Hawaii Island] 10 Spectacular Scenic Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii, including Activities and Tours to Enjoy While Admiring the Scenery

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island

The island of Hawaii is located at the southernmost tip of the United States and is nicknamed the "Big Island" because it is nearly twice the size of all the other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago combined.

It is also one of the world's leading resort destinations, constantly visited by tourists.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

When most people think of the Big Island of Hawaii, they think of the clear, clean, blue ocean.

However, the island is famous not only for its ocean, but also for its spectacular nature, numerous power spots, shopping malls, Hawaiian cuisine, and many other attractive points.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

Direct flights from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii make it a relatively easy resort destination.

The flight time varies depending on the direction of the air currents, but it is estimated to take approximately 7 hours to Hawaii and 8 hours and 30 minutes to return from Hawaii.

Direct flights are operated daily by JAL from Narita and three times a week (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) by Hawaiian Airlines from Haneda.

The destination is Kona International Airport only, so if you want to go to Hilo International Airport, the simplest way is to go via Oahu.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are five of the most attractive points of interest on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The island of Hawaii has extensive areas of unspoiled wilderness, and there are many horseback riding and trekking tours to explore.

The scenery is truly unique to the tropics and very different from that of Japan, so every place will surely feel fresh and new to you.

In addition, no matter how many tourists visit, Hawaii's ecosystems remain unchanged because of the background of local residents' careful protection of these ecosystems.

　

A powerful volcano

The island of Hawaii was formed by five volcanic eruptions, including the Kilauea volcano.

Kilauea Volcano is still volcanically active and is registered as a World Heritage site.

A historic eruption occurred in 2018, and you can also visit the crater, whose shape was drastically changed by the eruption.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The Big Island of Hawaii has beautiful beaches in many locations, not only near resort hotels.

Each beach has different characteristics and is truly diverse, including beaches suitable for marine sports, beaches with a high probability of encountering sea turtles, and beaches with black or green sand.

Why not try to find a beach that suits your taste?

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Shopping is one of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

There are many popular shopping malls for local residents, and large winter sales are held from December to the beginning of the year.

And don't forget to taste the Hawaiian gourmet food!

Please enjoy the large steaks, poke bowls with lots of seafood, acai bowls, and other dishes that suit Japanese tastes as well.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many events and facilities where visitors can learn about its unique traditional culture and history.
Visitors can deepen their knowledge of Hawaii through traditional Hawaiian shows called "luau" held at resort hotels and museums and archives.

The more you know about Hawaii, the more you may see the scenery differently.

 

Surrounded by nature, the Big Island of Hawaii offers spectacular views everywhere you look!

The natural wonders of the Big Island of Hawaii are widely known for their dynamic sights.

The island is surrounded by a beautiful blue ocean, and with many 4,000-meter-high mountains, volcanoes, and waterfalls on the island, there are so many spots that deserve to be called spectacular that they are too numerous to mention.

 

10 recommended scenic spots on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are 10 recommended scenic spots to enjoy on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano is one of the five volcanoes that made up the Big Island of Hawaii and is widely known as a volcano that is still active today.

Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, its elevation is 1,247 meters.

 

Spectacular view point

Although not very high in elevation, the spectacular scene created by lava from numerous eruptions contains a great deal of spiritual power.

The Halemaumau Crater, which was significantly altered by a historic eruption in 2018, is also a popular crater to observe up close.

There are trekking trails on Kilauea Volcano, but be sure to check the volcano conditions before heading there, as some days can be dangerous depending on the weather conditions.

 

Access

Kilauea Volcano is close to Hilo International Airport, about 45 minutes southwest via HI-11.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is a popular spot for beautiful stargazing at the summit.

Its elevation is 4,205 meters, higher than Mt. Fuji, and the temperature drops so low that snow accumulates in winter.

 

Spectacular view point

The darker it is, the better for astronomical observation.

The lack of tall buildings and limited number of streetlights around Mauna Kea make it very suitable for stargazing.

