Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

The Best NYC Observation Deck

Best NYC Observation Deck

The Best NYC Observation Deck

New York City is best seen from above! Each NYC observation deck offers spectacular views over the city plus some bonus immersive experiences.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

More than just an observation deck, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an immersive, multi-sensory art experience with breathtaking views over Manhattan. The newest viewing platform at time of writing, SUMMIT opened in October 21, 2021, and has the best and closest views of the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building compared to any other observation deck in the city.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York
With mirrored walls reflecting the skyline, an installation by Yayoi Kusama, a floating orb ball room, a glass box that juts over the edge of the building and the world’s largest external glass bottomed elevator, SUMMIT has well and truly upped the game for observation decks in NYC by giving visitors endless unique photo ops as well. No binoculars.

Read more about visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt here.

Top of the Rock Observatory

Top of the Rock Observatory sits at the top of the Rockefeller Center in the heart of New York City. From this incredible location, the Observatory offers breathtaking views of the city including the Empire State Building and Central Park.

Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, New York

Top of the Rock offers outdoor viewing areas with and without glass. It’s the only NYC observation deck with an outdoor area and no glass or mesh to capture reflection and barrier-free photo ops. Binoculars are coin operated.

Read more about visiting Top of the Rock Observatory here.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan, is an Art Deco masterpiece. Built in 1931, the skyscraper is 102-stories tall and features the highest open-air observatory in New York City.

Empire State Building

The 86th Floor Observatory offers 360-degree views of New York and beyond. On a clear day you can see views of Central Park, The Hudson River and East River, The Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and even the tiny The Statue of Liberty, way off in the distance.

Empire State Building has outside and inside NYC viewing platforms. Their outside observation deck has a metal grid surrounding it. Head upstairs to the next level for indoor glassed viewing area. Binoculars are free!

Read more about visiting the Empire State Building here.

One World Observatory

Climb to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Trade Center, in New York City. The One World Observatory is located on the 100-102 floors with breathtaking views, restaurants and exhibits on offer.

One World Observatory, New York

The One World Trade Center is located in Downtown Manhattan, near where the original Twin Towers in the World Trade Center complex used to stand. After the Twin Towers collapsed during the 2001 terrorist attack, the new One World Trade Center was build near to where the old towers used to stand. The footprints of the old Twin Towers have been turned into 9/11 Memorial Pool outside the new building.

There is no outside area at the Observatory, however the floor to ceiling glass windows offer are spectacular view. No Binoculars.

Read more about visiting One World Observatory here.

Read about more things to do in NYC with or without kids.

Get more tips on visiting New York City.

Best NYC Observation Deck: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

Best NYC Observation Deck: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

More than just an observation deck, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an immersive, multi-sensory art experience with breathtaking views over Manhattan.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

Located on the top four floors of the new One Vanderbilt skyscraper next to Grand Central Station, the over 6,000 square meter (65,000 square foot) space, which opened October 21, 2021, has the best and closest views of the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building compared to any other observation deck in the city. The Empire State Building, which is only 8 blocks away from Summit One Vanderbilt, so the view and photo opportunities are incredible.

The SUMMIT journey starts on the ground.Underground actually, as the entrance is a level below the footpath. Instructions on how to find the entrance are here.

It’s quite a process lining up (even for timed tickets), going through security, putting on the special booties over shoes and scanning your face to connect with your wrist band for photo opportunities.

The elevator up to the 91st floor is cramped, but full of digital effects to start the immersive experience.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

The 91st floor opens to Air, designed by Kenzo Digital, and the first within the installation, called Transcendence, a large mirrored space where visitors can enjoy being part of the skyline views in the mirrors surrounding them on all sides. New York is infinite in this space.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

It’s hard to visit this space and get great photos with the mirrors due to the large number of people inside the space at all times. We booked the first time slot of the day and it was still completely packed and impossible to get a photo without a zillion other New Yorkers in it.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

The best and easiest photos to get without your neighbour in them are by the windows overlooking the city. We visited on a dreary rainy day which wasn’t ideal for the view, however still managed to get some decent photos with the city’s famous landmarks in them.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

Transcendence is continued on the next floor, where balconies overlook this space.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

