Free things to do on the Big Island: where to go and what it costs
Prices and details checked on October 22, 2026How we compare tours
Free things to do on the Big Island include Kealakekua Bay, Kiholo Bay, Lava Tree State Monument, Kalopa State Park, Wailoa State Park and the East Hawaii Cultural Center, which all have no entrance fee.
Free things to do on the Big Island include Kealakekua Bay, Kiholo Bay, Lava Tree State Monument, Kalopa State Park, Wailoa State Park and the East Hawaii Cultural Center, which all have no entrance fee.
What can you do at the free spots we list?
Kealakekua Bay has water activities you can plan around. State Parks lists boat tours, sightseeing, snorkeling and wildlife viewing there. The bay's best diving is in Kaʻawaloa Cove near the Cook Monument, where the variety of coral and fish is described as exceptional.
| Place | What you can do | Good to know | Getting there | Hours or entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kealakekua Bay | State Parks lists boat tours, sightseeing, snorkeling and wildlife viewing as activities. | - | To reach Ka'awaloa Flats (the Captain Cook Monument), visitors can hike down from the uplands on the historic Ka'awaloa Trail, which has no restrooms. | There is no entrance fee. |
| Kiholo Bay | The state lists beachgoing, camping, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, snorkeling, swimming and wildlife viewing as park activities. | - | The entrance gates are locked nightly; while they are locked, vehicles cannot enter or leave the park. | There is no entrance fee. |
| Captain Cook Trail | The bay's best diving is in Kaʻawaloa Cove near the Cook Monument, where the variety of coral and fish is exceptional; dolphins are commonly seen in the bay. | - | There are two ways to reach Kaʻawaloa Flats: hike down from the uplands on the historic Kaʻawaloa Trail, or join a guided kayak tour with one of the permitted commercial companies. | Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park has no entrance fee. |
| East Hawaii Cultural Center | Youth Arts Saturdays are held on the second Saturday of each month. | - | It is across from Kalākaua Park in historic downtown Hilo, a short walk from the bayfront. | Visiting is free; donations are appreciated. |
| Wailoa State Park | A landscaped park set around the Wailoa River for walking, relaxing, informal games, picnicking and boat fishing. | - | Wailoa Center is reached through Piopio Street. | There is no entrance fee. |
| Lava Tree State Monument | State Parks lists picnicking at the park. | - | - | There is no entrance fee. |
| Kalopa State Park | An easy family nature trail, a 0.7-mile loop, runs through native ʻōhiʻa forest at about 2,000 feet elevation. | - | - | There is no entrance fee. |
Kiholo Bay lists beachgoing, swimming, snorkeling and wildlife viewing as park activities. Lava Tree State Monument has a 0.7-mile loop trail through a forest of lava trees, and picnicking is listed there. Kalopa State Park has a 0.7-mile family nature trail through native ʻōhiʻa forest at about 2,000 feet. Wailoa State Park is a landscaped park for walking, picnicking and boat fishing, with a boat ramp.
The East Hawaii Cultural Center is free to visit, and donations are appreciated. Its Youth Arts Saturdays run on the second Saturday of each month.
How do you get to each place, and where do you park?
You can reach Kaʻawaloa Flats by hiking down the historic Kaʻawaloa Trail or by joining a guided kayak tour with a permitted commercial company. The trail has no restrooms, so plan for that before you start down.
Kiholo Bay's entrance gates lock nightly, and vehicles cannot enter or leave while they are locked. Plan your drive around those gate hours.
Wailoa Center is reached through Piopio Street. The East Hawaii Cultural Center sits across from Kalākaua Park in historic downtown Hilo, a short walk from the bayfront.
When are these places open, and what does it cost to go?
Kealakekua Bay is open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM, with no entrance fee. Kiholo Bay is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, also with no entrance fee.
Lava Tree State Monument and Wailoa State Park are open during daylight hours. Kalopa State Park is open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM.
The East Hawaii Cultural Center is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM to 3 PM, Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Kiholo Bay allows camping on weekend nights only, Friday through Sunday, and sites can be reserved up to 30 days ahead. If your trip falls midweek, plan your camping for another night. Kealakekua Bay does not allow camping.
What rules and hazards should you know about?
Before you fish at Kiholo Bay, look at its boundary. It covers the bay inside a line from Nāwaikūlua Point to Hou Point, including Wainānāliʻi Pond but not Luahinewai Pond.
Pack out your trash on the Kaʻawaloa Trail. At Lava Tree State Monument, motorized vehicles, pets, alcohol, camping, smoking and commercial activities are not allowed. At Kalopa State Park, bicycles, pets, alcohol, littering and smoking are not allowed.
Water conditions can change, so the National Weather Service marine forecast is the official source to check the morning you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kealakekua Bay free to visit?
Yes, Kealakekua Bay has no entrance fee. It is open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM.
Can you camp at Kiholo Bay?
Yes, but only on weekend nights, Friday through Sunday. Sites can be reserved up to 30 days ahead.
