Free Things to Do on Big Island, Hawaii

Find free things to do on Big Island, Hawaii. This information is excerpted from http://www.halakahikiguesthouse.com

All photos are copyrighted by C. Lee - all rights reserved. Contact bargainhunterhotline@gmail.com for permission to reproduce.


Volcano Winery
Go to the Volcano Winery in Volcano for a free wine tasting.

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo
You don't have to be a kid to enjoy a zoo. The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. Located in Hilo, admission is free everyday.

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
Stop into the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory in Hilo. Take a self guided tour of their factory and grab tons of free samples like nuts, cookies and chocolates.

Onizuka Center for International Astronomy
offers free star gazing atop Mauna Loa.

Punalu'u Bakery
America's southernmost bakery is Punalu'u Bakery in the village of Naalehu. Stop in and try samples of their famous sweet rolls in delicious flavors such as Taro and Guava.

Aloha Fridays
Every Friday on the islands is affectionately referred to as "Aloha Fridays". One Friday, visit the Keauhou Shopping Center and get free ukulele lessons, free lei making classes, and free hula shows.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
The Akatsuka Orchid Gardens has one of the largest orchid collections in Hawaii. They've placed a basket of flowers by the entrance. Help yourself to one and place it in your hair just like the Hawaiians.

Kona Coffee Company
Free tours at the Holualoa Kona Coffee Company in Holualoa, and a complimentary cup of real Kona coffee, make this a great stop for all you coffee lovers. It's featured in "Frommer's Hawaii" as a recommended visit.

St. Benedicts Painted Church
One of several "painted churches" on the Big Island, St. Benedicts Painted Church's claim to fame are the trompe l'oeil wall paintings inside that give an illusion that you are in a huge cathedral.

Rainbow Falls
The 80-foot Rainbow Falls in Hilo, is renowned for the rainbow formed from its mist many mornings. One of the many state parks where admission is free.

Lava Tree State Park
Lava Tree State Park's (Pahoa) unusual volcanic feature is the result of a lava flow that swept through this forested area and left behind lava molds of the tree trunks.

Lapakahi State Historical Park
Re-enactments of the life of early Hawaiian common people through cultural demonstrations of daily activities, story telling, are performed on this self-guided walk through of a partially restored remains of this ancient site at Lapakahi State Historical Park.

Akaka Falls
A pleasant self-guided walk, through lush tropical vegetation and scenic vista points, the free-falling 'Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge.

Big Island Candies
When you go into Big Island Candies in Hilo, you will be greeted at the door with “aloha,' complimentary Kona coffee, and chocolate and cookie samples. Through large glass windows, you will be able to see how their delicious treats are made.

Puako Petroglyphs Archaeological Preserve
Free guided tours of the Puako Petroglyphs Archaeological Preserve pick you up at Waikaloa's Kings Shops every Saturday at 8:30 am.

Mehana Brewery
Visit the Mehana Brewery in Hilo for free samples of their specialty brews like the Tsunami Lager,and the Mehana Volcano Red ale.

Hilo Hatties
Hilo Hatties is a souvenir store. You are offerd a free shell lei and refreshingl drink as you enter. You can get out of the heat and watch videos about Hawaii.

Punalulu Black Sand Beach
Punalulu Black Sand Beach is the most accessible black sand beach on the Big Island. Endangered turtles come here yearlong to lay their eggs, and there is no fee to enter.

Hilo Living Hall of Fame
Started in 1933, Banyan Trees were planted by various dignitaries and celebrities such as George Herman (aka Babe Ruth), Cecil DeMille, Richard Nixon, Amelia Earhart and others.

Let us know about your own experiences visiting these places and/or any other free things that you have found for this destination. Include a comment in the comments section below so that others may learn from your experience.