Best time to visit
The Big Island of Hawai'i offers a diverse range of activities and climates, making it a year-round destination. For travelers looking to avoid crowds and high prices, the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October provide excellent conditions, with mild weather, fewer tourists, and pleasant ocean temperatures. These months are ideal for beachgoers, divers, and outdoor adventurers.
The island's weather varies by region. The Kona and Kohala coasts tend to be sunnier and drier, while the windward side, where Hilo is located, is cooler and wetter year-round. Summer months bring higher temperatures, particularly in the black lava fields of Kohala, while winter months offer slightly cooler weather with increased rainfall.
Adventure seekers can enjoy unique experiences like skiing on Mauna Kea in the winter, ziplining year-round, or scuba diving in the calm waters between May and September. Whether you're exploring volcanic landscapes or enjoying local festivals like the Merrie Monarch Festival in April, the Big Island has something for every type of traveler.
29 things to do in Big Island (Hawai'i), HI
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing
Hawaii is one of the few places in the world where you can still catch a 50 kg yellowfin tuna
Skiing and Snowboarding Mauna Kea
It's not a joke. You really can ski and snowboard in Hawaii
Avocado
Even though avocado is not native to Hawaii, it's widely used in modern Hawaiian cuisine
Merrie Monarch Festival
One of the most colorful cultural events in Hawaii held to honor King David Kalakaua
Apple Bananas
Forget your supermarket bananas. Taste Hawaiian apple bananas for the first time
Surinam Cherry
It doesn't look like a cherry at all, but the sour taste is somewhat close to one
Ziplining
America's first zipline appeared in Hawaii and the activity still remains one of the major attractions on the islands
Soursop
This strange looking fruit is great for smoothies
Birdwatching
Hawaii is home to a number of rare birds and a great number of seabirds
Kona Coffee Harvest
Try one of the world's most famous coffees and participate in its harvesting by hand
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Explore picturesque lagoons, tunnels, reefs, and underwater canyons of the Hawaiian Islands
Ironman World Championship in Kona
Try yourself in one of the world's toughest races and prove that you really are made of steel. Notice, it's by qualification only!
Ohi'a'ai or Mountain Apples
Try these exotic Hawaiian fruits which are absolutely delicious
Kona Coffee Blossom or "Kona Snow"
Witness the unique "Kona snow" of Hawaii during the blooming period of coffee trees
Cherry Blossom
Japanese brought the cherry trees to Hawaii along with hanami tradition
May Day (Lei Day)
Lei is not just an accessory. This element of Hawaiian culture even has its own holiday
Hawaii 4th of July Fireworks & Events
Fireworks and celebrations all over Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island
Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)
Relax on the amazing sand of Mahana Bay, on one of the four green beaches in the world
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
Buy a bonsai, see how mochi ice cream is made, and feel the cherry blossom spirit on this annual island festival
Manta Ray Night Dive
Did you miss the feeling of winning in a lottery? Swimming with these fantastic animals will give you one!
Christmas Lights in Hawaii
Every island deserves its own winter wonderland