Best Free Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii

Enhance a Great Luxury Vacation in Hawaii with Off-Resort Trips

Jan 19, 2009

A luxury vacation in Hawaii is wonderful, but spending the whole trip on the resort isn't necessary. Enhance that vacation by seeing the best free sights and activities.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many wonderful, free activities. A luxury vacation with a stay at one of the best upscale resort hotels on the Big Island is pampering and relaxing, but to really know the island, it's a great idea to leave the resort grounds and create vacation experiences that will last longer than that last poolside mai tai. Here are Luxury Travel's top recommendations for the best free activities on Hawaii's Big Island.

Best Free Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii

Ka Lae - This is off the beaten track, for sure. The Polynesians first landed here when they came across the Big Island all those centuries ago, so it's of historical and cultural interest. It's on the somewhat lonely and windswept southernmost part of the Big Island: This makes it easy to imagine what life was like back then, as the settlers started carving out their lives on Hawaii. Ka Lae is a National Historical Landmark.

Mauna Kea - This dormant volcano is known worldwide for both its striking elevation (over 13,000 feet above sea level) and snow on an otherwise tropical island. Mauna Kea mean,s "white mountain" because of this snow; some travelers like to ski there in the morning, and then go surfing off Kona or the Kohala coast a few hours later (skiing is not free, however). The summit has an observatory, above much of the Earth's water vapor and atmosphere. This makes is a prime spot for clear views of the universe.

Puako Petroglyph Field - There are several well-preserved petroglyph fields in Hawaii, and this is one of Luxury Travel's favorites. Just off Highway 19 and a short walk from the Fairmont Orchid resort, the Puako Petroglyph is remarkably well preserved. A short hike through the scrubby forest helps a traveler feel some distance removed from the luxury resort setting of the Orchid.

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company - Hey, it's Hawaii, why not indulge? Free samples of macadamia nuts, right from the source, along with a factory tour make this a great free activity on the Big Island.

Mokupapapa Discovery Center - There's a big (for Hawaii) aquarium here, with both scientific and historical interpretations of the marine animals native to the area. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' fish and other sea life are featured; this area is one of the least polluted, most remote areas on Earth. The Hilo Farmers market is nearby as well - although it's great to support local farmers, their produce is not free!

Akaka Falls State Park - This is a top spot for visitors to the Big Island, with easy hikes and beautiful vistas. On Hilo side, but north of Honomu, it's far from any vog (volcanic fog) that occasionally can cloud the air of the island south of Hilo. Two waterfalls reward hikers at the end of the trails.

The Waikoloa Petroglyph Field - Apparently, Luxury Travel loves these ancient monuments to Hawaiian life. The Waikoloa Petroglyph Field is right along Waikoloa Beach Drive, a popular road with high-end resort hotels at its terminus. Take a break from spa treatments and lazing by the ocean, and walk to these petroglyphs. It's truly amazing to see how the resort area was developed around these centuries-old carvings, with only a little disturbance. The historical and cultural significance of these petroglyphs, out there in the sun for anyone to see, impresses and enhances a luxury Hawaii vacation.

Kohala Historical Sites State Monument - Also a free activity, this monument is right in Kohala, where the best luxury resorts line the beach. There are two historic monuments here: One is the birthplace of King Kamehameha, who united the Hawaiian islands in the 1700's. The other site of cultural significance is Mo'okini Heiau. THis National Historic Monument marks the site of the most famous, well preserved sacrificial temple in Hawaii.

These are just a few of the best free activities of Hawaii's Big Island. A luxury vacation on the Big Island would be enhanced by any one of these; the sights, sounds, and cultural activities make for a more well-rounded trip.

The copyright of the article Best Free Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii in Luxury Travel is owned by Jennifer W. Miner. Permission to republish Best Free Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.