The next installation is Clouds (2019) by Yayoi Kusama, the artist behind the famous mirrored infinity rooms. The stainless-steel “clouds” fill the floor and encourage visitors to see new reflections and angles, meant to reinforce the feeling of infinity and perpetuity.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

The most popular room follows, filled with floating silver orbs. The room is like a giant, shiny adult ball pit. The walls and floor are mirrored which can be fun to create effects in photos, but also makes it hard to get a shot without one of the many other visitors in them. For your best shot with no one else in the frame, try to head to a corner and angle the camera so as to avoid reflections from the wall that include the rest of the room.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

We missed the instructions to scan our wristbands at the Unity section and didn’t realize our faces would merge with the clouds on the screen if we did. There was a lack of information and signage about this section, we just thought it was a pretty digital screen and nothing more.

Back to the view outside, a unique way to see the skyline is in Ascent, advertised as the world’s largest external glass-bottomed elevator that goes up to 1,200 feet above ground level on the outside of the building. It’s an extra $20 to go for a ride in the elevator.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

Après lounge and café is at this end stage of the experience, featuring drinks and light snacks.

The final experience is Levitation, two all-glass sky boxes extend outside the building 1,063 feet over the bustling Madison Avenue. Visitors have a very limited amount of time in in the skyboxes which helpfully makes the line go fast but also makes it quite full of pressure to snap the perfect shot vs enjoy the experience of jutting out over the edge of the building.

Summit One Vanderbilt New York

There is a mounted camera that will take photos of your group that you can download for an additional fee. You can take your own photos however, just be quick about it before your time runs out.

Tips for visiting SUMMIT: One Vanderbilt:

Bring sunglasses. The reflective materials used throughout SUMMIT create a bright environment, especially at times of full sunlight. We visited on a very dreary day and didn’t need them, however if it was sunny I think they would be a necessity.

Dress wisely. SUMMIT features many reflective floors and recommend pants, shorts, or tights. If you wear a dress or skirt, make sure to wear shorts underneath.

Wear comfortable, non-marking shoes. Stiletto heels, work boots, cleats and certain other footwear that can damage flooring are not permitted.

Book well in advance. The experience is very popular and books out particularly in busy holiday seasons.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Entrance located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal
Hours: Wed-Mon 9am-12am. Tuesday closed.
summitov.com

Find the best things to do in NYC with kids.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella & the Power of Choosing Kindness

Cinderella

Immerse yourself in the magic of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical Cinderella at the Lyric Theatre Sydney until the end of January 2023.

Cinderella

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s production of Cinderella was written for television, debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. Premiering in Australia as a collaboration between Lyndon Terracini for Opera Australia and John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia, Cinderella is a stunning production filled with beautiful orchestrations, magnificent costumes and sets, jaw-dropping costume transformations and an extraordinarily talented cast.

Cinderella

Australian audiences will be delighted with the fresh take on the beloved story of “Ella”, a young woman who is transformed from a maid into a princess. The classic moments are all there: the glass slippers, pumpkin, a beautiful masked ball and a fairy godmother – however  the story holds some surprising twists.

Cinderella

Our Cinderella is a spirited young lady, a woman with modern ideals living in a fairytale setting. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realise his dreams too. This Cinderella isn’t a damsel in distress who needs saving, she is the one who brings change to the world through her courage and kindness.

Cinderella

The moral at the heart of Cinderella has always been the power of choosing kindness. Our heroine, Ella, is a role model for young girls and boys to practice compassion and forgiveness, to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.

Cinderella

Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star
Season To 29 January 2023
Performance Times Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (Performance times vary weekly)
Prices: From $69.00 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100
https://cinderellamusical.com.au/

Diamond Head Crater Hike, Hawaii

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

Diamond Head Crater Hike

Enjoy panoramic views of the Waikiki shoreline on the Diamond Head Crater Hike. Follow the rugged trail up to the top of an extinct volcano.

The Diamond Head Summit Trail or Diamond Head Crater Hike is a short trail in Diamond Head State Monument.

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

From the parking lot on the crater floor, the trail to the summit is 0.8 mile (1.3 km) one way and climbs 560 feet (171 m) in elevation.

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

There is a paved concrete walkway for a distance of 0.2 miles at the start of the hike. After this, the the trail becomes uneven and steep, requiring caution and appropriate footwear.

