Sights to behold on Big Island

We decided to take a week off from our work to visit the Big Island in Feb 2021. Usually when I am on a vacation this long, my energy is way to high as if I am enjoying on steroids for the first half. So I plan all my hikes earlier in the vacation time, reserving the rest to a combo of sight seeing and indulging in good local food. Do look out for some hidden sights that we discovered on our one week journey.

Here is our list of some sights to behold in order of "Must do" , to "Well that was worth it", "I am getting used to this":

Sunset with short hike to Mauna Kea

We reached at Mauna Kea Visitor Center at about 4:30 PM and had to wait for ~2 hours for the sun to set. Taking guidance from the ranger, At 6PM we did the short 0.5 mile hike to be amidst clouds at sunset. Be cautious if you have altitude sickness and carry a pill if necessary. Also do start descending quickly from the 0.5 mile hike top as it gets darker sooner than you would think. For the adventurous one , you can do the lake-waiau-via-mauna-kea-humuula-trail. Read the instructions at the visitor center before doing this.

Scenic point pull up between Naalehu and Punalu`u Black Sand Beach

This was like a hidden gem for me as we crossed Naahelu multiple times. Pull up your vehicle between Naalehu and Punalu`u Black Sand Beach; you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the rolling hill and the water colliding the coast.

Anytime at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach Waikoloa

This beach has one of the calmest waters on the Kona coast. Also the lining of the coconut and palm trees makes this an ideal place for those interested in taking instagram worthy pics. If you want to just lay on a beach, there is ample of space.I highly recommend going for a sunset.

Waipao Valley Lookout (Skip the hike)

If you are not in the mood of taking a hike all to way through the Waipao Valley, do visit the Waipao Valleyy lookout. It's a beautiful sight to behold. You do need a 4AWD to go down from the lookout.

Rainbow Falls and Boiling pots

If you are in Hilo and looking for places to sight see or you are on your way to Mauna Kea from Hilo, do stop at the Rainbow Falls and the Boiling pots. There is a history to read behind the names and its quite intriguing.

Take a stroll at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

If you wanted to get acquainted with Hawaiian history, visist the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. This is a place that had ample of context with awesome views. This place is not as far from Kona.

Sunset at Kahalu’u Beach Park

We lived an airbnb quite close to Kahalu'u Beach Park. This allowed us to make sure to watch the sunset everyday before we head out to indulge in dinner. Park your car on Highway 11 and view a beautiful calming sunset of Kona as surf boarders reside back to the coast.

Sunset glimpse at Walmart at Kona

Try this if you miss your sunset because of traffic.Also if you are not able to decide on the right spot or you are just shopping, the Walmart at Kona is at a good height to provide you with gorgeous view of the sunset below.