Top Things to Do on Big Island (Curated for a Better Trip)
Planning a trip to Hawaii? We’ve sifted through the noise and rounded up the tours, sights, and experiences that travelers consistently love – organized by what kind of trip you want to have.
Just a heads up: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tours we’d take ourselves or trust with our own family and friends.
Your Trip, Simplified
From catamaran sails to waterfall hikes and everything in between, Big Island has no shortage of things to do. But that doesn’t mean you want to scroll through hundreds of tours to figure it out.
This page is a curated mix of Big Island’s most loved activities – organized by travel style, not sales pitch – so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Adventure & Outdoors
The Big Island is built for big adventures – from snorkeling with manta rays to hiking lava fields and exploring underwater caves. These tours are perfect if you want to feel the wild, raw energy of Hawaiʻi’s youngest island.
Scenic & Relaxing
Chase a sunset, float in calm waters, or take in the coastline from above – these peaceful experiences offer a slower way to see the island’s beauty. Ideal for honeymooners, cruisers, or anyone who wants the view without the workout.
Cultural Experiences
This island holds some of Hawaiʻi’s most powerful cultural sites. These experiences connect you to the land, legends, and people, with visits to historic places, hula performances, storytelling, and hands-on traditions
Food & Farm Tours
From world-famous Kona coffee farms to chocolate tastings and local produce markets, these tours take you behind the scenes of what the Big Island grows best. Come hungry – and curious.
Family-Friendly Picks
With lava tubes to explore, beaches to play on, and easy snorkel spots, these activities keep the kids engaged and the parents relaxed. Perfect for multi-gen trips, younger travelers, or first-time visitors.
Luxury & Private Tours
Want to elevate your trip? These private and small-group experiences offer premium access, upscale service, and unforgettable views – whether you’re flying over the coast or sipping wine on a sunset cruise.
Discount Hawaii Car Rentals
If you’re visiting Hawaiʻi, a rental car isn’t just convenient – it’s essential. Public transportation and rideshares are limited, and the islands are full of scenic drives, hidden beaches, and small towns you can only reach on your schedule. Booking your car in advance ensures the best rates, the widest selection, and the freedom to explore Hawaiʻi exactly how you want.
Plan Even More with HawaiianActivities.com.
The six categories above highlight some of our favorite Big Island experiences – but they’re just the beginning.
Looking to see what else is out there – or ready to book tours across other islands too?
We partner with HawaiianActivities.com to give you access to hundreds of top-rated experiences across Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island – all backed by verified reviews and secure booking and trusted local operators.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a booking or purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend activities and services we trust and believe will enhance your trip