Some tours may also allow you to enjoy the evening sunset and starry sky continuously. It gets cold in winter, so be sure to bring warm clothing before climbing.

 

Access

Mauna Kea is close to Hilo International Airport, approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes northwest via Saddle Rd. and Mauna Kea Access.

 

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a waterfall on the Wailuku River flowing through Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular view point

The probability depends on the amount of rainfall and timing of the most recent rainfall, but if you are lucky, you may be able to see a beautiful rainbow over that waterfall basin.

The path to the waterfall is paved, so it is relatively easy to get to the waterfall. Even if you cannot see the rainbow, the sight of water cascading down from a height of more than 20 meters is powerful and exhilarating.

 

Access

Rainbow Falls is close to Hilo International Airport, about 12 minutes west via Kekuanaoa St.

 

Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is a 134-meter-high waterfall located in Akaka Falls State Park. It is widely known as the waterfall that appears in Hawaiian myths and songs.

 

Spectacular view point

Akaka Falls is the largest waterfall on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the spectacle of water cascading down from different elevations is a powerful sight.

In addition to Akaka Falls, there is also Kahuna Falls in the park, and a hiking trail has been set up to allow visitors to hike around these two waterfalls. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to go around the park.

 

Access

Akaka Falls is close to Hilo International Airport, about 29 minutes north via HI-19 and Hawaii Belt Rd.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is one of the world's great power spots with its pristine wilderness.
It was once the place where King Kamehameha the Great spent his childhood and was the political and religious center of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular view point

There are several spectacular viewpoints in the valley, including taro fields, black sand beaches, Hiirawe Falls, and Hakalaoa Falls.

You can trek through this valley, explore on horseback, and more. The mornings are more comfortable as the heat is relatively moderate.

 

Access

Waipio Valley is close to Hilo International Airport, about 1 hour and 10 minutes northwest via HI-19 and Hawaii Belt Rd.
The following is a summary of the results of the study.

 

Green Sand Beach

Green Sand Beach is located on the southern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii and is characterized by its green sand.

 

Spectacular view point

The reason why this beach looks green is because the sand is mixed with green peridotite in a finely crushed state. It is very popular among tourists as a very photogenic spot.

However, the ocean is not suitable for swimming due to the fast currents. Green Sand Beach sightseeing should be limited to simply admiring the scenery on the beach.

 

Access

Greensand Beach is close to Kona International Airport, approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes south via HI-11.

 

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

The Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the black sand beaches on the southeastern Cau coast.

 

Spectacular view point

Many people think of white sand when they think of beaches, but it is not unusual to find black sand on the beaches of the Big Island of Hawaii. Black sand is the result of black lava that has been broken into small pieces and formed into sand, a sight that is unique to Hawaii, an island of volcanoes.

It is not a good place for swimming, but you may be pleasantly surprised to see Hawaiian green sea turtles on the beach.

 

Access

The Punaluu Black Sand Beach is close to Hilo International Airport, approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes southwest via HI-11 and Hawaii Belt Rd.

 

South Point

South Point is the southernmost point of the island of Hawaii, or the southernmost area of the United States.

It is famous as the point where Polynesians first landed on the island of Hawaii, and its entire southern tip is designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

 

Spectacular view point

South Point is almost a cliff, with the endless ocean stretching out before you. The ocean is very beautiful, but not suitable for swimming due to the fast currents.

Locals sometimes jump off this cliff to play, but those unfamiliar with Hawaii's waters should not do so.

 

Access

South Point is approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes south of Kona International Airport via HI-11.
From Hilo International Airport, it is approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes south via HI-11 and Hawaii Belt Rd.

 

ocean entry

Ocean entry refers to the sight of lava flowing into the sea, which can be seen in the town of Kalapana.

Spectacular view point

Kalapana is a town located near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and is a rare sight to see because of the active lava flow from Kilauea Volcano, which is still volcanically active today.
The sight is so powerful that it seems as if the earth is pulsating.

