Manta Ray Night Dive ♦
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Kailua-Kona
Amazing night dive (or snorkel) featuring up-close encounters with manta rays
Kona Diving
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Kailua-Kona
The nicest area for diving on the Big Island, with generally good visibility and abundant marine life
Pololu Valley/Beach
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, North Shore
Beautiful valley with a rocky black sand beach
Emesine Cave
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Hilo area
Unmarked, rarely visited pristine lava tube
Boiling Pots and Pe’epe’e Falls
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Hilo
Waterfall upstream from an interesting series of carved bowls famous for their churning water in heavy flow
Nanue Falls ♦
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Hilo Area
Rarely visited waterfall, perfect for Robinson Crusoe-esque swimming and jumping
Flowing Lava! ♦
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Area
If lava is visible and accessible, it’s the experience of a lifetime to go and see it up close. Kilauea (presumably) won’t erupt forever, so go if you can!
Lava Trees State Monument
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Area
Short hike through an area with numerous lava trees
Volcanoes National Park
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Volcanoes National Park
National Park based around the highly active Kilauea volcano; features views of the caldera and crater and the dramatic, scarred volcanic landscape via roads and hikes
Umauma Falls Ziplining
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, North of Hilo
Excellent zip lining course with great coastal and waterfall views
‘Akaka Falls
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, North of Hilo
Very tall and impressive waterfall accessed via a scenic 1 mile jungle hike
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, North of Hilo
Nice botanical garden with a waterfall and bay views
Rainbow Falls
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Hilo
Beautiful waterfall with very easy access; under the right conditions, the spray from the falls makes rainbows
Kealakekua Bay ♦
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Kailua-Kona Area
Fantastic spot for snorkeling that generally sees a lower volume of tourists due to more difficult access