Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, Big Island of Hawaii offers plenty to fill your days. This guide pulls together the most popular and best-reviewed things to do in Big Island of Hawaii, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator, so you can plan with confidence.
Quick Answer: Best Things to Do in Big Island of Hawaii
The most-reviewed experience in Big Island of Hawaii on Viator is Big Island in a Day in Big Island of Hawaii, rated 4.9/5 from 7,084 reviews. It is followed by Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel and Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour in Kona. Prices for the top-rated tours start from about $27 per person.
Top-Rated Big Island of Hawaii Tours & Experiences
Top Experiences in Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island in a Day in Big Island of Hawaii
Rated 4.9/5 from 7,084 Viator reviews, from about $276 per person. Time on the water is one of the best ways to see the coastline of Big Island of Hawaii from a different angle, and this is one of the more popular options.
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Rated 4.8/5 from 6,302 Viator reviews, from about $94 per person. Time on the water is one of the best ways to see the coastline of Big Island of Hawaii from a different angle, and this is one of the more popular options. Read our full Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel review.
Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour in Kona
Rated 4.9/5 from 920 Viator reviews, from about $27 per person. This is one of the better-reviewed experiences in Big Island of Hawaii, and it suits travelers who want a well-organized outing without planning every detail.
Guaranteed Dolphin/Whale Watch
Rated 4.9/5 from 580 Viator reviews, from about $129 per person. If you want to get outside while you are in Big Island of Hawaii, this nature and adventure experience is one of the better-reviewed options.
3.5 Hour Kailua Kona Ocean Kayak
Rated 4.8/5 from 405 Viator reviews, from about $99 per person. Time on the water is one of the best ways to see the coastline of Big Island of Hawaii from a different angle, and this is one of the more popular options.
Kona Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail
Rated 4.8/5 from 358 Viator reviews, from about $109 per person. Time on the water is one of the best ways to see the coastline of Big Island of Hawaii from a different angle, and this is one of the more popular options.
How to Choose the Right Experience
Start with the kind of day you want. Guided city tours and ticketed visits suit first-time visitors, water and outdoor trips suit travelers who want a change of pace, and food experiences are a relaxed way to round out a stay. Reading recent reviews is the best way to gauge current quality, and checking the live availability on the booking page confirms dates, group size and what is included.
Booking Tips for Big Island of Hawaii
- Busy periods in Big Island of Hawaii include mid-December to March and the summer school holidays, so book popular tours several days ahead in those months.
- Look for free cancellation on the booking page so you can adjust if the weather changes.
- The Hilo side is wetter than the Kona side, so conditions can differ a lot across the island in a single day.
- Check the pickup point, start time and duration before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
Among the most popular choices on Viator are Big Island in a Day in Big Island of Hawaii, Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel and Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour in Kona. All are well rated by travelers at the time of writing.
How much do tours in Big Island of Hawaii cost?
Prices for the top-rated tours listed here start from about $27 per person, with a typical mid-range of around $109 and some experiences costing $276 or more. Rates change by date, group size and option.
Should I book tours in Big Island of Hawaii in advance?
Popular tours can sell out in busy periods, so booking a few days ahead is a sensible approach, especially for weekends and peak season.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
The most popular months for visiting Big Island of Hawaii are April to June and September to November. Conditions vary by season, so see our best time to visit guide for details.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Ratings, review counts and prices come from Viator listings checked in October 2026 and may have changed.
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