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Hawaii's Big Island has an active volcano, black sand beaches, and world-class stargazing. This guide covers self-drive routes and must-see attractions including Mauna Kea stargazing and Hawaii
Hawaii’s Big Island is the largest and youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, and the only one with an active volcano. Its landscape diversity is breathtaking: black lava fields, red volcanic soil, green tropical rainforest, white and black sand beaches, and a 4,000-metre barren dormant volcano — in a single day you can walk from the beach to snow.
Big Island Overview
The Big Island has two main airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west coast and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east coast. Fly into Kona Airport and self-drive east around the island — no backtracking required.
Self-Drive Route (5–7 Days)
West Coast (Kona → Captain Cook Bay)
- Kona: The commercial centre of the island — good for accommodation and dining
- Kealakekua Bay: A snorkelling paradise with crystal-clear water
- Captain Cook Monument: A historical landmark — accessible by boat or kayak to Kealakekua Bay
Southern Route (Toward Volcanoes National Park)
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: A must-visit — active volcano, world’s longest lava tube, and hiking trails
- Pu’ukohola Heiau: An ancient Hawaiian temple ruin
East Coast (Around Hilo)
- Hilo Town: Home to Mushroom Forest and Rainbow Falls
- Akaka Falls: Approximately 134 metres high, surrounded by tropical rainforest
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park In Depth
This park is the number one reason to visit the Big Island. It contains Kilauea — one of the world’s most active volcanoes — and the world’s longest lava tube.
Best visiting times:
- Daytime: 8–10 a.m. — good light and relatively fewer visitors
- Night: 1–2 hours after sunset — the volcanic crater’s red glow against the night sky is particularly dramatic
Book volcano park entry tickets and tour packages on Tiqets in advance to avoid peak-season queues. The Thurston Lava Tube formed 500 years ago and takes about 15 minutes to walk through.
Mauna Kea Stargazing Guide
Mauna Kea stands at 4,207 metres — one of the world’s best stargazing locations.
Important notes:
- The summit requires a 4WD vehicle to reach
- Altitude sickness is a genuine risk at 4,200 m
- Visitors must leave the summit before sunset — no overnight stays permitted at the top
Stargazing tour recommendation: Book a Mauna Kea stargazing tour through Klook — includes 4WD transport, down jacket loan, and a professional astronomy guide explaining what you’re seeing.
Big Island Beach Recommendations
- Black Sand Beach (Punaluu Beach): Black sand created from volcanic lava — sea turtles sunbathe here if you’re lucky
- Green Sand Beach (Papakolea): One of only two green sand beaches in the world
- White Sand Beach (Hapuna Beach): The Big Island’s largest and finest white sand beach
Car Hire Tips
Recommended platforms: QEEQ for price comparison covering all car hire companies on the Big Island. AutoEurope offers comprehensive insurance packages — particularly suitable for first-time self-drivers in the US.
Travel Insurance
Big Island self-driving carries real risks: mountain roads with many curves and some sections with no guardrails. Volcano park hiking also comes with hazards.
Purchase travel insurance that includes the following: AirHelp’s North America travel insurance covers self-drive accidents, lost luggage, and flight delays.
Big Island Food
- Kona coffee: One of the world’s premium coffees
- Hawaiian shave ice: Matsumoto’s in Hilo is the most famous shave ice shop
- Poke bowl: Hawaii’s signature raw fish salad
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