As the calendar turns to a new month, it feels like only yesterday we were embarking on one of the most incredible adventures of our lives. Our eight-day honeymoon retreat to the captivating Big Island of Hawaii was nothing short of a dream come true. It’s a place that truly redefines the meaning of “paradise on Earth,” living up to every expectation and then some.
Big Island Bliss: Your Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Hawaiian Adventure
Hawaii, with its reputation for breathtaking beauty, rarely disappoints. Each island offers a unique charm, making the decision of where to go a delightful challenge. For us, the Big Island stood out, not just for its sheer size—being larger than all other Hawaiian islands combined—but for its dramatic diversity. Our primary draws were the allure of active volcanoes and the promise of lush, vibrant botanical gardens. Little did we know, the island held countless other treasures, from unique geological formations to mesmerizing cultural experiences.
Prepare to be immersed in a visual and descriptive journey, as words alone can barely capture the grandeur we witnessed. While photos will offer a glimpse, the true essence of the Big Island must be experienced firsthand. This comprehensive guide, rich with imagery and insights from our trip, aims to inspire your own Hawaiian adventure.
Our Tranquil Retreat: The Palms Cliff House Inn, Hilo
During our stay, we chose the serene beauty of The Palms Cliff House Inn in Hilo, Hawaii. This exquisite bed and breakfast provided the perfect sanctuary, boasting a truly peaceful and secluded ambiance. Nestled cliffside, our private lanai offered uninterrupted, panoramic ocean views, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation. Mornings were particularly special, with the added delight of spotting whales playing in the ocean, a truly magical experience that set a joyful tone for each day.
The hospitality extended by the homeowners was exceptional. Each morning, we were treated to a fresh, delicious, and hearty breakfast, meticulously prepared to perfection. These incredible meals not only satisfied our appetites but also provided the energy needed for our daily explorations, keeping us fueled until lunch. The personalized touch and warm atmosphere made our stay at The Palms Cliff House Inn a highlight of our Hawaiian honeymoon.
Exploring Hilo: A Taste of Authentic Hawaii
Hilo, a charming town on the Big Island, impressed us with its authentic Hawaiian feel and lack of overwhelming tourist crowds. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the eastern side of the island, offering convenient access to numerous attractions like magnificent botanical gardens and the majestic Akaka Falls State Park. Beyond its natural wonders, Hilo boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of great restaurants to discover.
For memorable dinner experiences, we highly recommend checking out The Seaside restaurant, renowned for its fresh seafood, and The Ponds, which offers a unique dining experience set amidst beautiful water features. These establishments truly capture the essence of Hilo’s local flavors and relaxed atmosphere.
Must-Try: Ahi Tuna Poke and Local Delicacies
For sushi enthusiasts, a visit to Suisan Fish Market is an absolute must, specifically for their ahi tuna poke. This traditional Hawaiian raw tuna salad is incredibly flavorful and fresh. We made the delightful mistake of trying it on our very last day before heading to the airport. Had we discovered it earlier, we’re quite certain we would have indulged in it daily! Its unparalleled taste, combined with our love for sushi, made it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Hilo Farmer’s Market: A Feast for the Senses
One of our top priorities was to explore a local farmer’s market, and Hilo did not disappoint. Fortuitously, Hilo hosts a massive farmer’s market every Wednesday and Saturday, a true hub of local life and produce. With over 100 vendors, the market is a bustling showcase of Hawaii’s agricultural bounty, offering an incredible array of fresh fruits, vibrant vegetables, macadamia nuts, locally grown coffee beans, freshly baked goods, and unique souvenirs.
It was an absolute joy to wander through the stalls, sampling exotic fruits and soaking in the lively atmosphere. The sheer abundance and freshness of the produce were truly impressive, sparking a touch of envy for Hawaiians who get to enjoy such incredible ingredients every day. This market provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with local culture and taste the authentic flavors of the island.
Nature’s Masterpieces: The Big Island’s Botanical Gardens
Our love for nature led us to visit two of the Big Island’s premier botanical gardens: Botanical World Adventures Garden and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Both offered stunning displays of tropical flora, but each provided a distinct experience. While both were undeniably amazing, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden captivated us with its larger scale and incredible diversity of plants, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking ocean views.
Botanical World Adventures Garden: Explore and Discover
At the Botanical World Adventures Garden, we enjoyed a delightful exploration of various themed sections, each presenting a unique collection of plants and natural beauty. It was a wonderful introduction to the island’s botanical richness, offering engaging pathways and informative displays that highlighted the unique species native to Hawaii and beyond.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: A Lush Paradise
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, often described as a “living museum,” truly felt like stepping into a lush, vibrant paradise. Its expansive grounds are home to an unparalleled collection of exotic plants, palms, orchids, and bromeliads, all thriving in a pristine rainforest setting. The garden’s layout, winding along the ocean, reveals hidden waterfalls, serene streams, and stunning coastal vistas. The sheer variety and beauty of this garden made it a truly immersive and unforgettable experience, a testament to nature’s artistry.
The Power of Fire and Earth: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
No trip to the Big Island is complete without visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Driving through this incredible landscape is a profound experience, a powerful reminder of Mother Nature’s raw, transformative power. The scenery shifts dramatically from barren, rugged lava fields to pristine black sand beaches and the endless expanse of the blue ocean, creating a breathtaking tableau of contrasts.
One of the highlights was exploring the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), an ancient lava cave formed by flowing molten rock. Walking through its cool, dark interior felt like stepping into another world, a fascinating glimpse into the island’s geological history. The entire park offers unparalleled views of volcanic activity, steam vents, and diverse ecosystems, making it a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination.
