Hawaii is one of the most expensive destinations in the US, but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to explore the Big Island. Volcanic scenery, luxuriant rainforest, and pure beaches aside, there are many free things to do in Hawaii Big Island that will leave you with unforgettable memories without costing a dime. So, as you tour ancient towns, as you spend time snorkeling the clear waters of the harbors, and as you look at the stars at the top of Mauna Kea, you will live to realize that sometimes, the best experiences don’t cost anything.
Whether you are a first time visitor to the Big Island not wanting to spend a fortune or someone who want some inspiration on what to do and where to go on the island, this is the list to keep.
But before we get to the actual list, let’s cover some basics.
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If you want to get off the beaten track in Hawaii, consider renting a car.
Visit a Kona Coffee Farm
Located in the heart of the Kona Coffee Belt on the southwest coast, exploring a coffee farm like Greenwell Farms is both a culturally enriching and cost-free Hawaii experience. Just a 10-minute drive from Kailua-Kona and about 25 minutes from Kona International Airport, the farms offer daily complimentary guided tours.
You’ll walk through lush coffee orchards, learn traditional growing, picking, and roasting techniques, and sample a variety of brews at no charge. Knowledgeable guides explain how volcanic soil and mountain mists contribute to Kona’s renowned flavor. Though optional, you can purchase bags of beans as souvenirs. This activity combines education, scenic views of volcanic slopes, and a taste of local culture—all for free.
Where to stay: Big Island Retreat, just steps from Kahaluʻu Beach.
Snorkeling at Kahaluʻu Beach
Just south of Kailua-Kona, Kahaluʻu Beach Park is a top-notch free snorkeling spot that can be reached via Aliʻi Drive with public parking close by. It is the perfect place for beginners and families because it has calm, crystal-clear waters, a lot of marine life, and warm waters. Volunteer naturalists stationed at the beach pavilion provide free reef-safe sunscreen and marine identification guides for those who want to deepen their understanding of the local marine world.
The ocean is sandy and very gentle, so it is ideal for kids. This laid-back, self-guided snorkeling tour is a great educational and relaxing way to spend a day on the Big Island of Hawaii, without breaking the bank.
Where to stay: Kona Tiki Hotel, 5 min walk from Honl’s Beach.
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Fee‑Free Days
The iconic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers several days every year when entry is free for everyone as part of the National Park Service’s program. The days include January 20th (MLK Day), April 19th (First day of National Park Week), June 19th (Juneteenth Day), September 27th (National Public Lands Day), and November 11th (Veterans Day).
The park is located near Volcano Village on the southeast side of the island and on these days, visitors are allowed to walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, look into steaming vents and sulfur banks, go for a hike on the Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs Trail and/or watch the sunset at Kīlauea Overlook (some of the park’s finest highlights).
The park is accessible via Highway 11 and well-marked from Hilo or Kona. Don’t forget to bring lots of water, snacks, and layers (it can be a little cold), and you will have an amazing experience of geology and culture, free of charge.
Visit Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue Falls) is only a few miles east of downtown Hilo, and cascades 80 feet into a natural amphitheater of lush vegetation. It’s a great place to visit in the early morning when rainbows are likely to be seen arching through the mist. There’s a parking lot and gazebo platform, and a small trail that leads through a forest of ancient banyan trees.
The falls are open every day between 8 AM and 5 PM, and the entrance is free. This stop can be reached by Highway 11 and Banyan Drive and can be combined with a walk through Liliʻuokalani Gardens. Just try to arrive early to avoid the crowds and get some great photo opportunities.
Stargaze at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
If stargazing is your thing, don’t think much and drive up Saddle Road to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. The center is located at 9,200 feet above sea level and offers free stargazing opportunities. No telescope? No problem. Rangers provide binoculars and telescopes, as well as professional commentary on stars, planets, and Hawaiian sky stories.
You may make shorter hikes, get acquainted with the ecology of the high altitude, and observe the spectacular sunsets just before the stars light up the sky. To continue to the top, you will require a 4WD car, but once you get there, the entrance is free of charge.
Visit Historic Kailua Village
Kailua Village is a cultural and historical center of Kailua-Kona, on Ali’i Drive, full of well-maintained architecture and Hawaiian history. Tourists are free to stroll around the premises of Hulihee Palace, which was once a summer residence of Hawaiian royalty, and marvel at the whitewashed walls of Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian mission in the islands. Local market stalls along the oceanfront promenade sell handmade crafts, fresh produce, and live Hawaiian music, which is the only place where you’ll potentially save some money.
