Big Island

E komo mai (welcome) to Hawai‘i Island!

We here at 101 THINGS TO DO BIG ISLAND would like to welcome you to our island and to thank you for choosing to visit our fair shores. For the people of Hawai‘i, hospitality — ho‘okipa — and aloha are a way of life, and to share that with you is a joy.

If you are reading this here in the Aloha State, chances are you know that there are a few extra steps to take when traveling to the Hawaiian Islands. If you are reading this pre-arrival, know that our state is taking all precautions to keep everyone—visitors and residents alike—safe. This means that, as of press time, Hawai‘i now has new travel requirements, such as a negative COVID-19 test taken (via a trusted testing partner) within 72 hours of arrival. Note that different counties — Kaua‘i, Honolulu (O‘ahu) and Maui (Maui, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i) might have additional rules in place. Additionally, at press time, a statewide mandate requiring face coverings/facemasks in public settings at all times is in place. Please go to hawaiicovid19.com/travel/ for details on all pre-travel requirements (including a list of trusted testing partners) and information on guidelines once you’ve arrived in Hawai‘i. Also, please note that some businesses or attractions may be temporarily closed, or adhering to adjusted hours/offerings due to pandemic protocols. That being said, there’s still a lot to enjoy here on the Big Island!

Hawai‘i Island, the Hawaiian Islands’ largest, youngest island, is one of Earth’s greatest wonders. One of the island’s biggest wonders is Kilauea volcano. After a dramatic eruption in 2018, Kilauea has remained quiet. While there is no visible lava flow at press time, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has re-opened and there’s still a lot to see. Check out GET IN THE HOT SEAT.

Tackling an island as vast as Hawai‘i is no small feat. To avoid feeling overwhelmed in your travel planning, relax knowing that we’ve done the work for you! We, the editors at 101 Things To Do, scoured the Big Island, and then compiled the island’s top activities into this handy guidebook!

Whether you’re venturing into the water for SEA ADVENTURES, in search of A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY or embarking BEYOND THE CITY, it’s all inside!

Be it an exciting CHOPPER RIDE MADE FOR ADVENTURE, going out to CRUISE HUMPBACK TERRITORY paying a visit to OUTER SPACE or taking an ATV TOUR BACK IN TIME, you won’t want to miss the island’s finest activities!

All the action you’ll experience will have you craving a little relaxation. After all, this is one BIG island to explore. So save time for a few slower-paced pursuits. BOOK A SUNSET DINNER CRUISE with your loved one, or grab your travel buddy and GO WINE TASTING IN PARADISE. Waltz through town to SHOP BIG ISLAND STYLE. Afterward, SURROUND YOURSELF WITH BLOOMS at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, and then GO TO A LU‘AU to refuel. FARMERS MARKETS, award-winning FINE DINING, MUSEUMS, and SCENIC ROUTES are all here to satisfy.

Don’t fret if you run out of time to experience everything Hawai‘i Island has to offer. We’ll be eagerly awaiting your next visit to Big Island with 101 THINGS TO DO.