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

There are steep stairways on the trail and one section of the trail goes through a long, narrow tunnel (which is lighted).

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii
The trail length is 1.6 miles (round trip). Estimated time to complete the trail is 2 hours.

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

The walk is classed as “moderate” in difficulty. There are some very steep sections.

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

The Diamond Head Crater Hike was built in 1908 as part of Oʻahu’s coastal defense system. At the summit of Leʻahi (Hawaiian name for Diamond Head Crater), you’ll find bunkers on the crater rim and a navigational lighthouse built in 1917 along the coast outside the crater. You may catch a glimpse of passing humpback whales.

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

Directions
The trailhead is adjacent to the parking lot within Diamond Head State Monument. The entrance is off Diamond Head Road between Makapu’u Avenue and 18th Avenue, Honolulu. Fees apply for parking.

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

Due to the popularity of the Diamond Head hike, bookings are required. Book here.

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

Additional Information
No bikes
No dogs
Stay on the trail
Restrooms available in carpark
Picnic tables
Concession stand

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii Diamond Head Crater Hike Hawaii

Read more about Diamond Head Summit Trail

 

More things to do in Hawaii

Visit Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Read what to expect when visiting
Aualni, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Tips for visiting the
Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.
Hike to the top of an extinct volcano on the Diamond Head Crater Trail.
Enjoy a fancy afternoon tea at the Moana Surfrider.
See where the Jurassic park movies were filmed on an ATV tour at Kualoa Ranch.

Read about the best things to do on Maui.
Visit the
Surfing Goat Dairy on Maui.
Check out turtles at the
Maui Ocean Center.
Drive to the
summit of Haleakala on Maui.

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo
Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay
Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on
Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a
helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Kualoa Ranch 2 Hour UTV Raptor Tour

Explore the scenic 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch on an ATV Raptor tour. See behind the scenes of movies and TV shows.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Kualoa is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch on the windward side of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. Located around 24 miles from Honolulu, and 32 miles from Haleiwa, it is a popular tourist attraction and filming location.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

There are lots of tour options at Kualoa Ranch which take in the scenery, history and behind-the-scenes movie magic. Every tour takes you somewhere different on the ranch so you can’t really go wrong with any of them – I would actually recommend doing several tours if time allows because the ranch is fascinating and also spectacularly beautiful.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

On this trip we did the Kualoa Ranch 2 Hour UTV Raptor Tour. The tour takes place in multi-passenger UTV vehicles. It’s a guided tour with the guide up front leading the chain of UTVs through valleys and along dirt roads into remote areas. Each raptor holds between 2 and 6 people (depending how many kids are in your party). The tour stops frequently to point out places of interest and to take photos.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

We particularly enjoyed the many stops to see Jurassic Park / World filming locations.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Note from Kualoa Ranch:

Get ready for a DUSTY & DIRTY adventure ! Tours go out rain or shine, so we recommend checking the weather and bringing a change of clothes if necessary.
Minimum driver age is 21 years old. Minimum rider age is 5 years old.
Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and may be liable for any damages to the Raptors if damage is caused by negligence or recklessness.
A liability waiver must be signed by all guests prior to departing on the tour.
When reserving online, one vehicle is reserved for every 6 guests included in the reservation.
We suggest wearing appropriate clothing, footwear and bringing sunglasses.
Advanced reservations are recommended as tours may sell out.
2-hour tour time includes training and safety briefing

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

My tips:
Tours do sell out in advance so be sure to book as soon as you know your dates. If your plans change you will be able to change to another tour without a fee as long as the tour you want to switch to is available.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Arrive early as the check in spot for all the tours is the one queue and can take a while.
Go to the bathroom before your tour as there are no restrooms along the way.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Bring your own face mask or gator to protect your mouth and nose from dust (some guests on tours are provided with a complimentary gator however we were not).

