Waves crashing against the rocky coastline in Hawaii

Not all of the unexpected things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Many of them are outside the park in nearby locations.

While we love the park itself, we also absolutely love several of the surprising things to do we found near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Here are a few suggestions we think you might like…

(Be sure to look under the “Related Posts” section at the end of this post for the link to “Unexpected Things to Do In Hawaii Volcanoes, National Park.” It is the follow-up to this post.)

Published August 21, 2024…Updated January 8, 2025

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Volcano Community Farmers Market

This is one of our favorite experiences on the Big Island. The manager of Volcano Village Lodge, where we stayed, told us about the Volcano Community Farmers Market, and since we enjoy that sort of thing, we went for a visit.

It was so much fun! There were all sorts of things available at the market—fresh fruits and veggies, handmade jewelry, baked goods, tee shirts, hats, dresses, oils and salves, lip balm, coffee, books—it was amazing!

Shoppers at the Volcano Farmers Market

We enjoyed visiting with the locals about the work of the Community Center (which is extensive) and the products being sold at the market. The locals we met here are very kind and friendly.

Pro Tip

  • The Farmers Market is held on Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Cooper Community Center, 19-4030 Wright Rd, Volcano, HI 96785.
  • Credit cards are accepted at most, if not all, of the market’s booths.

See Tigers in Hawaii

Yes, there are tigers in Hawaii – at the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens in Hilo! There are also, alligators, exotic birds, binturongs, lemurs, reptiles, emus, and a host of other feathered and furry friends.

The zoo features several animal feeding sessions that guests may view, as well as animal training sessions and animal encounters. There is also a petting zoo for the kids.

A white tiger resting in water with an orange tiger in the background
Two exotic birds - one blue and one white
  • Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is located at 800 Stainback Highway, Hilo, HI 96720.
  • Its hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • They are closed the first Thursday of each month, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
  • Admission is Free! Donations are welcome!

Visit the Southernmost Tip of the United States

I’ll bet you think the southernmost tip of the United States is Key West, FL. That’s what I always thought, too…but it’s not – it’s the southern tip of Hawaii!

This is a most unexpected place to visit, and it is a place of contrasts. The water here may be the bluest color I’ve ever seen. However, the “beach” is a dry, hot, dusty area on top of volcanic rock cliffs.

The impossibly blue water of the ocean at the southern tip of Hawaii

It is a place frequented by tourists, but also by locals and their kids in Jeeps and big-wheeled trucks. It is not just a scenic experience – it is a cultural one, too.

There is a sea cave at sea level that can be viewed from a large opening on the surface. It’s mesmerizing watching the waves roll in and out, but be careful—it’s a long way down if you fall in!

Waves washing in and out of the sea cave at the southernmost tip of Hawaii.

It is possible to jump off the edge of the rocks into the Pacific Ocean below. The jump is about 20′ high and requires swimming back to the rock face and scaling the rock face back to the top. There is no beach at the bottom. We watched a couple of young guys doing this…I was not one of them.)

The coastline is filled with inlets where the waves rush in and out. It is possible to walk out on the craggy rocks to view them more closely, but again, be careful. The rock is not always stable, and it has sharp edges. Please be safe!

Coastline at the southern tip of Hawaii. Very blue water washing into a small rock inlet

Pro Tip

  • While this spot is beautiful (in a rugged sort of way), it is also dry, hot, and completely without shade. Bring along some water and a hat. Sunglasses will help, too.

Get a Cup of Kona Coffee

Kona Coffee is arguably some of the best, maybe THE best, coffee you will ever drink. Its rich, bold, smooth flavor is hard to beat. There are many coffee shops on the island where you can enjoy a cup…or two.

Here are a couple of suggestions…

  • Kona Coffee Cafe – Kona Coffee Cafe gets high marks for good coffee and warm, friendly service. It is open 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily. You’ll find the coffee cafe at 75-5744 Alii Dr. Ste 123, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-1784.
  • Kona Coffee and Tea – Kona Coffee and Tea has been a favorite on the Big Island for years. It is open from 6:OO AM to 6:00 PM every day. Look for their coffee shop at 74-5588 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii  96740.
  • Ka Lae Coffee – Ka Lae Coffee opened in 2013 and has been serving happy customers since then. It is located near the southern tip of Hawaii at 95-5656 Hawai’i Belt Rd, Naalehu, HI 96772. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Burlap coffee bean sack with "100% KONA" printed on it in green letters

Or Better Yet, Visit a Coffee Farm

Why not visit a coffee farm and take a tour? See for yourself where the magic happens. There is no fresher cup of coffee than the one you get at the farm where the coffee is grown and processed!

