When my wife and I traveled to Hawaiʻi’s Big Island in the summer of 2022, the highlights weren’t just the famous sights. They were the places tucked out of the way, the “hidden gems” that felt like discoveries we made on our own. Three of them, in particular, have stayed with me — reminders of how the unexpected often becomes the most memorable part of any journey.
1. The Green Sand Beach
One of the strangest and most beautiful places I’ve ever seen is Papakōlea, the green sand beach at the southern tip of the Big Island. You can only reach it by hiking three miles, and the walk itself was half the reward: the ocean stretching endlessly beside us, the waves crashing against volcanic rock, the sense that we were heading somewhere few people ever tread.
When we finally reached the beach, the sand shimmered an otherworldly shade of olive green, sparkling in the sun. It felt alien and magical at the same time. Along the way, I spotted a fully intact conch shell. I picked it up, admiring its whorled perfection, only to have it spit out some foul-smelling liquid at me. Nature reminding me, in its own way, that some treasures are better left alone.
2. A Rainforest Path to the Sea
Later in the trip, I noticed a small path near where I had parked our car in the rainforest section of the island. My wife was hesitant when I insisted we check it out — it looked like nothing more than a narrow trail through thick green. But curiosity pulled us forward, and soon the path opened into a secluded cove by the ocean.
The place was stunning: waves crashing into black volcanic rock, framed by lush trees and ferns. It felt secret, untouched, like stumbling into a pocket of paradise hidden from the world. At one point, I found a coconut washed ashore, intact and promising. That night I spent hours trying to crack it open, even setting up a timelapse of my increasingly ridiculous attempts. It was one of those small, silly memories that stick with you and somehow feel just as important as the grand views.
3. The Hilo Farmers Market
On another day we explored the Hilo Farmers Market, which turned out to be one of my favorite stops on the island. It wasn’t huge, but it was alive with color and sound: stalls piled high with fruit, fresh vegetables, Hawaiian coffee beans, and handmade crafts. The air carried the scent of spices and tropical flowers. I tried Thai tea for the first time, rich and sweet, and came away with bags of local coffee that still remind me of the island when I brew them at home.
The market felt like the beating heart of the community, less about spectacle and more about connection — a reminder that travel is not just about landscapes but also about people, food, and culture.
These three “hidden gems” gave me some of the best memories of our Big Island trip. They weren’t the postcard-famous spots, but that was part of the magic. They were the unexpected moments — a long hike beside the sea, a hidden rainforest path, a bustling market — that made me feel closer to the island and its spirit.
— Written by William Edward Villano
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