Well…the short answer is whatever you like as it’s your vacation too. The long answer is that there’s lots to do and see on the Big Island. Many sites of interest are marked by a sign of the King and a description. Like this:
In addition to all the beaches we’ve mentioned in other posts, here’s a quick list of the things you can do:
Catch a great sunset. Just about anywhere on the sea wall off of Ali’i Drive in Kona provides a great unspoiled view of the sunset above the ocean. Even better when paired with dinner and drinks at any of the restaurants along the water.
Visit a palace. Hawai’i is the only place in the US with a real royal family (regardless of what certain celebrities may think of themselves), and you can tour their summer home at Hulihe’e Palace in Kailua-Kona.
While you’re at it, visit a king. There are two statues of King Kamehameha on the island, the original is in Kapa’au at the north end of the island near the king’s birthplace. The second is facing the ocean in Hilo.
Kayak along the west coast. There are lots of tour operators that can assist you with this.
Scuba or snorkel with all the beautiful sea life. See the beach section for easy sites or join a tour for an expanded experience.
Go on a hike. Or a few. There are many that cover sites like petroglyphs, lava fields and tubes, ancient forests, waterfalls, religious temples….
Speaking of waterfalls, there’s Akaka, Kahuna, Pe’epe’e, Umauma and Waiale to name a few.
Visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (City of Refuge) to learn about ancient Hawaiian life.(see beach post for snorkel information near the national park)
Learn to surf. And resist the urge to do shaka sign to everyone you see afterwards.
Go to a green sand beach. Yes, green. Or a black sand one. Not the great swimming sites they once were, but still interesting to see.
Go skiing. Well, chances are there won’t be snow in August but you can in other months. Still, the summit of Mauna Kea is worth it to see the view from the summit and their amazing telescopes. Note: you’ll need a 4x4 and warm clothes for this. It is a mountain after all.)
Go to the volcano! (See the link on the right)
Visit Hilo! (See other link on the right)
Whew. Like we said, it’s a short list. We’re sure your guidebook will list tons of things too and Brandie is happy to share her experience with anything that you’re curious about. As for tour operators, there are many and while we won’t advertise here on the site, we can let you know who we’ve used in the past.
The most important thing is to get out there. There’s so much beauty to be seen it’s not even funny. Everyone who comes to the islands has one special moment they always remember. (Boy did that sound like an ad. But it’s true, we swear!)
