Big Island Adventure Activities
Thrills and Wonders Across the Island - From Volcanic Peaks to Ocean Depths
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerTop Adventure Activities: Thrills and Wonders Across the Island
The Big Island is an adventurer's paradise, offering a staggering array of activities that immerse you in its dramatic landscapes, from volcanic peaks to the depths of the ocean. Whether you're seeking high-octane thrills or serene encounters with nature, there's an adventure waiting for you.
From the fiery heart of Kīlauea to the sun-kissed waters of Kona, every corner of this island offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure. The diverse microclimates and geological features create an unparalleled playground for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
High-Flying & Off-Road Excitement
For those who crave adrenaline and unique perspectives, the Big Island delivers with thrilling ATV tours through rugged terrain, exhilarating zipline courses over lush canopies, and breathtaking helicopter flights that reveal the island's grandeur from above.
ATV Tours: Mud, Mountains, and Majesty
Explore the Big Island's diverse backcountry on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or Utility Task Vehicle (UTV). Tours often traverse private ranch lands, volcanic trails, rainforests, and coastal areas, offering access to scenery not reachable by regular vehicles. Expect to get muddy!
Umauma Experience (Hakalau, near Hilo)
"Deluxe ATV Tour" with a 5.5-mile ride on private grounds, including a stop at a private waterfall for a swim. Known for "The Pit" where you're guaranteed to get muddy.
Aloha Adventure Farms (Holualoa, Kona)
ATV tour through lush Holualoa forests, incorporating Polynesian cultural experiences with interactive elements like opening coconuts and learning traditions.
What to Expect: Tours typically last 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Safety briefings and gear (like helmets) are provided. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Zipline Tours: Soaring Through Canopies and Over Waterfalls
Experience the thrill of flying through the treetops, often with stunning views of waterfalls, rainforests, and the ocean. The Big Island boasts several top-rated zipline courses that immerse you in the island's natural beauty.
Umauma Experience (Hakalau, near Hilo)
Features nine ziplines spanning over 2 miles, with views of 14 waterfalls and the Umauma River. Zipline #4 is over 2,000 feet long and crosses a river.
Kohala Zipline (North Kohala)
An 8-line "full canopy" course built with ecological mindfulness. Rated as the best zipline course on the island by Hawaii Magazine.
What to Expect: Tours typically last 1.5 to 3 hours. Comprehensive safety briefings and all necessary gear are provided. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
Helicopter Tours: Epic Views of Volcanoes, Coastlines, and Waterfalls
Often described as an "unforgettable experience," helicopter tours offer unmatched perspectives of the Big Island's vast and often inaccessible landscapes, including Kīlauea's volcanic activity, remote waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, and deep valleys.
Lava and Volcanoes
Focus on Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, showcasing craters, lava flows, and volcanic formations. Best from Hilo for proximity.
Waterfalls and Cliffs
Explore the lush Hāmākua Coast and remote valleys and sea cliffs of North Kohala with spectacular aerial views.
Circle Island Tours
Comprehensive flights covering volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines. Often include ground stops for extended exploration.
Pricing: Flights typically start around $350-$400 per person for shorter flights and can go much higher for longer or private tours. Morning flights generally offer calmer winds and better visibility.
Ready for High-Flying Adventure?
Experience the Big Island from new heights with these thrilling aerial and off-road adventures.
Back to Big Island Guide🎯 Adventure Types
- ATV & UTV Tours
- Zipline Adventures
- Helicopter Tours
- Manta Ray Snorkeling
- Volcano Hiking
- Water Sports
📈 Difficulty Levels
ATV tours, easy ziplines
Volcano hikes, longer ziplines
Technical hikes, extreme sports
👶 Age Requirements
- ATV Tours: 16+ to drive
- Ziplines: 4+ (varies)
- Helicopters: All ages
- Snorkeling: All ages
- Hiking: Varies by trail
🗺️ Big Island Guide
Aquatic Adventures: Wonders of the Deep and Coastal Play
The waters surrounding the Big Island are teeming with life and offer some of the most unique aquatic experiences in the world, from swimming with gentle giants to exploring vibrant coral reefs.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel/Dive: Kona's Unforgettable Spectacle
This is consistently rated as one of the top things to do on the Big Island and a truly magical encounter. After sunset, boats take snorkelers and divers to specific sites along the Kona coast where powerful lights attract plankton, which in turn draws in the majestic manta rays to feed.
Participants float on the surface (snorkelers) or kneel on the ocean floor (divers) as these gentle giants, with wingspans that can reach up to 16 feet, gracefully glide, swoop, and barrel-roll, often within inches of viewers. The experience is awe-inspiring and surreal.
Anelakai Adventures
Offers a unique experience using a traditional Hawaiian double-hulled outrigger canoe, carrying only 6 passengers and a guide for a more intimate cultural connection.
Dolphin Discoveries
Known for a very short boat ride to the Manta Ray Village viewing area, maximizing in-water time. They offer a "Manta Guarantee" option.
Important: Manta rays are harmless filter feeders. Touching them is strictly prohibited as it can harm their protective mucus layer and disrupt their natural behavior.
Beyond Mantas: Premier Snorkeling & Diving Spots
The Kona Coast is the epicenter for snorkeling and diving due to generally calmer, clearer waters and abundant marine life.
Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument)
A Marine Life Conservation District with exceptional snorkeling, vibrant coral, diverse fish life, and frequent spinner dolphin sightings.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Easily accessible, relatively shallow, and protected. Excellent for beginners and families with abundant fish and frequent sea turtle sightings.
Hōnaunau Bay / "Two Step"
Located next to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Easy entry from lava rock into clear water with healthy coral and plentiful marine life.
Carlsmith Beach Park (Hilo)
Features large, spring-fed lagoons protected by reefs, offering calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. Turtles are frequently seen here.
General Tips: Mornings often provide the calmest water conditions and best visibility. Always snorkel with a buddy and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Exploration & Hiking: Trails Through Fire and Forest
The Big Island's dramatic volcanic origins and diverse ecosystems have created a hiker's paradise, with trails leading through active volcanic landscapes, ancient lava tubes, lush rainforests, and along rugged coastlines.
Legendary Hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Kīlauea Iki Trail
A 4-mile loop that descends through rainforest onto the floor of the still-steaming Kīlauea Iki crater. A truly iconic HVNP hike.
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
An easily accessible walk through a 500-year-old lava tube surrounded by lush rainforest. A must-see geological wonder.
Puʻuloa Petroglyphs Trail
A 1.5-mile roundtrip hike across pāhoehoe lava to one of the largest fields of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings, with over 23,000 images.
Pololū Valley Trail
A relatively short but steep trail descending to a stunning black sand beach and the mouth of Pololū Valley with spectacular views.
Hiking Tips: Sturdy hiking boots are essential, especially on sharp lava rock. Always carry plenty of water, sun protection, and rain gear.
Safety First: The Big Island's volcanic environment requires extra caution. Always heed park warnings, stay on marked trails, and be aware of volcanic hazards including fumes and unstable ground. Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.