Evening Activities on the Big Island

Hawaii is full of unique experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. The Big Island offers a rich variety of evening activities due to its low light pollution, natural landmarks, and cultural history. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite Big Island adventures.

Big Island Stargazing

The darkness of our local skies provides a world-class experience for stargazing. The Milky Way is clearly visible from spring to fall from many of the higher elevations on the island, and shooting stars are abundant. Going out on a new moon is simply amazing!

A few of the best spots for stargazing on the Big Island include Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and any area with little light pollution, such as a golf course or even Saddle Road. However, Mauna Kea Mountain features multiple observatories at its summit, with research being done there by representatives from multiple countries, making the Big Island an international hot spot for stargazing.

Mauna Kea Views

Mauna Kea is not just excellent for seeing the stars; there are many other things to do on this dormant volcano. With a peak almost 14,000ft above sea level, the views are outstanding day or night. There are tour companies operating guided tours during both mornings and evenings, and these tours are really helpful because otherwise, you would need a four-wheel drive vehicle to access the highest points with the best scenic views.

Sunsets are particularly popular here, with the evening tours being in high demand, although if you’re on a budget and this is one of the Big Island adventures you had your heart set on, you can still view a gorgeous sunset from the Visitor Information Station at 9200ft without booking a tour or needing a four-wheel drive vehicle.

For those who want to explore, there are plenty of opportunities to hike and view flora and fauna on the mountain as well. If you go in the winter, you may even see some snow.

Manta Ray Experience and Scuba Diving

The waters surrounding Hawaii are inhabited by a variety of marine life, including those that comprise coral reef. Snorkeling and diving offer a lot to see, and plenty of tour companies offer private and public outings. There are SCUBA charters for those who may be beginners, but there are some really neat opportunities for those who are more advanced, including manta ray night dives! This is one of the most unique experiences offered in Hawaii when it comes to evening activities here on the Big Island.

Divers might see not only manta rays but a variety of ocean life and interesting artifacts from volcanic activity. Please note that SCUBA diving coupled with a trip to a higher elevation, such as Waimea or Mauna Kea, within 24 hours is not advisable.

Luau Shows (Fire Dancing!)

The pièce de résistance of any stay on the Big Island is one of my absolute favorite evening activities: the luau show. These vary between venues, but you and your friends might experience anything from rhythmic drum beats and hula dancing to a performance by a fire dancer! You can dine on authentic Polynesian cuisine while enjoying the show. It is yet another of the experiences unique to beautiful Hawaii and a celebration of our culture.

When all is said and done, Hawaii has so much to offer. The adventures available to those residing on or visiting the Big Island cannot be properly put into words – you must experience them for yourself. If you’re considering making our island your home, please contact me so we can get started on finding the perfect home for you.

With Aloha,
Leeana