Top Things to Do While on The Big Island of Hawaii

While you aren’t lying by the pool and enjoying the resorts and all they have to offer, The Big Island has a lot to keep you occupied. Below are the top things to do while on The Big Island:

Helicopter Tour – Helicopter tours allow for the most spectacular views on the island. This will likely be the most memorable experience for you while in Hawaii.

Hilton Waikoloa Village – This resort is an experience not to be missed. There is something for everybody at The Big Island’s largest hotel.

Kona Brewing Company Tour & Restaurant – Complimentary brewery tours at 10:30 and 3:00pm seven days a week. When finished eat lunch or dinner at the 2,000-square-foot outdoor lanai, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and tiki torches.

Snorkeling – Most luxury hotels offer complimentary snorkeling gear – be sure to take advantage of this.

Sunset Cruise – Sunset cruises can be a great way to experience the coastline, and if you get lucky you can even see dolphins in the ocean.

Kona Joe's Coffee Tour – Visit Kona’s premium coffeemaker and learn about how the coffee is produced.

Eat Pineapple – You will never eat Pineapple better than what’s grown on The Big Island of Hawaii, so eat as much as you can!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Lava Flow – This is on the Hilo side of the Island, so if you are coming from Kona you will want to plan for a few hour drive. Seeing the Lava Flow is suggested to best be viewed at night.

Pololu Lookout Point – A popular lookout point with gorgeous sweeping views of the north coast.

Visit Downtown Kona – There are several great shops, and restaurants, a favorite is Huggo’s.

Golfing – This list wouldn’t be complete without golfing. There are several breathtaking golf courses on The Big Island. Take a look depending on where you are staying for the closest courses.

Hot this week

Emirates First Class vs Singapore Suites: Head-to-Head

Emirates First Class vs Singapore Suites, compared inch by inch: suites, showers, Book the Cook, beds, ground game, and points sweet spots.

Best Luxury Villa Rental Companies Compared

An insider comparison of the top luxury villa rental companies — Onefinestay, Airbnb Luxe, StayOne, Inspirato, Wimco, Le Collectionist and more.

Do You Need a Luxury Travel Advisor? Cost & Value

A straight-shooting guide to luxury travel advisors in 2026: fees, Virtuoso and Fora perks, and when to hire one versus book direct.

Aman vs Rosewood: Ultra-Luxury Hotel Brand Showdown

Aman vs Rosewood: an insider comparison of design, service, signature resorts, and pricing to help you choose the right ultra-luxury hotel brand.

Ritz-Carlton vs Four Seasons: Which Luxury Brand Wins?

Ritz-Carlton vs Four Seasons: an honest, insider comparison of service style, rooms, dining, loyalty and where each brand truly shines.

Topics

Emirates First Class vs Singapore Suites: Head-to-Head

Emirates First Class vs Singapore Suites, compared inch by inch: suites, showers, Book the Cook, beds, ground game, and points sweet spots.

Best Luxury Villa Rental Companies Compared

An insider comparison of the top luxury villa rental companies — Onefinestay, Airbnb Luxe, StayOne, Inspirato, Wimco, Le Collectionist and more.

Do You Need a Luxury Travel Advisor? Cost & Value

A straight-shooting guide to luxury travel advisors in 2026: fees, Virtuoso and Fora perks, and when to hire one versus book direct.

Aman vs Rosewood: Ultra-Luxury Hotel Brand Showdown

Aman vs Rosewood: an insider comparison of design, service, signature resorts, and pricing to help you choose the right ultra-luxury hotel brand.

Ritz-Carlton vs Four Seasons: Which Luxury Brand Wins?

Ritz-Carlton vs Four Seasons: an honest, insider comparison of service style, rooms, dining, loyalty and where each brand truly shines.

Inside Alaska Airlines’ New International Business Class Suites

Privacy doors, Filson bedding, a Salt & Straw sundae cart and free Starlink Wi-Fi — inside Alaska Airlines' first international business class Suites on the Boeing 787-9.

The 10 Most Anticipated Hotel Openings of Late 2026

Venice's grande dame returns as a Four Seasons, Aman lands in Mexico, and London's Admiralty Arch takes its first overnight guests. These are the 10 most anticipated luxury hotel openings of late 2026.

MERIT Checks Into The Ritz-Carlton: Beauty Carts, Minimalist Martinis, and the Getaway Set Worth Packing

MERIT checks into The Ritz-Carlton for its first-ever hospitality partnership: Club Lounge beauty carts, room-service beauty bundles, a Minimalist Martini, and a $72 Getaway Set crowned by a brass room-key keychain — at seven North American properties through fall 2026.

Related Articles

Popular Categories