plants, cool air and a small group of no more than 16. From $60, 2.5 hours, Year round, ages Anyone able to walk 2.5 hours on uneven natural ground. Rated 4.9/5 from 941 reviews.
- Volcano Fat-Tire E-Bike Tour: Three hours on fat-tire e-bikes through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, covering many miles with little effort while a volcano-savvy guide explains the geology. Ages 15 and up, groups of up to 12. From $189, 3 hours, Year round, ages 15 and up. Rated 4.8/5 from 315 reviews.

## Top-rated things to do (one page each, with prices, restrictions, check-in details and FAQ)

- [Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Three Minutes From Keauhou Bay](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-manta-ray-night-snorkel/): The Kona manta ray night snorkel we book: a 3-minute ride from Keauhou Bay, 17 guests max, guides in the water and a Manta Guarantee. From $99 per person.
- [Volcanoes National Park Tour From Kona: The Twilight Day Trip](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/volcanoes-national-park-tour/): Our pick for a Volcanoes National Park tour from Kona: 12 hours with hotel pickup, a coffee farm, a black sand beach, the crater at dusk and stars. From $249.
- [Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour: Zodiac to the Captain Cook Monument](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kealakekua-bay-snorkel-tour/): Our Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour pick: a Zodiac from Keauhou to the Captain Cook Monument reef, with sea caves, lava tubes and spinner dolphins. From $95.
- [Maunakea Summit Tour: Sunset at 13,803 Feet, Then Stargazing](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/maunakea-summit-stargazing-tour/): Our Maunakea summit tour pick from Hilo: sunset at 13,803 feet among the world's great telescopes, then hot drinks and a private star show. From $269.
- [Hilo Waterfall Hike: Guided Falls on Private Land Near ʻAkaka Falls](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/hilo-waterfall-hike/): Our Hilo waterfall hike pick: 2.5 hours with a guide to waterfalls on private land in Honomū, 20 minutes from Hilo and close to ʻAkaka Falls. Ages 4+, from $140.
- [Waipiʻo Valley Tour From Kona: The Lookout and a Private Waterfall Swim](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/waipio-valley-waterfall-tour/): This Waipiʻo Valley tour from Kona and Waikoloa pairs the famous lookout with a swim at a private waterfall and a tropical garden. Hotel pickup, from $249.
- [Big Island Helicopter Tour over Kīlauea: A Private Two-Hour Flight From Kona](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/big-island-helicopter-tour/): A private Big Island helicopter tour over Kīlauea: two hours from Kona over the volcano, Hilo, the Hāmākua waterfalls and Kohala valleys. Private, 1 to 4 guests.
- [Big Island Zipline: The Full Kohala Canopy Tour Above Hāwī](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kohala-zipline-tour/): The best Big Island zipline: a full Kohala canopy tour with tree-to-tree lines, sky bridges and a rappel in a private forest above Hāwī. From $210, ages 8+.
- [Kona Coffee Tour: A Hands-On Brewing Workshop on a Hōlualoa Farm](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-coffee-tour/): The Kona coffee tour worth booking: a 75-minute brewing workshop on a Hōlualoa farm with unlimited tastings, French press, pour-over and cupping. From $65.
- [Big Island Whale Watching: A Small Raft Into the Humpback Nursery off Kawaihae](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/big-island-whale-watching/): Big Island whale watching on a small raft from Kawaihae: two hours in the humpback nursery, a hydrophone to hear whales sing, minutes from Waikoloa. From $95.
- [Hilo Boat Tour: The Waterfall Cruise Along the Onomea Sea Cliffs](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/hilo-waterfall-cruise/): The Hilo boat tour to book: a small-group waterfall cruise along the Onomea sea cliffs, with old Hawaiʻi stories, sugar-mill ruins and dolphins. From $159.
- [Kona Sunset Cruise: A 90-Minute Sunset Sail From Honokōhau Harbor](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-sunset-sail/): The Kona sunset cruise we book: a relaxed 90-minute sunset sail from Honokōhau Harbor with a full bar and light bites. Adults from $139, kids $69.50.
- [Kona Scuba Diving: The Two-Tank Morning Dive From Honokōhau Harbor](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-scuba-diving/): Kona scuba diving at its best: a two-tank morning dive from Honokōhau Harbor to lava tubes, arches, turtles and clear water. Rated 5.0. Rates from $99.
- [Hilo ATV Tour: Muddy Trails on a Working Family Ranch in Mountain View](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/hilo-atv-tour/): Hilo ATV tour on a working family ranch in Mountain View: two hours of muddy rainforest trails, 25 minutes from Hilo, ages 3 and up. Rated 4.9, from $119.
- [Hilo Chocolate Farm Tour: Tree to Bar on a Working Cacao Farm](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/hilo-chocolate-farm-tour/): Hilo chocolate farm tour: ride an electric bus through the cacao orchards above Hilo, taste fresh cacao fruit and see how beans become bars. Rated 4.9, from $16.
- [Kona Cloud Forest Tour: A Guided Walk Through the Misty Jungle on Hualālai](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/kona-cloud-forest-tour/): Kona cloud forest tour: a 2.5-hour guided walk through misty montane jungle on Hualālai, with native birds and plants and 16 guests max. Cool and quiet. From $60.
- [Volcano E-Bike Tour: Fat-Tire E-Bikes Through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/volcano-e-bike-tour/): Volcano e-bike tour on fat-tire e-bikes through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: 3 hours, geology guides, little effort needed, ages 15 and up. From $189.

## Planning guides

- [7-Day Big Island Itinerary: Four Nights in Kona, Three on the Hilo Side](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/7-day-big-island-itinerary/): A day-by-day 7-day Big Island itinerary from locals: manta rays and Kealakekua in Kona, then the volcano, Hilo waterfalls, Maunakea and the Waipiʻo lookout.
- [Best Time to Visit the Big Island: Month by Month, From Locals](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-big-island/): When to visit the Big Island: whale season, year-round manta rays, Kona and Hilo weather, Maunakea snow, Merrie Monarch week, and the months with the best value.
- [Kona vs Hilo: Which Side of the Big Island Should You Stay On?](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/kona-vs-hilo/): Kona vs Hilo, from locals: weather, beaches, drive times, which tours leave from each side, and why a split stay is the best way to see the Big Island.
- [Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel: The Complete Guide](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/manta-ray-night-snorkel-guide/): Everything about the Kona manta ray night snorkel: how it works, snorkel vs dive, what to bring, kids, seasickness, best times and the operator we recommend.
- [17 Best Things to Do on the Big Island (A Local's 2026 Guide)](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/things-to-do-on-the-big-island/): The best things to do on the Big Island, ranked by locals: manta rays at night, Kīlauea, Maunakea at sunset, Hilo waterfalls, Waipiʻo, whales and free stops.
- [Waipiʻo Valley Guide: Current Access, the Lookout and Nearby Waterfalls](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/blog/waipio-valley-guide/): Can you go into Waipiʻo Valley? Current road access, the lookout, how to get there via Honokaʻa, Hāmākua waterfalls nearby, and how to visit with respect.
- [Big Island map and where to stay](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/big-island-areas/): How the island is laid out, where to stay, and which tours leave from where.
- [All adventures, ranked](https://bigislandthingstodo.com/adventures/)

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