Things To Do For Free On Hawaii's Big Island

Free (or Almost Free) Ways To Enjoy the Big Island of Hawaii

'Akaka Falls State Park, located 13 miles north of Hilo above Honomu, has an easy and pleasant footpath loop that provides views of two beautiful waterfalls. It's one of the Big Island's most-visited spots.

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company, located in Kawaihae, offers free tours and samples at its new factory store. The company grows, markets and processes 100-percent Big Island macadamia nuts and other delicacies.Ka Lae

Ka Lae, the remote and windswept southernmost part of the island, is where Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii and settled. Now a National Historical Landmark district, it is a beautiful place to look out to sea and contemplate what caused Polynesians to outfit their voyaging canoes and set out purposefully seeking new lands, as well as their arrival in Hawaii.

Kalopa State Recreation Area is off Highway 19 at the end of Kalopa Road, southeast of Honoka'a. This beautiful and cool park, situated at 2000 feet, has picnic areas, an easy nature hike in a native 'ohi'a forest, and additional trails in the adjoining forest reserve.

Kohala Historical Sites State Monument, off Hwy. 270 near 'Upolu Airport, consists of two historic sites. Mo'okini Heiau, a National Historic Monument, is the most famous ancient sacrificial heiau (temple) in the state. The adjacent site is Kamehameha's Birth Place, a memorial to the 18th-century chief who united the islands under one rule.

Kona Historical Society's traditional Portuguese bread-baking, every Thursday 11 a.m. – 2 pm. See how Portuguese families in Hawaii traditionally baked their weekly supply of bread in large, wood-fired "fornos" (stone ovens) — and sample some, too.! Call (808) 323-3222 or email khs@konahistorical.org for more information.

Lava Tree State Monument, off Pahoa-Pohoiki Road, is 2.7 miles southeast of Pahoa. The site is a forest of "lava trees," formed by a lava flow that swept through the area and left behind lava molds of tree trunks.

Mauna Kea, above the clouds, at 9,000 feet, the Visitors Information Station offers displays about the mountain's world-class astronomical observatories; and every evening of the year, even on holidays, its volunteer astronomy buffs roll out telescopes for an outstanding—and free—stargazing program.

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is a 12-acre rainforest zoo located south of Hilo on Mamaki Street. Namasté, its white Bengal tiger, gets fed daily at 3:30, and there's a children's petting zoo on Saturdays from 1:30-2:30. The zoo is also known for its beautiful botanical gardens, which have more than 100 varieties of palm trees and other plants. Open 9-4 daily. (808) 959-7224.

Puako Petroglyph Preserve, off Highway 19 and just north of the entrance to the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast, offers a short hike that leads to more than 3,000 petroglyphs; the hotel provides a free map and brochure.

Lapakahi State Historical Park is off of Hwy. 270, 12.4 miles north of Kawaihae. It is the partially restored remains of an ancient coastal settlement, and there are daily cultural demonstrations and also story telling.