The self-guided tour through historic plaques, streets lined with banyan trees, traditional hale (Hawaiian homes), and scenic views of the Kailua Bay is completely free of charge. The village can be accessed easily through Kona International Airport or through the use of public buses, which also go to the downtown.
Where to stay: Royal Kona Resort – Overlooks Kailua Bay, pool, on Aliʻi Drive, ideal for exploring local shops and restaurants.
Explore Kaumana Caves
Kaumana Caves is a section of a 25-mile lava tube created in 1881 during the eruption of Mauna Loa, located off Saddle Road west of Hilo. Along the highway, there is public parking that leads to the lit main tube, from where you can walk into the cool depths, at least up to a mile. You can also explore beyond, but for this part of the park, there’s an entrance fee.
Take a flashlight or headlamp, and wear sturdy shoes because some cave levels are rocky or wet. The inside is dark and has interesting lava shapes and graffiti left by previous explorers. Part of the caves is closed to preserve endangered bats and lava formations, but the primary accessible tube offers an amazing contrast to the green Hilo landscape, which is certainly worth the visit. It is on state land and is free to access- there are no facilities nearby, so be prepared.
Where to stay: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel – On Hilo Bay, pool, walking distance to Banyan Drive and restaurants.
Kaopala State Recreation Area
The Kaopala State Recreation Area is located high in the Hamakua district, north of Hilo, and is home to one of the most popular trails in the area, the Kalopa Nature Trail. This loop passes through an indigenous’ ohi a lehua forest, which features moss-covered trunks, ferns, and approximately 25 native plant species. The region is located at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet, so it’s much cooler than the rest of the island, something to keep in mind before visiting.
There are well-kept trails that can be accessed directly out of the parking lot and picnic tables where one can enjoy a quiet outdoor lunch. Mountain biking and open fires are not allowed to safeguard the fragile ecosystem, but the recreation area is a few minutes’ drive away from Hilo and can be reached by shuttle bus or car. This hike is ideal for a peaceful escape into a tropical Hawaiian forest without the drama or the cost.
Where to stay: Hilo Seaside Hotel – Affordable rooms, waterfront location, easy access to downtown Hilo shops and eateries.
Pololu Valley Lookout & Black Sand Beach
The Pololu Valley Lookout is perched on the north end of the Kohala coast with a panoramic view of steep cliffs and a romantic black sand beach below. Take the short trail (approximately 0.5 mile round trip) to the floor of the valley, and you’ll have a secluded shoreline to picnic or beachcomb. The trailhead can be reached through Saddle Road, and although no public transport is available directly to the trailhead, the valley is well-marked and easy to navigate with your own vehicle.
Just note that it’s important to depart early in the morning or late in the afternoon to take advantage of the cooler weather and dramatic lighting on the cliffs. The valley also belongs to the local cultural heritage and is usually not as busy as the tourist paths.
Where to stay: Kohala Village Inn – In nearby Hawi, offering cozy, cottage-style accommodations and easy access to Kohala adventures.
Whale Watching from Shore
Humpback whales move to Hawaiian waters to breed between December and April, and you can frequently see them offshore along the Kohala Coast. There are overlooks available in public places such as Lapakahi State Historic Park and Pu’ulohola Heiau, where you can scan the ocean to see spouts and breaches. So, grab your binoculars and come early in the morning when they are most likely to be seen.
These historical sites also provide background to your whale watching, since they comprise ancient Hawaiian temples and rebuilt villages. There is free parking, and the ocean views are spectacular year-round. There is no guarantee of seeing whales on shore, but during the peak season, it is likely to see magnificent animals without spending a dime.
Where to stay: Kohala Coast Resort – Located near beach access and state parks, ideal for scenic mornings and wildlife viewing.
Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
The Punaluʻu Beach on the south coast in Naalehu is famous for its dramatic black sand beach, formed by the hot lava coming into contact with the sea. It is also among the few hawksbill and green sea turtle sanctuaries on the island. There are picnic tables, toilets, and plenty of shade- ideal for a relaxing getaway day.
Park in the free parking lot on Highway 11 and start indulging in some of your favorite activities, such as long walks on the beach, sunbathing, observing the large local turtle population, snorkeling, etc. The best time of the day to see turtles is at mid-morning when they are resting on the shore. The juxtaposition of ebony sand, palm trees, and blue ocean makes a beautiful landscape, which is perfect to be photographed or explored slowly, whatever floats your boat.
Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
The Papakolea is one of the four green sand beaches in the world, and it is located close to South Point. The volcanic sand contains olivine crystals that give it its unique green color. And the best part about seeing such natural rarity is that it’s completely free of charge.
