5 Things To See and Do in Hawaii (Big Island)

Take me back, take me back, take me back. It has only been one day since I departed from the big island of Hawaii, but I am already getting excited for the day that I am able to return. Right now, it is honestly the only place where I want to be.

One week ago, I was listening to recommendations for things that others told me what I should see and do while I was in Hawaii. Now, it is my turn. After taking the trip and experiencing only a fraction of what Hawaii has to offer, this is what I recommend. Here are 5 things to see and do in Hawaii.

1. Snorkeling

I never thought that I would admit it, but snorkeling was probably my favorite part of the vacation. There was something indescribable about snorkeling in a tropical location.

During our vacation in Hawaii, we stayed at the Fairmont Orchid Grounds. The hotel offered free snorkeling equipment for all hotel guests so that they don’t have to buy equipment, but can still enjoy the experience.

Even though we went right along the shore of the resort, we were still able to see a ton of fish. From Mahi-mahi, giant sea turtles, to iheihe. I could have sworn that I even spotted Dory from Finding Nemo. It was simply spectacular under the water, and it left me wanting to do it again and again.

2. Waipio Valley

We didn’t end up making the drive to the Waipio Valley until the final day of our stay in Hawaii, but I am glad that we did this as well. The drive to Waipio Valley took us nearly two hours from our hotel in Kona, but let me be the first to say that it was well worth the drive.

It was one of those places that simply took my breath away. I couldn’t help but to just sit and stared at the waterfalls, and no matter how long I stared, I simply couldn’t get enough of the views.

I remember thinking to myself, “How is this place even real?” It was just a place that brings you back to the present moment, and really makes you appreciate how beautiful this world really is.

3. Mauna Kea Observatories

If you are on the big island, you can’t miss it. Just look inwards, and look for the mountain with the white towers on top of it. That is the Mauna Kea Observatory, and those white towers, those are telescopes.

The Mauna Kea Observatories are a series of astronomical research facilities. They offer night time star gazing, and incredible views of the island from every direction. And if you aren’t up for making the trip to the summit, the visitor center still offers amazing views.

4. Poke & Sushi

Alright, let’s switch it up a little bit and focus on the food part of the trip, because let’s face it, we all love food. Well, in being from Minnesota, I rarely get quality seafood. So when I go on vacation to tropical destinations, I like to consume as much seafood as possible.

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This trip was all about sushi and poke, aka a lot of raw fish. I am a person who loves their sushi, but I had never had poke before this trip. Now, not only is sushi one of my favorite foods, but poke now is as well.

If you like sushi more than poke, I would recommend Sushi Shiono in Kailua-Kona. It was fresh, tasted amazing, and it was very reasonably priced. If you are a person who wants to get a good bowl of poke, Umeke’s Restaurant is the place for you. I freaking loved it, but in case you don’t want to just take my word for it, there are over a thousand yelp reviews that give it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Yes, it was actually that good, and again, it was very reasonably priced.

5. Soak Up The Sun

Odds are if you are going to Hawaii, you are probably on vacation. If you are on vacation, why not do what you are there to do and relax on the beach. One of the best things that you can do, is to just sit back and soak up the sun.

If you are inland, take a trip to the shore, lay a towel out, and soak up the beautiful Hawaiian sun. Whatever you do, just make sure to put on sunscreen. After six hours of sitting in the direct sunlight, I am now paying the consequences by looking like a tomato that is about ready to crawl out of its skin. Too much information? Maybe, but trust me, you will thank me later.

There you go – The 5 things to see and do in Hawaii. Of course there are many more things to do, but these are just a few of the things that I found to be the most enjoyable and time-worthy things to see and do in Hawaii.

Michael Bonnell

12/16/2018

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