Best of Hawai‘i Island 2022: Outdoor Adventures

The sheer size of the Big Island makes it a bucket list destination for adventure seekers. Here, you can venture through eight climate zones by exploring tropical rainforests, lush valleys and snow-capped volcanoes. And of course, beach lovers can find world-class white-sand beaches. Here’s where our readers love to explore on the Big Island.  

Best Beach

1. Hāpuna Beach
2. Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach
3. Mauna Kea Beach
4. Kahalu‘u Beach
5. Makalawena Beach

Best Campground

1. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
2. Spencer Beach Park
3. Waimanu Valley Campsite
4. Laupāhoehoe Beach Park
5. Nāmakanipaio Campground

Best Guided Tour

1. Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
2. Epic Lava Tours
3. Hawai‘i Forest & Trail
4. Waipi‘o Valley Shuttle
5. Kona Cloud Forest Guided Walking Tours

Best Helicopter Tour

1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
2. Paradise Helicopters
3. Safari Helicopters

Best Botanical Garden

1. Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden
2. University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Botanical Gardens
3. The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
4. World Botanical Gardens
5. The Umauma Experience

Best Hiking Trail

1. ‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail
2. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Kīlauea Iki Trail
3. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Devastation Trail
4. Pololū Valley
5. Papokōlea Green Sand Beach

Best Surf Spot

1. Kahalu’u Beach Park
2. Banyans
3. Old Kona Airport State Park
4. Lyman’s Beach

Best Snorkeling Spot

1. Kealakekua Bay
2. Two Step, Hōnaunau Bay
3. Kahalu‘u Beach Park
4. La‘aloa Beach (aka Magic Sands)
5. Mauna Lani Beach

Best Zipline

1. Kohala Zipline
2. Umauma Falls Zipline & Rappel Experience
3. Skyline Eco-Adventures
4. Botanical World Adventures

Best Fishing Charter

1. Bite Me Sportfishing
2. Marlin Magic Sportfishing
3. A‘u Struck Sportfishing
4. Fire Hatt Sportfishing

Go back to the main Readers’ Choice menu or visit:

• Best of All Islands
• Best of O‘ahu
• Best of Maui
• Best of Kauaʻi
• Best of Lānaʻi & Molokaʻi
• Best of Hawaiʻi Island