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Big Island (Hawai'i), HI

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Best time to visit

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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

May–September Activity

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

February–March Activity

It's not a joke. You really can ski and snowboard in Hawaii

Avocado

September–April Food

Even though avocado is not native to Hawaii, it's widely used in modern Hawaiian cuisine

Merrie Monarch Festival

March 31–April 6, 2024 Event

One of the most colorful cultural events in Hawaii held to honor King David Kalakaua

Apple Bananas

June–October Food

Forget your supermarket bananas. Taste Hawaiian apple bananas for the first time

Surinam Cherry

September–November | March–June Food

It doesn't look like a cherry at all, but the sour taste is somewhat close to one

Ziplining

all year round Activity

America's first zipline appeared in Hawaii and the activity still remains one of the major attractions on the islands

Soursop

January–April | June–August | October–November Food

This strange looking fruit is great for smoothies

Birdwatching

December–February Nature

Hawaii is home to a number of rare birds and a great number of seabirds

Luau Party

all year round Activity

A trip to Hawaii isn't complete without a traditional Hawaiian party

Lychee

May–June Food

Try this sweet and juicy fruit with a short harvesting season

Hiking Mauna Kea

April–November Activity

Do you want to climb the world's highest mountain?

Mango

June–October Food

There are over 60 varieties of mango in Hawaii

Kona Coffee Harvest

August–February Activity

Try one of the world's most famous coffees and participate in its harvesting by hand

Beach Season

March–May (all year round) Activity

A time to enjoy the most exotic beaches of Hawaii!

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

May–September Activity

Explore picturesque lagoons, tunnels, reefs, and underwater canyons of the Hawaiian Islands​

Ironman World Championship in Kona

October 26, 2024 Event

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!

Pineapple

March–July Food

A delicious fruit that grows in many backyards in Hawaii

Ohi'a'ai or Mo​untain Apples

June–October Food

Try these exotic Hawaiian fruits which are absolutely delicious

Kona Coffee Blossom or "Kona Snow"

February–March Nature

Witness the unique "Kona snow" of Hawaii during the blooming period of coffee trees

Rambutan

October–March Food

A colourful and hairy fruit very popular in Hawaii

Crater Rim Drive

all year round Activity

A stunning drive through Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park

Cherry Blossom

mid-January–early March Nature

Japanese brought the cherry trees to Hawaii along with hanami tradition

May Day (Lei Day)

May 1 Event

Lei is not just an accessory. This element of Hawaiian culture even has its own holiday

Hawaii 4th of July Fireworks & Events

July 4, 2024 Event

Fireworks and celebrations all over Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island

Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)

all year round Nature

Relax on the amazing sand of Mahana Bay, on one of the four green beaches in the world

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

February 3, 2024 Event

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

year round (best time: May–September) Activity

Did you miss the feeling of winning in a lottery? Swimming with these fantastic animals will give you one!

Christmas Lights in Hawaii

late November–early January Event

Every island deserves its own winter wonderland

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