Since it is difficult to see the lava flow while the sun is still up, it is recommended to observe it in the evening.

 

Access

Ocean Entry is close to Hilo International Airport and can be reached via HI-130/Keaau-Pahoa Rd and HI-130 to the south.
It takes about 42 minutes to

 

Chain of Crater Road

The Chain of Crater Road is a road that runs approximately 30 km from Crater Rim Drive in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

 

Spectacular view point

This area was filled in by the 1973 eruption, and a paved road has been installed there to allow visitors to drive around and view the area of lava.

There are viewing platforms along the way, where you can walk and see the black mass of lava up close.

 

Access

The Chain of Crater Road is close to Hilo International Airport, about 1 hour and 6 minutes south via HI-11.
Minutes.

 

Recommended activities to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are five recommended activities on the Big Island of Hawaii that offer spectacular views!

 

Lava Tour

This is a tour to observe lava at a familiar volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This activity is possible only in a land where volcanic activity is still ongoing.

 

Recommendations

There are many places where you can already see black solidified lava, but here on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Oshi
There are also rare spots where lava flows can be seen, such as the Jang Entry.

You can choose from various types of tours, including boat rides to see them from the sea or trekking to see them.

 

helicopter tour

This activity allows you to enjoy the dynamic wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii from above in a helicopter.

 

Recommendations

Most helicopter tours include commentary from the pilot. This is recommended for families and people staying for a short period of time, as the helicopter can easily observe areas that are inaccessible or at high elevations from above.

It's a little more expensive, but you get a great view for your money.

 

riding horse

While riding a horse, you will take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

Most tours are well supported by guides, so even beginners in horseback riding have no problem at all.

You will explore North Kohala's Kahua Ranch, Waipio Valley, and Umauma Falls while being cared for by the animals.

 

starry sky viewing

Stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea, as mentioned above, is popular.

 

Recommendations

It is also famous as the site of 13 observatories from 11 countries around the world, and especially in winter when the air is clearer, the starry sky is even more beautiful.

It is also nice to be able to drive up to near the top of the mountain.

 

SUP

SUP stands for "Stand Up Paddleboard," a marine activity in which you ride on a surfboard and paddle around on the water.

It thrives mainly in resort areas and has been gradually gaining recognition and popularity over the past several years.

 

Recommendations

Although it may look unstable at first glance, surfboards are surprisingly stable, so even those who are not good at exercise can ride them with a little practice.

There are also many ways to enjoy it, such as doing yoga while riding a surfboard on the water or strolling at night with LED lights on.

 

Recommended tours with spectacular views

Here are three recommended tours to enjoy the spectacular scenery on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Mauna Kea
Stargazing & Island Sightseeing Tour

This tour will visit the city of Hilo and Akaka Falls, followed by stargazing at the base of Mauna Kea.

This tour is recommended for families, etc., as it takes you to many of the most famous sightseeing spots on the Big Island of Hawaii in a single day.
Also, at drive-ins along the way, each person will receive a masala doughnut (Hawaiian doughnut).
The following is a list of the most important

 

Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tour

This tour offers a helicopter ride to observe the powerful wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii. You will pass over Kilauea Volcano, the Kohala Coast, Waipio Valley, and more.

The aircraft used has a large area of glass, allowing for a full view of the outside scenery.

It is also possible to add a guide in Japanese, although this is an additional option.

 

Tour of 3 major attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii and starry sky tour

Kilauea Volcano, Akaka Falls, and Waipio Valley are the three most famous sights on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Mauna Ke in the evening.
This is a stargazing tour at the foot of Mt.

During the tour, you will enjoy local Hawaiian food at a diner called KEN'S House of Pancakes.

 

summary

What do you think about the spectacular scenery you can enjoy on the Big Island of Hawaii?

We invite you to enjoy firsthand the spectacular scenery created by nature, which is very different from that of Japan.

You never know what may happen at any time in nature, so we recommend that you join a tour to enjoy Hawaii's nature in safety!