5 Things to Do on the Big Island

The island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is the largest and most volcanically active of all the Hawaiian Islands. The island continues to grow every day because of the Kilauea volcano. With 10 of the world's 13 climate zones, visitors can hike waterfalls in the tropical rainforests, walk over lava rocks, endure freezing temperatures on the summits of Mauna Kea Volcano and Mauna Loa Volcano and everything in between, all in the same day. But as a beautiful destination that attracts visitors back time and time again, what are some must-do activities apart from the typical tourist attractions? Here our list of five things you should do on Big Island that would be exciting, even to repeat travelers!

Hop in a helicopter for the best view of the island and experience first-hand 10 of the 13 climates the Big Island has to offer. Take off from Kona Airport, fly over the coffee district, stop by the Kilauea crater, fly through the saddle area between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, get within feet of the waterfalls, head towards Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, pass rainy Hilo's rainforests and head into the Waipio and Waimanu valleys.

As an intermission, enjoy a breather with a mini picnic or coffee break. Paradise Helicopters is the only company given permission to take their guests to special landing spot with a beautiful scenic overlook, only accessible by hours of hiking.

For an authentically Hawaiian experience, sign up for a traditional Hawaiian canoe ride to learn more about the canoe's importance to Hawaiian culture. Watch the sunset in the only place on the island where you can see all four mountains: Kohala, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai. Guides at the Fairmont Orchid are fifth-generation native Hawaiians that know the area like no other. The tour, full of Hawaiian history and culture, begins with a traditional Hawaiian chant/oli, asking permission to enter the ocean and ask for blessings.

Brown's Beach House is a fine dining experience that shouldn't be missed. Located just steps from the ocean shore, the restaurant is one of the dreamiest locations on the Kohala Coast. The open-air seating has candle-lit tables, accompanied by live music performed by local musicians every night. Brown's Beach House earned the Hale Aina Award for Top Big Island Restaurant and the AAA Four Diamond, among other awards under its belt. The restaurant features an ever-changing seasonal menu with an emphasis on regional ingredients using locally grown, sustainable agriculture and seafood.

Rosa Motta is an artist when it comes it flowers and lei making. Born and raised on Hawaii Island, she grew up in the forest, surrounded by plants, with a mother who was a florist. Motta started learning how to make leis at five and currently runs Kui Lei Aloha.

All of the materials used in Motta's leis are locally sourced, natural, compostable and plastic free. Book a workshop with Motta and learn to make a traditional lei or haku le. If you'd like to follow Hawaiian tradition, make a lei and then gift it or return it back to nature in the end. Motta likes to say, "Making a lei is one of the most genuine gifts you can give someone. It moves us away from the space of material giving."

To book a workshop or buy a lei from Rosa, you can contact her through her Instagram here.

For those that enjoy golf, the Big Island is considered one of the must-play destinations of the world. The Francis H. I'i Brown Course is an award-winning championship golf course with 36 holes carved from the prehistoric Kaniku lava flow. The Francis H. L'i Brown Course is consistently ranked among the best courses in North America. Aside from a challenging course, golfers are awarded beautiful views of the island.