Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a sunny seaside town with good access to several excellent white sand beaches. Consistent great weather makes it into a fantastic hub from which you can explore this side of the island.

The Northern part of the island is split in the dry Kohala district and the lush and tropical Hamakua coast.

Kohala is known for its ranching culture, Hawaiian history, and breathtaking valleys.

the Hāmākua Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery on the island. It boasts lush tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tranquil green valleys.

Hilo is rainy and charming, tropical and laid back. People here are friendly, and time seems run just a bit slower than on the Kona side of the island.

Puna mostly consists of miles of lush rainforest and winding roads that hug the largely undeveloped coastline. A visit to this part of the island is truly a step back in time.

Volcano Village is a small town right next to the world famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hidden in a lush and dense rainforest at the 4,000 ft. elevation line, Volcano is a place to relax and find inspiration in the slower pace of life.

Far away from the traffic, crowds, and even streetlights, Volcano is our favorite place on the Big Island to spend a few nights exploring the national park and the surrounding Kaʻu region.

Big Island is the youngest Hawaiian island, but it nevertheless sits at the core of Hawaiʻi’s modern history. This means there is much history to explore, as well as many archeological sites and opportunities for cultural understanding.

With its volcanic soil and mild year-round climate, Hawaiʻi Island offers a fertile environment for many different kinds of exotic farms. You can visit some of these farms for a tour to learn about what they grow and often enjoy a taste of what they have to offer.

The Big Island has more nature an wildlife on offer than you could ever see in a single visit. While some environments will overlap with other islands (such as the ocean), there are many ecosystems that are unique to the Big Island and found nowhere else in Hawaiʻi.

Interested in more than highlights? Check out our list of 20 sights and destinations on the Big Island that includes our favorite activities for the following categories:

O‘ahu is the most diverse of the Hawaiian islands, with a wide-range of people, landscapes, and lifestyles. From the city streets of Honolulu to the surf-inspired shores of Haleiwa, from the islands off Kailua to the farm fields of Wahiawa, it’s possible to experience a little bit of everything Hawai‘i has to offer on O‘ahu.

Maui has long been a favorite of visitors because it represents everything that people think of when they picture Hawaiʻi: A beautiful blend of beaches, volcanoes, palm trees, and tropical agriculture.

Much of Maui’s appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, and remote, undeveloped parts of its island, like Hana.

The oldest in Hawaii’s modern-day chain, Kauaʻi has a reputation for being a lush island; hence, its nickname as the “Garden Island.” But it’s also one of the most dramatic islands. As volcanoes age, they sink and reflect the effects of erosion, and about five million years of weathering have transformed Kauaʻi into a marvelous sculpture, with natural features found on no other island.

From the snowy peak of Mauna Kea to the breathtaking white, black, and green sand beaches along the coast. This is your island if you like volcanoes, outdoor adventures, open spaces, and LOTS of nature.

The Big Island is perfect if you want an adventurous vacation and you’re willing to get out and explore.