Big Island of Hawaii Attractions

W.M. Keck Observatory
Keck Observatory has the world's largest optical and infrared telescopes. Surrounded by thousands of miles of relatively thermally stable ocean, the 13,796-foot Mauna Kea summit has no nearby mountain ranges to roil the upper atmosphere or throw light-reflecting dust into the air. Did you know it snows on the Big Island of Hawaii. Read a Hawaii Snow Story on Mauna Kea - CLICK HERE.

Mauna Kea Observatories
4,200 meter high summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii houses the world's largest observatory for optical, infrared, and submillimeter astronomy. The site is great. You click on a dome to identify it.

Waipi'o Valley
Waipio Valley is a breathtaking valley from the roadside and is an awesome experience. An excursion through the valley itself, in a mule-driven wagon, provides passage to gorgeous tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, saturated taro fields, and a striking black-sand beach. King Kamehameha I was born in the Waipi'o Valley and established his long reign over the islands from this location.

Downtown Hilo
Historic Hilo has a population of 40,158. It flows down the lower slopes of Mauna Kea and is 38 feet in elevation. The town straddles a tranquil river with waterfalls and lush vegetation. Once a year the annual Merrie Monarch festival with ancient and modern hula performances is held. Every Saturday and Wednesday the Farmers Market is held and local farmers and crafters sell their produce, crafts, gift items and tropical flowers.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The 40 acre Garden is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, 8 1/2 miles north of Hilo on the four-mile Scenic Route at Onomea (Onomea means "the best place") Bay. A fantastic museum of living plants that attracts photographers, gardeners, botanists, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world. The Garden's collection of tropical plants is international in scope. Over 2,000 species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera, are found in this one-of-a-kind incredible garden.

Parker Ranch
The Parker Ranch is over 175,000 tropical acres on the Big Island of Hawaii, and one of the largest ranches in the United States. Parker Ranch raises premium cattle and hosts one of the island’s best Fourth of July Rodeos. You can go to a museum, see historic homes and horseback ride. The Parker Ranch Store is stocked with ranch logo wear, 100% Kona Coffee, hats, and jewelry, and unique gifts with Paniolo, Hawaiian cowboy design.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
The park has diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors can view volcanic landscapes. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping. Crater Rim Drive is an 11 mile drive around Kilauea's summit caldera and craters. It passes through rain forest and desert, and provides access to well marked scenic stops and short walks.

Akaka Falls State Park
Park office: P.O. Box 936, 75 Aupuni St., Room 204, Hilo, HI 96721-0936
Water tumbles 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge, is considered a "must see" on the Big Island. A 0.4-mile loop takes visitors through a lush rain forest of philodendron vines, wild orchids, bamboo groves and hanging heliconia. The 100-foot Kahuna Falls come into view first, and it is impressive. But Akaka Falls, laden with ferns, is breathtaking.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
Many aspects of early Hawaiian life are preserved here at the site of an important early native settlement, including houses, ceremonial structures, ancient trails, burial grounds, agricultural fields, and fishponds. Visitors can hike along the coast through the park and enjoy other activities such as picnicking, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, bird-watching, and surfing.
Location: From Keahole Airport in Kona, take Hawaii 19 south for 6 miles.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
A defense fortification and place of worship, during Kamehameha's rise to power in the early 1790's. In addition to visiting the heiau built by Kamehameha I and the site of John Young's homestead, you can sight see, hike, and bird watch. In winter and spring you can enjoy whale watching and shark sightings. Location: From Kawaihea, take Hawaii 270 south 1 mile.

Mahalo for Visiting!

Hawaii Menu - A Vacation Guide to the Big Island of Hawaii