The Big Island Day Trips

Make a pilgrimage to one of the wonders of the world: a live volcano. Pay the park entry fee and stay and explore for up to a week. You could camp, but there’s no need to rough it – Volcano House hotel (808-967-7321; www.volcanohousehotel.com) is on the park grounds. 

This early 20th-century quaint plantation town has been lovingly restored after being devastated by two tsunamis (one in 1946 and another in 1960). It now hosts the Hilo Farmers Market and a cornacopia of independently-owned restaurants and businesses, plus the Pacific Tsunami Museum.

This black-sand beach is visible from a roadside lookout near Honakaa, but that view can’t compare to the beauty of seeing it up close. The ridiculously steep hill is best navigated by horseback, mule, or wagon tour.

Make your way to North Kohala to explore the artsy, up-and-coming town of Hawi, the 18th-century Pu’ukohola Heiau, a Hawaiian temple built from lava rock by King Kamehameha the Great, and Hapuna Beach, the prettiest on the island.

The sometimes snowcapped peak provides one of the most unique experiences in Hawaii – snowboarding. But altitude sensitivity is an issue and the facilities up top are limited to a bathroom at the visitors center, so come with everything you need.

This idyllic bay nestled between Kohala’s luxe resorts remains one of the island’s best kept secrets. It’s a bit of a trek, but worth it to swim with turtles and picnic on the sandy islet in the fresh- and salt-water blue lagoon.