Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
HI 96726, USAHI 96743, USA
HI 96726, USAHI 96743, USA
Embark on an epic road trip around the Big Island of Hawai'i, a land of incredible contrasts and raw beauty. Circle the island from the sunny Kona coast to the dramatic, volcanic landscapes of the south, then journey through lush rainforests and past towering waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast.
Explore this sacred Royal Grounds, once a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers. Walk through the grounds to see restored temples (heiau), fierce kii (wooden statues), and learn about kapu (sacred laws) in a beautiful oceanside setting.
Witness the stunning contrast of jet-black sand against the turquoise Pacific. This iconic beach is famous not only for its unique sand, created by lava flowing into the ocean, but also as a favorite resting spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu).
Stay at the historic Volcano House, perched on the rim of Kīlauea caldera inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The lodge offers breathtaking views of the crater and a rustic, cozy atmosphere perfect for exploring the park.
Hike an unforgettable 4-mile loop that descends through lush rainforest onto the floor of a solidified lava lake. This popular trail offers a surreal landscape of steam vents and pioneering plant life, providing an up-close look at volcanic creation.
Walk through a massive, 500-year-old cave formed by a river of molten lava. The journey begins in a tropical fern forest before leading you into the cavernous, dimly lit tube, offering a unique geological experience.
Photo by Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
Drive this dramatic 19-mile road from the summit of Kīlauea down to the coast, descending 3,700 feet. The route passes vast lava fields, pit craters, and offers stunning coastal vistas, ending at the impressive Hōlei Sea Arch.
Photo by Girish George
Dine with a spectacular view overlooking the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The menu focuses on Hawaiian-sourced ingredients, offering a memorable dining experience after a day of exploring the national park.
Take a short, paved loop trail through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids and bamboo groves to witness two stunning waterfalls. The highlight is the majestic ʻAkaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge.
Wander through a living museum of tropical plants in a stunningly beautiful valley. Paved trails meander past waterfalls, streams, and coastal lookouts, showcasing over 2,000 species of plants from around the world.
Photo by Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden
Visit a working mushroom farm for a unique look at local agriculture. Take a tour to see how they cultivate a variety of exotic mushrooms and then browse their farm store for fresh produce and mushroom-based products.
Photo by Vivek Sinha
Stay in a charming, historic hotel in the heart of Honoka'a, a former sugar plantation town. This budget-friendly option offers a glimpse into old Hawai'i with simple rooms and a friendly, local atmosphere.
Photo by Virginia Baker
Gaze into the sacred "Valley of the Kings," one of the most breathtaking and culturally significant places on the Big Island. From this overlook, you'll see steep, verdant cliffs plunging to a black sand beach and taro fields below.
Photo by GetUsThereAlready
Stop at this Big Island institution for a freshly made, hot malasada. These fluffy, sugar-coated Portuguese donuts can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of tropical fruit fillings like guava, mango, or passionfruit.
Photo by Yvonne Gallo
Visit the massive stone temple built by King Kamehameha I, a pivotal site in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. The visitor center provides excellent context for this impressive engineering and historical feat, with views down to the heiau.
Photo by Capt. Norm
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
