Rainbow Falls
Located right in Hilo, this is an easily accessible waterfall to visit on the East side of the Island of Hawai'i. I highly recommend arriving as early in the morning as you can to beat the tour buses and avoid days when the cruise ships dock in the harbor.
See MoreʻAkaka Falls State Park
Another incredible waterfall to visit on Island of Hawai'i is Akaka Falls which is the tallest sheer drop waterfall in the state. This one requires a short hike that is pretty easy but does involve some stairs. The end view once you reach the falls is absolutely breathtaking.
Note: There is a small fee to visit and park here that goes back to preserving this beautiful place.
See MoreHōlei Sea Arch
Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hōlei Sea Arch is reached by driving to the end of Chain of Craters Road, an area of the park that is a bit less overrun with visitors. It's 100% worth the effort to drive out here to see where this stunning lava rock formation meets the ocean.
See MoreKīlauea Crater
A must to check off your list when visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea is the youngest and most active volcano on the island. You can take the 11 mile Crater Rim Drive to drive right up to the Kilauea Crater to check out some of the volcanic activity, though it's important to note that you won't see any active lava flow unless there is an eruption in process!
See MoreNāhuku Lava Tube
One of the most unique sites inside Volcanoes National Park is the Thurston Lava Tube, a cave which is open for visitors to walk through all 600 feet in length.
See MoreSteam Vents
Just one mile past the Kilauea Visitor Center are the steam vents, which are super easy to access and are pretty crazy to see up close! Definitely add this one to your itinerary when visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
See MorePololū Valley
One of the most picturesque coastlines in all of Hawaii, Pololū Valley is one of the jewels of Island of Hawai'i and has sacred significance to local Hawaiians.
A short 20 minute hike down the coast brings you to a rocky black sand beach with dramatic cliffs and strong ocean currents. But before hiking down you'll be met by the Pololū Valley stewards who are there to guide you on responsible exploration of the valley—they are often of a lineage that calls this exact valley home.
Please respect this place when you visit by following signage and safety instructions and leaving the land better than you found it.
See MoreHapuna Beach State Recreation Area
The largest of the island's white sand beaches, Hapuna beach features a private section of beach connected to the Westin and Mauna Kea resorts but there is also an area that is open to the public. Highly recommend laying out here during the day but also visiting for sunset!
See More