Top 10 Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii's Big Island is one of the most geographically unique places on earth. Its 4,028 square miles contain all but two of the world's climate zones, with landscapes ranging from black lava fields to highlands to rainforest. Known for its coffee farms and paniolo culture, the Big Island's cultural makeup is surprisingly diverse. With so many options, it can be hard for visitors to narrow down their Big Island bucket list. From night swimming with manta rays to stargazing from the summit of the world's tallest mountain, GAYOT.com's list of the Top 10 Things to Do on the Big Island features exceptional activities to help you make the most of your next trip.
Take a Stargazing Tour
Take a guided stargazing tour to the summit of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano which is the tallest mountain in the world (when measured from its summit to the ocean floor). It also happens to be one of the best places on earth for astronomic observation.
Take a Big Island Helicopter Tour
View the Big Island's lava flows, black sand beaches and lush rainforests from above with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, which offers a variety of tours, including a two-hour tour which allows you to see the entire Big Island.
Tour a Kona Coffee Farm
Discover the history behind the Big Island's gourmet crop at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, a 1913 farmhouse which brings the story of Kona's early coffee pioneers to life through costumed interpreters.
Explore the Waipio Valley
Take a thrilling ATV ride down the steep walls of the verdant Waipio Valley, home to hundreds of cascading waterfalls, taro farms and the former home of Hawaiian kings.
Ride Like a Paniolo
Discover Hawaii's unique "paniolo" cowboy culture by taking a horseback ride through Dahana Ranch, the Big Island's only family-owned, Hawaiian-operated cattle farm.
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The Rest of the Top 10 Things to Do on the Big Island with Photos
