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Island of Hawaii
Things to do in Island of Hawaii
Nature/ Wildlife Areas in Island of Hawaii

Top Nature & Wildlife Areas in Island of Hawaii, HI

Nature & Wildlife Areas in Island of Hawaii

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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.

What travellers are saying

  • MilmineM
    Auckland, New Zealand535 contributions
    Review of: Kealakekua Bay
    Hard climb but a great reward at the bay
    It is certainly a strenuous walk down and back out to this bay but the snorkelling is well worth it. Definitely the best amount of coral and fish i saw anywhere on big island. There are plenty of boat tours that can take you there but the walk in is definitely worth doing if you want to experience on your own.
    Written 3 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paula C
    1 contribution
    Review of: Kanaloa Octopus Farm
    A wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience
    It was a great experience to be so close to an organism that you usually are not able to be so close with. I learned a lot and enjoyed being able to interact with them. I highly recommend it.
    Written 24 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • gw2047
    Atlanta, GA124 contributions
    Review of: Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
    Nice archaeology site
    This is a great (relatively short) hike for seeing petroglyphs, but make sure you have on good shoes (sneakers or sturdier are recommended) and are relatively sure-footed. There is almost no elevation change, but lots of rocks, roots, and other uneven ground can be hard on your ankles. Also watch your head as you navigate under the tree. The trail is clear, but doesn't have any markings or blazes along the way. Be sure to read other reviews for additional information (for example, trailhead is at the entrance to the parking lot, away from the beach). It can get quite hot in the afternoon (which is when we went, unfortunately) and you might want to consider using insect repellent.
    Written 19 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gregg R
    Marina del Rey, CA119 contributions
    Review of: Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve
    Nice Walk
    We walked along the Kings Road through the Petroglyphs today for about an hour (plenty of time). The natural lava formations are the most impressive part of this walk as it’s a bit unclear which stone carvings are actually original. It was a fun walk and took lots of photos.
    Written 1 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • memclean
    Virginia & Maine28 contributions
    Review of: Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
    Great Easy Hike Near Hilo in the Most Amazing Garden
    This garden experience with an easy paved walk to view beaches and waterfalls was amazing - definitely worth a stop if you are around Hilo. You will see so many beautiful things and about 100 types of orchids you did not even know existed. The history of the place is also very interesting. Worth a stop!
    Written 21 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beth O
    Portland, OR64 contributions
    Review of: South Point Complex
    Worth a visit
    Great views, amazing wave action for viewing. It can get really hot out there and minimal amenities so bring sunscreen and water (I guess that's a given for anywhere on the island). There are porta potties, but they didn't look very "fresh". Definitely worth a visit if you're traveling through the area
    Written 14 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Portland_OregonSadie
    Salem, OR130 contributions
    Review of: Parrots in Paradise Sanctuary
    Fantastic!!
    My husband and are are huge animal lovers, but birds don’t rank way at the top. This experience was a delightful surprise…We both loved it!! Gerry did such an interesting and informative tour, the time just flew by (ha ha). We really enjoyed meeting all of the birds, and we have so much respect and appreciation for Gerry and his family. Do not hesitate to book…It will most likely be one of the best things that you did on the Big Island!
    Written 11 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Saige W
    1 contribution
    Review of: Kona Cloud Forest
    The Experience of a Lifetime!
    Great value & amazing experience. Our tour guide Drew was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I highly recommend booking a tour at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. We’ll be back!
    Written 18 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tamarah3
    Bella Vista, AR128 contributions
    Review of: Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve
    Stunning
    Clear waters and stunning views for snorkeling. Well worth the short drive. We kayaked across the bay. Amazing experience.
    Written 9 December 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hal72
    Olympia, WA593 contributions
    Review of: Hakalau Wildlife Refuge
    Must visit for birders
    A rather unique place in Hawaii where you can see most of the remaining native landbirds. Access requires a guide as aces is very limited. Rough road to get there. Once there, it is a comfortable downhill walk through the forest, generally on a primitive road, to find the birds. In addition to protecting native birds the refuge protects and restores native plants and there are many of those to see too.
    Written 27 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GoHawksAnkenyIowa
    Ankeny, IA520 contributions
    Review of: Devastation Trail
    Get there early for close parking
    We arrived at 5:15 and the parking lot filled up soon after- there is overflow parking a little ways down the road. Is a mile hike out to see the lava and a mile back. Most is on a black top road and then it transitioned to gravel.
    When we arrived several people were sitting and standing right at the front and were waiting for a couple of hours to see the night lava. The park ranger tried to get them to move to allow others the up front spot but no one would move. She threatened calling the police and then left and didn’t come back. What the park service should do is have a roped off area that people walk through get there pictures and then have to leave the front and get back in line if they want later pictures.
    Written 22 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • deby m
    Tucson, AZ26 contributions
    Review of: Whittington Beach Park
    Ms. Deby Mantecon
    A wonderful beautiful beach park that is great for exploring, not great for swimming as it is a very wild savage beach here. Waves crashing over lava rocks, absolutely stunning 🌊🌊
    Written 3 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian J
    Portland, OR131 contributions
    Review of: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit
    Would like to see it post COVID
    Understood but disappointed the lava tube was closed to visitors. Know it's hit or miss on visibility of lava in the crater but would have been nice to see more than steam.
    Written 27 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • gotkona
    Marina, CA127 contributions
    Review of: Hawai'i Wildlife Center
    Helping the Native Birds on all islands
    This is a wonderful place. We have stopped often to see what videos of the birds they are caring for but this year we got to see the interactive center that they have. Very interesting facts on native vs. non native birds, videos, and some hands on items. Cute gift shop too. The staff is very helpful.
    Written 15 July 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Benjamin-traveler
    New York City, NY580 contributions
    Review of: Pae'a
    “Two step” should be ranked #1 or #2 in area, snorkeling is amazing!
    This spot is fantastic. Snorkeling is almost as good as Captain Cook, without the need of a kayak !

    Park your car along the road (if busy, you might need to pay, either peivate or at the national park entrance, but totally worth it), walk down the two steps and enjoy ...

    Several times we saw dolphins popping by. After your snorkel, visit the Place of Refuge ... this historical site is super close and well maintenained.

    Written 28 August 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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