Big Island Attractions
Discover the natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty that make Big Island of Hawaii unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Beaches
From sandy shores to hidden coves, discover the diverse coastline
23 places →
Waterfalls
Explore stunning cascades hidden in lush tropical rainforests
9 places →
Parks
National parks and state monuments showcasing natural wonders
7 places →
Viewpoints
Breathtaking overlooks with panoramic views of valleys and coastlines
13 places →
Historical Sites
Sacred places and cultural landmarks preserving rich history
11 places →
Markets
Local farmers markets and artisan shopping
4 places →
Dive Sites
Premier scuba diving locations with vibrant marine life and coral reefs
4 places →
Manta Ray Sites
World-famous night manta ray viewing and snorkeling spots
3 places →
Snorkel Spots
Top snorkeling locations with clear waters and tropical fish
4 places →
Gardens
Lush botanical gardens and tropical plant collections
7 places →
Volcanoes
Active and dormant volcanic sites with dramatic landscapes
4 places →
Caves
Lava tubes and sea caves formed by volcanic activity
3 places →
Hiking Trails
Scenic trails through rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and coastal paths
10 places →
Scenic Drives
Beautiful road trips along coastlines, through valleys, and past volcanic terrain
7 places →
Cultural Sites
Places of cultural significance honoring Hawaiian heritage and traditions
11 places →
Coffee Farms
World-famous Kona coffee farms offering tours and tastings
9 places →
Observatories
World-class stargazing and astronomical observatories atop Mauna Kea
2 places →
Dive Sites
Explore dive sites attractions
2 places →
Featured Attractions
Kahuna Falls
Honomu
Kahuna Falls drops 100 feet through a narrow volcanic gorge just outside Honomu, creating one of the Big Island's most accessible waterfall experiences. The 15-minute hike from the parking area follows a well-maintained dirt trail that winds through native ohia and fern forests before opening to the falls viewpoint. The waterfall runs year-round, fed by streams from the Hamakua Coast's frequent rains. During dry summer months, the flow reduces to a gentle cascade, while November through March and recent storms create a thundering torrent that fills the entire gorge with mist. The pool at the base stays consistently cool and runs deep enough for swimming when water levels permit. Pack water, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen for the short hike. Wear shoes with good grip since the trail turns muddy after rain and the rocks near the falls stay slippery year-round. Early morning visits between 8 and 10 AM offer the best lighting for photos and cooler temperatures before afternoon heat builds. Free roadside parking accommodates about 20 cars along Highway 19, though spaces fill quickly on weekends by 9 AM. No entrance fees apply, and the falls stay accessible from sunrise to sunset. The moderate hike suits most fitness levels, including families with children over 6. Swimming requires caution due to the pool's depth and occasional strong currents during high water periods. Check recent weather conditions before visiting, as flash floods can make the area dangerous within hours of heavy rains upstream. Local families frequent Kahuna Falls for weekend picnics and swimming, making it a genuine community gathering spot that tourists share rather than dominate.
Coffee FarmsKona Joe Coffee
Kealakekua
Kona Joe Coffee grows the world's only trellised coffee on the slopes of Hualalai volcano in Kealakekua. This family-owned farm pioneered an innovative growing method where coffee plants climb vertical trellises instead of growing as traditional bushes, creating neat rows that resemble vineyards more than typical coffee farms. The 20-acre farm offers guided tours explaining their unique cultivation process and the journey from cherry to cup. You walk through the trellis rows, learn about harvesting and processing, and sample their estate-grown beans. Tours last 45 minutes and run Monday through Friday at 10am and 2pm, with additional Saturday tours from December through March. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the gentle slopes on dirt paths. The volcanic soil gets dusty, so light-colored clothing shows dirt easily. Bring sun protection since the farm sits at 1,400 feet elevation with limited shade between trellis rows. The 10am tour offers cooler temperatures and better light for photography than the afternoon option. Free parking fills their small lot quickly during busy periods. Tours cost $20 per person and include tastings of multiple roasts. Their gift shop sells whole beans, ground coffee, and farm merchandise. The store closes at 4pm. The trellis method produces beans with flavor profiles that differ from traditional Kona coffee. The vertical growing allows better air circulation and sun exposure, creating more consistent ripening. Coffee enthusiasts appreciate these distinctive characteristics, while casual visitors enjoy learning about the agricultural innovation. The organized rows also make for striking photos that capture the farm's unique approach to coffee cultivation in Hawaii's volcanic terrain.
