Visiting the Big Island in the summer offers an incredible blend of outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Longer days means you get more daylight to enjoy the island’s charms! Below we have put together some of our favorite things to do when visiting the Island of Hawaii in the summer months.
Snorkel with Manta Rays
It's possible to dive or snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii year-round, especially on the Big Island. However, the best time for optimal conditions and visibility is generally during the summer months, from May to September. Just like humans, manta rays enjoy warmer water and calmer seas. There are numerous night dives along the Kona coast that are bucket list material.
Turtle Nesting Season
Turtle nesting season peaks around June and July with hatchings occurring about two months after that. While there are strict laws around handling and touching Hawaiian sea turtles, you may witness from a distance more turtles up on the sand (especially at night) during this season. Who doesn't like seeing more turtles?!
Enjoy a Cold Shave Ice
Sure, shave ice is sold year-round in Hawaii, but there is just something extra special about eating an ice-cold Hawaiian shave ice on a warm summer day. Wouldn't you agree! Make it part of your beach routine. Every time you finish up at the beach, drive to your favorite shave ice stand and try a new topical flavor combination.
Experience Coffee Harvest Season
The Big Island of Hawaii is known globally for their quality coffee beans. The peak harvest season for Kona coffee is typically from late August to early November. However, the harvest period can vary slightly depending on the specific area and microclimate. Whether you are visiting during the harvest season or not, you can still enjoy educational hands-on tours at many of the larger coffee farms spread out across the island.
Celebrate King Kamehameha Day
The King Kamehameha Day celebration in Kailua Village is a vibrant, daylong event honoring King Kamehameha I. The festivities begin with a grand parade through Historic Kailua Village, featuring more than 100 pa‘u riders on horseback adorned in the flowers and colors of the eight Hawaiian Islands, hula halau, marching bands, and other parade participants. After the parade, Ali‘i Drive is closed to traffic, transforming the heart of the village into a lively festival space with food trucks, local vendors, and cultural demonstrations.
See Volcanoes National Park at Night
Take advantage of the cooler temperatures at night during the summer to try something truly unique and unforgettable. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is actually open 24-hours a day (the visitor center and museums will be closed), which means the parking lots and more popular trails are accessible. With all the recent eruption activity at Kilauea, you might be in for a treat with witnessing a nighttime lava glow. Even if you don’t see any actual lava activity you will still be treated to some of the best stargazing in the world. It can be magical hiking trails past geothermal steam vents and dormant volcanoes at night. Just be sure to pack a headlamp or flashlight!
Hike Scenic Trails
Some of the most popular hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii showcase the island’s diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to volcanic craters and tall waterfalls. The Pololū Valley Trail on the Kohala Coast is a moderate 1.2-mile hike that descends to a stunning black sand beach and offers breathtaking views of the valley and ocean. If looking for a waterfall hike, consider ‘Akaka Falls State Park. The 0.4-mile paved hiking trail will give you a perfect vantage point of one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.
Unwind with an Epic Beach Day
There is no better time to spend a full day at the beach then the summer! The Big Island boasts some of the most stunning and diverse beaches in the state. From white sand, to black sand, to even remote green sand beaches, there are plenty of unique options to choose from. Hapuna Beach State Park is renowned for its expansive half-mile stretch of pristine white sand, ideal for swimming, boogie boarding, and family-friendly outings. Another remarkable spot is Kekaha Kai State Park, which includes several secluded white sand beaches like Kua Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Lastly, Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay) is a favorite for its protected waters that are great for swimming, snorkeling, or testing your paddleboarding skills.