Majestic Waterfalls: Akaka Falls State Park
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer power and beauty of Akaka Falls! Standing at a staggering 422 feet tall, this massive waterfall is a true natural wonder. The short, paved loop trail through the lush rainforest to reach the viewpoint is an adventure in itself, surrounded by dense tropical foliage, bamboo groves, and wild orchids. The thunderous roar of the water plunging into the gorge below is an immersive sensory experience, leaving visitors spellbound by its majestic presence. “Beautiful” is simply an understatement for this magnificent display of nature.
Unique Shores: The Big Island’s Iconic Beaches
The Big Island is renowned for its diverse and distinctive beaches, offering unique colors and experiences that set them apart from typical white sand shores. Our journey took us to two of its most famous and visually striking coastlines.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach: A Natural Wonder
Nestled on the southern tip of the Big Island lies a hidden gem, Papakolea Green Sand Beach, a popular yet challenging destination for adventurous tourists. We learned firsthand that reaching this remarkable beach is no easy feat. After parking our car, a friendly local informed us that the actual beach was approximately three miles away, accessible only by a rough, unpaved road suitable solely for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Given the hot day, we gratefully accepted his offer for a ride in the back of his well-worn pickup truck for $15 per person round trip. It turned out to be the best $30 spent of our trip! As we arrived at our destination, my jaw dropped. The sight was simply gorgeous: the incredibly smooth, olive-green sand contrasted dramatically with the vibrant turquoise ocean. The unique green hue comes from olivine crystals, eroded from an ancient volcanic cinder cone. I wished we could have spent hours basking in its unique beauty, but other incredible destinations awaited.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach: Home of the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
Our next stop was the equally stunning Punaluu Black Sand Beach, famous for its striking black sands and, more importantly, its frequent visitors: the majestic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu). These gentle giants are often seen basking on the warm black sand or gracefully swimming in the nearshore waters.
During our visit, we were incredibly lucky to encounter a large sea turtle resting peacefully by the shore. As I captured photos of this magnificent creature, it slowly emerged further from the water, as if to greet us. This unexpected “hello” from a Honu truly made my day, adding an unforgettable moment of connection with Hawaii’s incredible wildlife. The contrast of the dark sand, the vibrant blue ocean, and the serene turtles makes Punaluu an essential stop.
Stargazing and Sunsets: Mauna Kea Observatory
One of the absolute highlights of our honeymoon was witnessing a spectacular sunset from the Mauna Kea Observatory access road, approximately 9,300 feet above sea level. The experience was nothing short of magical. Being so high, truly among the clouds, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with an explosion of colors, was an ethereal moment.
Words and even the most vivid photographs fail to convey the immense beauty and profound sense of peace felt at such an elevation. The air was crisp, the silence vast, and the panoramic views stretched endlessly. This memory of Mauna Kea’s sunset, a truly unique phenomenon, will forever be etched in our hearts as one of the most cherished moments of our trip. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the cosmos.
The Awe-Inspiring Waipio Valley: Valley of Kings
Another gorgeously stunning site that left us breathless was the legendary Waipio Valley, often referred to as the “Valley of Kings.” While the panoramic view from the lookout at the top is spectacular, we were told that an even more beautiful black sand beach awaited at the bottom of the incredibly steep, one-mile road.
This road, with an average grade of 25%, is famously challenging and permits only four-wheel-drive vehicles or experienced hikers. Deciding to brave the descent on foot, we found the climb back up to be quite a formidable challenge, even for the fittest hikers! Yet, was it worth it? Absolutely! The hidden beach at the bottom was nothing short of amazing, covered in very fine, soft black sand. We wanted to linger there for hours, simply watching the powerful waves roll in and out, feeling the raw, untamed beauty of this sacred valley. It’s a strenuous but immensely rewarding adventure.
A Taste of History: The Kona Coffee Living History Farm
To cap off our extensive exploration, we ventured to The Kona Coffee Living History Farm. This neat historic site offers a fascinating step back in time, providing a unique insight into the lives of Japanese immigrants who pioneered coffee cultivation in the early 1900s. We learned about the intricate process of growing, harvesting, and processing coffee beans, from the tree to the cup, through engaging demonstrations and preserved historical structures.
It was a truly fascinating and educational experience, highlighting the cultural heritage and agricultural ingenuity that shaped the famous Kona coffee industry. We left with a deeper appreciation for our morning brew and the hard work behind it.
Exploring Every Corner: Our Big Island Itinerary & Tips
During our eight-day honeymoon, we truly embraced the spirit of exploration. We rented a car and put over 1,000 miles on it, traversing nearly every accessible corner of the Big Island. From the lush rainforests of Hilo to the volcanic wonders of the south and the stargazing heights of Mauna Kea, our itinerary allowed us to experience the island’s incredible diversity. While we saw an immense amount, the Big Island is so vast and rich that we’re certain there are countless more hidden gems to discover and adventures to embark upon.
This fantastic trip solidified our desire to return. The Big Island offers an unparalleled blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it an ideal destination for any traveler seeking a truly unforgettable Hawaiian experience. For those planning a visit, renting a car is essential for maximizing your exploration, and don’t shy away from venturing off the beaten path—that’s where some of the most magical moments lie.
Thank you for joining us on this extensive journey through our Big Island honeymoon. We hope this guide inspires your own travels and proves that Hawaii’s largest island is indeed a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.