13 Unique Things To Do On The Big Island, Hawai’i
Hawai’i’s stunning and diverse landscapes and the spirit of Aloha are what draws so many people to travel to these unique islands. I have concluded a list of experiences that will not only be so intimate and notable but tours that are sustainable and that support the local people that make this place so special. I tend to steer clear of big tour groups but these smaller & intimate tours are worth the money and will give you an authentic experience of the Big Island.
Starseed Ranch Farm Tour & Farm-to-Table Dinner
No resort on these islands will give you a more unique dining experience than these incredible farms growing exotic fruits right on the island. It’s hard to even find experiences like these where almost every ingredient is sourced locally and grown right on the property. With the growing seasons year-round, farm fresh food is accessible year-round. Starseed Ranch is a 26-acre regenerative farm with gorgeous Polynesian-style architecture. It is located along the Kohala Coast, some of the most sacred lands to the Hawaiians. My favorite aspect of Starseed Ranch is its incorporation of Hawaiian canoe crops in every meal and its commitment to sustaining Hawaiian agriculture. They run a farmer residency program for those who are interested in learning permaculture methods and sustainable agriculture. They grow many different varieties of Kalo (taro) including heirloom kind that are difficult to grow. Before your dinner they will also give you a short tour of the farm so you can see all the unique crops they are growing. They also have lodging accommodations if you’re looking for an authentic place to stay while visiting the Big Island.
Click here to book a dinner at Starseed Ranch
Kaimana Ocean Safari
There’s no doubt that the sealife that lives among the Hawaiian Islands are exceptional and the people of these islands know how to respect their boundaries and live in harmony amongst them. One of my favorite ways to explore the underwater magic of these islands is through Kaimana Ocean Safari. Not only are they so knowledgeable about marine life, but they do so well at educating on the behavior and patterns of the animals and why it’s important to keep our distance but still allow you to observe wildlife by snorkeling in the deeper ocean. I’ve had the privilege of observing pilot whales, hammerheads, sharks, turtles and manta rays from the surface of the ocean. Their boat also only holds max of 6 people allowing for a truly intimate experience with whatever wildlife you may encounter that day. They also offer tours during humpback whale season and will scout out whales for you to get an up close experience from the boat!
Night Snorkel or Scuba Dive With Manta Rays
One thing you will most often hear people talk about is swimming with the Manta Rays on the Big Island and for a good reason. It’s not common the be able to swim so up close with these gentle giants as they are only found in so many places in the world. For a better experience, try to not go on a full moon night because the lights are how the guides can attract the mantas. Mantas feed on plankton and the plankton are attracted to the light. If you are scuba certified I highly recommend the dive versus the snorkel so you can be away from the crowds and noise to just focus on the mantas and their majestic dancing around the lights.
See Through Sea
Operating in small group settings this wildlife ocean safari is similar to Kaimana in that your guides no doubt have a deep love for the ocean with a lot of respect for wildlife. My favorite option again is the ocean safari, because you never know what wildlife you will discover that day. Get the chance to see manta rays, dolphins, sharks, or various whale species while snorkeling from the surface. They always round out your experience with a coral reef snorkel, exploring the dramatic coastline and celebrating the biodiversity of the Kona Coast.
spinner dolphins seen from our ocean safari
Horseback Riding the Kohala Coast
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the rolling hills in Kohala is horseback riding. Through Paniolo Adventures, you can horseback at sunset, sunrise or midday. The landscape of the rolling hills over the ocean is so unique and truly magical. The ranchers at Paniolo made us all feel so comfortable with the horses and created such a fun experience for us.
Explore Lava Tube Caves
Unless the volcano is currently erupting, Volcano National Park can be quite underwhelming, especially the lava tubes. The most impressive lava tube on the island is by FAR the Kazumura Lava Tube. It is the longest cave in the state of Hawai’i measuring at 42.5 miles and the longest continuous lava tube in the world. There are a few options you can pick from when exploring the cave but know that this is not an easy paved path through a cave but it’s worth the adventure. For a free option, Kaumana caves is located right in Hilo and are a great option.
Mauka to Makai Farm-To-Table Dinner
For a true taste of the Hawaiian islands, Manadina incorporates old traditional flavors as well as new and innovative flavors. Every single item on the menu comes from the island from locally sourced fish from local fishermen to grass-fed beef of the Big Island. Each dish has so much thought put into every little detail and Chef Justin does an incredible job explaining each dish to you. One of my favorite aspects of the farm is how authentic the experience is. The setting is a casual gazebo overlooking the southern coast of the island yet surrounded by untouched raw nature. Nothing is manicured about this farm as it perfectly should be. One of my favorite spots to sit is their thoughtfully curated bench surrounded by lavender that overlooks the ocean. The owners, Justin & Jasmin acquired this land from a wilderness therapy program, and before that, it was owned by Hawaiian royalty. They put some much love into the land here and it shows with their dinner presentation. If you don’t have the opportunity to dine at the farm-to-table dinner, be sure to check out their food truck selling the most premium burgers on the Big Island!
