The Big Island of Hawaii is a treasure trove of unique and unusual attractions that offer visitors a deeper connection to the island's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are some off-the-beaten-path attractions that provide fascinating experiences beyond the See more...
Top Review Scores Listed First
Barefoot Hawaii may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
The Kona Sea Salt Farm on Hawaii's Big Island produces high-quality sea salt using traditional and sustainable methods. They harvest sea salt from the pristine waters of Kona, evaporating the seawater under the Hawaiian sun. The resulting sea salt is known for its purity and distinct mineral flavor, used in gourmet cooking and skincare products.
"Honolii Orchards is a farm located on Hawaii's Big Island that specializes in growing tropical fruits and producing related products. They focus on sustainable and organic practices, cultivating a variety of fruits like avocados, bananas, and citrus. The farm also offers tours and farm-to-table experiences, showcasing the beauty and bounty of Hawaiian agriculture."
"Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Store is a specialty shop on the Big Island that offers premium Kona coffee products. Located on a coffee farm, the store provides visitors with a variety of coffee beans, blends, and accessories. Guests can enjoy coffee tastings and learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting Kona coffee."
"Big Island Bees is a beekeeping farm on Hawaii's Big Island known for its high-quality honey. They produce various types of honey, including macadamia nut, lehua blossom, and wilelaiki (known as Christmas berry), using sustainable practices. Visitors can explore their bee museum, take guided tours, and learn about the importance of bees in Hawaii's ecosystem."
"Lavaloha Chocolate Farm, located on Hawaii's Big Island, is a cacao farm and chocolate production facility. They grow cacao beans and craft artisan chocolate on-site. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar, and sample a variety of chocolates made from locally grown ingredients."
"Kona Natural Soap Company, based on Hawaii's Big Island, specializes in handcrafted soaps made from natural ingredients. They create artisanal soaps using local resources like Kona coffee and tropical oils, focusing on eco-friendly practices. Each product is crafted with care, offering unique scents and benefits for skin health, reflecting the beauty of Hawaii's nature."
"Honokaa Chocolate Co.is a boutique chocolate farm and factory that epitomizes the farm-to-bar experience. Specializing in high-quality, single-origin Hawaiian chocolate, it offers tours that educate visitors on sustainable cacao cultivation, harvesting, and artisanal chocolate making processes, complete with tastings of their exquisite, handcrafted chocolates."
"The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, located near Hilo is a natural paradise showcasing over 2,000 species of tropical plants in a lush and scenic valley. This living museum, often referred to as a ""garden in a valley on the ocean,"" offers a spectacular blend of native and exotic flora displayed along beautiful trails and streams, with stunning ocean views."
"The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary on Hawaii's Big Island is a lush and tranquil escape, offering a unique glimpse into a tropical ecosystem. Nestled on the slopes of Mauna Loa, the sanctuary is home to a diverse array of native plants, towering trees, and vibrant birdlife. Visitors can explore serene trails, taking in the beauty of this misty, evergreen forest."
"The Hawaii Vanilla Company, nestled on the slopes of the Big Island, is the first commercial grower of vanilla in the U.S. Offering tours of their farm, visitors can learn about the delicate process of growing and curing vanilla beans. The experience includes tastings of vanilla-infused dishes and products, showcasing the versatility and rich flavor of this beloved spice in a lush, tropical setting."
"The Big Island Abalone Farm, located on the Kona Coast of Hawaii, specializes in the cultivation of premium Ezo abalone. Utilizing deep ocean water to mimic natural conditions, the farm produces abalone known for its rich, buttery flavor. Tours offer insight into sustainable aquaculture practices and include tastings of this delicacy."
"The Lyman Museum and Mission House, located in Hilo. showcases the natural and cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands. The museum features extensive collections of geological, biological, and cultural artifacts, while the adjacent Mission House, dating back to 1839, offers a glimpse into the life of early missionaries in Hawaii."
"Kulaniapia Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located on the Big Island of Hawaii near Hilo. Surrounded by lush tropical forests, this 120-foot cascade is set within a private eco-friendly retreat. Visitors can enjoy activities like bamboo rafting, waterfall rappelling, or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty of the falls and surrounding natural landscapes."
"The Anna Ranch Heritage Center in Waimea, Hawaii, is a historic ranch that showcases the legacy of Anna Perry-Fiske, a renowned rancher and local heroine. The center offers a glimpse into the island's ranching history through guided tours of restored buildings, beautiful gardens, and exhibits on traditional Hawaiian cowboy (paniolo) culture."
"Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona, is a historic oceanfront residence once belonging to Hawaiian royalty. This beautifully preserved palace, built in 1838, showcases Victorian artifacts, koa wood furniture, and portraits of Hawaiian monarchs, offering a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of the Hawaiian nobility during the 19th century."
"Star Gaze Hawaii offers enchanting stargazing experiences on Hawaii's Big Island. Located in Kona, the company provides guided tours to prime locations for observing the night sky, often atop Mauna Kea. With high-powered telescopes and expert guides, guests can explore constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects, making for a mesmerizing and educational evening under the stars."
"Kona Brewing Co. is a well-known craft brewery on the Big Island famous for its unique island-inspired beers. Visitors can tour the brewery to learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of craft beers. The brewery's pub serves beer alongside a menu of local dishes, creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests."
"Botanical World Adventures is a lush botanical garden and adventure park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Visitors can explore a variety of gardens, including tropical rainforests, and experience thrilling activities like zip-lining, segway and bike tours. The park also features maze gardens and waterfalls, making it a diverse destination for both relaxation and adventure."
"Pali Nana Farms is a charming tropical farm on the Big Island of Hawaii, nestled on the eastern side. Known for its lush landscapes, the farm cultivates a variety of tropical fruits, including bananas and avocados. Visitors can tour the farm, enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, and experience Hawaii's rich agricultural heritage."
"The Hawaii Wildlife Center serves as a vital sanctuary and rehabilitation facility for native Hawaiian wildlife. Specializing in the care and rehabilitation of birds and bats, the center also focuses on conservation education, wildlife emergency response, and research, helping to preserve Hawaii's unique ecosystems and species."
The Big Island of Hawaii is a treasure trove of unique and unusual attractions that offer
visitors a deeper connection to the island's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Here are some off-the-beaten-path attractions that provide fascinating experiences
beyond the typical tourist spots:
Cloud Forest Sanctuary
● Location: Located in the Kona district, this sanctuary offers a rare glimpse into
Hawaii’s cloud forests, where the ecosystem is entirely different from the coastal
regions. The cool, misty environment nurtures a variety of native plants and
wildlife that thrive in this high-altitude habitat.
Chocolate Farm
● Experience: Chocolate lovers will enjoy visiting one of the island’s chocolate
farms, where they can learn about the cacao-growing process, from bean to bar.
Tours often include tastings of locally made chocolate, offering a delicious way
to explore one of Hawaii’s lesser-known agricultural products.
Bee Farm
● Insight: Hawaii’s bee farms are crucial for pollination and honey production, and
a visit to a bee farm provides insight into the importance of bees to the island’s
ecosystem. Visitors can learn about beekeeping, taste different types of honey,
and even purchase local honey products.
Salt Farm
● Cultural Significance: The traditional Hawaiian practice of salt harvesting is
preserved at select salt farms on the Big Island. Here, visitors can see how sea
salt is harvested using ancient methods and learn about its cultural significance
to native Hawaiians.
Exotic Fruit Orchard
● Diversity: The Big Island’s climate allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of
exotic fruits. A tour of an exotic fruit orchard offers a chance to taste fruits like
lychee, rambutan, and dragon fruit while learning about sustainable farming
practices.
Abalone Farm
● Aquaculture: The Big Island is home to one of the few abalone farms in the
United States. Visitors can tour the facility to see how abalone is cultivated and
learn about the aquaculture process. The farm often offers tastings, giving a
unique seafood experience.
Soap Factory
● Artisanal Products: Discover how locally sourced ingredients like kukui nut oil
and macadamia nut oil are transformed into luxurious soaps and skincare
products. A visit to a soap factory provides insight into the island’s artisanal
production methods.
Brewing Factory
● Local Flavors: The Big Island’s brewing factories showcase the island’s take on
craft beer, often incorporating local ingredients like Kona coffee, tropical fruits,
and even volcanic water. Tours typically include tastings and a behind-the-scenes
look at the brewing process.
Coffee Farm
● World-Renowned: Kona coffee is world-renowned for its smooth, rich flavor, and
a visit to a coffee farm offers an in-depth look at how this famous coffee is
grown, harvested, and processed. Visitors can enjoy tastings and learn about the
history and importance of coffee cultivation on the island.
These attractions highlight the Big Island's diverse offerings, allowing visitors to explore
its natural wonders, agricultural innovations, and cultural heritage in a more intimate
and engaging way. Whether you’re interested in agriculture, ecology, or simply enjoying
unique local experiences, the Big Island has something special to offer.