HONUA LIVING | ISLAND GUIDE
Things to Do
There's so much to experience on Hawaiʻi Island. From ocean adventures and scenic hikes to historic sites and unforgettable island traditions, discover all the ways to explore and enjoy your stay.
On the Water
Discover Hawaiʻi Island from the ocean, where some of the most memorable adventures await.
Night Manta Ray Snorkeling
Kona | Guided Night Adventure
Experience one of Hawaiʻi Island's most unforgettable ocean adventures! Join a guided nighttime snorkeling tour and watch graceful manta rays glide through the illuminated water below you.
Previous snorkeling experience is required for some tours.
Explore Manta Ray Tours with Sea Quest
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Cruise
Keauhou & South Kona | Boat Tour
Explore the clear waters of historic Kealakekua Bay, known for its colorful reef fish, coral reefs, and incredible underwater scenery. Fair Wind offers guided snorkeling cruises with equipment and amenities aboard.
Explore Fair Wind Snorkeling Cruises
Sunset Sailing
Kohala Coast | Catamaran Cruise
Enjoy beautiful views of the Kohala coastline aboard a sailing catamaran. Watch the changing colors of the sky and ocean while relaxing on the water.
Explore Sailing with Hawaiʻi Nautical
Whale Watching
Kohala Coast & Kona | Seasonal Ocean Adventure
During the winter months, humpback whales return to Hawaiian waters. A guided whale-watching cruise is a wonderful opportunity to see these magnificent animals from a respectful distance.
Explore Whale Watching with Hawaiʻi Nautical
Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Kohala Coast | Water Activities
Explore the coastline from the water on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. For a calmer experience, check out the activities offered in the ocean-fed lagoon at Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Hiking & Nature
From lush tropical forests to ancient lava fields, discover the incredible landscapes that make Hawaiʻi Island so unique.
Kīlauea Iki Trail
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | Moderate to Challenging Hike
Walk through native rainforest and across the floor of a volcanic crater formed by the 1959 eruption. This 3.3-mile loop offers one of the island's most remarkable hiking experiences.
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | Short Nature Walk
Take a walk through lush rainforest and enter an incredible lava tube formed by flowing lava hundreds of years ago. An unforgettable stop while exploring the national park.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Hāmākua Coast | Waterfall Walk
Discover tropical rainforest and beautiful waterfall views along a short paved trail. The highlight is ʻAkaka Falls, which drops 442 feet into a lush gorge.
Parts of the trail may be closed, so check park notices before visiting.
View Park Information & Trail Conditions
Crater Rim Trail
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | Scenic Hiking
Enjoy dramatic views of Kīlauea's summit caldera, steam vents, and volcanic landscapes. Choose from different access points and trail lengths to fit your day.
Pololū Valley Lookout
North Kohala | Scenic Lookout
Take a beautiful drive through North Kohala to a dramatic lookout overlooking the valley, cliffs, and black sand coastline. The scenery alone makes this a memorable stop.
Trail access and parking can change, so check current conditions before visiting and respect any posted restrictions.
Pololū Valley Visitor Information
Adventure & Zip lining
For those looking for a little more excitement, experience Hawaiʻi Island's forests, waterfalls, and outdoor landscapes in a whole new way.
Kohala Zipline
North Kohala | Ziplining & Forest Adventure
Soar through the treetops on a guided zipline adventure featuring suspension bridges, native forest scenery, and beautiful natural surroundings. Some tour packages also include hiking and waterfall swimming.
Explore Kohala Zipline Adventures
Umauma Falls Zipline
Hāmākua Coast | Ziplining & Waterfalls
Experience an exciting zipline adventure above lush rainforest and waterfalls. Umauma offers multiple ziplines, beautiful ocean views, and a unique way to explore the island's tropical side.
Umauma ATV Adventure
Hāmākua Coast | Off-Road Adventure & Waterfall Swim
Explore the beautiful Hāmākua Coast on an exciting guided ATV or side-by-side adventure. Travel through lush tropical landscapes, take in waterfall views, and enjoy a stop at a private waterfall and swimming area. A fun way to experience a different side of Hawaiʻi Island.
Naʻalapa Stables Horseback Riding
North Kohala | Horseback Riding & Ranch Adventure
Experience Hawaiʻi Island's paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country on horseback! Ride through the open pastures of a working ranch, surrounded by rolling green hills and beautiful views of the Kohala Mountains. A memorable experience for both beginners and experienced riders.
Lūʻau & Island Experiences
Enjoy an evening filled with Hawaiian music, hula, storytelling, and island hospitality.
Legends of Hawaiʻi Lūʻau
Hilton Waikoloa Village | Dinner & Entertainment
Experience Hawaiian storytelling through music, hula, and dance while enjoying a buffet dinner under the stars. A convenient option for guests staying in Waikoloa.
Explore Legends of Hawaiʻi Lūʻau
Hawaiʻiloa Lūʻau
Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast | Dinner & Entertainment
Enjoy an evening of Hawaiian cultural performances, traditional music, hula, and Polynesian entertainment at the beautiful Fairmont Orchid. Dinner and refreshments are part of the experience.
Sunset Lūʻau
Waikoloa Beach Marriott | Dinner & Entertainment
Enjoy a festive evening with island cuisine, live entertainment, hula, and Polynesian performances at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.
