Free things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Traveling to Hawaii is truly an amazing experience! One thing you find quickly when visiting the islands is prices are higher than they are on the mainland. Today we are sharing free things to do on the Big Island to spread your vacation dollars farther!

Some of our favorite things to see and do on the Big Island are free! You can save money with these experiences so you can splurge on a dream experience!

Free things to do on the Big Island!

Walk along Alii drive and window show. Check out the swimmers in the bay

Big Island sunsets are truly amazing and FREE! Here are 7 of our favorite places to watch Big Island sunsets.

Explore the Lava Tube on the side of the road between Kona and Waikoloa

Head to a beach! All of the beaches in Hawaii have to have public access to them

Explore the petroglyph walk at the Kings Shop in Waikoloa

Free hula show at the Shops at Mauna Lani. Check out our post on the TeEa O Te Turama Free Hula show

Visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach – Keep an eye out for the resident turtles basking in the sun along the beach. This beach is great for photos, a picnic, and exploring. This beach is not ideal for swimming due to the high surf.

Hike to the Green Sand Beach

Stroll through Queen Liliuokalani Gardens

Snorkel or sit on the beach at Kahalu’u Beach Park – This beach park is fantastic for snorkeling. You can walk in the water easily and see great fish in pretty shallow water. There are lifeguards on duty during the day. There is a small beach and pavilion for picnics and relaxing. This beach park also has a bathroom on site and outdoor showers to rinse off with. Located on Ali’i Drive a few miles from Downtown Kona this is a great spot during any visit to the Big Island.

Watch the sunset and wander around A-Bay

Visit the Orchid Farm near Volcano and Hilo

Go beer tasting at Mehana Brewery

Visit Waipio Valley Overlook
Please do not try to drive your rental car down into the valley! Your free visit will quickly become incredibly costly as you have to pay a local to tow you up the hill.

Visit Akaka Falls near Hilo

Visit Greenwell Farms and take a free coffee tour

Mauna Loa Visitor Center– Enjoy a 3 mile drive through macadamia nut orchards before reaching the visitor center. Enjoy free samples and learn about the process for making Mauna Loa chocolate Mac Nuts. To find out more visit www.maunaloa.com

Experience the Kona Historical Society’s traditional Portuguese bread–baking, every Thursday 11 a.m. – 2 pm.

Enjoy star gazing at the Mauna Kea observatory

Lapakahi State Park In North Kohala on the coast, a preserved Hawaiian village offering self-guided walking tours to learn about history and archeology.
Open daily from 8:00am-4:00pm.

Visit the Ahuena Heiau in Kona
Fronting Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel across the Kailua Pier. Ahuena Heiau was the court of King Kamehameha I and is well maintained today.
Open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

We hope you enjoy these free activities on the Big Island of Hawaii as much as we do! Let us know if we missed any that should be on the list!