Top 5 Must-Visit Destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii

1. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is a truly special place. What makes it so amazing is the sand, it’s black! The sand was created when hot lava flowed into the ocean and cooled down quickly, breaking into tiny pieces. It feels soft and cool under your feet.

This beach isn’t just about the sand. It’s also home to Hawaiian green sea turtles. These turtles often come up to the beach to rest, and they look so peaceful. You can watch them from a safe distance, but remember not to touch or bother them. For a closer look at these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, check out this reel.

What You Can Do:

• Walk along the beach and feel the cool black sand under your feet.
• Look for sea turtles resting on the shore. Remember, don’t go too close to them. They need their space!
• Relax, listen to the sound of the waves, and enjoy the quiet.

Why You Should Visit:

It’s not every day you get to see a beach with black sand. It’s peaceful, special, and full of natural beauty.

Tips:

• Bring a hat and sunscreen because there’s not much shade.
• Wear sandals or water shoes because the sand can get hot.

2. Polulu Valley Lookout and Hike

Polulu Valley is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. When you stand on the lookout, you’ll see breathtaking views of tall cliffs, lush green trees, and a quiet black sand beach far below. The view is like a postcard!

If you love adventure, you can hike down to the beach. The trail is short but steep, so you need to be careful. Once you reach the valley floor, you’ll feel like you’re in a hidden paradise.  Trees surround the beach, and it feels calm and untouched by the world.

What You Can Do:

• Start at the lookout and take some amazing photos of the valley.
• Hike down the trail to the beach. It’s a short but steep walk, so take your time.
• When you reach the beach, enjoy the peacefulness. You’ll be surrounded by nature.

Why You Should Visit:

It’s a great spot for anyone who loves nature. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret paradise.

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes for the hike because it’s steep and can be slippery.
• Bring water and a small snack to enjoy at the beach.
• Check the weather in advance and wear a rainproof jacket if there is a chance of rain. 
• There are no bathrooms during the hike; make sure you go before you start hiking!

3. Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island, and for a good reason! The water drops from 442 feet high, that’s taller than most buildings. It’s surrounded by a lush rainforest filled with green plants, colorful flowers, and the sounds of birds chirping.

There’s an easy walking trail that takes you to the best view of the waterfall. The path is short and fun to walk, with lots of little spots where you can stop and enjoy the beauty of the rainforest.

What You Can Do:

• Walk on the Akaka Falls Trail, which is an easy path that takes you to the best view of the waterfall.
• Enjoy the fresh air and listen to the sound of the water crashing down.
• Take lots of pictures; the waterfall looks amazing in every photo!

Why You Should Visit:

This waterfall is so big and powerful it’s like something out of a dream. It’s a great way to see Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Tips:

• Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes because the trail can get wet and muddy.
• Ample parking when you arrive. 

4. Honomu Goat Dairy

The Honomu Goat Dairy is a fun and tasty stop on your trip. It’s a small farm where they make goat cheese, and you can meet the goats that live there. The goats are super friendly and love attention, so don’t be shy about saying hello!

At the dairy, you can try different kinds of goat cheese. Some are plain, and others are flavored with herbs or spices. They’re all delicious! You can also buy cheese and other goodies to take home as souvenirs.

What You Can Do:

• Taste different types of goat cheese made fresh on the farm for free.
• Make a donation to feed and/or play with the goats. They’re friendly and love attention!
• Buy some cheese or other products to take home with you.

Why You Should Visit:

It’s a fun and tasty experience. Plus, the goats are so cute. They’ll make you smile!

Tips:

• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty because goats can be playful.
• Bring a small cooler if you plan to buy cheese so it stays fresh until you get back to your hotel.

5. Kona Salt Farm

The Kona Salt Farm is a fascinating place where you can see how salt is made from the ocean. It’s an old Hawaiian tradition that’s still practiced today. The farm uses pure seawater to make salt, and they have special methods that make their salt some of the best in the world.

When you visit, you can take a tour to learn about the process of harvesting salt. You’ll also get to taste different kinds of salt. They all have unique flavors! It’s a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture and bring home a souvenir that you can use in your cooking. To see more about this amazing process, watch this reel.

What You Can Do:

• Take a tour to see how they collect salt from the ocean water.
• Try different types of salt. They taste different depending on how they’re made!
• Buy some salt as a souvenir to use in your cooking at home.

Why You Should Visit:

It’s a fun way to learn about Hawaii’s culture and try something unique.

Tips:

• Call ahead to book a tour because they can get busy.
• Bring cash or a credit card if you want to buy some salt.