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Wear your own sunglasses or the goggle provided to protect your eyes from the dust.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

As soon as you’ve checked in for your tour, head to the desk for your tour to mark your name off and secure your place in the queue for your tour. First come first in the UTV line – and the further you are down the back of the line, the most dust will get kicked up onto your UTV.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

You will get absolutely filthy dirty. Be prepared and enjoy the experience.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Bring water and wet wipes to clean yourself up with afterwards.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Leave plenty of time to drive across to the ranch and park. Traffic can be brutal.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour ReviewKualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor Tour Review

Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
https://www.kualoa.com/toursactivities/atv-raptor-tours-2-hour/

More things to do in Hawaii

Visit Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Read what to expect when visiting
Aualni, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Tips for visiting the
Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.
Hike to the top of an extinct volcano on the Diamond Head Crater Trail.
Enjoy a fancy afternoon tea at the Moana Surfrider.
See where the Jurassic park movies were filmed on an ATV tour at Kualoa Ranch.

Read about the best things to do on Maui.
Visit the
Surfing Goat Dairy on Maui.
Check out turtles at the
Maui Ocean Center.
Drive to the
summit of Haleakala on Maui.

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo
Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay
Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on
Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a
helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

Enjoy a luxurious afternoon high tea on the Verandah of the iconic hotel, the Moana Surfrider, in Waikiki, Hawaii.

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, is located on Waikiki Beach. It is often called the “First Lady of Waikiki”. The Victorian-style hotel hosts an afternoon tea Friday through Sunday on the Verandah.

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

Choose from a range of elegant tea sets including a vegan and gluten-free offering, plus a keiki option for kids.

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

Moana Classic Tea
per person – $ 69

Savoury Selection
Curry Chicken Salad Croissant
Roasted chicken breast, mixed with curry aioli, mango chutney
Ham and Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Sliced ham, pimento cheese, on white bread
Hamakua Mushroom Tart
Gruyere cheese, cherry tomato confit
Salmon Mousse
Smoked salmon roe, dill served on blini, toasted sesame seeds
Egg Salad Sandwich
Egg salad with truffles, truffle oil
Sweet Selection
Orange Blueberry Scones
with Lilikoi Curd & Mascarpone Cream
Haupia Roll Cake
Apple Tartine
Tropical Sorbet
Green Tea Opera Cake – new
Passion Orange Guava Tea Macaron – new

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

The Duke
per person – $ 71
Surfrider Burger (8 ounce patty, pipikaula), sweet offerings above
Add Kona Longboard, Omiyage Gift +10

The First Lady
per person – $ 85
Glass of sparkling rose, savoury & sweet options above, berries and yogurt and souvenir fan

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, HawaiiHigh Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

Royal Tea
per person – $ 135
Soup du jour or salad, savoury & sweet options above, berries and yogurt, omiyage gift bag, and Tea Infused Mimosa Flight Trio (Passion Orange Guava Tea Mimosa, White Peach Tea Mimosa, and Mango Pineapple Black Tea Mimosa)

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, HawaiiHigh Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

Keiki Tea
per person – $ 35
Nutella and banana on white, turkey on wheat, egg salad sandwich, sweets listed above, choice of juice, soft drink or tea

Gluten Free Tea
per person – $ 69
Moana Tea Salad – Local mixed greens, crispy shallots, fried garlic, sunflower seeds, cherry tomato, pickled chili, sesame seeds, tea infused dressing; Soup and Sandwich – Hamakua tomato gazpacho with taro croquette, avocado, pickled onion, Ho farms tomato tapenade; Gluten Free Sweets – Gluten free chocolate cake, gluten free scones, Banana mochi and Raspberry mousse.

Vegan Tea
per person – $ 69
Moana Tea Salad – Local mixed greens, crispy shallots, fried garlic, sunflower seeds, cherry tomato, pickled chili, sesame seeds, tea infused dressing; Soup and Sandwich – Hamakua tomato gazpacho with taro croquette, avocado, pickled onion, Ho farms tomato tapenade; Vegan Tea Desserts – Vegan chocolate cake, scones, fruit.

