- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Hilo side of the Big Island. It is a long day trip or an overnight trip if you are traveling from Kona. While at the National Park make sure you check out the Thurston Lava Tube, steam vents and the crater which glows at night.
- Hōlei Sea Arch. In the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park you can see the Hōlei Sea Arch at the end of Chain of Craters road. The scenic drive is a ways down Chain of Craters road but the view is absolutely gorgeous.
- Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world and most of it is under the ocean’s surface. The peak is 13,803 feet above sea level. While at the top you can see telescopes, the visitors center, and observatories. The sacred summit of Mauna Kea is a perfect stop for stargazing tours and sunsets.
- Akaka Falls. Akaka Falls has one of the most accessible waterfall viewpoints. The stunning viewpoint is reachable from a trailhead in the parking lot by a half-mile loop. It is a great way to experience the gorgeous waterfall.
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. This is a great place to stop on your way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is located on the south coast of the island. The large beach has tall thin palm trees, black sand, black lava fields and breathtaking views. If you are lucky you may get to see turtles along the shore.
- Rainbow Falls. An easy stop on the Hilo side of the Big Island. The waterfall viewpoint is just steps away from the parking lot. When the fall hits the water the mist will reflect and create a beautiful rainbow.
- Papakolea Green Sand Beach. This green sand beach is one of the four green sand beaches in the world. The green sand is created by the mineral olivine which is a green glassy crystal. Papakolea Beach is a six mile round trip trail from the parking lot to the green sand beach. From the parking lot, you can either walk or pay a local waiting to take visitors with their 4WD truck for a fee. It’ll save you the hike and be an experience you will never forget.
- Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation is a family owned coffee farm that specializes in Kona Coffee. There are free tours every half hour seven days a week. The tour is easily walkable with great views of coffee plants and learn so much from the knowledgeable guides.
- Pololu Valley. Pololu Valley can be seen from the parking area and has amazing views of the coast and the green valley. If you are feeling adventurous you can hike down to the beach on a 1.2 mile trail.
- Onomea Bay Trail. This scenic trail is right next to the Botanical Gardens (you do not have to go into the botanical gardens to go on the onomea trail). You are able to hike down to remote beautiful beaches along the coast.
- Kona Farmers Markets. There are several farmers markets in the surrounding areas of Kona. The most popular farmers market is open Wednesday through Sunday in central Kona.
