One place that you should not miss on the Big Island of Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site seven years later. Why? For starters, it’s home to the extremely active volcano Kilauea. In fact, it’s not uncommon for areas of the park to be closed because Kilauea is spewing ash. The mighty Mauna Loa is also found here. It, too, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. That said, the park offers hiking, camping, and even “eruption viewing.” If you plan on seeing the volcano summits, keep in mind that you may feel the altitude. The park tops out at 13,680 feet (4,169 meters).
Other unmissable attractions that make for memorable day trips include the Mauna Kea Summit and Observatory and the Waipio Valley, where tall cliffs plunge to a black sand beach. If you consider yourself a coffee aficionado, you should also have the Kona Coffee Belt on your Big Island of Hawaii bucket list.
If you like chasing waterfalls, make sure to stop by Akaka Falls State Park. It’s only 65 acres, so it’s not huge, but it does boast an impressive 442-foot (135-meter) waterfall, and there is a paved trail winding through the rainforest which makes for a nice hike or morning of birdwatching. You’ll also find beautiful flora including orchids and rainbow eucalyptus trees. They get their name for their brilliant array of colors. Even on a rainy day, it’s hard to be disappointed in a visit to Akaka Falls State Park.
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is worth checking out, too. These lush 17 acres are home to more than 2,500 species of plants, many of which you won’t find at home. Experience the tropical flora on your own, or book a guided tour. If you opt for the latter, your docent will tell you about the history of Hawaii over the course of two hours. At US$140 per person, guided tours aren’t cheap. But they do include water and bug repellent.