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

Tea Selection
Select one of our Moana Classic or Traditional Teas
Moana Classic Tea
crafted exclusively for the Moana Surfrider by The Tea Farm
Hawaiian Coconut
Ceylon black, coconut nibs, bold and creamy
Sweet Peach
China white, light, dry and sweet peach
Passion Orange Guava
Local black, Hawaiian nostalgic POG
Mango Pineapple
Local black, sweet and tangy
Traditional Tea
Emerald Jasmine Pearls
China, hand rolled perfumy jasmine
Classic Earl Grey
English style black, citrus, bergamot orange
Indian Darjeeling
India, thin bodied muscatel
Herbal Rooibos
South African, earthy black (decaffeinated)

High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii High Tea at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
2365 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Inquiries: (808) 921-4600
Afternoon tea is served Fri-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm
https://www.verandawaikiki.com/specials

More things to do in Hawaii

Visit Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Read what to expect when visiting Aualni, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.
Explore movie sets on a Kualoa Ranch Raptor Tour.
Hike to the top of an extinct volcano on the Diamond Head Crater Trail.
Enjoy a fancy afternoon tea at the Moana Surfrider.

Read about the best things to do on Maui.
Visit the Surfing Goat Dairy on Maui.
Check out turtles at the Maui Ocean Center.
Drive to the summit of Haleakala on Maui.

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Things to do on the Big Island Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii

The Best Things To Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

The island of Hawaiʻi, usually known to tourists by its nickname the Big Island of Hawaii, is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, a visit to the island can include a trip through wet tropics, to massive volcanoes and lava fields, up to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea and down to jet-black sand beaches.

Being such a big island, the attractions are extremely spread out. I would recommend hiring car and also spending time on both sides of the island if time allows to see more what makes the Big island so special.

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island, to walk through lava tubes, see ancient petroglyphs and walk around the rim of Kilauea volcano.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the five volcanoes on the Big Island – Kilauea and Mauna Loa – which are also among the most active volcanoes in the world.

Due to the nature of the unpredictable nature of volcanoes, you may or may not see lava flow or glow during your visit. Check the website before you plan your visit if this is the primary reason for going. No matter if you do or don’t see lava, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is absolutely worth visiting.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is so big that you could easily spend a few days exploring. If you are pressed for time however, it is possible to see highlights on a day trip to the park.

Read more about things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park here.

RAINBOW FALLS HILO

Rainbow Falls Hilo

Rainbow Falls is located in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Named for the rainbows that are often spotted in its mist each morning, Rainbow Falls are 80 feet tall and almost 100 feet in diameter. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name and means “rainbow seen in water”.

Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.

Read more about visiting Rainbow Falls here.

ʻAKAKA FALLS STATE PARK

ʻAkaka Falls State Park

See majestic ʻAkaka Falls, 442 ft high & one of the most iconic waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii, & Kahuna Falls in the one short hike.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park is located at the end of End of ʻAkaka Falls Road (Hwy. 220), 3.6 miles SW of Honomū on the northeastern Hilo Coast.

Read more about visiting ‘Akaka Falls State Park here.

PUNALUU BLACK SAND BEACH

PUNALUU Black Sand Beach Hawaii

Punaluu black sand beach, on the Big Island of Hawaii, was once a white sand beach that was turned black by lava flowing over it and into the ocean. The black sand is formed by smooth fragments of lava that cools at it hits the ocean and splits into tiny pieces that, over time, build up to form the black sand beaches.

Punaluu is also a reliable place to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) in the water or on the beach.

Read more about visiting Punaluu black sand beach here.

MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL

manta ray snorkel

Watch giant mantas up close on a manta ray night snorkel in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Mobula alfredi species of manta rays that live in the Hawaiian waters are the second largest species of manta rays. They can grow up to a wingspan of 5.5m (18 ft), with the rays around Kona around 12ft.

The Manta rays live in the waters off the Hawaiian islands their entire lives, filtering plankton out of the water with their giant mouths. With life spans of up to 50 years, each manta ray is well known and all of the Kona manta rays have been named.

There are several tour operators and locations where you can enjoy manta ray snorkelling. If you get seasick like I do, I suggest choosing a company that has a short distance to travel from where their boats launch and the manta ray site they visit.

Read more about manta ray night snorkelling here.

HAWAII BIG ISLAND HELICOPTER TOURS – BIG ISLAND SPECTACULAR WITH BLUE HAWAIIAN

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

The best way to see the Big Island’s majestic volcanoes, black sand beaches, lush rainforests and sparkling waterfalls is by air.

See the lava inside the Kilauea volcano, rainforests, beaches and an optional landing at a 1200-ft. waterfall on Hawaii Big Island helicopter tours by Blue Hawaiian.

Read more about the helicopter tour we chose, the Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian here.

OCEAN RIDER SEAHORSE FARM KONA HAWAII

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Get up close to seahorses at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm in Kona on The Big Island of Hawaii.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm is a family-run aqua-farm. They breed and provide farm-reared seahorses to aquariums and hobbiests to protect wild seahorses facing the threat of extinction due to being taken from their homes in the wild.

Read more about visiting the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm here.

Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay Viewpoint, Kaelakekua State Historical Park 

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

See ancient Hawaiian relics at the Kaelakekua State Historical Park and the 27-foot-high Captain James Cook monument marking his demise at Kealakekua Bay Viewpoint on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Read more about visiting Kaelakekua Bay and the Captain Cook monument here.

Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens Hilo

liliuokalani gardens

Visit Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens, the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan, located southeast of downtown Hilo.

The 24.14-acre park is situated on Banyan Drive, Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. The park’s site was donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani, and lies on the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Bay. The park is open 24 hours daily, admission is free.

Read more about visiting Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens here.

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

Moku ola (Coconut Island) is an island in Hilo bay connected to the mainland by a 250 ft (75 meters) bridge. A beautiful spot to relax for a few hours with a picnic, Moku ola (Coconut Island) has two sandy beaches and tide pools for kids to explore.

Read more about visiting Moku ola (Coconut Island) here.

Spend a few days in Hilo

Hilo

Hilo, Hawaii is the state’s third largest city. It has a laidback, charming “old Hawaii” vibe to it. Today, Hilo is the seat of government of the County of Hawai‘i. It’s also home to stunning waterfalls and a base to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The rainy, humid city of Hilo is a stunning place to visit and well worth spending a few days there for a true Hawaiian experience.

Read more about things to do in Hilo.

Where to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii

I like to stay around the Kailua-Kona area because it’s a vibrant town with lots of local shops and amenities, as well as being centrally located. It feels a lot less touristy than other areas with large resorts, which is the vibe we prefer when we travel.

We really enjoyed the restaurants, shops and farmers market on the waterfront in Kailua-Kona.

Kona Hawaii Kona Hawaii Kona Hawaii Kona Hawaii Kona Hawaii Kona Hawaii

Accommodation

Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger

On this trip, we stayed in two locations in the Kailua-Kona area. We spent a week at the Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger, which is vacation rental apartments rather than a traditional hotel. The pros were we were able to get a two bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, two bathrooms and dining and living room for cheaper than a traditional hotel.

The cons however were the location (being slightly further out of town meant we had to drive to any shops and restaurants) and lack of facilities such as onsite restaurants and room service. We drove into town and did grocery shopping at the supermarkets and made out own meals some days in the apartment.

Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Marriot King Kamehamehas Hawaii

We also spent one night at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. The reason was we wanted to spend our last night on the island somewhere central to the town and that had full resort facilities such as restaurants and a great pool, plus the sandy beach front.

Marriot King Kamehamehas Hawaii

The Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel was extremely pricey but the location is good and the hotel has a great holiday vibe. We stayed in a room with two queen beds that included breakfast in the waterfront restaurant.

Marriot King Kamehamehas Hawaii Marriot King Kamehamehas Hawaii Marriot King Kamehamehas Hawaii Marriot King Kamehamehas Hawaii Marriot King Kamehamehas Hawaii Marriot King Kamehamehas Hawaii

Read more about things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

The best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii

liliuokalani gardens

The Best Things To Do In Hilo

Hilo, Hawaii is the state’s third largest city. It has a laidback, charming “old Hawaii” vibe to it. Today, Hilo is the seat of government of the County of Hawai‘i. It’s also home to stunning waterfalls and a base to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Explore Downtown Hilo

The small downtown district of Hilo is basically two parallel streets with the main waterfront buildings facing Hilo Bay. Stroll down the rows of unique shops, art galleries, boutique stores and delicious local restaurants.

King Kamehameha Statue 

King Kamehameha Statue 

During the reign of King Kamehameha, Hilo served as his first official capitol after unifying the Hawaiian Islands. The 14-foot statue of King Kamehameha was sculpted at the Fracaro Foundry in Vicenza, Italy, in 1963, but was not erected on this site and dedicated until June 1997.

Read more about the King Kamehameha Statue here.

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island, to walk through lava tubes, see ancient petroglyphs and walk around the rim of Kilauea volcano.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the five volcanoes on the Big Island – Kilauea and Mauna Loa – which are also among the most active volcanoes in the world.

Due to the nature of the unpredictable nature of volcanoes, you may or may not see lava flow or glow during your visit. Check the website before you plan your visit if this is the primary reason for going. No matter if you do or don’t see lava, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is absolutely worth visiting.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is so big that you could easily spend a few days exploring. If you are pressed for time however, it is possible to see highlights on a day trip to the park.

Read more about things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park here.

RAINBOW FALLS HILO

Rainbow Falls Hilo

Rainbow Falls is located in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Named for the rainbows that are often spotted in its mist each morning, Rainbow Falls are 80 feet tall and almost 100 feet in diameter. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name and means “rainbow seen in water”.

Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.

Read more about visiting Rainbow Falls here.

ʻAKAKA FALLS STATE PARK

ʻAkaka Falls State Park

See majestic ʻAkaka Falls, 442 ft high & one of the most iconic waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii, & Kahuna Falls in the one short hike.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park is located at the end of End of ʻAkaka Falls Road (Hwy. 220), 3.6 miles SW of Honomū on the northeastern Hilo Coast.

Read more about visiting ‘Akaka Falls State Park here.

Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens Hilo

Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo

Visit Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens, the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan, located southeast of downtown Hilo.

The 24.14-acre park is situated on Banyan Drive, Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. The park’s site was donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani, and lies on the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Bay. The park is open 24 hours daily, admission is free.

Read more about visiting Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens here.

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

Moku ola (Coconut Island) is an island in Hilo bay connected to the mainland by a 250 ft (75 meters) bridge. A beautiful spot to relax for a few hours with a picnic, Moku ola (Coconut Island) has two sandy beaches and tide pools for kids to explore.

Read more about visiting Moku ola (Coconut Island) here.

Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a nonprofit botanical garden and nature preserve located on the 4 mile scenic route off of Route 19 at 27-717 Old Māmalahoa Highway, Pāpa’ikou, Hawaii, Hawaii.

Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Read more about visiting the Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens here.

Big Island Candies

Visit this Hilo institution for locally-made macadamia candies and cookies. The cookies are delicious and the gelato a must in the Hilo humidity.

Read more about Big island Candies here.

Where to stay in Hilo

We stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in a corner one bedroom featuring a kitchenette and two queen beds.

The hotel was extremely comfortable and well-located for our few days we spent in Hilo.

Read more about the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel here.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

Moku ola (Coconut Island) is an island in Hilo bay connected to the mainland by a 250 ft (75 meters) bridge.

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

The island has a few small beaches and a large grassy area with several picnic tables. It’s a popular spot for locals to hang out and teenagers to jump off a 20 foot tower into the water below.

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

Moku ola (Coconut Island) is right next to the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens so you can easily visit both at the same time. Read more about visiting the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens here.

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

There are clean restrooms on the island and picnic tables available for use.

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

While there are two sandy, sheltered beaches on the island suitable for swimming and tide pools for exploring, the water the bay is unfortunately often murky so Coconut Island is not a good place to go snorkeling.

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

Moku ola (Coconut Island) is a great place to look back at downtown Hilo for a few photos.

COCONUT ISLAND (MOKU OLA) IN HILO

Set your navigation to 77 Keliipio Pl, Hilo HI 96720 for an address. There is a small parking lot just before the bridge to leave your car.

Read more about visiting Moku ola Coconut Island here.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens Hilo

Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo

Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens Hilo

Visit Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens, the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan, located southeast of downtown Hilo.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo

The 24.14-acre park is situated on Banyan Drive, Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. The park’s site was donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani, and lies on the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Bay. The park is open 24 hours daily, admission is free.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo

Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaiʻi’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the island of Hawaiʻi’s sugar cane fields.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo

The serene park features arching bridges, rock gardens, fish ponds, pagodas, Japanese stone lanterns and a teahouse. There are plenty of ducks and birds to observe in the gardens.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo Liliʻuokalani Gardens Hilo

Read more about visiting Liliʻuokalani Gardens here.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii