Things to Do on the Hāmākua Coast (Big Island)
From Hamakua Sunrise Estate on Hawai‘i’s Hāmākua Coast—just a short drive from Hilo—you’re perfectly placed for the Big Island’s most loved experiences. Explore Akaka Falls State Park, the Pepeʻekeo Scenic Drive, Waipiʻo Valley Overlook, and the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden. Spend slow days wandering Honokaʻa town and Hilo’s farmers markets, touring coffee farms, or stargazing after sunset.
Plan easy day trips from Hilo to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, scenic coastal lookouts, lush gardens, and waterfalls—ideal for nature lovers, photographers, families, and retreat groups seeking authentic Big Island adventures.
Looking for a peaceful place to connect with Hawaii’s natural beauty? Laupahoehoe Point is one of the Big Island’s best-kept secrets—a must-see for travelers who love coastal views, quiet moments, and rich local history. This stunning oceanfront park is just a short drive from Hilo along the scenic Hamakua Coast. As you wind down the tree-lined road to the shoreline, you’ll feel like you’re entering another world—where jagged lava rocks meet crashing waves and towering palm trees sway in the salty breeze. Laupahoehoe is more than just a photo spot. It’s a sacred place, home to a small memorial honoring those lost in the 1946 tsunami. Many visitors come here for the peaceful energy, perfect for a picnic, watching the waves, or just grounding yourself in the beauty of the Big Island.
If there’s one waterfall you absolutely can’t miss on the Big Island, it’s Akaka Falls. Just a short, scenic drive from Hilo and tucked into a lush rainforest near the town of Honomu, this iconic 442-foot cascade is the kind of place that makes you stop, breathe deep, and say “wow.” The paved trail through Akaka Falls State Park is an easy loop—about half a mile—and it winds you past bamboo groves, tropical flowers, and the smaller Kahuna Falls before the grand reveal. When you catch that first glimpse of Akaka Falls plunging into the gorge below, surrounded by emerald cliffs, it’s pure magic.
Kalōpā State Park: A Peaceful Forest Retreat on the Big Island Craving cool mountain air and a quiet walk through ancient Hawaiian forest? Kalōpā State Park is a hidden treasure along the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast—just a short drive mauka (uphill) from Honokaʻa town. At 2,000 feet elevation, this peaceful park feels like a completely different world from the beach—misty, lush, and deeply grounding. This is where you’ll find towering ‘ōhi‘a trees, vibrant ferns, and native birdsong echoing through the forest canopy. The trails are gentle and shaded, perfect for a morning nature walk or a mindful break from the sun and sea.
ʻUmauma Zipline: The Most Thrilling Zipline on the Big Island Ready to see the Big Island from the sky? The ʻUmauma Falls Zipline Experience is one of Hawaii’s most epic adventures—and a guest favorite for good reason. Located just north of Hilo along the lush Hamakua Coast, this guided tour lets you fly over waterfalls, rivers, and tropical rainforest on some of the longest ziplines in Hawaii. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a thrill-seeker at heart, this is a fun, family-friendly way to experience the island’s raw beauty in a whole new way. With stunning views of ʻUmauma Falls, ocean vistas, and dramatic jungle terrain, it’s as breathtaking as it is exhilarating.
Papaʻaloa Country Store & Cafe: Local Flavor on the Hamakua Coast If you're exploring the Hamakua Coast and craving something real—think fresh coffee, homemade food, and genuine local vibes—Papaʻaloa Country Store & Cafe is the perfect pit stop. Just off the main road in the quiet village of Papaʻaloa, this hidden gem feels like stepping into a slower, sweeter version of Hawaii. The store offers everything from island-made snacks and basic groceries to Big Island-grown produce. But the real draw? The cozy café, where you can grab a fresh sandwich, smoothie, or hot cup of locally roasted coffee. There's often live music, a covered lanai for relaxing, and a strong sense of community that makes everyone feel like ohana.
Hilo Farmers Market: A Big Island Must-Visit for Fresh Food & Local Finds If you want to taste, smell, and shop your way through the real Hawaii, don’t miss the Hilo Farmers Market. It’s one of the most famous and beloved open-air markets in the islands—bursting with color, culture, and Big Island aloha. Open daily in downtown Hilo (with the biggest market days on Wednesday and Saturday), this is where local farmers, artists, and food makers come together to share the best of the island. You’ll find everything from juicy tropical fruits and exotic flowers to handmade crafts, fresh poke, Kona coffee, baked goods, and more.
Turtles at Hilo Bay: Peaceful Moments with Honu There’s something quietly magical about spotting a sea turtle in the wild—and in Hilo Bay, you just might be lucky enough to meet one. The calm, sheltered waters around Coconut Island, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Reeds Bay are frequent hangouts for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), especially in the early morning or late afternoon. You’ll often see them floating near the shore, gliding through the water, or resting on sun-warmed rocks. These gentle creatures are a sacred part of Hawaiian culture and protected by law, so please admire them from a respectful distance. Seeing one up close—calm, ancient, and at home in the ocean—is a memory you’ll carry long after your trip ends.