Coffee FarmsBuddha's Cup Coffee
Holualoa
Buddha's Cup Coffee operates a small organic farm on the slopes of Hualalai volcano, about 10 minutes uphill from Kailua-Kona. This family-run operation grows 100% Kona coffee on just seven acres, focusing on quality over quantity. The owners offer informal farm tours by appointment, walking visitors through their sustainable growing methods and explaining the journey from cherry to cup. The terrain involves moderate slopes with uneven volcanic soil, so wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. Bring a hat and water since you'll be walking in direct sun at 1,400 feet elevation. The tour takes about 45 minutes and covers the processing facility where they pulp, dry, and roast their beans on-site. Coffee enthusiasts and curious visitors appreciate the hands-on approach here. The owners share detailed knowledge about soil composition, pruning techniques, and how elevation affects flavor profiles. You can purchase freshly roasted beans directly from the source. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 2pm, with morning visits offering the best combination of comfortable temperatures and active farm work to observe. The experience costs $25 per person and includes coffee tasting. Parking fits about six cars in a small gravel area, so call ahead to confirm your spot. The farm sits along a narrow country road with limited cell service. Drive slowly and watch for other vehicles. Tours may be cancelled during heavy rain since the volcanic soil becomes slippery and unsafe for walking.
Coffee FarmsKuaiwi Farm
Captain Cook
Kuaiwi Farm sits at 1,200 feet on Mauna Loa's slopes in Captain Cook, where volcanic soil and cool mountain air produce premium Kona coffee. This working farm runs 90-minute guided tours daily from 9 AM to 3 PM, taking you through coffee trees at different growth stages and explaining the complete harvesting process. Family members who own the farm lead most tours, sharing stories about multi-generational coffee farming and the challenges of maintaining quality in Hawaii's competitive market. You'll walk through coffee rows, learn about processing methods, and participate in a cupping session tasting different roasts. The tour concludes at their small roasting facility where you can watch beans being processed and purchase freshly roasted coffee. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon rain showers typical in this area and enjoy cooler temperatures. The terrain includes uneven volcanic rock and potentially muddy paths between coffee rows, so wear closed-toe shoes with solid grip. Bring a light jacket since mountain elevations stay cooler even on warm days. Free parking occupies a gravel lot near the main building. Tours cost $25 per person and include all tastings. Children under 12 tour free but may find technical discussions less interesting. The farm attracts serious coffee enthusiasts and visitors interested in sustainable agriculture rather than casual tourists wanting quick photos. Reserve spots ahead during peak season from December through March when tours fill rapidly. The experience suits those who appreciate detailed explanations about coffee cultivation and want to support local Hawaiian farming operations.
Coffee FarmsDaylight Mind Coffee
Kailua-Kona
Daylight Mind Coffee operates a working farm and roastery in Kailua-Kona where you watch the complete journey from bean to cup. The farm sits on volcanic soil that produces some of the Big Island's most distinctive Kona coffee. Guided tours take you through the growing, harvesting, and roasting process with hands-on demonstrations. The 90-minute farm tours include tastings of different roast profiles and brewing methods. You walk through coffee groves, learn about the unique growing conditions that make Kona coffee special, and see the roasting equipment in action. Local farmers guide the tours and share stories about the island's coffee history and sustainable farming practices. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday at 10 AM and 2 PM. The morning session offers cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos. The terrain includes uneven volcanic rock and dirt paths, so wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle since most of the tour happens in direct sunlight with minimal shade. Farm tours cost $25 per person and include coffee samples and a small bag of beans to take home. Free parking is available in their gravel lot. The attached cafe serves breakfast and lunch if you want to extend your visit. This experience works best for visitors who enjoy learning about local agriculture and want to understand what makes Hawaiian coffee unique. Children under 12 may find the detailed explanations less engaging, though the hands-on elements keep most kids interested.
Coffee FarmsRoyal Kona Visitor Center
Kailua-Kona
The Royal Kona Visitor Center sits in the heart of Kona's coffee belt, where you can walk through working coffee groves and watch the complete bean-to-cup process unfold. This active farm runs guided tours hourly from 9am to 4pm daily, showing coffee plants at different growth stages and demonstrating harvesting techniques used for generations. Master roasters work with small batches throughout the morning, and the tasting room pours multiple Kona varieties from light breakfast blends to rich dark roasts. Tours cost $15 per adult with children under 12 free. The small parking lot fills by mid-morning, so arrive by 9am or after 2pm for easier access. Morning visits between 9-11am work best when roasting operations run at full capacity and mountain air stays cool. Afternoon tours get warm under direct sun, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and water. The farm sits at 1,200 feet elevation on volcanic soil with uneven pathways and moderate slopes. Wear closed-toe shoes with solid grip for the 45-minute walking tour. Much of the route crosses open areas without shade, though the center provides covered rest spots. Visitors with mobility concerns should consider the terrain includes stairs and inclined walkways before booking. You'll observe the complete cultivation process, from cherry picking to roasting techniques that create Kona's distinctive flavor profile. The tasting room lets you sample different roast levels while learning about growing conditions unique to this volcanic region. The gift shop stocks farm-fresh beans and local products for purchase.