Try Exotic Fruit
Did you know the Big Island of Hawai’i has 11 out of the 13 microclimates in the world? That means they can grow just about anything on this island! With this microclimate they can grow some of the most diverse fruit from around the globe all on one island. It would be shame to miss out on some unique and exotic fruit! Here is a guide on some of my favorite fruits to try with farmer’s market and other stores to buy them from.
Honoka’a Chocolate Farm Tour
Hawai’i is the only state in the U.S. that grows cocoa and sells chocolate commercially so what better way to learn about chocolate than straight from the source? This will completely change the way you see chocolate and have much more respect for this sacred plant. This region of Hawai’i grows some of the most rare cocoa on the planet and Honoka’a has won multiple international awards in recent years for their chocolate! I also love the charming town of Honoka’a; be sure to check out the Waipio Valley overlook, Harmoni foods, and Lean-to-Farm coffee for some of the best small shops on this side of town!
Mauna Kea or Saddle Road at Sunset
There’s nothing more surreal than being above the clouds at sunset. Because of the high elevation of Mauna Kea, you can witness a sunset that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. Before you go read these tips to make sure you get the best experience.
If you have a 4x4 vehicle:
First things first, make sure the summit is OPEN. Sometimes the summit of Mauna Kea is closed due to high winds so before you use a tank of gas driving up there, click here for the summit report. The rangers are very strict about what cars are allowed up and there will be a checkpoint before you go to make sure you are equipped. The checkpoints are as follows:
You absolutely MUST HAVE 4 wheel drive or they will not let you up
Everyone must have a seatbelt
No mud can be on your vehicle (to prevent any invasive species from spreading)
1/2 tank gas minimum
No one should have scuba dived that day to prevent injury
The mountain of Mauna Kea is also very sacred to Hawaiians so it is important to stay on the path and do not leave any trash!
If you do NOT have a 4x4 vehicle:
You are allowed to go up to the visitors canter but you may be below the clouds and there’s no guarantee the sunset will be within your view. My suggestion is to drive Saddle Road on the West side (closer to the Kona side). One of my favorite drives of Saddle Road is the fork end going torwards Waimea. Typically you will still be driving above the clouds with a better chance to see the sunset.
Coffee Farm Tour
If you like coffee then no doubt you should be trying Hawaiian coffee as it’s the only place in the U.S. that grows it! More specifically Big Island grows the most abundant coffee out of all the Hawaiian Islands. There’s a plethora of farm tours but listed are the ones that I feel are most worthy. If you can’t make it for a farm tour click here for a list of some of the best Hawaiian coffee shops on Big Island!
Hala Tree Coffee - This 100% organic coffee farm is nestled in the hills of Kona overlooking the ocean. They have various tours from free farm tours to coffee brewing workshops for those wanting to learn how to brew your coffee at home.
Monarch Coffee- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful slopes of Hualālai on your guided tour of this award-winning Kona Coffee farm. You can walk through the estate to see the growing process and sample coffee during the tour. You also have the option to work with a certified roaster to customize your coffee!
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation- This Kona coffee farm is unique on the island because it is located near a cloud forest and has self-guided lava tubes you can explore!
Sunshower Farms- This farm is much more off the beaten path but naturally results in a more intimate experience. The property boasts stunning views of the Kona coast and they are committed to sustainable farming practices and innovative roasting techniques.
Greenwell Farms- Offering free guided farm tours, the unique history of this farm is what makes this tour special. They also offer a deluxe tour giving you a more intimate experience.
Kona Coffee Living History- If you’re a history buff then this is the tour for you. It might feel like you are stepping back in time as you walk onto the property you will approach a century-old farmhouse and guides dressed in old garb.
Waipio Valley Tour
Waipio Valley is one of the most stunning and sacred valleys in the Hawaiian Islands. You can always drive to the overlook of the valley but if you want to see more, I recommend going with a tour company. The road down into the valley is closed to the Island of Hawai’i residents only and for valid reasons. The road is a windy steep 4x4 road that is treacherous if you aren’t familiar with the terrain. I also believe it is important to understand the meaning of value this valley has to the Hawaiian people and this tour will educate you on that.
Kilauea Volcano
If the volcano is currently erupting then I urge you to drop all of your plans for the evening and witness this once in a lifetime opportunity to see lava flowing. There’s typically plenty of viewing spots around the crater so if one viewing spot isn’t a clear view I recommend continuing driving through the park or asking the park rangers where to go. If it’s currently erupting you will know by checking the website live cams here and the crowds!
