Fun Things to do on the Big Island
The Big Island is the largest and the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands and boasts 11 of the world’s 13 available microclimates, ranging from vibrant tropical jungle to arid desert tundra. This ancient and sacred island is home to the tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, the world’s most active volcano, Kiluaea, and the largest mountain, Mauna Loa (in cubic feet). The Big Island of Hawaii is a treasure of geological extremes like nowhere else on earth.
During your Big Island Farms internship you’ll have plenty of time, on the weekends, to explore all of the beauty that the Big Island has to offer. Our recommendation is that you plan your weekends in advance so that you have plenty of time to sort out logistics like bus schedules, places to eat, and hotels or hostels to stay at.
Hamakua Coast (Near the Farm)
- Enjoy the rugged and remote beauty of Waipio Valley.
- Go out for shopping and a bite to eat in Honoka’a.
- Taste the freshest produce and food from our neighbors at the Hamakua Farmers Market.
- Catch a movie at the Honoka’a Peoples Theater.
- If the weather provides, take on the challenging, three day, Waimanu Backpacking Trek.
Here’s a great article about things to do on the Hamakua Coast:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/hamakua-coast/top-things-to-do/a/poi/1333379
Hilo (South East)
Hilo is 47.5 miles from the farm, a one-hour drive, accessible by bus or hitching a ride—Hilo is the county seat of the Big Island. It’s a large region brimming with waterfalls, rainforests, botanical gardens, and one of the largest farmers markets on the island. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, hostels, and places to eat, and it’s only a two dollars for a bus ride away from Honoka’a. Hilo is definitely a good place to visit on the weekend.
- Visit the towering Akaka Falls.
- Go swimming and cliff jumping at Rainbow Falls.
- Wander the botanical gardens.
- Explore the thriving downtown community, full of small shops and restaurants.
- Visit the Hilo Farmers Market, typically the largest farmers market on the Island.
Much More, make sure to check out the link below.
https://www.lovebigisland.com/hilo/
Inland (Waimea and Mauna Kea)
Waimea
The distance to Waimea is just over 18 miles and is a twenty-five minute drive. It is accessible by bus or hitching a ride—Waimea is a ranching community where you can find a larger variety of restaurants, shops, and beautiful rolling, green pastures. You’ll probably find yourself in Waimea to visit the larger grocery store, Foodland, or grab a bite to eat on the weekend.
- Visit the shopping centers and restaurants.
- Immerse yourself the beautiful ranching community.
For more information on Waimea, please check out the link below:
https://www.lovebigisland.com/waimea-kamuela-hawaii/activities/
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the acclaimed to be the best place to stargaze in the world. Not the country, not the region, but THE ENTIRE WORLD. A trip to the observatory is a must while visiting the Big Island.
Here’s a helpful link:
https://www.lovebigisland.com/stargazing/
Kona (West Side)
The distance to Kona is 60 miles, a one and a half hour drive accessible by bus or hitching a ride—Kona is the fastest growing city on the island. Its coastline is comprised of lava fields, white sand beaches, and crystal blue water. This is also where the majority of larger resorts are located. Kona is a good place to visit for snorkeling, shopping, nightlife, or beachfront relaxation.
- Sunbathe on white sand beaches.
- Snorkel in crystal blue water.
- Go shopping in downtown.
- Enjoy the nightlife and live music.
Check out this link for more:
https://www.lovebigisland.com/kailua-kona/activities/
We’ve only scratched the surface of all the amazing activities on the Big Island. For a more comprehensive and detailed database, we highly recommend checking out the website we’ve referenced throughout the article. It’s an amazing resource:
https://www.lovebigisland.com/
