Hilo · Natural & cultural history
Lyman Museum & Mission House
A Hilo museum pairing island geology and natural history with Hawaiian culture, local communities, and a historic 1839 mission house.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Things to do in Hawaiʻi Island today & nearby
Find Hawaiʻi Island activities, beaches, attractions, golf and food stops, with photos, maps and planning details.
Choose the Kona coast, Hilo, Volcano, or Kohala before picking an outing. Cross-island drives can turn a nearby activity into most of a day.
Things to do near me Events today & this weekend
Before setting out, check current State Park closures and local weather alerts. Reservations do not override a closure.
Choose your outing
Places to start
Hilo · Hawaiian culture & astronomy
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Exhibits connect Hawaiian wayfinding and language with modern astronomy and the exploration of the universe.
South Kona · Hawaiian cultural landscape
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
A powerful coastal landscape of royal grounds, reconstructed structures, fishponds, and a place of refuge protected by the National Park Service.
Kawaihae · Temple & national historic site
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
The massive heiau built by Kamehameha I stands within a cultural landscape tied to the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Onomea / Hāmākua
Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden
A tropical garden stop on the Hāmākua coast, with paths through a lush valley toward the ocean.
Access notice needs checking before travel; reviewed September 21, 2026.
Kailua-Kona
Huliheʻe Palace
A historic royal residence on Aliʻi Drive, cared for by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi.
Rating & price sources
Reported by Giftly · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 75-5718 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Source reviewed September 21, 2026; confirm current availability.
Kohala Coast
Hāpuna Beach
A broad white-sand beach and state recreation area.
4.7/5 · 2800 Google reviews
App review snapshot · 2026-10-01. Ratings can change.
Kohala Coast
Waialea Bay / Beach 69
A smaller bay south of Hāpuna.
Closure notice reviewed October 4, 2026: Waialea section remains closed for fallen trees and storm recovery.
Kona things to do · Hilo things to do
Food between stops
Plan around the day
Rainy-day options · Ideas with kids · Reservations before you go