16 Adventurous Things To Do on the Big Island in 2023

Get your volcano fix on the Big Island Volcano Hiking Tour! This 8-mile loop trail covers all the must-see spots in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Follow your guide as you stroll through a field of steam vents and a lush native forest, then take a walk on the wild side with a trek through the Kilauea Iki Crater. Learn about the area’s captivating history and witness ancient lava flows up close. Whether you choose to hike with your crew or go private, this tour will be a highlight of your Hawaiian adventure!

Join the best volcano hiking expedition on the Big Island! The expert local guide will take you to the Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll journey on a three-mile hike into the impressive Kilauea Caldera. The guides are National Park Certified and will share their knowledge on volcanology, geology, and the incredible histories of these wonders. Get ready to witness stunning lava flows, craters, and jaw-dropping geological features, with their knowledgeable narration bringing everything to life throughout the day!

Saddle up and get ready to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park like never before with Bike Volcano! Picture coasting through jaw-dropping scenery, powered by a hybrid electric bike. You can pedal like a regular bike or kick on the electric motor for an extra boost. This tour is packed with must-see highlights, including miles of lava landscapes, steaming vents, and even the rare chance to witness new land being formed.

Strap in for the ride of a lifetime with Paradise Helicopters! This 30-minute tour takes you soaring over the stunning Kohala Valleys, the very same spot where King Kamehameha was born. With the doors off, you’ll feel the thrill of the wind in your hair and the freedom of the skies! As you fly above the 2500ft Kohala waterfalls and sheer cliffs, the knowledgeable guides will share fascinating facts and insights about the geography and history of this breathtaking location.

Paradise Helicopters is your VIP ticket to a 30-minute doors-off helicopter tour of this rugged terrain. You’ll hear expert commentary along the way, and have a front-row seat to the 2500ft Kohala waterfalls and sheer cliffs. What makes this tour one-of-a-kind? It’s the ONLY one on the Big Island that lets you learn about the geography, history and lush landscapes of Kohala, the very birthplace of King Kamehameha. Don’t miss out on a jaw-dropping adventure that you’ll never forget!

Get up close and personal with the graceful manta rays, an experience you’ll never forget! Glide through the turquoise waters and witness these magnificent creatures in action as they feed on plankton. They’ll do flips and turns as they dance in the beams of light. Join us on a cruise to Keauhou Bay, the spot with the highest concentration of manta rays in Hawaii, and spend 45 minutes in the water with them. This is one adventure you don’t want to miss!

Join a one-of-a-kind private tour that will take you deep into the lush rainforests of the Big Island. With adventure-filled activities like kayaking, paddling and rappelling down majestic waterfalls, there’s never been a better way to experience the Aloha State. Plus, you’ll have a local expert guide by your side who will provide meals, equipment, and even professionally edited photos of your day. Dive into the ultimate Big Island waterfall adventure today!

Cowboy up and soak in the experience of a lifetime with Umauma Falls horseback ride! The only one on Big Island where you can take a splash in a glistening waterfall pool. This private property ensures an unspoiled ride with the perfect horse and saddle, handpicked especially for your shape and skill. Don’t worry, all levels are welcome on this 2.5-hour tour, which includes a refreshing 45-min picnic break. Take a dip, rest and refresh like a Hawaiian paradise pro.

Hang on tight for an amazing journey through the rugged Hamakua Backcountry of Big Island with Umauma Falls Experience! Let loose on the twisting paths, picking up speed and kicking up dirt while taking in jaw-dropping views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean. And don’t worry about getting a little muddy – it’s all part of the thrill! Refresh and rejuvenate with a dip in a hidden Private Waterfall and indulge in some tasty snacks before hitting the trail again for more adventure!

Hang on tight for an amazing journey through the rugged Hamakua Backcountry of Big Island with Umauma Falls Experience! Let loose on the twisting paths, picking up speed and kicking up dirt while taking in jaw-dropping views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean. And don’t worry about getting a little muddy – it’s all part of the thrill! Refresh and rejuvenate with a dip in a hidden Private Waterfall and indulge in some tasty snacks before hitting the trail again for more adventure!

Hawaii Zipline Tours is the ultimate thrill-seeker’s paradise. You’ll soar over seven different ziplines, including one that takes you over a jaw-dropping 450-foot ravine with a stunning 250-foot waterfall. And the views on the way? Unbeatable. You’ll be flying high over lush valleys and cascading waterfalls on the Hamakua coast. So buckle up, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!

This epic course boasts five elevated suspension bridges and eight thrilling ziplines that will take you up to a staggering 140 feet above the lush forest floor. The knowledgeable guides will regale you with fascinating stories of the area, and keep things intimate with a limit of just five guests per guide. Choose between a wild 3-hour Canopy Adventure or our full day Zip & Dip, which includes lunch, a refreshing waterfall swim, and a short hike.

Hike through 300 acres of private rainforests and farm land to discover hidden gems and exclusive views. Along the way, you’ll encounter not one, not two, but three or four private waterfalls, including the magnificent 250-ft Kolekole Falls and Kawainui Falls. And the best part? You can take a refreshing dip in the water and swim under these stunning cascades! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience. 

North Kohala is the Big Island’s best-kept secret for an adrenaline-pumping adventure! Explore seven captivating waterfalls on an off-road drive and thrilling trail walk. Take a refreshing dip in the last pool, and recharge with a picnic lunch while gazing at the stunning Pololu Valley and breathtaking sea cliffs. Make a quick stop at charming Hawi town on your way back. This eco-adventure tour is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Hawaiian getaway. 

Turn off the beaten path and discover the wild side of Big Island! Explore surreal landscapes, hidden caves, native forests, and lava tubes on an exciting 4-mile expedition. With exclusive access to private land and the upper slopes of Hualalai Volcano, you’ll see the island from a whole new perspective. This easy hiking tour is your chance to stand on the edge of precipitous craters and witness the incredible natural forces that formed the Big Island. It’s time to experience the volcanic history of this amazing place in a completely unique way!

Hop into a stable solo or tandem kayak and follow your experienced guide as you explore the breathtaking sea cliffs and visit incredible sea caves. Snorkel and swim in a protected area where a variety of marine life call home, including Green Sea Turtles and Spinner Dolphins! Fuel up on light snacks and cold drinks at the cove before exploring sparkling tide pools or even taking a plunge off 12-25 foot cliffs into the refreshing waters below.