Hawai'i Island Experiences
Exploring the Mysteries of Black Sand Beaches
Black sand beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii captivate visitors with their striking beauty and fascinating origins. Formed by lava rapidly cooling and shattering upon contact with the ocean, these beaches offer a glimpse into the island’s dynamic volcanic activity. Beyond their geological appeal, black sand beaches hold cultural significance for native Hawaiians, who consider them sacred sites rich with myths and legends. Popular beaches like Punalu'u, known for its sea turtles, and Pololū Valley Beach, accessible via a scenic trail, provide both relaxation and adventure for travelers.
For a luxurious experience, visitors can stay at nearby high-end resorts such as Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa, Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort, and The Villages at Mauna Lani, all offering top-tier amenities and proximity to black sand beaches. These accommodations, combined with the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, make a trip to the Big Island a truly memorable getaway. Whether exploring hidden gems like 49 Black Sand Beach or learning about local traditions, travelers are sure to leave with unforgettable memories.
Rare Green Sand Beaches in Hawai'i
Green Sand Beach, or Papakōlea Beach, is a rare natural wonder on the Big Island, known for its unique green sand created by volcanic olivine crystals. Located near South Point, it offers breathtaking scenery and holds cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. Reaching the beach requires a 2.5-mile hike or 4WD access, making the journey an adventure in itself.
Visitors should bring essentials like water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes, while practicing responsible tourism to preserve the beach’s beauty. For a luxurious stay nearby, Polu Hawaii Vacations offers well-equipped villas, providing the perfect base for exploring this unforgettable destination.
Exploring the Island of Hawai'i:
Top 10 Must-Do Activities
The Island of Hawai'i, also referred to as The Big Island, offers a diverse array of activities for every type of traveler. From the lush rainforests to the stark beauty of volcanic landscapes, here are ten must-do activities that capture the essence of this magnificent island.
- Visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
- Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
- Sample Kona Coffee
- Explore Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
- Discover Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
- Relax at Hapuna Beach
- Snorkel Kealakekua Bay
- Admire 'Akaka Falls
- Visit Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
- Drive the Hamakua Coast
Mauna Kea Stargazing
"An unforgettable stargazing experience"
Visit the world famous Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii. This observatory is located on the summit of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that rises 13,796 feet (4,205 meters) above sea level. Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world for astronomy, because of its high elevation, dry and clear air, and minimal light pollution.
The observatory hosts some of the most advanced telescopes in the world, such as the Keck, Gemini, Subaru, and James Clerk Maxwell telescopes. These telescopes can observe the universe in different wavelengths, from visible light to infrared and submillimeter radiation. They can reveal stunning details of planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other cosmic phenomena.
Visit the Volcano
Witness the power and beauty of mother nature. Volcano National Park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which have been shaping the island for millions of years. You can explore the park's diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren lava fields, and learn about the rich Hawaiian culture and history that are intertwined with the volcanoes.
Attractions you can enjoy at Volcano National Park:
- Volcano
- Lava tubes
- Steam vents
- Visitors Center
- Hiking trails
- Kahuku Unit
Big Island Whale Season
Whale watching is one of the most popular and amazing activities in Hawaii, especially on the Big Island, where you can see many different species of whales in their natural habitat. The best time to see whales on the Big Island is between November and April, when thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm and rich waters of Hawaii. The peak months are January and February, when you can witness the most spectacular whale behaviors, such as breaching, tail slapping, and singing.
Whale watching on the Big Island can be done from the shore or by boat. If you choose to watch whales from the shore, you will need a good pair of binoculars and some patience, as the whales are usually far from the coast. The best places to see whales from the shore are along the Kohala Coast, where there is a deep sea trench that attracts many whales. You can also see whales from some beaches and resorts on the western side of the island.
Waikoloa Beach Resort Activities
Learn why the Waikoloa Beach Resort is one of the most popular destinations on the island, offering a variety of accommodations, activities, dining, shopping, and entertainment options for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can do while staying at the Waikoloa beach resort.
- Stay in luxury
- Play golf
- Enjoy the beach
- Dine and shop
- Explore more
Local Shopping
Booking a stay at Waikoloa Beach or Mauna Lani Resort puts you right in the heart of some of the finest shopping on the Big Island.
Stay & Play
Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf offers a premier 27-hole experience on Hawaiʻi's Big Island, featuring the Beach, Lakes, and Kings' nine-hole courses. Golfers can customize their play amid stunning views of mountains, lava fields, and the Pacific Ocean.
More Nearby Courses
- Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf - Discounts Available*
- Mauna Lani Resort Golf
- Hapuna Golf Course
- Mauna Kea Golf Course
Nearby Attractions
- Queens' Marketplace 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738, United States
- 'Anaeho'omalu Bay 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738, United States
- Mauna Kea Observatories Mauna Kea Access Road, Hilo, Hawaii 96743, United States
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Crater Rim Drive, Pahoa, Hawaii 96718, United States
- Downtown Hilo Hilo, Hawaii, United States
- Downtown Kona Kailua Kona, Hawaii, United States
- Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf 69-600 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii 96738, United States
- Mauna Lani Golf 68-1050 Makaiwa Place, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Do your resort properties have pools on-site?
Yes, all resort properties have pools on-site.
Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
Ocean front lagoon style pool
Childrens shallow pool
Whirlpool
Kolea by the Sea
Ocean view infinity pool
Childrens sand bottom shallow pool
Whirlpool
The Villages at Mauna Lani
Lush garden pool
Whirlpool
Do Waikoloa Beach Resort quests have access to golf?
Yes, all guests staying at a Waikoloa Beach Resort property have discounted access to the Waikoloa Beach Resort golf course.
How far are your properties from the beach?
View Adventure MapAll properties have unique benefits depending on the desires of our guests.
Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
5 minute drive to 'Anaeho'omalu Bay
15 minute walk to 49 Black Sand Beach
Kolea by the Sea
Walkout access to 'Anaeho'omalu Bay
The Villages at Mauna Lani
Members only acces to the Mauna Lani Beach Club
View our adventure map to explore nearby beaches and snorkelling spots.
Are there fitness centers on-site?
Each resort property features fitness facilities. Our favorite is Hali’i Kai's ocean front gym with upgraded equipment.
Is there lots do to on the Kohala Coast?
There are countless adventures to be had along the Kohala Coast including famous golf courses, white or black sand beaches, helicopter tours, extraordinary dining, live entertainment, and more!
Take a road trip over Saddle Road and see the 'wet' side of the island with lush rainforest landscapes, waterfalls, mac nut farms, and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Can you help me find things to do?
We love helping guests make the most of their trip to the Island of Hawai’i. Our 100% local team is available to reccomend sea, land, or air adventures.
The 'Big' Island of Hawai'i
There's too much to see in just one trip.
The Island of Hawaiʻi offers an abundance of experiences that make it challenging to fit everything into a single visit. From exploring the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to snorkeling with manta rays in Kona's clear waters, the island's diverse attractions cater to a wide range of interests.
Beyond its natural wonders, the Big Island boasts rich cultural sites like Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and vibrant local markets in Hilo. With such a vast array of activities and destinations, visitors often find themselves planning return trips to fully immerse in all that the island has to offer.
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Kamuela, Hawaii, 96743
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