Itineraries

Big Island Hidden Gems: 14 Secret Spots Locals Love

Looking to get off the beaten path? We've curated a list of the Big Island's best hidden gems, from secluded beaches and quiet valleys to unique geological wonders known only to locals.

September 13, 2026 • 10 min read • by Big Island Tours Editorial

The Big Island is, well, big. It's easy to fill a vacation with its headliner attractions: watching the glow from Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu crater, snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, or driving to the summit of Mauna Kea. But beyond the well-trod paths lies a different Hawaiʻi—a quieter, wilder island with secluded coves, dramatic coastlines, and local haunts that offer a more profound sense of place.

This guide is for the traveler willing to hike a little farther, drive down a rougher road, and trade convenience for authenticity. These are our favorite hidden gems on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, the places that reward a little extra effort with unforgettable experiences.

A Note on "Hidden" and Responsible Travel

Before you pack your bags, let's talk about what "hidden" means. In the age of the internet, few places are truly secret. These spots are simply less crowded and less commercialized. That also means they are more fragile. When visiting, please practice mālama ʻāina (to care for the land).

Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. This includes organic waste like fruit peels.
Respect Kuleana: Many of these areas are adjacent to private property (kuleana lands) or are culturally significant. Obey all signage, do not trespass, and be respectful.
Stay Safe: Heed all warnings about high surf, strong currents, and unstable cliffs. Ocean conditions in Hawaiʻi can change in an instant. Check official sources like the State of Hawaiʻi's Division of State Parks for current conditions.
Give Space: Give wildlife, especially honu (sea turtles) and monk seals, plenty of space. It's the law and the right thing to do.

West Hawaiʻi Hidden Gems (Kona & Kohala)

The sunny western coast is known for its resorts and world-class beaches, but some of the best spots require a bit of effort to reach.

Makalawena Beach

Often called "Māk Beach," this is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaiʻi. It's a series of stunning white-sand coves punctuated by lava rock outcroppings and backed by shady trees. The reason it stays relatively quiet? You can't just drive up to it.

Why it's a gem: Postcard-perfect white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and far fewer people than nearby Kua Bay.
Getting there: The most common way is to park at Mahaiʻula Beach (part of Kekaha Kai State Park) and take the 20-30 minute hike north across an ʻaʻā lava field. Wear sturdy shoes, not slippers. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the park's unpaved access road.

Kīholo Bay

North of the airport, Kīholo Bay is a stunning mix of black lava, brilliant turquoise water, and ancient fishponds. This protected bay is a favorite resting place for honu. The main feature is the Wainānāliʻi Pond, a large freshwater pool fed by underground springs that has a unique brackish composition where it meets the sea.

Why it's a gem: Unbeatable turtle-spotting and a unique geological setting. It feels like a private oasis.
Getting there: Access is via a rough, unpaved road just past mile marker 82 on Highway 19. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. Alternatively, you can park at the Kīholo Bay scenic overlook and hike about 15 minutes down to the shoreline.

Hoʻokena Beach Park

While not entirely unknown, Hoʻokena feels like a step back in time. This grey-sand beach was once a busy steamship landing for the area. Today, it’s a laid-back local beach with calm waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. You can often see spinner dolphins offshore in the mornings.

Why it's a gem: A relaxed, local vibe with excellent water conditions and a touch of history. Kayak rentals are available right on the beach.
Getting there: Located south of Kealakekua Bay, down a winding but paved road off the main highway.

North Kohala's Quiet Corners

The northern tip of the island is lush, windy, and steeped in history. It's the birthplace of King Kamehameha I and feels worlds away from the Kona resorts.

Pololū Valley

With the trail into the iconic Waipiʻo Valley currently closed to most visitors, the Pololū Valley lookout and hike at the end of Highway 270 have become more popular, but it remains a breathtaking alternative. The view from the overlook is spectacular, capturing the dramatic, fluted cliffs of the Kohala coastline.

Why it's a gem: A dramatic, Waipiʻo-like experience that is still accessible. The hike down is short but intense.
Getting there: Drive to the absolute end of Highway 270 past the towns of Hāwī and Kapaʻau. Parking is very limited. The hike down to the black sand beach is steep and can be slippery. The beach is not safe for swimming due to powerful currents.

Kaʻū District's Raw Beauty

The southernmost district of the United States, Kaʻū is a vast, sparsely populated region of stark and beautiful landscapes shaped by the ongoing volcanism of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

One of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakōlea gets its unique color from olivine crystals eroded from a 49,000-year-old tuff cone. Getting here is an adventure in itself and the primary reason it remains a 'gem.'

