Checklist: Western Big Island, Hawaii

When people think of Hawaii, popular destinations like Maui or Oahu typically come to mind. But the west side of the Big Island, known colloquially as the Kona side of the island, which includes everything from the Kohala Coast to Kau, is worthy of more attention. With its jet-black and bright-red lava rock fields, an active volcano and famous black sand beaches, it’s sure to bring a whole new perspective to the tropical paradise you know and love. Blessed with sun and clear skies, the west side of the island is drier and hotter compared to the lush east side, but it also has more beautiful sandy beaches, luxurious dining experiences, and adventure activities. Home to Hawaiian cowboys, the famous Ironman competition and delicious Kona Coffee, western Big Island is ideal for those looking for a less touristy Hawaiian experience.

Along with being twice the combined size of the other islands, the Big Island boasts the world’s most active volcano and the state’s longest sheer-drop waterfall. It’s also the most ecologically diverse. So, here’s what should be on your western Big Island to-do list.

1. Ancient Fishpond Tour

The Mauna Lani Resort takes up more than 3,000 acres on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. In ancient times, the area known as Kalahuipua’a was where ancient Hawaiians created aquaculture ponds that covered 15 acres of what is now this resort. The seven ponds—Kalahuipua’a, Kahinawao, Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Hope’ala, Milokukahi and Manoku—date back to the 250 B.C., and have been restored and preserved at the resort. Mauna Lani has walking trails that are open to the public from which you can see ancient shelter caves, petroglyphs and a prehistoric fishing village. Although the trails and ponds (pictured above) are always open, we recommend going with Danny Akaka, who is basically a living encyclopedia of Hawaii and also the resort’s cultural historian. He gives a free, guided walking tour of the ponds every Saturday and points out hidden details that most people don’t know about. He also does an evening of storytelling and entertainment every full moon called Twilight at Kalahuipua‘a. Put on by the Mauna Lani, the event is thrown to preserve the traditional folk art of Hawaiian storytelling, history and dance, and is open to all.

2. Helicopter Volcano Tour

There’s no better way to experience Kona than getting on a helicopter to explore all five volcanoes up close. Soar through waterfalls that cascade down 2,000-foot valley walls, hidden black and white sand beaches, and many different climate zones on the Big Island alone. The two-hour flight takes off from the Kona Airport and flies over the Kona coffee district, the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. Riders will also see red, hot lava at Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano; and fly in front of the gigantic waterfall at the top of the valley known as Manawaiopuna Falls, AKA that waterfall from Jurassic Park. The tour goes from a dry volcanic climate to lush rainforests, and ends with a birds-eye view of Hapuna Beach and Kua Bay beaches, which are considered by many as some of the best beaches in the world. The lucky passenger who sits shotgun gets to enjoy the view with a see-through glass floor.

3. Nighttime with Manta Rays

Photo by James Wing

Once the sun goes down, the Mauna Kae Beach Resort shines bright floodlights into the ocean to attract plankton, which attracts manta rays. From the hotel, you can see the manta rays peacefully swimming among giddy snorkelers, but to get the full experience, you should sign up for James Wing’s Manta Ray Moonlight Swim. The tour, run by James Wing, is an informative 35-45 minute swim that puts you face to face with the manta rays. Wing is known as the authority on manta rays and human interaction; he’s clocked more hours underwater with manta rays than anyone in the world. Don’t let the creatures’ 25-foot wingspan scare you—they are harmless, gentle giants. Bring yourself and your swimsuit; Wing will provide the snorkel gear and fins.

4. Sail and Snorkel

Hop onboard the Winona, a spacious 50-foot deck for a three-hour sailing and snorkeling adventure. The sailboat will take you to secluded snorkel sites along the Kohala Coast where the reefs are home to hundreds of species of fish, sea turtles and a variety of other marine life. Enjoy unbeatable views of the Kohala Mountains, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai and Maui’s famous Haleakala as you swim alongside sea turtles and touch live sea urchin. A staff guide is always in the water with you to answer any questions or to educate you on any creatures you see during your snorkel. Those that prefer not to get in the water can sunbathe and enjoy the views on the open deck. Mauna Lani Sea Adventures also has a whale watching tour and a sunset sail.