Red coffee beans on the tree

Coffee farms that are closer to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and that offer tours include…

  • Hilo Coffee Mill – The Hilo Coffee Mill is only 20 minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is a 24-acre coffee plantation, offering tours, as well as a fun cafe and gift shop. You’ll find the coffee mill at 17-995 Volcano Rd., Mountainview, HI 96771.
  • Pohaku Coffee – The best way I can convince you to visit Pohaku Coffee farm is to point you to their “Reviews” page. Ryan and Brenda, the owners, have a lot of fans raving over their smooth, less acidic, coffees. Pohaku Coffee is located at 95-2817 Pohaku Rd, Naalehu, HI 96772.
  • Ka’u Coffee Mill – The Ka’u Coffee Mill is just over 30 minutes from the national park, at 96-2694 Wood Valley Rd., Pahala, HI 96777. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, but tours are only offered Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Experience a Black Sand Beach

Anyone can visit a beach, right? But a black sand beach…now that counts as an unexpected thing to do near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park sign

Visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, just 29 miles southwest of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is (informally) divided into two sections. To the left is the black sand beach. You’ll notice that the sand is coarse and hot – after all, it is black! It will probably be crowded with people, too. There is a lifeguard stand here, as well as a concessions area.

The crowded Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

To the right is a large area where the waves crash against the rocky shore. No beach on this side. This area is much less crowded unless you count the numerous black crabs scurrying over the rocks. We think it is the more interesting side of the park.

This is a great place to wander around on the rocks and watch the waves roll in!

Ocean waves crashing on a rocky shoreline in Hawaii

Between the two sections of the park is a large bathhouse with restrooms and changing areas. There is also a large parking area here.

Experience Hawaiian Culture and History

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is a National Historical Park on the west side of the Big Island. It is a Hawaiian cultural and historical landmark, dating back to the 16th-17th century.

Stone entrance sign at Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

The National Park Service website describes the history of the site:

“In ancient Hawai’i, a system of laws known as kānāwai enforced the social order. Certain people, places, things, and times were sacred — they were kapu, or forbidden. Kapu (sacred law) regulated fishing, planting, and the harvesting of other resources. Any breaking of kapu disturbed the stability of society, and the punishment was often death. 

Any fugitive who had broken kapu could seek refuge and forgiveness within the walls of the Puʻuhonua. In addition, in the event that war was declared, families of combatants could seek refuge and safety within the Puʻuhonua and be assured to return home unmolested on cessation of battle regardless of the outcome. Although many pu’uhonua existed in ancient Hawaiʻi, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau is the best preserved and most dramatic given the extent of its monumental architecture.”

Yellow boat sailing off the coast at Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau while frightening statues look on

There is so much to do in the park – check out the visitors center, go hiking, explore the royal grounds, go on a picnic!

Park hours are 8:15 am to Sunset, 7 days/week.

Take a Tour

I used to dislike the idea of joining a tour – I thought of tours as somehow “constricting”. But I’ve changed my tune! You’ll see and experience things on tours that you may miss on your own.

I’ve already mentioned touring coffee farms while in Hawaii. Here are some other popular tour suggestions:

View the Island from a Helicopter

Get a “bird’s eye” view of the island from the seat of a helicopter. Most of us have never ridden in a helicopter, much less flown over a volcano in one. Here’s your chance!

Discover Hilo Helicopter Tour offers 50-minute flights with both morning and afternoon options. Flights are limited to six passengers. You’ll view waterfalls, coastlines, and volcanoes – all with commentary provided by the pilot.

Blue helicopter hovering over a steamy volcano

The Bottom Line – Unexpected Things to Do Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

It’s easy to spend all your time in the national park when you’re in Hawaii since there’s so much to see and do there. But there’s also a lot to do near the park.

Our suggestion: Schedule some of your vacation time outside the park – it’s well worth it! Supersize your trip to Hawaii!

Aloha!

(Be sure to look under the “Related Posts” section below for the link to “Unexpected Things to Do In Hawaii Volcanoes, National Park.” It is the follow-up to this post.)

Related Posts

Large black bear sleeping on a log

The Author

Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of National Park Ventures and Smoky Mountains Ventures. He and his wife, Mary Ellen, are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers maximize their own national park ventures.
Jeff and Mary Ellen have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in the mountains outside Blue Ridge, GA.