Island Breeze Lūʻau
Kailua-Kona | Oceanfront Cultural Experience
Located at the historic Kamakahonu Bay, Island Breeze offers a cultural evening with Hawaiian music, dance, storytelling, and a traditional-style lūʻau feast.
Scenic Drives & Sightseeing
Some of Hawaiʻi Island's most beautiful places can be experienced right from the road. Discover lush valleys, dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and charming island towns along the way.
North Kohala Scenic Drive & Pololū Valley Lookout
North Kohala | Scenic Drive & Lookout
Travel along the beautiful Kohala Mountain Road, where rolling green pastures and sweeping ocean views lead toward the charming towns of Hāwī and Kapaʻau. Continue to Pololū Valley Lookout for breathtaking views of lush cliffs and the dramatic coastline.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Volcano | Sightseeing & Volcanic Landscapes
Explore one of the island's most extraordinary destinations, home to Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Discover steaming vents, volcanic craters, scenic overlooks, and landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.
Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Chain of Craters Road
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | Scenic Drive
Take an unforgettable drive through dramatic volcanic landscapes, passing old lava flows, craters, and sweeping coastal views. The road descends from the summit of Kīlauea toward the ocean, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Hāmākua Coast & Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Hāmākua Coast | Scenic Drive & Valley Views
Follow the lush Hāmākua Coast through tropical landscapes, small towns, and beautiful countryside. Continue toward Honokaʻa and Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, where dramatic green cliffs rise above the historic valley and coastline.
Waipiʻo Valley Road is restricted to visitors. Enjoy the scenery from the designated public lookout and respect posted access rules.
Explore Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Kaʻū | Scenic Coastal Stop
Discover one of Hawaiʻi Island's beautiful black sand beaches, formed from volcanic lava. Punaluʻu is also known as a resting place for endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. Enjoy the scenery, take photos, and observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
Explore Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
South Kona Coffee Country Drive
Hōlualoa & Kealakekua | Scenic Drive & Coffee Farms
Take a leisurely drive through the slopes of South Kona, passing coffee farms, charming towns, and beautiful views of the coastline. Stop in historic Hōlualoa for local art galleries, coffee shops, and a taste of Kona coffee country.
Historic & Cultural Places
Discover the stories, traditions, and remarkable history of Hawaiʻi Island. From ancient Hawaiian villages and sacred temples to royal residences and historic landmarks, these special places offer a deeper connection to the island and its people.
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Kawaihae | Hawaiian History & Sacred Site
Visit one of the most significant historic sites in Hawaiʻi. Built between 1790 and 1791 under the direction of Kamehameha I, this massive stone temple played an important role in his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Explore the grounds, enjoy beautiful coastal views, and learn about the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
North Kohala | Ancient Hawaiian Fishing Village
Step back in time and explore the remains of a traditional Hawaiian coastal village. Follow a self-guided interpretive trail past ancient house sites, stone walls, and other features that reveal how Hawaiian families once lived and worked along this rugged coastline.
Explore Lapakahi State Historical Park
Huliheʻe Palace
Historic Kailua-Kona | Hawaiian Royalty & Museum
Located along Aliʻi Drive, Huliheʻe Palace was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. Today, the beautifully preserved palace museum houses royal furnishings, portraits, artifacts, and treasured pieces of Hawaiʻi's history. A wonderful stop while exploring downtown Kona.
Explore Huliheʻe Palace & Tours
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Kona | Ancient Hawaiian Settlement & Fishponds
Discover how Native Hawaiians lived and thrived along Kona's dry volcanic coastline. Explore traditional Hawaiian fishponds, ancient trails, petroglyphs, and archaeological sites while learning about the ingenuity and traditions of Hawaiʻi's early communities.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
South Kona | Ancient Hawaiian Place of Refuge
One of Hawaiʻi Island's most culturally significant places, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau was once a sacred place of refuge under the traditional kapu system. Walk through historic royal grounds, see reconstructed Hawaiian structures and carved kiʻi, and learn about the laws, traditions, and spiritual beliefs of ancient Hawaiʻi.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
South Kona | Hawaiian History & Historic Bay
Discover one of Hawaiʻi Island's most historically significant coastal locations. Kealakekua Bay was an important place in Hawaiian life and is known for the events surrounding the arrival and death of British explorer Captain James Cook in 1779. The bay is also home to Hikiau Heiau, a sacred Hawaiian temple dedicated to Lono.
Enjoy the coastal scenery while learning about the history of the area. Access to the Captain Cook Monument across the bay requires additional planning.
Good to Know Before You Go...
Book Ahead: Popular activities like manta ray snorkeling, ziplining, boat tours, and lūʻau often fill up in advance. Booking early is recommended.
Ocean Safety: Ocean conditions can change quickly, even on beautiful sunny days. Always check conditions, follow posted warnings, and never turn your back on the ocean.
Plan Your Drive: Hawaiʻi Island is bigger than it looks! Allow extra time for scenic stops, traffic, and unexpected discoveries along the way.
Pack for the Day: Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket. The weather can be completely different between the coast, Waimea, and Volcano.
Respect the ʻĀina: Stay on designated trails, respect sacred sites, avoid disturbing wildlife, and leave natural and cultural features where you find them.
Check Before You Go: Park access, trail conditions, tour schedules, and weather can change. Confirm details before heading out.
Adventure Awaits!
Whether you're exploring the ocean, discovering hidden waterfalls, or learning about Hawaiʻi's history, we hope your adventures leave you with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for this special place.