Big Island Top Attractions
Your Adventure Blueprint & Curated Maps
Local Adventure Expert
Kalani MillerYour Adventure Blueprint - Curated Attraction Maps
Now for the fun part. I've created a series of detailed maps to guide you to my favorite spots around the island. Each section below focuses on different types of adventures, giving you the visual plan you need to build your perfect itinerary.
Not all adventures are created equal. Some are for relaxing, some are for exploring, and some will challenge you in ways you never imagined. Let me guide you to the experiences that match your spirit.
Map of the Best Beaches & Snorkel Spots
Not all beaches are created equal. Some are for relaxing, some are for surfing, and some are for exploring the incredible world beneath the waves. This map focuses on the best spots for swimming and snorkeling, which are concentrated on the calm, clear waters of the Kona and Kohala coasts.
👨👩👧👦 For Beginners & Families
Kahaluʻu Beach Park, just south of Kona, is your go-to spot. A natural rock wall creates a calm, shallow lagoon perfect for new snorkelers and kids. It's teeming with colorful fish and you're almost guaranteed to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
🏖️ For the Postcard White Sand Beach
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area on the Kohala Coast is world-famous for a reason. It's a massive, half-mile stretch of soft white sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and boogie boarding when the surf is up.
🤿 For the Ultimate Snorkel Adventure
Kealakekua Bay, home of the Captain Cook Monument, is the undisputed champion of Big Island snorkeling. It's a protected Marine Life Conservation District with breathtaking water clarity and abundant coral and fish.
Map of Top Hiking Trails
The Big Island is a hiker's paradise, with trails that take you across volcanic craters, through dense rainforests, and down to secluded beaches. Before any hike, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes (lava rock is incredibly sharp), and check official trail websites for the latest conditions.
🌋 Kīlauea Iki Trail
A 3.2-4 mile loop that descends through rainforest to the floor of a solidified lava lake. Walk across the still-steaming crater floor from the 1959 eruption.
🏔️ Pololū Valley Trail
Short but steep 0.6-mile trail descending 420 feet into stunning Pololū Valley with a wild, windswept black sand beach and dramatic coastal views.
Historical & Cultural Sites (Wahi Pana)
To truly know Hawaiʻi, you must listen to the stories the land tells. The Big Island is home to some of the most important and sacred sites in all of Polynesia. These places, which we call wahi pana, hold deep spiritual energy, or mana. Please visit them with the utmost respect.
🏛️ Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
The "Place of Refuge" where ancient Hawaiians could find sanctuary after breaking kapu (sacred laws). Walk the peaceful grounds and see the reconstructed temple guarded by fierce wooden kiʻi.
⚡ Puʻuloa Petroglyphs
Over 23,000 ancient rock carvings in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. These sacred piko holes were where umbilical cords were placed as prayers for long life.
Complete Your Journey
Ready to put it all together? Get insider tips for planning your complete Hawaiian journey, including adventures beyond the Big Island.
Complete Planning Guide🗺️ Map Guide Sections
🎯 Adventure Categories
- Beaches: 15+ spots
- Hiking Trails: 25+ trails
- Cultural Sites: 10+ locations
- Volcanoes: 5 active areas
⚠️ Safety Essentials
- Check NPS website for volcano updates
- Wear closed-toe shoes for lava
- Respect cultural sites
- Don't touch sea turtles
- Stay on marked trails
⭐ Must-See Rankings
🌺 Insider Secret
Visit attractions early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun. The golden hour light makes for incredible photos, especially at volcanic sites.