When you think of the Big Island, it is easy to picture endless hiking trails, snorkeling trips, and high-energy tours. But if those activities aren’t really your style, you might wonder if there is enough here for you. The truth is, you can still witness active volcanoes, explore Hilo’s historic charm, hunt for vintage treasures, wander through local art galleries, and enjoy incredible island food, all without spending your vacation on a trail. Some days might be about taking a quiet scenic drive to a museum or overlook, while others are as simple as browsing a morning farmers market and finding a cozy spot for lunch.
Basing your stay at our Hawaii National Park vacation rental gives you a comfortable home base in Volcano Village, where you can mix sightseeing with plenty of time to relax. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the Big Island when you’d rather leave the hiking boots at home.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views without the Effort
Crater Rim Drive Overlooks
You can experience some of the most iconic natural wonders in Hawaii without embarking on a strenuous trek. Inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Crater Rim Drive allows you to navigate right up to several stunning vistas. Overlooks like Kīlauea Overlook and the Steam Vents let you see some of the park’s most interesting volcanic features with very little walking.
Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)
Walking through a subterranean lava cave sounds like a rugged expedition, but Nāhuku is shockingly accessible. The loop path is paved, short, and well-lit during the day, taking you through a cool, lush tree-fern canopy and right into the arch of an ancient lava cave in under twenty minutes.
Helicopter Tours
If you want front-row seats to inaccessible ocean cliffs, hidden rainforest waterfalls, and volcanic craters without taking a single step, a helicopter tour is the ultimate luxury. You simply buckle into a comfortable, climate-controlled cabin and let the island’s most dramatic landscapes unfold below you.
Explore Indoor Treasures, Arts, and Local Shopping
Local Art Galleries and Studios
Volcano Village has long been a sanctuary for painters, sculptors, and other Hawaiian artists inspired by the raw power of Kīlauea. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring the local creative scene without heavy walking. Stop by 2400 Fahrenheit to watch molten glass transformed into vibrant sculpture at scorching temperatures, or request an appointment for a private tour of a local artist’s working studio to see how island-inspired pieces come to life.
Right near the park entrance, the Volcano Art Center Gallery features work from hundreds of Hawaiian artists, including ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, and other locally made pieces.
Art Classes at Volcano Art Center
If you want to try your hand at creating your own island keepsake, the Volcano Art Center offers a variety of approachable, beginner-friendly workshops covering everything from pottery and photography to traditional Hawaiian lei making. If you prefer a completely relaxed experience, you can even take a virtual art class right from the comfort of 5th Street Ohana.
Shop Your Way Through Hilo
Down the mountain, Hilo is a fun place to spend a few hours browsing, especially if you like finding things you won’t see in the typical resort shops. You’ll find locally made art, Hawaiian goods, vintage finds, clothing, books, and plenty of small shops worth wandering into.
If you’re a fan of antique shops, Hilo has several places to browse for vintage furniture, collectibles, old Hawaiian pieces, and other one-of-a-kind finds. You can also look for locally made jewelry, artwork, handmade goods, and souvenirs that feel a little more personal than something you’d pick up at a resort gift shop.
Discover Museums, Astronomy, and Historic Homes in Hilo
While in Hilo, you can also explore the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center to experience the wonder and cultural importance of Mauna Kea without enduring freezing summit winds or a steep drive. The facility features interactive exhibits and a full-dome planetarium show in air-conditioned comfort. Along the historic bayfront, the Pacific Tsunami Museum offers a deeply moving look at the powerful oceanic events that shaped East Hawaii, featuring personal survivor stories, historic photographs, and interactive displays that bring the town’s resilient history to life. Just a few blocks away, you can step back in time at the Lyman Museum, where you can explore one of the world’s finest collections of rare Hawaiian minerals and artifacts before taking a guided tour through the 1839 Lyman Mission House, the oldest standing wood-frame building on the Big Island.
Try Local Flavors
Volcano Winery
Tucked away in the mountain air, Volcano Winery offers a comfortable tasting room where you can sample wines infused with yellow passion fruit and local macadamia nut honey, or sip tea harvested right from the surrounding fields.
Local Farmers Markets
Every Sunday morning, locals and visitors gather at the Cooper Center for the Volcano Village Farmers Market. It’s a great spot to grab a hot cup of local coffee, pick up fresh pastries and fruit jams, and browse handmade soaps while catching up with the growers and bakers who make them.
If you are exploring the coast, the famous Hilo Farmers Market is open daily in historic downtown Hilo, with its massive Big Market days happening every Wednesday and Saturday when more than 150 vendors line the street with tropical fruits, local crafts, and fresh flowers. Further down in Puna, the Sunday Makuʻu Farmers Market offers another fun venue to sample island street food, listen to live music, and shop for unique local treasures.
Volcano Restaurants
When dinner time arrives, finding a great volcano restaurant is easy. You can warm up with a bowl of ramen and a craft beer at the new Lanikai Brewing taphouse, which recently took over the space formerly occupied by Ohelo Café. Alternatively, you can enjoy a cozy meal by the famous stone fireplace at Kīlauea Lodge, all without having to make the long drive back down to the coast.
Unwind at 5th Street Ohana
Slow Mornings
Sometimes the best part of a vacation is giving yourself permission to do almost nothing. Basing your stay in the Volcano rainforest allows you to step away from the hectic pace of coastal resort areas and settle into true rest. At 5th Street Ohana, your cottage sits nestled in a deep green canopy where you can start your morning slowly, wrapped in a blanket on your lanai with a hot coffee or tea in hand as the mist moves through the ferns (or from the heated comfort of the living room).
In-Room Massage & Relaxation
To make your downtime even more restorative, you can arrange an in-room massage right in the privacy of your room. Listening to the quiet falling rain while relaxing into a therapeutic massage is one of the easiest ways to melt away travel fatigue.
Cool Mountain Nights and Stargazing
Because the village sits far above coastal humidity and away from urban light pollution, you can step outside your doorstep into the crisp air and watch the stars appear in the dark sky. The Big Island does not require you to climb mountains to appreciate it; it simply asks that you slow down and enjoy the view.
Plan Your Relaxing Visit to the Big Island
The Big Island isn’t just for adrenaline seekers or hardcore hikers. Whether you are here for the dramatic volcanic views or simply looking to recharge in the rainforest, we’d love to host your stay. Check our availability at 5th Street Ohana and start planning your escape.