Summer ending and looking for one last escape for vacation? As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve done my fair share of traveling over the last few months. Visiting the Big Island has always been a top choice for my husband and me. Whether we’re traveling there for a Hawaii beach wedding or even a couple’s trip, it’s one of our favorites! Throughout our visits to this tropical oasis, we’ve experienced incredible activities that will make any trip more memorable. If you’re planning an upcoming trip and looking to make it even more special, keep reading! I’m sharing our top 10 things to do when visiting Hawaii.

Things To Do While Visiting the Big Island

While many visitors will go to the Big Island for relaxation (us included!), planning some activities for adventurous days is a must! While visiting the Big Island, you will find many incredible experiences at any activity and adventure level. First, we’ll start with the perfect things to do to experience the island’s one-of-a-kind adventures.

Manta Ray Dives of Hawai’i

Are you intrigued by ocean life and looking to be captivated by some of the most beautiful sea creatures? Consider booking an excursion with Manta Ray Dives of Hawai’i. While plenty of incredible companies offer this experience, I loved our experience with these guys and recommend them to everyone! Whether you’re interested in snorkeling or doing the actual dive, you’re bound to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Manta Rays.

Not only is it an incredible experience to get in the ocean and witness the beauty found on the Big Island safely, but it’s always incredibly informative. The Manta Ray Dives of Hawai’i’s team members are super knowledgeable, and each one of them cares so much about the history and conservation of these majestic creatures that you’ll learn a ton and get up close and personal with the Manta Rays! If you’re interested in this experience, head to their website and book early!

Add Hawaiian Vanilla Co. To Your Itinerary While Visiting the Big Island

Consider visiting the first commercial vanilla growers on the Big Island at Hawaiian Vanilla Co. A family-operated business that has welcomed guests to experience a vanilla legacy through food and a tour around its farm. Our favorite activity at the Hawaiian Vanilla Co. is their luncheon and guided tour experience. Before the tour begins, a vanilla-inspired meal featuring homemade recipes developed in their kitchen. After enjoying the delicious meal, tour guides will take you throughout the establishment to learn more about the family’s vanilla farm. The experience is about 2 hours long and totally worth every penny!

Maunakea Observatories

While the Big Island of Hawai’i is known for its breathtaking tropical scenery, incredible surf, and kindest people, it’s also one of the only places you can surf in the morning and snowboard in the afternoon. That’s right, welcome to Maunakea Observatories! The Mauna Kea Observatory can take you on a moonlit volcano tour. Bring your partner, look at the stars, and sip some hot chocolate together. Because of its location, the Maunakea Observatories are the perfect site for astronomy research. Not only is this an epic place for adventure, but it’s also a fun place to cool things down after a trip filled with adventure. Don’t forget this is an all-day experience, so be prepared!

Sam’s Hideaway

At first glance, Sam’s Hideaway may look like other local restaurants and hot spots, but don’t be fooled. This place is a hot spot, but not for the food, beer, and karaoke! Bring friends and family for a fun night out. Sam’s Hideaway is open from 12 pm to 2 am, leaving you plenty of time to adventure during the day and party at night. It has an incredible local feel, even in a tourist town. Plus the best part is they’ll help you get cheaper parking! So grab a beer, queue up your best karaoke song, and head to Sam’s!

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Next on the list is the perfect spot for my adventure-seeking friends: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. While often overlooked, this national park is a unique and beautiful spot you’ve got to check out! If you’re working your way through all the national parks in the country, make sure you plan to visit and stay all day! There is so much to look at and experience throughout the park. While visiting, practice Leave No Trace principles in the park and on the island. Hawai’i is a breathtaking location. Let’s work together to keep it that way. If you need to brush up on Leave No Trace principles, check out my blog here, where I detail best practices.

Check out South Point While Visiting the Big Island

Where are my thrill-seeking adventure junkies? This spot is just for you. Did you know you can jump off the southernmost point in the US and into the Pacific Ocean? While visiting the Big Island, you can go to South Point! Tall rocky cliffs bordering the ocean make for an adrenaline rush into the blue water. It’s such a neat way to experience the island’s beauty. While I personally didn’t do it because I’m afraid of heights, plenty of people were doing it and having a blast!

Places to Shop While Visiting the Big Island

The Original Donkey Ball Store

Are you looking for a delicious chocolatey treat? Stop into the Orginal Donkey Ball Store for a unique chocolate treat. I’m sure you’ve had a Donkey ball, even if you didn’t know what it was called. Just imagine wafer balls that are bigger and have more chocolate. That’s the coveted dessert found at the Original Donkey Ball Store. While you visit, you can try some delicious sweets and maybe get lucky to see them make them in-store! They offer online orders only during the fall to ensure your sweets arrive as intended and are not melted.

Kona Farmers Market

If you’re looking for a slower start to your day, consider visiting the Kona Farmers Market. The market is located in the heart of Kona near Kailua Bay. It’s a great spot for tourists who want to try some fruit grown on the island, get some souvenirs directly from locals while supporting local businesses, and even try some coffee! It’s easy to get to and is a cute experience to start the day. Once you’ve finished shopping, head to the beach nearby, a quick 1 minute walk away! I love visiting the farmers market for authentic and handmade souvenirs and supporting the Big Island’s economy!

Top Eats While Visting The Big Island

Da Poke Shack

You’ve come to the right place if you want an inexpensive bite with to-die-for seafood. Da Poke Shack is one of our top spots we visit when we’re on the Big Island. This is hands down the best poke I’ve ever had, and I’m still talking about it today! It’s the freshest bite with the best taste on the island. The kimchi muscles were a highlight and something to check out.

Sweet Journey Soft Serve

Everyone talks about the shaved ice in Hawaii, but Sweet Journey Soft Serve deserves some love, too! I love the frozen yogurt and ice cream here! Everything is beautiful and unique, making it a highlight every time we visit. It’s nestled in the shopping center on the main road of Kona, among many other great shops. It isn’t super obvious, so keep your eyes peeled! If you’re craving a sweet treat, I highly recommend stopping at Sweet Journey at least once!!

When visiting the Big Island, I hope you check out some of my recommendations and have the best time! If you want more Big Island recommendations, check out my Benable travel guide here.

If you’re looking for more Big Island inspiration for your upcoming destination wedding or just to explore, head to the blog!