Carl Smith Beach Park: Calm Waters & Sea Turtles Near Hilo Looking for a peaceful beach day near Hilo with gentle water and a good chance of seeing sea turtles? Carl Smith Beach Park—known locally as “Four Mile”—is one of the best-kept secrets on the east side of the Big Island. With its calm lagoons, shaded grassy areas, and family-friendly vibe, it’s a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike. The protected swimming areas are perfect for kids, snorkeling, or just floating in warm, clear water. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) often cruise through the shallows here—sometimes even napping on the lava rocks. Please admire them from a respectful distance—they’re protected and sacred to Hawaiian culture.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: Walk on Sacred, Living Earth Few places on earth are as powerful—or as humbling—as Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Located just 45 minutes from Hilo, this vast, ever-changing landscape is home to two of the world’s most famous volcanoes: Mauna Loa, the largest on the planet, and Kīlauea, one of the most active. Here, you’re not just visiting a park—you’re stepping into a living, breathing part of the earth’s story. From steaming craters and ancient lava tubes to lush rainforest trails and surreal lava fields, this is where the Big Island shows off its raw, elemental heart. You can drive the scenic Crater Rim, hike through volcanic terrain, or visit after dark to see the glowing crater (if there’s an active eruption).
Hilo Downtown — walkable, historic, and oceanfront: Explore Hilo Downtown on the Big Island: a walkable bayfront district with local shops, cafes, and art galleries set beside Hilo Bay. Start at the Hilo Farmers Market for fresh produce and crafts, wander Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Banyan Drive, then visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum or Lyman Museum for island history. It’s an easy day trip from the Hāmākua Coast and perfect for families, photographers, and food lovers seeking authentic Hilo restaurants, coffee, and culture. A calm, rain-cooled town that pairs beautifully with your Big Island vacation.
Honoliʻi Beach Park: Hilo’s Surf Spot with Heart Just five minutes from downtown Hilo, Honoliʻi Beach Park is a local favorite—where surfers ride glassy waves, families picnic on the grassy banks, and ocean lovers come to feel alive. It’s not your typical white sand beach—instead, you’ll find smooth black pebbles, rolling surf, and a laid-back energy that captures the spirit of East Hawaii. Whether you're catching waves, watching the pros from the cliffs above, or dipping your toes in the stream-fed tide pools, Honoliʻi is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. It's especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun plays off the water and the breeze feels just right.
Rainbow Falls: A Magical Waterfall in the Heart of Hilo If you're looking for a quick, breathtaking stop near downtown Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a must-see. This iconic 80-foot waterfall—known in Hawaiian as Waiānuenue—cascades over a lava cave and into a lush, jungle-filled gorge. Come in the morning when the sunlight hits just right, and you’ll often spot a rainbow dancing in the mist. It’s a little bit magical, and a whole lot beautiful. Located in Wailuku River State Park, the falls are just a few minutes’ drive from town with easy, free parking and no hiking required. Walk a short paved path to the main lookout or wander a bit uphill for a peek at the river and the massive banyan trees that feel like something out of a dream.
Deep in the heart of Waipiʻo Valley, hidden beyond taro fields and ancient trails, you’ll find Hiʻilawe Falls—one of the tallest and most majestic waterfalls in all of Hawaii. Plunging nearly 1,450 feet from the cliffs above, this waterfall is rarely accessible up close but often visible as a silvery ribbon from the valley overlook or the beach below. This sacred site is wrapped in Hawaiian legend and natural beauty. It’s a place of awe and quiet reverence—where the cliffs speak, the mist swirls, and the spirit of the land feels especially strong. Because Waipiʻo Valley is currently restricted to non-resident vehicle and foot traffic, views of Hiʻilawe Falls are best admired from afar, unless you are part of a local tour with permission to access private lands. Even from a distance, its presence is unforgettable.
Tucked into the northern edge of the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast, Waipiʻo Valley is one of the island’s most awe-inspiring sights—dramatic, spiritual, and deeply sacred. Known as the "Valley of the Kings," this lush, steep-sided canyon was once home to Hawaiian royalty and is still revered as a place of powerful mana (spiritual energy). From the scenic overlook at the end of Highway 240, you’ll see towering cliffs, black sand beach, taro fields, and waterfalls spilling into the valley below. It’s a moment that stops you in your tracks—especially at sunrise or sunset when the light dances across the sea mist. Due to safety and respect for local landowners and cultural protocols, vehicle and foot access into the valley is restricted. But the view alone from the lookout is absolutely worth it, and you can still connect to the valley’s beauty, history, and spirit from above.
ʻUmauma ATV Adventures: Off-Road Thrills on the Big Island Want to get a little muddy and a whole lot excited? ʻUmauma ATV & Off-Road Adventures offers one of the most fun ways to explore the Big Island’s wild terrain—perfect for couples, families, and adventure seekers ready to ride off the beaten path. Located on the stunning Hamakua Coast just north of Hilo, this guided experience takes you through private trails with sweeping ocean views, rugged pastureland, and lush rainforest. You’ll cross rivers, splash through muddy trails, and even stop at a hidden waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip.