Fun Things to Do on the Big Island This Summer

Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an outdoor escape, here's how to make the most of your summer in paradise.

Snorkel in Some of Hawaii's Clearest Waters

The Big Island is home to world-famous snorkeling spots where colorful tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs await just offshore.

Some of the best places to snorkel include:

• Kealakekua Bay
• Two Step at Hōnaunau Bay
• Kahaluʻu Beach Park
• Mauna Kea Beach

For an unforgettable experience, book a morning snorkel cruise to Kealakekua Bay, where calm waters and exceptional visibility make for incredible underwater views.

Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

No trip to the Big Island is complete without exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Walk through ancient lava fields, hike scenic crater trails, and witness one of the most unique landscapes on Earth.

Popular stops include:

• Crater Rim Drive
• Thurston Lava Tube
• Steam Vents
• Kīlauea Overlook
• Devastation Trail

Depending on volcanic activity, you may even catch a glimpse of glowing lava after sunset.

Relax on Beautiful Beaches

The Big Island offers an incredible variety of beaches, each with its own personality.

Spend the day at:

• Hapuna Beach for soft white sand and swimming
• Mauna Kea Beach for calm turquoise waters
• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach to see Hawaiian sea turtles
• Magic Sands Beach for bodyboarding and sunset views

Bring a beach chair, reef-safe sunscreen, and enjoy a day under the Hawaiian sun.

Swim with Manta Rays

One of the Big Island's most famous experiences happens after dark.

Night manta ray snorkeling allows guests to float on the ocean while giant manta rays gracefully glide beneath illuminated waters feeding on plankton. It's consistently ranked among the world's best wildlife encounters and is suitable for most swimmers.

Explore Waterfalls on the Hilo Side

The lush eastern side of the island is home to breathtaking waterfalls surrounded by tropical rainforest.

Don't miss:

• Rainbow Falls
• Akaka Falls
• Peʻepeʻe Falls
• Umauma Falls (viewed from guided tours)

Summer mornings often provide the clearest skies for waterfall photography.

Discover Waimea and Parker Ranch

Escape the beaches for cooler mountain air in Waimea. This charming paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town offers rolling green hills, local boutiques, farmers markets, and excellent restaurants.

Visit Parker Ranch, one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States, to learn about Hawaii's unique cowboy culture.

Enjoy Fresh Island Flavors

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy locally grown tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table cuisine.

Some favorite dining experiences include:

• Merriman's Waimea
• CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani
• Brown's Beach House
• Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
• Lava Lava Beach Club

Be sure to try fresh poke, Kona coffee, Hawaiian-grown mangoes, and shave ice after a day of exploring.

Go Stargazing on Mauna Kea

With some of the clearest skies in the world, the Big Island offers incredible opportunities for stargazing.

Visitors can drive to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station to watch the sunset before enjoying spectacular nighttime skies filled with countless stars. Guided astronomy tours are also available for an even more memorable experience.

Visit Local Farmers Markets

Support local growers while discovering fresh tropical fruits, handmade gifts, artisan foods, and island crafts.

Popular markets include:

• Waimea Farmers Market
• Kona Farmers Market
• Hilo Farmers Market
• Pure Kona Green Market

It's a great way to experience local culture and bring home unique souvenirs.

Experience the Kohala Coast

The Kohala Coast is known for its luxury resorts, championship golf courses, calm beaches, and year-round sunshine.

Spend the day:

• Paddleboarding along the shoreline
• Playing a round of golf
• Relaxing at Anaehoʻomalu Bay
• Watching spectacular sunsets from the beach
• Exploring ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs

It's the perfect area for travelers looking to combine relaxation with outdoor adventure.

Stay Close to Everything

Whether you're staying along the Kohala Coast, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Mauna Lani, Kona, or Hilo, the Big Island offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

After a day exploring volcanoes, snorkeling vibrant reefs, or watching manta rays dance beneath the stars, return to your private vacation rental to unwind with ocean breezes, island sunsets, and all the comforts of home.

Summer on the Big Island is filled with unforgettable experiences, and there's no better time to discover why Hawaiʻi's largest island continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

 

Where to Stay on the Big Island

Choosing the right place to stay can make your Big Island vacation even more memorable. KBM Resorts offers luxury vacation rentals in some of the island's most sought-after communities, all conveniently located along the sunny Kohala Coast with easy access to beaches, golf, shopping, dining, and many of the island's top attractions.

Fairway Villas Waikoloa

Located within Waikoloa Beach Resort, Fairway Villas is perfect for couples, families, and golfers looking for a relaxing home base. These spacious villas overlook the Beach Golf Course and are just a short walk from Kings' Shops, Queens' Marketplace, Anaehoʻomalu Bay, restaurants, and island activities. Guests also enjoy access to an infinity-edge pool, hot tub, fitness center, and barbecue areas.

One Ocean Estates

For travelers seeking privacy and elevated luxury, One Ocean Estates offers beautifully designed private homes with spacious indoor-outdoor living, private pools, and stunning ocean views. Located along the prestigious Kohala Coast, these residences provide the perfect setting for family reunions, special celebrations, or an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway while remaining close to championship golf courses, white-sand beaches, and world-class dining.

Kolea Kai

If you're looking for the ultimate luxury retreat, Kolea Kai features spectacular oceanfront estates just steps from Anaehoʻomalu Bay. Guests can enjoy private pools and spas, expansive lanais, beautifully appointed interiors, and exclusive access to the Kolea Beach Club. It's an exceptional choice for larger families or groups looking to experience the very best of Waikoloa Beach Resort.

No matter which KBM Resorts property you choose, you'll enjoy professionally managed accommodations, personalized concierge service, and easy access to the very best the Big Island has to offer. Guests staying six nights or more also receive a complimentary rental car, making it even easier to explore waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, and scenic drives across the island.