Top 5 Big Island Day Trips: Your Ultimate Guide

The Big Island of Hawaii, it’s like, a treasure chest just packed with unreal adventures, that could be waiting for you around every bend. From mighty volcanoes and sparkling black sand beaches all the way to lush rainforests and, too it’s almost, cool coffee plantations, this island has just about everything for any type of explorer. Now, very, you might be wondering what day trips really deserve a spot on your itinerary, don’t worry, because I have gathered my top 5 picks that will certainly show off the island’s very best!

Volcanoes National Park: Witnessing the Creation

No trip to the Big Island, is that right, feels all the way complete without experiencing the living, breathing lava flows at Volcanoes National Park. Established way back in 1916, this park has two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and honestly it’s pretty breathtaking! Now, very, consider hiking along the Crater Rim Trail, that just circles Kilauea’s summit caldera, offering some unbelievable views of steam vents and, you know, just, volcanic landscapes. Also, so, be sure that you check out the Jaggar Museum for tons of information and that awesome overlook to get a glimpse into Halema’uma’u Crater.

Now, first, what I found really fascinating when I went there last was the Thurston Lava Tube, which, as a matter of fact, is a huge cave formed by lava flows ages ago! You can even walk all the way through it, it’s very something else. If you are down for more of a trek, just, as I was saying, try the Kilauea Iki Trail that leads down into a once active crater — it really shows off the raw power of this very, volcanic island. So, if your booking your experience, remember park conditions can actually be change very often and you really need to dress in layers — weather can be so totally unpredictable at higher elevations! Experiencing the unbelievable sights really changed my whole perspective.

Mauna Kea Stargazing: Above the Clouds

Want to stand above the clouds and see very, bright, clear, stars? A day trip up to Mauna Kea, well, now, that just might be your dream vacation. The summit sits at around 13,803 feet above sea level, is that not a bit much, it makes for, as a matter of fact, a crazy unique experience for visitors looking to watch the sunset and, as a matter of fact, go stargazing. In fact, what I liked most was that they had several observatories there, each, honestly, doing the most impressive astronomy work.

I just love this spot. Make sure you drop by the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at about the 9,200-foot level; this, too it’s almost, will seriously help you to acclimatize and get used to that elevation. Anyway, as a matter of fact, you’ll learn just so much about what you might be seeing in the night sky from their awesome stargazing program that runs nightly. It really just reminds us all that there is very, very, so so much more to look at! Very, driving to Mauna Kea’s summit typically needs a 4×4 vehicle because that portion is not entirely paved, now, very, think on that a bit, if you will. You could sign up for some commercial tour companies, which might be, that is to say, offering transportation; just a thought, eh? And so, remember: altitude sickness, that, as a matter of fact, can be no joke up here; now, I wonder about it, maybe think on it for just a moment; consult the medical authorities, if you might just, that is to say, be very vulnerable in any respect. This just may actually be an unbelievable chance to just have your jaw totally drop in realness at that cosmic beauty; a pretty very solid choice.

Kona Coffee Farms: A Taste of the Big Island

Coffee lovers listen! A visit to the Kona coffee farms; is that a dream you have? What if I told you, naturally, that just, kind of, the western side of the Big Island; is that something you dig? You are so totally going to love to taste that flavor and how it makes you feel. Oh! And just getting to find how that roast is made–from the harvest to the drying process–it is honestly awesome. A bunch of different places give tours and that is pretty rad, now, isn’t it? The Kona Coffee Living History Farm; now, is that a good choice? It takes you back through history and that just tickles my ribs. Very! This will, naturally, let you feel as though you are on an exciting trip, even, now, so it will!

You can be like that very local person. Maybe sipping on a steamy cup. Very! Like the sun on that island morning; not just a morning thing for those who are very Hawaiian. They know their flavor profiles! In this event it may actually turn out to be something that just tickles the funny bone. I believe a stop in on this might just make you just a bit smarter–with you being a person from abroad, anyway.

Waipio Valley: Majesty Awaits

The Waipio Valley has a view; a pretty vista, so I say. Some call this place the Valley of the Kings, because now; Waipio’s sacredness comes from way back in ancient times; just ancient times–I’ll say again. Even though the trip can be kind of rocky with a drop of over 900 ft, from the lookout I guarantee the splendor. That dark as night beach runs along this super green place? Anyway; that cliff-side and those waterfalls?

Yeah–very picture-y! Want a true thrillride? You need something, though; the tour vehicle needs to be a four by four. Very scary, I say. It’s pretty awesome, right? I think this experience is right to get you to appreciate old, true Hawaii. Very, very nice; just take the road that has switchbacks, you know?

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: Where Turtles Roam

Punalu’u, yes? Want very gorgeous shorelines? Want to find a dark sandy hideaway? I give you Punalu’u, yes? This is actually great–if you care for a photo opportunity–if I am honest, to say. The island just feels totally changed from some volcanic aftermath, wow. But what very brings smiles out, and really, in this way, I cannot ignore, those big sweet Green sea turtles lounging at just the water’s edge.

Just make that photo op kind and respectful; because very, yes; those sea turtles are under protection. To be close, you know, to true earth, under the big bright sun, is great right? Bring lunch so you do not just leave with, now, very a great day’s-worth memory-of a time.

Summary of Top Big Island Adventures

And, look, The Big Island has that special something you’ll just love. In conclusion, The natural drama; just crazy. Every visit feels good and like it means something. It seems as though everywhere you travel is both pretty and has its place in the big-picture puzzle; so neat and complete as can be!

Volcanoes National Park: Watch that natural power up close
Mauna Kea: Take time to appreciate, by viewing space with that starlight overhead; something about how we float makes the soul great
Kona Coffee Farms: Yes, taste that local Kona treat
Waipio Valley: Witness royalty; and have your camera with you
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: Sea turtles chill there and the day cannot just pass up the black sand