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Island of Hawaii
Things to do in Island of Hawaii
Nature & parks in Island of Hawaii

Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Island of Hawaii, HI

Nature & Parks in Island of Hawaii

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Top-Rated Outdoor Activities (166)

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
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What travellers are saying

  • DanOCan
    Cochrane, Canada319 contributions
    Great Way to Get Above the Clouds
    This is one of those "You have to do this" experiences on the Big Island. We rented a Jeep from a local company because many of the major rental companies have fine print in their rental agreements which prohibit you from bringing their vehicles up here.

    You are advised to spent at least an hour at the Visitor Centre to acclimatize to the elevation before you begin the final ascent. Before you start up you are questioned by a Park Ranger. I've crossed international borders that involved less questioning. He made me show him that I knew how to engage the low-range four-wheel drive of the vehicle, confirmed our fuel level was sufficient, made me demonstrate I knew how to manually select gears on our automatic transmission, asked if we had anyone under the age of 16 in the vehicle, did we have any pets with us, any heart or medical conditions, etc. Once assured we were good to go we were sent on our way. with strict instructions to keep the Jeep in low-range 4WD the entire time, even on the paved sections. We were also told we could use Drive on the way up but to manually select 2nd gear for the trip down to minimize the use of our brakes.

    The road up is not really as dangerous as it is made out to be. We were expecting it to be much narrower but after seeing a full size semi-truck hauling telescope parts up, we knew it couldn't be that bad. The first and last section of it is paved, which really caused a lot of tire scrubbing being in 4-Low. It is steep and has a number of sharp corners but it is plenty wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other.

    At the top we enjoyed the views. Be sure to read the sign and do NOT attempt to hike to the true summit, despite the well-defined pathway leading up there. It is a sacred spot for the Hawaiian people. We got quite a lesson from a Park Ranger about that one. Dress for cooler weather, that's for sure.

    The drive down in 4-Low and 2nd gear really allows the engine to handle the braking. We didn't need to use the brakes once. At the visitor center you will the rangers will check the temperature of the brakes to make sure you are safe to continue down the hill to the highway. They advised me to continue to use 4WD for the descent, but I did not as I know operating in 4WD on hard / non-slippery surfaces are murder on your drivetrain. By not using the accelerator and not riding the brakes we had no problem getting back to the main road safely.
    Review of: Mauna Kea Summit
    Written 30 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tambra T
    Bremen, GA1 contribution
    A MUST on The Big Island
    Absolutely beautiful place to visit! I could’ve spent the entire day. The trail down to the valley is steep but definitely worth the effort! The valley has a beautiful beach and a wooded area that is stunning & looks like something out of Jurassic Park.
    Review of: Pololu Valley Lookout
    Written 2 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • M1124JUjane
    Honomu, HI2 contributions
    Natural Wonder
    The most amazingly beautiful natural sight in a tropical rainforest on the Big Island. Concrete walking bath with sturdy stainless steel handrails leading to a covered viewing area.
    Review of: Akaka Falls State Park
    Written 5 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • fiamma11
    Vienna, VA4,507 contributions
    Gorgeous View
    We flew over the Waipi'o Valley in a helicopter tour and it was lush and beautiful with a gorgeous coast. We also visited the lookout which provides absolutely gorgeous views.
    Review of: Waipi'o Valley
    Written 17 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • fiamma11
    Vienna, VA4,507 contributions
    Just Go
    I have visited Kilauea a number of times and am always impressed. Whether red lava flows or just smoke, the visual impact the volcano has had is staggering. Everyone should Kilauea at least once. Nature is fascinating.
    Review of: Kilauea Volcano
    Written 17 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TerriM0212
    San Jose, CA26 contributions
    Great beach
    Nice beach! Water was great for snorkeling. We arrived at the parking lot at 7:45am to make sure we got a spot. Stayed on the beach from 8am till 2:00pm. Got windy after 1:00, easy walk to the hotel for a cocktail or lunch and a clean bathroom. Tell the parking person you’re going to the beach for free parking.
    Review of: Mauna Kea Beach
    Written 30 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jkh_10
    Litchfield, MN7 contributions
    Timed This Right!
    We were scheduled to visit Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Monday, November 28, and woke to the news of an eruption on Mauna Loa! We ventured ahead...and our visit to the national park was enhanced by conversations that were immediately pertinent. We viewed lava on Kilauea (which is also erupting) while in the park, and viewed the Mauna Loa lava flow, etc. later in the week. Rangers were full of knowledge and fun to speak with. Don't miss the lava tube!! That short hike was a highlight of our visit.
    Review of: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
    Written 3 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lenn
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands182 contributions
    Beautiful beach!
    We loved it a lot here.
    We arrived early so the beach was not crowded at all.

    Do not miss out on this beach togeter with its goregous view and beatufill blue water.
    Review of: Kealakekua Bay
    Written 19 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lissah N
    Colorado43 contributions
    Very unique
    A must see as we had never seen a black sand beach. Not really a swimming beach due to current, but very pretty.
    Review of: 49 Black Sand Beach
    Written 13 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travel Booze Food Happinesses
    Toronto, Canada917 contributions
    Simply stunning
    Go early!
    Bring your snorkel and enjoy the beach
    There are lifeguards there and showers plus toilets.

    The water is warm and the sand is soft
    Review of: Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
    Written 1 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lenn
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands182 contributions
    Lovely beach and great snorkling
    Came here to visit on our trip through the Big Island.

    Stayed the full day and had a great time.

    The beach is great and it was not that busy at all.
    Coming early gives you the best spot.

    Do not forget to pay for your parking ticket.

    We loved the beach and will come back!
    Review of: Waialea Beach
    Written 19 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GRZ
    Chicago, IL9,005 contributions
    Super easy and pleasant stop
    If you are staying in Hilo or even passing through stopping here is a no brainer - super easy drive off the main road on perfectly paved road leading you to a big free parking lot where you just walk couple steps away to enjoy the falls - they aren't super spectacular but for the ease of getting here and the fact this is a free visit I think it's a great little stop

    TIP: there are even restrooms here
    Review of: Rainbow Falls
    Written 23 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alekuee
    Philadelphia, PA18 contributions
    Cool
    Like the volcano, I think your experience is all going to be based on timing. It was a clear night and we were able to see constellations very clearly. However, the moon was way too bright to allow us to see any difference in the Milky Way, compared to where we we could see it from our lodging in Pahoa.

    The drive up was super easy (and much easier than Haleakala) but we did not drive all the way to the top of the summit. Luckily, we had no issues acclimating.

    Flying out of Kona, it was cool to be able to see Mauna Kea from the plane and be able to see where we were the night before.
    Review of: Mauna Kea
    Written 10 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kara017
    Bayport, MN49 contributions
    Stunning beach
    This is by far my favorite beach on the island. The waves are calm, there is a bit of snorkeling, and shade for the afternoon sun. I gave it 4 stars largely because of the $20 fee that we were told “started today” and the need to arrive early for parking.
    Review of: Kauna'oa Bay
    Written 11 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Al2E2
    Edinburgh, UK107 contributions
    Amazing
    This trail is incredible. Maybe we missed the signposts but ended up doing the loop in reverse (steepest climb at the end) but it was fine for 4 fairly fit people. The scenery is mind blowing, at times I wouldn't have been surprised if a dinosaur wandered out of the forest. If you do one trail make it this one!
    Review of: Kilauea Iki Trail
    Written 14 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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