Local favorites off the brochure in The Big Island
Curious about what you'll do when you live on the Big Island? If you like the idea of hiking through lava fields, painting by the shoreline, and snorkeling with manta rays, the Big Island is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from black sand to stargazing and give you a burst of the Big Island's signature experiences.
Matt, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Matt was born and raised on Oahu and currently makes the North Shore playground his home. He has lived in four states, half a dozen countries, and more houses across Oahu than he can remember. Each move requires relocating something like 40 surf, foil, and paddle boards and the sobering realization that they all have to fit somewhere. He is an adventure journalist, backcountry snowboarder, rock climber, mountain biker, and relentless swell tracker who loves scouting out obscure waves in far-flung corners of the world. Favorite constants include swell checks, tide charts, and vegan sushi at Tane. At Snappy Scout, Matt edits Hawaii guides with saltwater honesty and local precision.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in The Big Island?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay, then enjoy a pristine cup of Kona coffee.
When the gals come to town for the weekend
Resort hop Waikoloa, fruity drinks, then sunset selfies at Anaehoomalu Bay.
Dude hangout
Kona Brewing patio, wings, and heated debates about lava flow directions.
Rainy, dreary day
Hide in Hilo bookstores, then chase malasadas like you need to gain weight.
Intellectually stimulating
Imiloa Astronomy Center—big questions, bigger gift shop temptations.
Artsy
Wander Hawi galleries, buy a sculpture you definitely cannot afford to ship.
Something inside and free
Stroll Kona farmers market stalls, sample fruit, practice polite restraint.
Outdoorsy
Hike Volcanoes National Park, survive steam vents, fern tunnels, and dramatic stares.
Fitness-oriented
Run Alii Drive at dawn, flirt with the ghosts of Ironman past.
Family-oriented
Tide pool tour at Puako, shrieking kids, parents Googling sea urchin treatment.
In need of a selfie
Pololu Valley lookout, windy hair, heroic stance mandatory.
You have to see this
Mauna Kea stargazing, galaxies everywhere, your problems suddenly seem very tiny.
My Favorite Local Spot in The Big Island
When I'm in need of a sweet treat, I head to Two Ladies Kitchen, which makes the best mochi on the island. Mochi-covered strawberries always does the trick!
— Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert
Ready to See If The Big Island Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full The Big Island guide for the bigger picture.