The Big Island Things To Do

This impressive astronomy center connects the dots between the ancient Hawaiian art of navigating by the stars and the dozen world-class telescopes that reside on the summit of Mauna Kea. The café and gift shop are worth a peek too.

Hear the colorful history of the largest privately owned ranch in the U.S., beginning with the first Parker from Massachusetts who married a granddaughter of King Kemehameha, to the last heir – a Broadway actor who collected French Impressionist paintings.

This musical dinner show is like a Broadway-produced luau. Enjoy dramatic tales about Hawaiian legends and the ancient Polynesians who settled the Pacific, while you feast on cuisine from Tahiti, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

The island is famous for its world renowned Kona Coffee, but this certified organic grower is raising the bar with award-winning beans. Tour the estate, now open to the public.

Big Island has some of the best spas in the state and Mauna Lani is one of its finest. Unwind in the black lava rock sauna, meditation garden and watsu pool.

Big Island is also known for having some of the top greens in the state, including the Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay-designed Hapuna Golf Course, with its sweeping panoramic views 700 feet above sea level.

Helicopter tours like “The Big Island Spectacular” aren’t cheap, but there really is no other way to get a bird’s eye view of otherwise inaccessible areas of sea cliff coastline, lush green valleys, and boiling volcanic lava pits.