From manta ray snorkeling to volcanic views, the Big Island offers some of the most unique experiences in the state.
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano shows rainbow arc after eruption
After the eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano spewed lava fountains into the air, a perfect rainbow appeared above them.
- Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is the largest and newest of the Hawaiian Islands and offers a diverse range of microclimates.
- Travelers are encouraged to practice responsible tourism by supporting local sustainable businesses.
- The island offers unique activities such as night snorkeling with manta rays, visiting cloud forests, and exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Kona, Hawaii – Only one island in Hawaii offers volcanic eruptions, snow, and cloud forests all in one day.
Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii, affectionately known as the Big Island by locals.
It is the newest and largest island in the archipelago. At over 4,000 square miles, the Big Island of Hawaii comfortably fits Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Due to its vast size, its diverse microclimates offer a wide range of experiences, from the world’s largest snow-capped mountain (Maunakea) to one of the world’s wettest cities (Hilo).
As someone who grew up on Oahu and is the author of the upcoming book The Conscious Traveler Hawai’i, I have always viewed the Big Island as a place that invites the true adventurous traveler – one who seeks more than white sand beaches. While it has great beaches, of course, it also offers some of the most unique activities in the entire state.
Hawaii could be inundated with tourists this summer. A small survey of 300 U.S. adults conducted in March by travel website Hawaii.com found that 54% said they were reconsidering traveling abroad because of recent geopolitical tensions. Of those, 85% said they were interested in changing their travel plans to Hawaii. During a recent visit, I had the opportunity to further explore the island and participate in renewable tourism activities.
Here’s how to travel to Hawaii Island responsibly, as told by locals.
How to travel to Hawaii responsibly
As the islands continue to recover from the 2023 Maui wildfires and recent historic flooding, we encourage all visitors to keep community impacts in mind. This doesn’t mean Hawaii is closed to tourists, but rather that we should give back in any way we can, including by supporting local businesses dedicated to island welfare and volunteerism.
A little research when choosing a travel agency or hotel can make a big difference in how your money goes. Nighttime snorkeling to see manta rays is a popular activity on the Big Island, and there are several companies to choose from. I chose Anelakai Adventures, owned by a Native Hawaiian family and named after my daughter, for my December destination. The company is also committed to the Hawaii Island Pono Pledge, a set of principles for responsible travel developed by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. (Pono means justice in Hawaiian.)
“In Hawaii, choosing local, sustainable businesses like ours is critical to preserving our culture and resources and keeping Hawaiians here,” said Holly Crane, co-owner of Anelakai Adventures. “We’re trying to set an example of what truly sustainable tourism can and should be. Shop local, shop local, support local and go home to live aloha. That means everything that makes you smile.”
Sustainable activities on Hawaii Island
If you’re ready to venture beyond the beach, here are some of my favorite recreational activities on the Big Island of Hawaii.
- Adventures of Anela Kai: Instead of a motorized boat, guests use the power of their arms to paddle traditional canoes, or waa, to manta ray viewing spots. Canoes have a lower capacity and offer a deeper connection to Hawaiian culture and a more intimate experience. Life jackets, wetsuit jackets, and equipment are all provided by the family, who will teach you how to properly enter the water without disturbing the majestic manta rays that swim around you as they feed at night.
- Kona Forest Cloud Sanctuary: Cloud forests make up less than 1% of all forests in the world, and the only cloud forest in the United States is located on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano. In the ’80s, horticulturist Norman Bezona and his family restored the former ranch into the misty, lush 15-acre preserve it is today. Taking advantage of the ancient Japanese health practice of forest bathing, on a recent trip I took a 1.5-hour guided walking tour to slowly immerse myself in nature.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: A must-see for everyone, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is much more than a vibrant landscape formed by active volcanoes and lava flows. It is also a sacred site in Hawaiian culture and is considered the home of Pele, the goddess of creation and destruction. To fully appreciate its divinity, spend at least a day exploring its hikes, peaks, and views. It also might not look the same the next time you visit.
- Greenwell Coffee Farm: If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably heard of Kona Coffee. One of the Kona Coffee Belt’s small family-owned coffee farms, the award-winning Greenwell Coffee Farm is currently run by the descendants of Englishman Henry Greenwell, who immigrated to Kona in 1850. Here, coffee beans are grown, hand-picked, and roasted on an 85-acre farm. Guests can take free guided tours and sample 100% Kona coffee.
- Kona Sea Salt Farm: Ancient Hawaiians harvested sea salt for medicinal purposes and food preservation. Kona Sea Salt Farm honors that tradition by pumping pure seawater from 600 feet below the earth’s surface and allowing it to naturally evaporate in a rooftop greenhouse. As a result, a variety of natural sea salts are on sale in delicious flavors such as lemon rosemary and orange zest, which can be sampled at post-tour tastings.
Accommodations on Hawaii Island
Because the Big Island of Hawaii is so large, travelers should choose where to stay based on what they want to do. If not, you’ll have to risk a long drive. The island is divided into two main areas for tourists: Kona to the west and Hilo to the east. These are located on opposite sides of the island and offer two different experiences. Here’s what you need to know:
- Kona – Kona, the sunny coastline of the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to the island’s most pristine beaches and many major resorts. During my visit in December 2025, I stayed at Kona Village A Rosewood Resort. This luxury resort pays homage to the 1966 off-grid resort that was destroyed by the tsunami in 2011. The new LEED Gold-certified resort is rooted in sustainability with initiatives such as being made from 80% recycled materials and powered by the state’s largest private solar microgrid.
- Hiro – Hilo has a lot of rain most of the year, and is home to waterfalls and lush rainforests. The city of Hilo itself is charming, and whenever I go to Hilo I always end up exploring the local boutiques and restaurants. This side offers travelers a tranquil experience and is close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea.
The reporter for this article was provided access by the Big Island Tourism Authority. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Kathleen Wong is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY. She is the author of The Conscious Traveler Hawai’i and is based in Hawaii.
