Hilo

Four Mile

A popular swimming spot, also located on Kalanianaole, before you get to Richardson's. Though there is no 'beach', it is rather like a large salt water swimming pool, with a sandy bottom, protected from the ocean by a reef. The brackish water is colder, a mix of the ocean and fresh water springs.

Kaumana caves

Fun to explore and it's free. You should bring your own flashlight.

Lava Ocean Tours

To get as far as possible to the lava flowing into the ocean, get onto a boat from just outside Hilo. Sunset tours are an excellent opportunity to see the lava in a lower light setting while mostly avoiding riding the boat at night.

$250/person

Richardson's Ocean Park

This is a popular spot for family cookouts, and has occasional waves. Snorkeling is a popular activity here. You can also find people relaxing on the beach or in the grass reading and visiting.

Big Island Aina Tours

Tours to the Volcano National Park, waterfalls and black sand beach. Small group tours for cruise ships. Private tours also available

Paradise Copters

Flights over macadamia nut plantations to the lava flows at Kilauea. Because Kona is twice as far from the volcano as Hilo, tours that leave from Kona are generally 2 hours long and accordingly more expensive. You may choose to drive 2¼-hr to Hilo if money is a consideration. Morning helicopter flights tend to have the least cloud cover, but also book first. If taking photos, wear dark clothing to avoid reflections from windows. A special mention should be made about the "doors off" helicopter tour, which lets you smell the lava and feel its heat.