Thingstodo in Big Island

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• Mokupapapa Discovery Center

  Hilo, Big Island

  In order to educate the public about the remote portion of the Hawaiian Islands known as the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the Mokuppapa Discovery Center was founded in 1983, and based in Hilo, Hawaii. The mission of the center is to "bring the place to the people" with interactive exhibits, a 3,500 salt-water aquarium, and a small theater this free attraction is a great stop on any Hilo explorations.At a Glance:Hi

• Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours

  Waikoloa, Big Island

  Imagine a limousine in the sky with an expert chauffeur bringing you the finest views possible of the paradise you have traveled all this way to see. Truly a "bucket list" life-affirming opportunity, everything about a helicopter flight above Big Island makes this activity spectacular. The best way to see Hawaii's largest and most diverse island, from the world's most active volcano to the lush green valleys and towering remote waterfalls deep in the mountains, this experience

• The South Kona Green Market

  Captain Cook, Big Island

  Each region of the island has a market during the week to allow the farmers of Big Island to share their labors directly with the residents and visitors alike. South Kona's Green Market is a great west Hawaii source for a great variety of locally grown fresh-harvested produce, flowers, and even local breads and crafts. Stock up your rentals' kitchen abundantly with the best fresh local produce available, try some fresh Kona coffee, and enjoy free local music performances.

• Tour the Hives at the Big Island Bees Company

  Captain Cook, Big Island

  Meeting honeybees safely and up close is an extraordinary experience for just about anyone, but now on the Big Island of Hawaii you can have a free tour of the world of bees while on your vacation. The Big Island Bees Company is a family owned business that has been producing honey since 1971 and are renowned for their quality raw single-floral organic honeys. The tour experience just began in 2014, and is a one of a kind in the islands. Reservations are required for the tour, but the B

• Night diving with Manta Rays

  Kona, Big Island

  This activity brings light to the nighttime ocean illuminating a world few ever see. As you float on the waters surface as a group, the undersea world yields mantas out of the shadows on the hunt for plankton gathered in the light shining down beneath your floodlight float. Filter feeders, the mantas harmlessly sweep in circles ever so close bringing a close encounter of a lifetime with these gentle ocean creatures.Highlights:

• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

  Volcano, Big Island

  The rare opportunity to witness and explore the volcanic evolution of the Hawaiian Islands awaits the visitor willing to make the trek to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Within the park you will find the world's longest active and continuing eruption that began back in 1983 and continues daily at the remote Pu'u O'o vent. A more recently eruption featuring a gas and smoke plume that began in 2008 is visible at the Halema'uma'u Crater, which is closer to the parks center.

• Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden

  Hilo, Big Island

  When people imagine Hawaii, this is what they picture, says the master gardener giving me a ride to the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden. Looking around as we descend toward the oceanfront through a tapestry of lush flowering foliage, it does seem like a plant lover's dream. The 40-acre oceanfront Garden is host to 2000 diverse plant species from all over the world. A living library of flowering tropical plants, trees and ferns that is easily accessible even to thos

• Hilo Farmer's Market

  Hilo, Big Island

  One of the supreme bonuses of the abundance of agricultural lands on Hawaii Island is the variety of locally grown fresh-harvested produce, flowers, and other natural products such as honey. The eastern region of the island has a large market twice a week to allow the farmers of Big Island to share their labors directly with the residents and visitors alike. An hour spent visiting the Hilo Farmer's Market can help you stock up your rentals' kitchen abundantly while being guara

• Thomas A Jaggar Museum

  Volcano, Big Island

  It is rare to have the opportunity to see volcanic science live and in person, however at the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum this rarified access to the volcano observatory and the tools of volcanic science mix with the live action eruptive display of the nearby Halema'uma'u Crater. Whether you are a budding volcanologist or just a curious traveler you can get a quick education into the special world of Hawaii's volcanoes, making for a greater understanding of the natural force that built thes

• Mountain Thunder Coffee Company

  Kona, Big Island

  The coffee from Kona Hawaii has made a name for itself internationally based on its rich flavor and high concentration of caffeine in the bean. Amongst producers of Kona coffee a unique local brand stands above the rest literally. At 3,200 feet of altitude the cloud forest coffee tour with Mountain Thunder takes you well above the coastal heat and into a cooler coffee filled climate.Highlights:Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.&l

• Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Heritage Park

  Kona, Big Island

  Pu'uhonua o Honaunau is a Hawaiian heritage site of great significance, and has been preserved as a National Park since 1961. Interpretive exhibits and live cultural demonstrations, as well as replica huts, and a rebuilt Hawaiian temple make a visit to this park a step back in time to Hawaii's original culture.Highlights: Ocean views are the backdrop for white sands, stark black lava rocks, and replica Hawaiian