The Island of Hawaiʻi is a paradise for nature lovers. Known commonly as the “Big Island,” it is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago. As the largest island, it contains the largest variety of ecosystems and environments, including 8 of the world’s 13 climate zones! Nature lovers rejoice in the unique blend of coral reefs, volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and endemic plants and animals!
Here’s our guide to the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the Big Island, all accessible from our bed and breakfast near Kailua-Kona.
Geologic Marvels
The Hawaiian Islands were built by volcanoes, and with its active volcanos, the Big Island is still growing. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Volcanic eruptions are a spectacular, powerful, and unpredictable natural wonder to behold.
Even if no eruptions are active during your visit, there are still many unique geologic formations to enjoy. Nature lovers can choose from a variety of day hikes to explore lava tubes, cooled lava flows, cinder cones, pit craters, old growth forests, steam vents, and sulfur banks.
Chasing Waterfalls
The most accessible waterfall viewing on the island is Waiānuenue Falls (commonly known as Rainbow Falls). The falls are 80 ft tall, almost 100 ft in diameter, and require no hiking to enjoy. If you’re up for a short walk, ʻAkaka Falls plunges from 442 feet and is viewable after a short, self-guided loop to the overlook.
Looking for a more secluded waterfall experience? Join Hawaiʻi Forest and Trail for their Kohala Waterfall Adventure tour to visit private nature preserves and swim under cascading waterfalls.
Rainforests and Gardens
To see diverse rainforest habitats, the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden is a must visit. Located on the lusher, wetter, east side of the island, the garden is about a 15-minute drive north of Hilo town. The garden is maintained by a nonprofit educating people about the importance of preserving the Earth’s diverse ecosystems, particularly those found in tropical regions. The gardens boast more than 2,500 different species of plants and flowers from Hawaii and abroad, including some species that are extinct in the wild.
Paleaku Gardens is another stop with abundant natural beauty. These gardens are located a 30-minute drive south of our Big Island bed and breakfast, nestled within the heart of South Kona with expansive views overlooking Kealakekua Bay and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The seven-acre property includes an array of tropical plants and flowers interweaved among shines dedicated to different world religions promoting peace and unity. Explore the world’s first galaxy garden, visit the butterfly garden, or walk the labyrinth.
Endemic and Endangered Birds
Hawaiʻi Island is also home to an incredible variety of native and non-native birds. Some of the best birdwatching on the island can be found at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park, just a 20 minute drive from our bed and breakfast. The unique wetland habitat is home to seasonal migrants, but also year-round endangered endemic species like the Hawaiian stilt (Aeʻo) and Hawaiian Coot (ʻAlae keʻokeʻo). Keep your eyes peeled for the Hawaii state bird, the nēnē, an endemic Hawaiian goose.
For the chance to get a glimpse of some other rare and endemic birds, take a visit to Puʻu ʻŌʻō Trail. This trail meanders in and out forests containing ancient trees and native honeycreepers. These forests are ideal places to look for endangered Hawaiian birds like ʻakiapōlāʻau, ʻakepa, and ʻalawī.
Summits and Stars
The summit of Mauna Kea reaches nearly 14,000 feet, the tallest point in the Pacific. With Hawaiʻi’s minimal light pollution, the summit offers some of the best stargazing in the world. Visitors can go to the summit on their own (with the right vehicle) or join a tour with expert guides who share their knowledge of astronomy, history, and Hawaiian star navigation. Hawaiʻi Forest and Trail’s Summit and Stars tour includes a hot picnic-style dinner, hooded parkas to keep warm, and use of a Stellina digital telescope to view deep space objects.
Ocean Wonders
Coral reefs are beautiful habitats teeming with animals. In Hawaiʻi, even shallow-water snorkelers have the chance to see an abundance of life like colorful fish, eels, turtles, and octopus. Kahaluʻu Beach Park and Hōnaunau Bay (known commonly as “Two-Step”) offer easy access for every experience level (even if it’s your first time snorkeling!). Kahaluʻu beach is only 15 minutes from our bed and breakfast and snorkel gear is complimentary with every stay.
A Big Island specialty is the nighttime swim with wild manta rays, gentle giants with no stingers or teeth. This activity is open to scuba divers (with proper certification) and snorkelers and is the best opportunity to see large marine animals up close. Manta rays are known to glide gracefully over the heads of scuba divers or barrel-roll underneath snorkelers at the surface.
If your visit falls between December and March, it’s the perfect time to see Humpback whales. The whales visit Hawaiʻi every winter to mate and give birth. They wow visitors and residents alike with their powerful and graceful displays of acrobatics. Breaches and spouts are often visible from the shore, but to get a closer look at these incredible animals, you can join a whale watching boat tour.
With so much to explore, it’s easy to see why the Big Island is a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, or simply peaceful surroundings to relax, the Holualoa Inn is the perfect home base. With acres of gardens, fruit trees, and our private art and sculpture garden, nature is right outside your door. Book at stay at our Big Island bed and breakfast and immerse yourself in natural beauty.
