The Best Adventure Activities on Hawaii’s Big Island

Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the most diverse and adventurous places in the world. From volcanic landscapes to crystal-clear ocean waters, the island offers incredible opportunities for outdoor exploration.

If you're looking for unforgettable experiences during your visit, here are some of the best adventure activities on Hawaii’s Big Island.

1. Tandem Skydiving Over the Big Island

If you're looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, tandem skydiving is hard to beat.

At Big Island Gravity Skydiving, you'll climb to altitude above the North Kohala coastline before exiting the aircraft for about 30 seconds of freefall, reaching speeds around 120 mph.

After the parachute opens, you'll enjoy a 5-minute canopy flight with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, volcanic terrain, and rugged coastline.

Big Island Gravity is the only skydiving center located on Hawaii’s Big Island, operating from Upolu Airport in North Kohala.

For many visitors, skydiving becomes the highlight of their entire trip.

👉 Book your skydive:https://www.skydivebig.com

2. Gyroplane Flights Along the Kona Coast

For a completely different aerial experience, check out Fly Gyros Hawaii, a gyroplane flight school operating from Kona International Airport.

Gyroplanes are open-air aircraft that offer incredible views of the island’s coastline, lava fields, and ocean.

Because Fly Gyros Hawaii is a certified flight school, many guests enjoy learning about the aircraft and following along with the controls during the flight.

Guests of Big Island Gravity Skydiving receive 10% off gyroplane flights using code BIG10.

👉 Explore gyroplane flights:https://www.flygyroshawaii.com

3. Snorkeling with Manta Rays

The Big Island is famous for its night manta ray snorkel experiences, where you can watch giant manta rays glide through the water as they feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights.

It’s one of the most unique marine wildlife encounters in the world.

4. Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most famous volcanoes on Earth.

Visitors can hike through lava fields, explore volcanic craters, and experience landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world.

5. Swimming with Dolphins and Sea Turtles

The waters around the Big Island are home to incredible marine life.

While exploring the coastline you may encounter:

• Spinner dolphins traveling in pods

• Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) swimming near reefs

• Seasonal humpback whales during winter months

These encounters make the Big Island one of the best places in Hawaii for ocean wildlife experiences.

Experience the Big Island From the Air

If you're planning your trip to Hawaii’s Big Island, adding an aerial adventure like skydiving or a gyroplane flight is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the island.

Whether you're chasing adrenaline or simply looking for a new perspective, seeing the island from above is something you’ll never forget.