The Big Island’s Best Photo Spots

Not one, not two, but three waterfalls await you at Umauma Falls where the river plummets off multiple lava stone steps into calm pools below. An overlook provides a perfect view of the falls framed by a dense cluster of wild guava trees and sugarcane—certainly a lovely sight to behold. However, if you’d prefer a less tranquil experience, a third party company operates a zip-line that follows the river’s...

You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to the stunning, meticulously manicured gardens of Kyoto, Japan once you enter Hawaii’s renowned Liliuokalani Gardens. The site was established in 1917 as a tribute to the many Japanese immigrants who left home to start a new life working for Hawaii’s thriving sugar cane industry. The gardens were built around Waihonu Pond and designed in the Edo-era style, featu...

What do you get when you pave a road perilously close to an active volcano? Why, a lava-covered road, of course. Thanks to the mighty Kilauea volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Chain of Craters Road has been blocked in several areas by lava that oozed onto the asphalt and cooled, creating scenes that look like freeze-framed shots from Hollywood’s next natural disaster blockbuster. Gape in awe at ...

If you’re prepared for a half-mile hike that includes plenty of stairs (we’re talking 300 plus!), you’ll experience one of the best sights Hilo has to offer. Akaka Falls is 422 feet of plunging, misty, majestic glory framed by lush, tropical greenery. Even if you don’t make the entire hike up, the falls are visible from afar, offering the lesser-inclined a pretty decent panoramic view nonetheless. And fo...

You know about white sand beaches, black sand beaches and maybe even salt and pepper beaches. But a green sand beach? Nope, it isn’t a whimsical invention of Dr. Seuss, there are actually two (and only two) green sand beaches in the entire world, and the Big Island is home to one of them. The half-circle shaped beach is actually the tip of Pu’u Mahana, an ancient cinder cone volcano, and the unusual hue ...

The stunning view from the Waipio Valley Lookout on the north side of the Big Island is considered by many to be one of the most breathtaking sights, not only in Hawaii, but anywhere on earth. The tropically lush Waipio Valley runs five miles inland from a black sand shore and stretches one mile across, and is encompassed by majestic green cliffs towering at 2000 feet. Rather than drive the steep and nar...

Make sure to visit on a sunny morning and you just might be treated to a cheerful display of rainbows reflected off the mist of these breathtaking falls—a frequent and glorious sight which has given Rainbow falls its colorful name. A well-placed viewing platform provides visitors with a terrific view as the waters of the Wailuku River plummet 80 feet down to a deep pool below. Behind the wall of sparklin...

We live on a constantly changing earth with Mother Nature rearranging her furniture (i.e. mountains, rivers, entire continents, etc.) as she pleases, while we can only stand back in awe and watch. Nowhere else is this fact more salient than at Volcanoes National Park—a landscape displaying the evidence of 70 millions years of Hawaii’s evolution through volcanism. The park features 323,000 acres of divers...

This centuries-old lava tube was first discovered in 1913 by a local newspaper publisher named Lorrin Thurston. It was opened to the public, and now anyone can stroll through this dimly lit natural cave, taking the very same path upon which a river of molton red lava traveled from Pu-O’o to the Pacific. Lava stalactites once decorated the ceiling of the stone tube but, alas, they’ve all been pinched by f...

One of the best-reviewed destinations in Hawaii, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park was once a holy “place of refuge” for native islanders who’ve broken ancient laws to seek asylum and absolution. Now under government protection, this 182-acre park is still sacred ground for those seeking refuge from the daily grind. Not only does it offer amazing views of Honaunau Bay and the chance to immers...

If you’re up for exploring these lava tube caves, then make sure to pack some heavy duty flashlights (no, your smartphone flashlight app will NOT do), shoes with good traction, some light outerwear (it can get cool underneath) and your sense of wonder. The Kaumana Caves attract adventurous, non-claustrophobic types from all over who aren’t afraid to get on their hands and knees to squeeze through the nar...

You might think this is just an oversized representation Kamehameha, the first ruler of Kingdom of Hawaii. Surprisingly, the real man stood at least seven feet tall. His height has been determined by measuring the length of his ceremonial capes and spears - all of which were made for a man of towering height. Born in a time when the average European male was approximately 5'6" Kamehameha's stature and be...

Affiliated with the Smithsonian, this farm has the distinction of being the only living history museum solely dedicated to coffee. Prized for its ability to keep you alert, the coffee bean is a precious resource. Kona coffee is one of the most sought after, a product of thoughtful and expert cultivation by Japanese immigrants to the islands at the dawn of the 20th century. Admission to most of the exhibi...

This tiny little place of prayer is positioned against the backdrop of the Pacific. Painted in beachy white with a seafoam trim, this chapel-like Roman Catholic church is the perfect setting for a destination wedding - especially if you want a small one! There are 12 pews that seat about three people each. There aren't any regularly scheduled services so it's best to email or telephone them to learn abou...