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Though I’m not a betting woman,  I would be willing to bet if I surveyed 100 of my blog readers, and asked them for their top ten destinations on their travel bucket list, that Hawaii would be on at least 90% of those lists.

It’s easy to see why. Hawaii is perhaps one of the most beautiful places on this Earth. Not to mention there is a vibe within the islands that just beckons you to slow down and take a deep breath. When I was there, I had hardly a care in the world. It’s hard to feel stressed when you’re surrounded by such beauty everywhere you turn.

When I visited, I got to spend time on several of the islands. I loved Honolulu with its fabulous shopping and getting a chance to pay my respects at Pearl Harbor. Not knocking Oahu, but for my money’s worth, I preferred the Big Island of Hawaii. On this island, you will find an interesting mix of Polynesian meets Captain Hook with a side of quirky Americana thrown in for good measure. Let me show you why I fell so hard for this Big Island.

5 Places Not To Miss On The Big Island Of Hawaii

Big Island Must See #1. Find A Sacred City

In South Kona at Honaunau Bay, you will find one of Hawaii’s most sacred historic places. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is home to the City of Refuge. In here you will find kii, or wooden god images, guarding the Hale o Keawe Heiau. This sacred temple, known as The City of Refuge, houses the bones of 23 ancient chiefs called alii. 

In ancient Hawaiian society, there were rules called Kapu. These sacred laws were of highest importance to Hawaiian culture. The breaking of kapu led to punishment, which included death.

When someone would break kapu, they would attempt to evade their pursuers by fleeing to a puuhonua, or a sacred place of refuge. Once inside the puuhonua, an absolution ceremony would be performed on the one who broke kapu. Afterward, they would be able to return home with no fear of punishment.

Sidenote: Sorry about the bad iPhone photos, and for the Snapchat filters. I didn’t know when I took these pictures that a year later I would start a blog and share them. But, can we give credit where credit is due to the iPhone for its great camera?

It is $5 per car to visit, and the parking permit is good for a full week. Be sure to explore the entire park, as there are also ancient Royal Grounds that were once the home of the alii. The park is full of examples of how the ancient Hawaiians lived, from their houses to how they made their canoes – there is a ton to learn about here. It makes for an affordable afternoon of learning about Hawaiian culture.

Big Island Must See #2. Don’t Blow Your Lid

You probably already know that Hawaii’s islands were formed by volcanoes. But, did you know that there has been a volcano erupting on the Big Island continuously since 1983? Mount Kilauea produces 250,000–650,000 cubic yards of lava per day. The neat thing about this volcano is that it is accessible as it is a very slow flowing lava and not a full-blown explosion.

Again my apologies for the craptastic iPhone picture taken by a tourist.

Also, yes I look crazy. Believe it or not, this was in July. The elevation up on the mountain is fairly high, and it was quite cool. I started the day in a tank and shorts (see above photo), and slowly but surely added layers over it as the day went on. By the time I was inside this lava tube I was chattering from the cold and didn’t have a single care about what I had on. I just wanted to be warm.

Walk Through Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) 

This is one of the neatest things you can do for free on the Big Island.

A 500-year old lava cave was formed when an underground channel of molten lava drained from its cooled walls. On the other side of the tunnel, you walk out into a lush tropical rainforest. It’s a little bit of a hike from the beginning of the tunnel back to the road, so just be aware that strollers and the infirmed might not be the best for this adventure.

Big Island Must See #3. Meet A Living Goddess

Take a break at the Volcano House. Not only is this a great place to stop for a meal and a souvenir, but the view is second to none!

Overlooking Volcanoes National Park, the hotel is found on the famous Crater Rim Drive. From its floor to ceiling windows, you can catch a perfect view of Halemaumau Crater.

Look closely at the above picture and you will see steam rising in the background. It is said Pele, the Fire Goddess, lives here. She is known in Hawaiian mythology to be the Mother of the Hawaiian Islands. Her fire continues to help build the Hawaiian islands, acre by flowing lava of acre daily.

It is free to visit the park and the Volcano House. There is also a museum, hotels, and hundreds of acres of walking/hiking/biking trails around the crater of the volcano for you to enjoy. Go take a walk on the hot side! (Except it’s actually kinda chilly up there. Who knew?)

Big Island Must See #4. What’s A Manta With You?

Ever wanted to take a boat out on the Pacific Ocean at sunset, and once that golden orb has dipped low into the water, then go snorkeling at night in the ocean? Know what’s even cooler than that? Snorkeling in the ocean beneath a sea of stars and swimming with manta rays.

I forgot my camera and my phone wasn’t in a waterproof case, so this is the only picture I have. (And this picture was from earlier that morning when I was paddle boarding. lol) But, I can tell you that it is worth every penny!

There are several companies that offer manta night tours, but I chose Big Island Divers. They are the highest rated on Trip Advisor, and I had them recommended to me before. (Sidenote: I’m not getting paid to promote Big Island Divers. I truly am recommending them because they are so good at what they do that I wanted to show them some online love)

I can’t say enough good things about the tour. Not only will they educate you about the manta rays, the local ecosystem, and the Hawaiian islands themselves, but Big Island Divers have thought of everything. From snacks, drinks, towels, even blankets, they make sure you have a comfortable trip. The crew is all so professional, and you can tell they love their jobs.

But no matter what company you choose don’t miss your chance to try this. It is truly a unique experience. The mantas are so calm and graceful. Laying out in the open ocean, under the moon and stars, with those gentle giants swimming around you is like nothing you’ve ever done before. You will thank me later!

Big Island Must See #5. Go Ape In The Jungle

This last adventure pushed me way out of my comfort zone. I have a fear of heights, and though I have never said no to any new challenge – this particular one came very close to it.

Notice me hanging on for dear life.

Hawaii is blessed to be one of the most beautiful places on this planet. I have heard it called the “Heart Chakra” of the planet, and after visiting I can understand why. Everywhere you look there is new life blooming in the most Technicolor ways imaginable. What better way to see all of that beauty than from high above while soaring like a bird?

At Kolekole Falls you get the chance to take six smaller ziplines before you get to face what is considered to be the longest zipline in America over the Kolekole Falls. The guides who lead you through it all are some of the most genuinely kind and friendly people you will ever meet. By the end of the tour, you will be friends with all of them and will be making plans to meet up for a drink after dinner. Well maybe not, but they really are a great group of guys and gals.

No matter what you choose to do in the Aloha State, you will find that when your time is up and your trip is over you will wish you could stay. The Hawaiian Islands have captured almost every heart that’s ever passed through them. I hope you fall just as hard in love with the Big Island as I did. That’s the kind of love that you never forget and know that someday you will be back to find again.

Have you ever been to Hawaii? Which island was our favorite? Let me know in the comments!

And I would love it if you Pinned me!

Wanna see even more photos from my trip to Hawaii? Check out my Instagram here.