My first trip to the Big Island of Hawaii was a girls trip for my friend, TK’s birthday.  Even though it was mid-December, we were hopeful for warm weather and blue skies.  What we got instead were mild temperatures and some rain.  Since laying around at the beach wasn’t in the cards, we went exploring instead.  Here are 5 things to do on the Big Island, rain or shine!

1. Go shopping at the Hilo Farmers Market

Whenever possible while traveling, I like to hit a local farmers market.  In addition to fresh produce and food, there are often local vendors selling unique items you may not find elsewhere.  The Hilo Farmers Market is a pretty large market and definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.  In addition, there are shops across the street.  You could easily get all your souvenir shopping done in the span of a block or two.

2. Chase Waterfalls

Hawaii makes you want to be outside- even if it’s not usually your thing.  As anyone who knows me can tell you, I hate camping and I’m scared of bugs.   I do like a good hike every now and again.  I just like my outdoors in small doses.  That said, being on the Big Island even made me want to wander around in nature.  Much of the island looks like Jurassic Park.  Lava rock, active volcanoes, thick rainforest and yes, waterfalls!  And while I may have cautioned against chasing waterfalls in the past (there was that time in Occidental); this time they were easy to find!  First stop was Rainbow Falls in Hilo.  Since it was close to downtown, we were able to go to the Hilo Farmers Market first, then head to the waterfall.

You can climb the stairs at Rainbow Falls to get better views of the waterfall from a higher vantage point.

Next stop Akaka Falls State Park.  Of the two waterfalls, this was my favorite.  You could take a walk directly to Akaka Falls or take the circle route and also check out Kahuna Falls.

We took the circle route and it was really beautiful.  Lush trees in vibrant shades of green, streams and small waterfalls along the way.  If you have time, I’d recommend it.  It’s less than half a mile and there’s a paved path and rails, so you won’t wander off or get lost.

3. Eat fresh malasadas at Tex Drive In

I discovered and fell in love with malasadas on a trip to Oahu years ago.  If you’ve never had a malasada, you need one!  It’s fried dough, like a doughnut without the hole.  When warm, they are magical and heavenly.  I asked around the first couple of days of our trip to find out where the best malasadas were.  Yes, I took a survey of locals.  I’m serious about my baked goods!  Hands down, Tex Drive In won.  They have plain ones, or several filled types.  Everything from chocolate to things like guava, cause, Hawaii.

After our waterfall adventure, we picked up a full box of fresh, warm malasadas and ate them in the car (and for breakfast… and on the plane ride home).  You get the picture.  Go get a few, or several.

 4. Look for sea turtles at the Black Sand Beach

We set out for Punaluu Black Sand Beach in the morning, ready for the nearly 2.5 hour drive.  The Big Island truly is HUGE!  We made our way down Highway 11 South, with TK driving.  The road was pretty curvy and she was being responsible and driving cautiously.  On a two lane highway, after a period of time we built up quite a caravan of cars behind us.  There weren’t any obvious turnouts to pull over and let cars pass, so TK just kept driving.  She was going the speed limit, music on, we were in vacay mode.

However, as soon as the road widened and a second lane opened up, the car behind us came flying around on the left, the passenger with his ENTIRE arm out the window, middle finger extended and waving and all we heard was, “F$%K, YOOOOOOUUUUU MAAAAN!!!”, his voice trailing off as they sped away.  We had all the windows up and the music on and we STILL heard him clear as day. He sounded like a surfer with road rage.  He was soo mad.  TK, hands still perched responsibly at 10 and 2 on the wheel, head slightly cocked to the side said, “Was he talking to me??”  We all paused for a second- and then fell out laughing.    So much for the mellow, relaxed island vibe.  Aloha to you too, dude.

After an eventful car ride, we finally arrived at Punaluu Beach.

Photos don’t really do this beach justice.  The contrast between the black sand and turquoise water is stunning.

And we found the sea turtles!  I really wanted to take a selfie with one.   Apparently I’m not the only one who felt that way, as there were signs posted saying not to touch or get close to the turtles.  I had to admire them from afar, but it was still awesome.

5. Take a Walk in a Volcano

When we first got to the Volcano National Park and hopped out of the car, I said “We’re in the volcano!”  I thought I was being dramatic, until I read the posted signs.  No really- we were IN the volcano!?!

Still blows my mind a little.  It was really cool and kind of eery, especially walking through the steam vents.  That’s steam venting behind us!? It was warm and humid, like a sauna and from the outlooks you could see lava below.

Go check out the Kilauea Caldera Overlook and try and get your mind around the fact that you’re in an active volcano.  Freak out and then take selfies.

If you appreciate or collect art, make a stop in the gallery at the Volcano Art Center.  They have a really beautiful collection of  paintings, ceramics and other collectibles inspired by Hawaiian culture.

Brown Lady Travel Tip

Get up and explore early.  It’s scary to drive at night on the Big Island!  Before our trip, I saw several posts in Big Island forums asking about restaurant suggestions for dinner that were ‘close to the hotel’ or ‘easy to get to’ in the dark.  I thought maybe it was just nervous drivers who were uneasy about driving in a new place.  I was waaay wrong.

The night of TK’s birthday, we went to dinner maybe 30 minutes from the house we rented.  I drove.  It was dark and rainy.  The road narrowed to a two lane highway, with no lights- other than the headlights of oncoming traffic… blinding me.  And just for added fun, there were construction zones all along the highway, so it was like an obstacle course.  Needless to say, I didn’t drink at dinner and the rest of the trip we did our absolute best to get home before dark (or at least stay closer to the house).  And just for perspective, driving doesn’t scare me in LA, NYC, San Francisco or any other large metro area.   Consider yourself warned!

The good news is, the Big Island of Hawaii is beautiful enough that you won’t mind waking up and getting out early.  Even if you are like me (not a morning person) 😉

Anyone else have favorites on the Big Island to add to the list?