Are you in the process of planning a Big Island trip?
Once your Big Island travel arrangements are made, you may want to shift your focus to what you can do and see. Creating an itinerary for your trip has a number of benefits. It is important to remember that Big Island is filled with so much for you to do and see; so much that you may not have enough time to do so.
4 Must Visit Big Island Attractions
Familiarizing yourself with popular Big Island attractions before your vacation can help you make sure that you visit the mostly highly rated and recommended sites, a few of which are outlined below.
1 – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see for all Big Island tourists. This National Park is situated on 377 square miles of a vast array of landscaping. Whether you are interested in traveling by car, foot, or bike, there is a large part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that you can examine.
When traveling by car, you can visit the summit of the Kilauea volcano. Chain of Craters Road is also a must-visit in the park, as this is where lava once flowed over the road. With so much to do and see in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including guided tours and themed wilderness tours, you may want to stay onsite. What better way to end your day than camping? Camping is free as long as you paid admittance into the park.
2 – Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley is also known as “The Valley of the Kings.” This Big Island attraction is a must-visit if the history and culture of Hawaii are of interest to you. Here, you will be able to explore an area that was once populated with native Hawaiians. There are unlimited hidden treasures in the area, including beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and tara fields.
To learn the history of the Waipio Valley, not just see it, a guided tour is recommended. Guided tours of “The Valley of Kings,” are available by way of car, horseback, and foot.
3 – Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is often referred to as “A Garden in the Valley of the Ocean.” Due to close proximity, a visit to the gardens is advised either before or after a visit to “The Valley of the Kings.”
Guided garden tours are available for multiple trails, including the Onomea Falls and Palm Jungle Trail.
4 – Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park
If you are unable to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park is a must-visit for you. Situated on 180 acres of land, this National Historic Park is considered sacred ground. It was once a refuge and home to those who broke the law.
When visiting the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, you can see the black lava rock, a sacred temple, wooden statues of Hawaiian gods, and so much more! The area is filled with beautiful fish ponds; therefore, you can enjoy a fishing adventure in addition to hiking and examining the historical background of Hawaii’s Big Island.
In addition to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, and Waipio Valley, there are other popular and well-known Big Island attractions that you should place on your vacation itinerary.
Those visiting the North Side of the Big Island will want to examine Parker Ranch. Those visiting the South Side of the island should check out the views at the Ka Lea South Point.
