PLANNING FOR ADVENTURE ON THE BIG ISLAND
Our List of Must-Do Experiences
From volcano hikes to manta ray dives, this is your go-to guide for the most unforgettable outdoor adventures on Hawaiʻi Island.
Welcome to Hawaii’s ultimate adventure island.
The Big Island isn’t just big in size—it’s big in contrast, elevation, and possibility. With one foot in the rainforest and the other on a lava field, you can hike a steaming crater in the morning, snorkel with manta rays at night, and explore cloud forests, coral reefs, and cowboy country in between. The island’s raw, diverse terrain makes it the best destination in Hawaii for travelers seeking active, immersive experiences.
If you’re planning an adventure trip to the Big Island, this guide will help you map out the key regions and top activities—from hikes and helicopter rides to volcanic tours and underwater encounters.
Volcanoes National Park
No trip to the Big Island is complete without venturing into Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This sprawling, otherworldly landscape is home to active volcanic craters, lava tubes, steam vents, and stark lava deserts that feel like another planet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park showcases the Big Island’s most dramatic terrain—shaped in real time by the island’s living geology.
Don’t just drive through—go with a guide. On this Volcanoes National Park Guided Tour, you’ll explore the best overlooks, hike Kīlauea Iki Crater, visit the Thurston Lava Tube, and learn about the cultural significance of the region. The park’s massive scale and shifting volcanic activity make a knowledgeable guide well worth it.
Hiking Adventures
With black sand valleys, rainforest ridges, and trails carved through lava rock, hiking on the Big Island is as diverse as the island itself. Whether you want a quick crater loop or a full-day trek, there’s no shortage of incredible trails.
For a full list of top hikes, check out our Best Big Island Hikes guide.
Prefer a curated experience? Here are some of the best guided hiking tours:
Hualalai Volcano Hike – Trek into an off-the-map volcanic area with forested craters and rugged lava formations.
Kohala Waterfalls Hike – Hike through lush valleys and swim beneath cascading waterfalls in the island’s greenest corner.
Cloud Forest Reserve Hike – A quiet, misty walk through an exclusive cloud forest ecosystem rarely seen by visitors.
Ocean Adventures
The Big Island’s underwater world is just as dramatic as its volcanoes. You’ll find some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling here, along with once-in-a-lifetime encounters with manta rays and dolphins. Protected bays and reef walls provide calm, clear conditions year-round.
Top ocean adventures include:
Kealakekua Kayak and Snorkel – Paddle into the historic bay beneath the Captain Cook Monument and snorkel in vibrant, shallow coral gardens.
Night Manta Snorkel – Float under the stars as massive manta rays glide and flip beneath you in one of the island’s most iconic experiences.
Boat & Snorkel at Kealakekua + Hōnaunau – A two-stop adventure cruise that blends world-class snorkeling with scenic sea cliffs and lava tubes.
Hawaiian Canoe Sailing – Experience traditional Polynesian navigation aboard a handcrafted sailing canoe.
Looking for shoreline spots? Browse our Best Big Island Beaches guide.
Inland & Mountain Adventure
Head inland and you’ll find a totally different side of the Big Island—rolling pastures, hidden waterfalls, and tree canopy zip-lines tucked away in misty uplands. The north and interior regions are perfect for horseback rides, nature walks, and rainforest exploration.
Here are some of our favorite land-based experiences:
Horseback Riding – Ride through the rolling pastures and valleys of North Kohala, where paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) still roam and ocean views stretch for miles.
Kohala Zipline – Soar through a private forest reserve on a canopy course designed with minimal environmental impact.
Kohala Waterfalls Hike – A hybrid hike and off-road tour through private lands, ending at swimmable waterfall pools.
Whether you’re hiking across an active volcano, floating beside a giant manta ray, or galloping through misty mountain pastures, the Big Island has a way of waking up your senses. This is a place where nature still feels wild—unpredictable, untamed, and full of wonder. However you choose to explore, let that energy guide you. Go slow when it calls for reverence, and go big when the moment demands awe. Adventure, here, isn’t just an activity—it’s the rhythm of the island itself.