Wonder！See Lava Erupting Up Close on Hawaii’s Big Island

Reporter: You Ru / Special Report

To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the island of Hawaii is commonly referred to as the “Big Island”! The Big Island is nearly twice the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined and is brimming with ecological activities. Visitors can explore flowing molten lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, admire the picturesque Rainbow Falls that shine year-round, wander through the historic and cultural charm of Hilo town, or experience the world’s rare black sand beaches—all worth savoring in detail.


▲Upon entering the Big Island of Hawaii, you can see the roadside surface covered with black gravel due to volcanic deposits.
Downtown Hilo
Hilo is the largest town on the Big Island, with century-old shops lining the streets, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Behind light-colored wooden facades are numerous galleries, shops, restaurants, and cultural heritage sites. Stroll along the beautiful Kamehameha Avenue by Hilo Bay, where you can enjoy paintings, woodwork, glassware, and jewelry designed by artists with strong island characteristics in various galleries. Visit the East Hawaii Cultural Center, the art hub of Hilo, dedicated to preserving and sharing the island’s culture, creativity, and traditional arts.


▲Downtown Hilo.

Rainbow Falls
If you want to enjoy a waterfall near downtown Hilo, drive west along Waianuenue Avenue for a short trip to Waianuenue State Recreation Area. The first sight is Waianuenue (Rainbow Falls), an 80-foot waterfall famous for the rainbows that often form in its mist.


▲Although Rainbow Falls is reputed for frequent rainbows, spotting one is a matter of luck—yet the waterfall exudes a uniquely gentle aura.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can witness nature’s transformation. Located 30 miles southwest of Hilo, the park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, where you can witness the unforgettable spectacle of creation and destruction. It is not only one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist attractions but also a sacred place for locals. Kilauea is sometimes called “the only volcano in the world you can drive to.”


▲Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, large amounts of smoke can still be seen erupting from the ground, creating a spectacular sight.
Established in 1916, the park spans 333,000 acres, extending from the summit of Mauna Loa to the ocean. Here, you can hike 150 miles of trails through volcanic craters, scorched deserts, and tropical rainforests, as well as visit museums, petroglyphs, massive lava tubes, and two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, while Kilauea has been continuously erupting since January 3, 1983. UNESCO designated the park as a Biosphere Reserve in 1980 for its unique natural diversity and included it in the World Heritage List in 1987.

Black Sand Beach
Due to ongoing volcanic activity, the Big Island of Hawaii has white, green, and black beaches. Punaluu Black Sand Beach, located on the southeast coast of the Kau district, is one of Hawaii’s best black sand beaches. Situated between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the small town of Naalehu, its inky-black shoreline is unforgettable. The beach is lined with plenty of coconut trees, and you might even spot giant Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) sunbathing on the sand.


▲%International how long? At dusk, the black sand is especially photogenic. You might even see turtles.