There’s nothing wrong with a beach chair and a cold drink, but if you’re the kind of traveler who starts to itch for something more after an hour of lounging, Hawaii’s Big Island might just be your kind of paradise. This isn’t the place for staying put. It’s where the coastline dares you to move through water, over lava rock, into hidden valleys, and under starlit skies.
Here, the ocean isn’t just for gazing, it’s a stage for night swims with manta rays. Trails don’t just meander, they climb past waterfalls and cut across otherworldly lava fields. And even meals feel like mini adventures, whether you’re tracking down garlic shrimp from a food truck or sipping craft beer with a view of the coast.
If you’re ready to swap resort routines for something a little wilder and a lot more memorable, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into six coastal experiences that bring out the adventurous soul of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Nighttime Encounters with Manta Rays
Floating in a moonlit bay, surrounded by silence except for the soft splash of waves, you’ll watch manta rays the size of dining tables glide just beneath you. Off the Kona coast, guided night snorkels bring you face to face with these graceful giants.
Outfitted with wetsuits and lights, you’ll hover above the reef as plankton are drawn to the glow and the mantas follow, looping and flipping in a slow-motion dance. It’s not just a snorkel trip, it’s the kind of moment that gives you goosebumps and sticks in your memory long after your flight home.
Kayak Tours of Secret Coves
Paddling along the Big Island’s rugged lava cliffs gives you access to places the tour buses can’t reach. Guided kayak excursions take you through narrow sea caves, past volcanic rock walls, and into quiet coves where the water turns a shade of turquoise that doesn’t seem real.
Keep your eyes peeled for honu (green sea turtles) drifting in the shallows and spinner dolphins leaping nearby. Many tours offer snorkel breaks, letting you slip beneath the surface and explore coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.
Staying and Recharging
When your days are packed with sea spray, sunshine, and salt air, you’ll want a base that feels as much like an escape as the adventures themselves. Thankfully, many Kona resorts cater to travelers who want both thrill and comfort. The Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa is a standout option, offering easy access to guided tours, along with amenities that help you unwind between excursions.
Whether you’re starting your day with a hearty local breakfast or learning hula and lei-making in the afternoon, this is the kind of stay that enhances your trip, not just hosts it. In the evenings, you might catch live music by the pool or take in an outdoor movie under the stars. Some resorts also provide snorkel gear, bikes, or hiking maps right on site, saving you a few steps and adding a lot more freedom to explore.
Hiking Lush Valleys and Lava Fields
The Big Island offers trails that are as diverse as its landscapes. In one day, you can hike through misty rainforest valleys where waterfalls tumble over cliffs, and then cross fields of hardened lava that crackle underfoot.
These trails don’t just connect places; they tell the island’s story. Some are steep and wild, others gentle and shaded. But each one reveals another layer of Hawaii’s raw, untamed beauty. Come prepared with good shoes, water, and a willingness to get a little dirty. This is where the adventure earns its name.
Tasting Local Flavours on Foot
You can learn a lot about a place through its food, and on the Big Island, the flavors are bold, fresh, and often served out of the back of a truck. Wander through farmers’ markets where you can sample lilikoʻi (passion fruit), locally grown macadamia nuts, or warm malasadas (Portuguese donuts).
In seaside towns, you’ll find food trucks dishing out everything from garlic shrimp to laulau wrapped in taro leaves. For something a bit slower-paced, pop into a coffee farm or craft brewery for a tasting and a chat with the locals behind the scenes.
Day Trips for Volcano Lovers
Beyond its beaches, the island pulses with volcanic energy. A visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park feels like stepping onto another planet. Walk through ancient lava tubes, peer into smoking craters, and trace your fingers across cooled lava flows that once glowed red-hot.
Guided tours are available if you want deeper insight into the island’s geology and native plant life. Be sure to bring layers, as the higher elevations can get surprisingly cool. Before heading back, reward yourself with a slice of warm macadamia nut pie from a nearby café. It’s well-earned.
Conclusion
Travel is more than just seeing new places; it’s about stepping into the unfamiliar and letting it change you. On Hawaii’s Big Island, it’s the quiet thrill of swimming with manta rays, the crunch of lava rock under your boots, the burst of flavor from a fruit you’ve never tried before. These aren’t just activities; they’re stories waiting to be lived. Trade the routine for something a little wilder, and you’ll leave with more than just photos; you’ll take home a new perspective, and maybe a few sand-filled shoes too.