The beach is accessible by a 2.5-mile one-way hike on a steep dirt trail, so you’ll need a lot of water, sunscreen, and good walking shoes. Hikers occasionally combine the trip to the beach with a visit to the adjacent green sand Ka Lae bay or a sighting of seabirds in the air. It will take 2-3 hours to get there and back, and it is worth staying until sunset.
Explore Tidepools at Manini’owali Beach
Also referred to as Kua Bay, Manini’owali Beach on the Kohala Coast is a beautiful white sand beach with clear waters and rocky outcrops which create natural tidepools- visible at low tide. These are ideal for observing the small reef fish, invertebrates, and shells.
The site can be reached through Jubilee Parkway along Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 270), and there is a large free parking lot. Snorkelers and tidepool visitors are advised to visit during calm ocean conditions and low tide, when marine life is most visible in the pools. Due to the open and exposed nature of the beach, take shade, water, and sunscreen before heading to the beach.
Where to stay: Paniolo Greens Resort – Close to beautiful beaches, with convenient parking and beach gear storage for tidepool days.
Discover Ancient Petroglyphs at Waikoloa & Puako
This list of the best free things to do in Hawaii Big Island includes the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve located on the Waikoloa Petroglyph Field, along Highway 19 between Waikoloa Village and Kawaihae. These locations have more than 3,000 carved images engraved on lava rock by Hawaiians over centuries, depicting spiritual activities, everyday life, and navigation.
The entrance is free; parking is also free, and exploring the fields where the petroglyphs are located is also free. Stick to marked trails, be considerate of the carvings, and carry water and sun protection. Since the carvings are one of the most significant cultural artifacts of the island, this walk is a reflective approach to Hawaiian history.
Where to stay: A Bay View Condos Waikoloa – Comfortable condos within 5 miles of the sites, ideal for quiet evenings after daytime exploration.
Experience the Ali’i Drive
Ali’i Drive is Kona’s iconic oceanfront avenue that winds along the coastline, offering history, culture, and local color in one scenic stretch. Start your self-guided journey at Ahu’ena Heiau, a reconstructed temple that was once King Kamehameha the Great’s personal refuge. Nearby, you’ll find Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii’s oldest Christian church, and Hulihe’e Palace, which once hosted Hawaiian royalty.
You’ll also pass dozens of boutiques, galleries, and oceanfront eateries. Stop for shave ice or a poke bowl and enjoy the breezy coastal views. is a walkable and free activity that provides a wonderful mix of history, culture, shopping, and sea views — no ticket required.
Nearby Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona – This hotel is just a short walk from Ali’i Drive and Kailua Pier, placing you right in the heart of the village with free breakfast and a pool.
Take a Self-Guided Mural Tour In Downtown Kona
Downtown Kona boasts a growing collection of vibrant murals painted by local artists. You’ll find these artworks scattered across Ali’i Drive and its side streets — many tied to Hawaiian culture, environmentalism, and island history.
The mural outside Kona Brewing Co. is a standout, along with a colorful underwater-themed piece behind Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill. Take a self-guided walk with your camera and make it a mini scavenger hunt — it’s a great way to explore downtown beyond the shops.
Nearby Stay: PACIFIC 19 Kona – A stylish boutique stay just blocks from all the murals and Ali’i Drive. It’s artsy and well-positioned for walking around the best parts of Kona.
Say Aloha to the Ocean at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is one of the Big Island’s most breathtaking spots. Located at the end of Highway 240 near the town of Honokaʻa, it offers panoramic views of a lush valley, taro fields, and a black sand beach framed by 2,000-foot-high cliffs.
The lookout itself is free to visit and includes restrooms, picnic tables, and educational signs detailing the valley’s cultural history. It’s best to arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and haze. The road into the valley is incredibly steep and only accessible with a 4WD vehicle, but most people are content to stay at the top for the stunning view.
See Manta Rays from Shore at Outrigger Kona Resort
Last but not least, we wrap up this list of free things to do in Hawaii Big Island, with one of the most incredible wildlife encounters on the island- seeing giant manta rays. The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou has a Manta Ray Viewing Deck that’s open to the public and free of cost.
Each night, lights are shone into the water to attract plankton, which in turn attracts manta rays. These gentle giants glide and loop just feet below the surface, just don’t forget to bring a flashlight for the walk and a warm layer—the ocean breeze picks up at night.
Nearby Stay: Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa – If you’d like a room above the viewing area, this is the perfect place to stay.
How did you like this guide to free things to do in Hawaii Big Island? Did you ever try any of these? Do you have some other ones you think deserve to be mentioned on our list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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