Clik here to view.
Ziplining through the Hawaiian tropical forest. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Forest & Trail.
For those looking for an adventurous vacation, Hawaii’s Big Island has much to offer. Whether you’re looking to fly like a bird, swim with enormous manta rays or explore active volcanoes you can find it here. To help you plan your itinerary, here is a guide on how to have an adventure in Hawaii on the Big Island.
1. Zipline through the Hawaiian tropical forest
Feel the thrill of flying like a bird from tree to tree through a Big Island Kohala Canopy Zipline Adventure. Reaching heights of 100 feet (30 meters) and speeds of 40 miles per hour (64 kph), you’ll see the Hawaiian tropical forest from a unique vantage point. Along with nine ziplines, there are shaky suspension bridges and even a rappel, making this more of a challenge course than your average zipline.
2. Snorkel translucent waters
A Zodiak Raft & Snorkel Adventure isn’t your average snorkel trip, as you raft along Kona’s scenic coastline to Kealakekua Bay — the very place where Captain Cook was welcomed in November 1778 and then killed by locals three months later after realizing he wasn’t a god like they originally believed. Big Island is home to an abundance of marine life and bright, otherworldly coral, and it’s not uncommon to see manta rays, green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and, in the winter months, humpback whales. The small size of the raft also allows guides to take passengers through sea caves and lava tubes for added adventure.
3. Go whale watching
On a Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure, thrill seekers have the unique experience of viewing 40-foot (12-meter) humpback whales from a boat that’s only 24 feet (7 meters). Offered December through April, the three-hour excursion teaches you about the behavioral patterns of these marine creatures — along with some local folklore, an important part of Hawaiian culture. And because of the small size of the boat, it’s possible to explore sea caves and lava tubes. Don’t be surprised if you also spot manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles, as well.
Clik here to view.
Cliff jumping at The End of the World. Photo courtesy of Jessica Festa.
4. Cliff dive at the End of the World
Located in Kona where the hub of Ali’i Drive used to end is an idyllic place rimmed with noni trees full of fruit, colorful lady bugs and singing birds (seriously!). Walk further in over open lava fields toward the ocean and the jagged peaks that surround it, and you’ve come to the End of the World. This place is not only a haven for photographers, but also a popular spot for thrill seeks looking to jump or dive into the translucent waters. While beginners can choose the “low” ledge at 30 feet (9 meters), adrenaline junkies can head up to the 40-foot (12-meter) ledge. Heart pounding, count to three and hurl yourself from the rocks, crashing down into the deep sea. Tip: Bring your snorkel gear, as the caves and open waters are swarming with tropical fish.
5. Take a helicopter ride over one of the world’s most active volcanoes
Kilauea — which literally means “spewing” in Hawaiian — is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with lava constantly flowing from the crater. In fact, it’s been erupting repeatedly since 1823. Seeing it from a helicopter allows you to view it from a unique vantage point not many get to experience. Another way to view Kilauea is by visiting Volcanoes National Park and hiking around the crater. One can also opt for a Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls excursion from Hilo, to view both Mauna Loa and Kilauea Volcanoes as well as the powerful Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park. Visits to the Akatsuka Orchid Nursery and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory are also part of the tour.
Clik here to view.
Mauna Kea. Photo courtesy of eye of einstein.
6. Climb Hawaii’s highest point
True thrill seekers will put climbing Hawaii’s highest point — Mauna Kea Summit — at the top of their bucket list. With a height of 13,796 feet (4,205 meters) above sea level, and base-to-summit elevation of 32,000 feet (9,754 meters), the feat is quite a challenge. That being said, it’s worth it once you’re at the top, as climbers are awarded views of Haleakala on Maui; Mauna Loa in Hualalai; lava-sculpted landscape; and the eight distinct climate zones Big Island is known for.
7. ATV through Waipio Valley
An ATV tour through Waipio Valley is great for those who want a mix of adrenaline rush and beautiful scenery. Choose to drive your own 4×4 or get on back with a guide, admiring a landscape of waterfalls, black sand beach, rugged cliff and tropical flora, and taking on rough terrain atop a speedy open air vehicle. A highlight of the tour is Hiilawe Falls, one of Hawaii’s strongest and tallest waterfalls at 1,450 feet (442 meters). Bring your bathing suit to swim in the cascade’s pond below.
8. Bike a volcano
Along with climbing a volcano, helicoptering over a volcano and viewing a volcano from a lookout point, it’s also possible to bike a volcano. A Kilauea Volcano Bike Tour allows you to bike down Kilauea Volcano, from summit to sea. Along the way, your guide will regale you with Hawaiian folklore and stories on how the landscape relates to the culture. The highlight of the journey is viewing the volcano’s eruption as it spews lava. Additionally, you’ll explore the most popular trails of the famous Volcanoes National Park. And if you get tired, a van follows the group throughout to pickup anyone who doesn’t feel up to cycling the entire route.
Clik here to view.
Big Island manta rays. Photo courtesy of Renee V.
9. Swim with manta rays
There are few places in the world where one can swim with giant manta rays (their wing spans can reach 20 feet/6 meters)! One of these places is Hawaii’s Big Island, as the shores of Kona are home to a resident population year-round. A Kona Manta Ray Snorkel takes place at night — when the manta rays are most active — with the boat leaving at sunset so you can enjoy colorful sky before going under water. In the water is a long float adorned with flashlights pointing down to the ocean floor, which you’ll hold onto for balance. As the lights shine down it attracts plankton, attracting the manta rays as this is what they eat. Don’t be afraid; unlike stingrays, manta rays don’t have teeth, barbs or stingers. Enjoy the show as these gentle giants get close to your body, gliding and performing an underwater acrobatic routine.
10. Explore Big Island in a submarine
For a mix of adventure and culture, a Kona Submarine Adventure and Royal Kona Resort Luau is a must. The excursion begins aboard a 48-passenger submarine, exploring Kona’s colorful coral reefs and underwater fauna and reaching depths of 100 feet (30 meters). It’s a true bucket list experience, as not many can say they’ve actually been in a submarine before — let alone in the crystal blue waters of Hawaii. Afterward, enjoy a traditional luau at the Royal Kona Resort, complete with imu (underground oven) cooked Kalua pork, buffet, open bar, fire and cultural dancing, and folklore.
Clik here to view.
Hiking the Thurston Lava Tube in Volcanoes National Park. Photo courtesy of Jessica Festa.
11. Hiking in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is home to 150 miles (241 kilometers) of hiking trails, each offering unique experiences. While the Crater Rim Trail allows you to trek around the crater of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, the Thurston Lava Tube takes you underground into a cave shaped by lava. It’s also worth it to take the 40-minute scenic drive from the visitor center to the end of Chain of Craters road to hike the open lava fields with views of the water and palm trees. Bonus: Each day the park offers free guided hikes so you can get interesting background information on the local flora and fauna.
12. Surfing in Kona
When on Big Island, there are many opportunities to surf, with the Kona side catering to beginners and the Hilo side better for experienced surfers. Honolii Beach Park is one noteworthy challenge, with the possibility to ride the waves off the beach as well as the a break outside the bay’s northern point. For up to date information on swells and beach safety at this location, click here. If you’re just starting out, you’ll find no shortage of knowledgeable instructors offering lessons, for example Kona Boys and Kona Surf Adventures.
*Jessica’s trip to Big Island was sponsored by the Big Island Tourism Board. She was not required to write this post nor was she compensated by the tourism board. All opinions are her own.