Big Island Guide

The Big Island surprised me in the best way — cloudy in one area, sunny in another, but Waikoloa always delivered golden sunsets 🌅 Here’s my island loop checklist — tested and loved: 🌊 North & Northwest Coast Pololū Valley Lookout Dramatic cliffs + fine black sand Hawi / Halaʻula Town Artsy shops + local ice cream 🍦 Hapuna Beach One of the whitest, smoothest beaches ⛱️ Waikoloa Resort Area Perfect sunset views every evening 🐢 West Kona Coast Kiholo Bay Turquoise lagoons + turtle sightings 🐢 Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Ancient Hawaiian sanctuary + carved kiʻi statues 🌋 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Steam Vents & Sulphur Banks Otherworldly geothermal activity Kīlauea Iki Trail Hike across a cooled lava lake Thurston Lava Tube Walk through a volcanic cave 🕯️ Devastation Trail Ashy landscape with unique plants Chain of Craters Road Drive to dramatic black coastal cliffs Live Eruption Viewing 🌋 Absolutely breathtaking beyond photos 🌿 East Hilo Side Laupahoehoe Point Waves crashing against lava rock coast Hilo Farmers Market Sweet papaya, mango, longan — so fresh! 🥭 Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden Stunning flora I’ve never seen before 💐 Banyan Drive Canopy of banyan trees 🌳 Akaka Falls & Rainbow Falls Pretty but skippable if short on time Liliʻuokalani Gardens Serene Japanese-style bridges & ponds 🖤 Southeast Coast Pohoiki / Isaac Hale Beach Park Volcanic-heated ocean pools — super slippery! I fell 😅 Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Famous turtle spot, but sand is coarse South Point Southernmost point in the USA 🇺🇸 Papakōlea Green Sand Beach One of only 4 green sand beaches in the world 💚 Tip: Hike or pay for a ride — it’s sandy & windy! #US #Honolulu #Hawaii