Lapakahi State Historical Park
In North Kohala on the coast
A preserved Hawaiian village offering self-guided walking tours to learn about history and archeology.

Akaka Falls
Above Honomu, 13 miles north of Hilo
Two very large waterfalls, seen from across a gorge. One of the most-visited spots on the Big Island.

Ahuena Heiau
Fronting King Kamehameha Hotel across the Kailua Pier
Ahuena Heiau was the court of King Kamehameha I and is well maintained today.

The Temple on the Hill of the Whale
off highway 19 below Kawaihae
Puukohola Heiau (the temple on the hill of the whale) is a interesting National Park guarding 2 heiaus and a the sight of an ancient Hawaiian village with great wahle-breaching views.

Puako Petroglyph Hike
off highway 19 just north of the entrance to the Orchid at Mauna Lani hotel
Very short hike leading to over 3000 petroglyphs that still stump the historians - not to be missed. Get a free map and brochure at the hotel.

Lava Tree State Park
Off Hwy 132 in lower Puna
Short self guided tour around tree molds made when lava covered living trees to quickly for the holes to be filled, or by splashing up on the side of the trees.

Tsunami Museum
In the lower half of the Kress Theatre in downtown Hilo
What's a Tsunami? A tidal wave! And in 1960 and 1964 two massive ones hit Hilo - flattening buildings, destroying land, and causing the people to run for their lives. The museum is really just a lot of pictures from the event on a wall next to an ice cream stand inside the Kress building - but it is free and the pictures are fascinating.

Liliuokalani Gardens
On Banyan Drive in Hilo
Perfectly serene Japanese-style gardens complete with ponds, bridges, and pagodas.

Rainbow Falls
In Hilo, off Waianuenue Ave., below the hospital
Practically right in Hilo town, these falls are picture perfect.

Waipio Valley
Past Honokaa Town, at the end of Highway 240.
The Valley of the Kings is practically perfect with its stream running through it and its black sand beach and wild horses. You'll have to hike or take a 4 wheel drive down, or just enjoy the view from up top.

Punalu'u Black sand beach
Between Volcano and Naalehu on Hwy 11
Even if you aren't planning swimming you must visit this easily accessible black sand beach if you haven't seen one before. It is stunning in its contrasts, and the home of many large sea turtles.

Puako Petroglyph Hike
off highway 19 just north of the entrance to the Orchid at Mauna Lani hotel
Very short hike leading to over 3000 petroglyphs that still stump the historians - not to be missed. Get a free map and brochure at the hotel.

Honokohau Harbor
Off hwy 19 between the airport and Kailua town
Hang out at the Honokohau Harbor main building around 11 or in the afternoon to watch the sportfishing boats bring in and sell their catch.

Volcano Winery At the back of Volcano Golf course, past the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Free wine tasting at this winery on top of a volcano.