Big island
27 guides
July 4th in Hawaii 2026: Fireworks, Events, and Best Spots
July 4th in Hawaii means real fireworks, beach gatherings, and community events. Where to watch on each island and what to expect in 2026.
Best Time to Visit the Big Island 2026
The Big Island has eleven climate zones. When you go depends on whether you want lava activity, whale watching, manta rays, or just good beach weather.
Hawaii Honeymoon Guide: Best Islands and Where to Stay
Which Hawaiian island is right for a honeymoon and what should you actually book? An honest breakdown by island with real recommendations.
Big Island 4-Day Itinerary: Volcanoes to Kohala
Four days on Hawaii's Big Island covering the active volcano, Hilo's east side, and the sunny Kohala Coast resorts. How to see both sides in one trip.
Best Snorkeling Spots on the Big Island 2026
The Big Island's clear, calm leeward waters and volcanic reef systems make it one of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. Here are the top spots and what makes each one worth going.
Best Stargazing Spots in Hawaii — Not Just Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea gets all the attention but Hawaii has excellent stargazing on every island. Here are the best spots to see the Milky Way, plus tips on making the most of dark sky nights.
Hawaii Birdwatching Guide — Native Birds and Where to See Them
Hawaii has some of the most unique birdlife on earth — and some of the most endangered. Here's where to find native Hawaiian birds on each island, and what to look for.
Best Multi-Day Hiking Trails in Hawaii
Hawaii's backcountry trail system is small but extraordinary. Here are the multi-day routes worth planning a trip around, from Napali Coast to the Big Island's lava deserts.
Best Waterfall Hikes in Hawaii 2026 — By Island
Hawaii has hundreds of waterfalls tucked into its valleys and ridges. Here are the best waterfall hikes by island, from easy roadside walks to full-day backcountry routes.
Best Camping Spots in Hawaii 2026
Camping in Hawaii puts you at remote beaches, rainforest valleys, and high-altitude crater floors that hotels can't touch. Here's where to go and how to get a permit.
Best Scuba Diving in Hawaii 2026 — For Beginners and Experienced Divers
Hawaii's underwater world rewards divers of every level. From easy shore dives with sea turtles to deep lava tube dives, here's where to go and what to know.
Best Helicopter Tours in Hawaii — Which Island Is Best From the Air?
Hawaii from the air is extraordinary, but the experience varies significantly by island. Here's which island gives you the most dramatic helicopter tour and what to know before you book.
Best Zipline Tours in Hawaii 2026
Hawaii's zipline tours run above rainforests, sugar cane fields, and ocean cliffs. Here's where the best ones are and what makes each stand out.
Best Fishing Charters in Hawaii 2026 — By Island
Hawaii's deep offshore waters are some of the world's best for big game fishing. Here's what to know about booking a charter by island, from half-day trolling to overnight trips.
Snorkeling Tours vs DIY in Hawaii — Is a Boat Tour Worth It?
Do you need a boat tour to snorkel in Hawaii, or can you do it yourself? The honest answer depends on where you're going and what you want to see.
Best Kayaking in Hawaii 2026 — Kailua, Napali, Kealakekua Bay and More
Hawaii has some of the most varied kayaking in the world — calm lagoons, sea caves, and remote coastlines only reachable by paddle. Here's where to go by island.
Best Surf Schools in Hawaii 2026 — Where to Learn by Island
Ready to finally learn to surf? Here's where to take your first lesson on each island, from Waikiki's mellow whitewash to Maui's beginner-friendly breaks.
Waimea: The Big Island's Upcountry Ranching Town
Waimea sits at 2,670 feet in the saddle between Mauna Kea and the Kohala mountains — cattle country, farm-to-table restaurants, and a genuine community removed from the coast.
Best Farmers Markets on the Big Island in 2026
The Big Island grows coffee, macadamia nuts, tropical fruit, and cattle. Its farmers markets are some of the best in Hawaii — here's where to find them.
Stargazing on Mauna Kea: A Practical Guide to Hawaii's Best Night Sky
Mauna Kea's summit is home to the world's most powerful telescopes and some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Here's how to visit safely and what to expect.
Black Sand Beaches on the Big Island: Which Ones and How to Get There
The Big Island has the most dramatic black sand beaches in Hawaii. Here's which ones are worth visiting, what the conditions are like, and how to reach them.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: What to Actually Do
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has active lava fields, lava tube caves, and crater overlooks. Here's a practical guide to making the most of a visit.
Best Restaurants on the Big Island in 2026
The Big Island's restaurant scene spans farm-to-table fine dining, legendary plate lunch counters, and farm stands in coffee country. Here's where to actually eat.
Kona Town: Where to Eat, What to Do, and How to Use It as a Base
Kailua-Kona is the Big Island's main tourist hub on the dry west coast — snorkeling, coffee country, and a walkable waterfront that rewards exploring on foot.
Hilo: The Big Island's Rainy Side and Why That's a Good Thing
Hilo gets more rain than anywhere else in the US and uses it well — waterfalls, botanical gardens, farmers markets, and one of the most genuine towns in Hawaii.
Hawaii Weekend Events: Your Go-To Guide for What’s Happening Every Week
Never run out of things to do in Hawaii. This evergreen guide covers what happens every weekend across the islands — from farmers markets and live music to beach activities and cultural events.
Best Luaus on Oahu, Maui & Big Island 2026
Planning a luau in Hawaii? Here's our honest guide to the best luaus on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island in 2026 — with prices, tips, and what to actually expect.