Why it's a gem: It's a geological marvel. The color of the sand against the blue ocean is something you have to see to believe.
Getting there: You must first drive to South Point, the southernmost point in the U.S. From there, it's a strenuous 5.5-mile round-trip hike along the rugged coastline. Be prepared with sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and sun protection. Unofficial 'shuttles' operate in the area, but they are damaging the fragile ecosystem and their use is strongly discouraged.

Kaʻū Coffee Mill

Forget the Kona crowds. The Kaʻū coffee growing region is producing award-winning beans that are gaining international acclaim. The Kaʻū Coffee Mill offers a wonderfully low-key and informative experience.

Why it's a gem: Free tours, extensive coffee tastings, a beautiful setting, and a chance to support a burgeoning agricultural community.
Getting there: Located just outside the town of Pāhala, it's an easy stop on the way to or from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

East Hawaiʻi Adventures (Puna & Hilo)

The windward side of the island is a wonderland of lush rainforests, powerful waterfalls, and landscapes newly forged by lava.

Kaūmana Caves State Park

Just a few minutes from downtown Hilo lies a massive lava tube formed by a Mauna Loa lava flow in 1881. A concrete staircase descends through a collapsed 'skylight' into the dark maw of the cave. It's a much more rustic and adventurous experience than the paved and lit Thurston Lava Tube in the national park.

Why it's a gem: Easily accessible yet feels wild. A chance to explore a huge lava tube on your own.
Getting there: Located right off Kaūmana Drive (an extension of Saddle Road). Bring at least two powerful flashlights per person and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

Kapoho Kalapana Road (The "Red Road")

This scenic drive in the Puna district is one of the most beautiful on the island. A narrow road winds under a canopy of giant mango and albizia trees, with the blue Pacific on one side and lush jungle on the other. The 2018 Kīlauea eruption covered a significant portion of this area, but the drive that remains, particularly the stretch from Pāhoa towards the coast, is still magical. The eruption also created a new black sand beach at Isaac Hale Beach Park.

Why it's a gem: A quintessential tropical drive and a chance to witness the dramatic process of destruction and creation from recent volcanic activity.
Getting there: From Pāhoa, take Highway 137 south along the coast.

Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park

This beautiful, windswept peninsula is a place of somber history. In 1946, a devastating tsunami generated by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands swept over the point, destroying a school and village. Today, it’s a county park with stunning views of the Hāmākua Coast's cliffs and crashing waves. A memorial stands in tribute to the lives lost.

Why it's a gem: Incredibly dramatic scenery and a poignant reminder of the power of nature. It's a great spot for photography and quiet reflection, but absolutely not for swimming.
Getting there: A well-marked turnoff from Highway 19, north of Hilo. The road winds steeply down to the point.

While exploring these rugged coastlines is a highlight, balancing adventure with relaxation is key. The Big Island also offers incredible snorkeling opportunities right from the shore. You can find our guide to the island's best underwater spots here: https://highendhawaii.com/blog/best-snorkeling-big-island

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to find hidden gems on the Big Island?

The best way is to be curious. Talk to locals at farmers' markets or coffee shops, take a turn down a road that looks interesting (while respecting private property), and be willing to do some research beyond the first page of Google. This guide is a great starting point, but the spirit of discovery is your best tool.

Are these 'hidden gems' safe to visit?

Safety is relative and your responsibility. Many of these spots involve rugged terrain, unpredictable ocean conditions, or remote locations. Always check weather and surf reports, tell someone your plan, bring more water than you think you need, and never turn your back on the ocean.

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to explore the Big Island's hidden spots?

While you can see a majority of the island with a standard rental car, a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle opens up access to places like Kīholo Bay and makes the road to Kekaha Kai State Park (for Makalawena) much more comfortable. It is not strictly necessary, but it helps.

What is proper etiquette when visiting local spots in Hawaiʻi?

The key is respect. Acknowledge that you are a visitor in someone's home. Be friendly, drive slowly, don't block driveways, pack out all your trash, and don't take lava rocks or sand. A friendly 'howzit' or a shaka goes a long way.

Are there any hidden waterfalls I can swim in?

Many accessible waterfalls are on private property or have dangerous conditions. Spots within state or national parks are your best bet, but 'hidden' swim-able waterfalls are rare and often require local knowledge for safe access. Avoid swimming in streams and waterfalls if you have any open cuts to prevent leptospirosis.

What's a hidden gem for foodies on the Big Island?

Instead of one spot, the gem is the network of local farmers' markets. The Hilo Farmers Market and Waimea Town Market are fantastic, but smaller ones like the one in Hāwī or South Kona have incredible produce and prepared foods you won't find in stores. It's the best way to taste the real flavor of the island.