Hawaiian Ocean View HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hawaiian Ocean View, Hawaii.
1. Kula Kai Caverns
UNDERGROUND LAVA TUBE ADVENTURE
Kula Kai Caverns offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore ancient lava tubes on the Big Island. Visitors can choose from guided tours of varying difficulty levels to witness fascinating underground formations created by volcanic activity. The caverns showcase the geological history of the area with stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed by centuries of lava flow.
2. Southern Point Lookout
SOUTHERNMOST POINT IN USA
Southern Point Lookout provides breathtaking panoramic views from the southernmost point of the United States. Visitors can witness dramatic cliff faces where powerful ocean currents converge, creating an impressive natural spectacle. The area is also historically significant as a traditional fishing spot for native Hawaiians and features ancient cultural sites nearby.
3. Ocean View Flea Market
LOCAL GOODS AND CULTURE
The Ocean View Flea Market brings together local vendors offering handmade crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs. Visitors can browse through stalls featuring authentic Hawaiian goods while interacting with friendly locals who share stories and traditions. The market provides a genuine glimpse into the community culture of Ocean View with its relaxed atmosphere and diverse offerings.
4. St. Jude's Episcopal Church
SPIRITUAL HAVEN WITH VIEWS
St. Jude's Episcopal Church serves as both a spiritual center and community gathering place in Ocean View. The church is known for its welcoming atmosphere and outreach programs that serve both residents and visitors. Located in a scenic setting, the church grounds offer peaceful reflection spaces with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Malama Market Ocean View
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Malama Market Ocean View is the primary grocery and general merchandise store serving the local community. The market offers a selection of fresh produce, prepared foods, and essential items for both residents and travelers exploring the area. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and opportunity to shop alongside locals while picking up authentic Hawaiian snacks and supplies.
6. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
ACTIVE VOLCANIC WONDERS
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park showcases the dramatic landscape formed by two of the world's most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can explore diverse environments ranging from scorched desert to lush rainforest while witnessing the ongoing creation of the Hawaiian Islands. The park offers numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and educational exhibits about volcanic activity and Hawaiian cultural connections to these powerful natural forces.
7. Pu'u o Lokuana
VIBRANT CINDER CONE HIKE
Pu'u o Lokuana features a striking red and orange walled cinder cone accessible via a short but steep hike. The cinder cone, once towering 100 feet higher, offers visitors a glimpse into the volcanic forces that shaped the Hawaiian landscape. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding terrain and ocean beyond.
8. Kona Trail
HISTORIC PANIOLO PASTURES
The Kona Trail takes hikers through pastures that were once part of the historic Kahuku ranch. This trail showcases the heritage of Hawaiian cowboys known as Paniolo, who practiced cattle ranching before the cowboy culture was popularized in the western United States. Visitors enjoy sweeping vistas of volcanic slopes, native vegetation, and glimpses of ranch life that continues to be an important part of Big Island heritage.
9. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN SETTLEMENT
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park preserves the remains of an early Hawaiian settlement featuring impressive fishponds, petroglyphs, and temples. Visitors can walk through reconstructed villages to understand traditional Hawaiian fishing and aquaculture practices that sustained communities for generations. The park offers a powerful connection to Hawaiian history through its archaeological sites and cultural demonstrations.
10. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
SACRED PLACE OF REFUGE
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park preserves a sacred place where Hawaiian lawbreakers and defeated warriors could find sanctuary and absolution. The site includes royal grounds, sacred burial spots, ponds, and numerous carved wooden ki'i (guardian statues) that stand watch over the sanctuary. Visitors can explore reconstructed temples, traditional buildings, and learn about the ancient Hawaiian kapu system of laws that governed daily life.
11. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
CAPTAIN COOK'S LANDING SITE
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park marks the site where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island of Hawaiʻi in 1779. The bay's crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and dolphin watching, with some of the best coral reef formations in the state. A monument to Captain Cook stands near the spot where he was killed in 1779 following an attempt to kidnap the island's king, Kalaniōpuʻu.
12. Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historical Site
KING KAMEHAMEHA'S TEMPLE
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historical Site preserves one of the last major temples built by King Kamehameha I before he united the Hawaiian Islands. The massive stone structure, constructed between 1790 and 1791, was built to fulfill a prophecy that would help Kamehameha achieve his conquest. Visitors can explore the well-preserved heiau complex and learn about its significant role in Hawaiian political and religious history.
13. Volcano Golf Course
GOLFING AMONG VOLCANOES
Volcano Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience at 4,000 feet elevation between two active volcanoes. Golfers enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea while navigating the challenging 18-hole course. The cool climate and unusual volcanic terrain create a distinctly Hawaiian golfing adventure unlike any other course in the world.
14. Spinzone Laundry
COMMUNITY HUB WITH SERVICES
Spinzone Laundry serves as both a practical service provider and informal community gathering spot in Ocean View. The clean, well-maintained facility offers modern washing machines and dryers for travelers needing to refresh their clothing during extended stays. Beyond laundry services, it functions as a place where visitors can connect with locals and gather information about area attractions and hidden gems.
15. Mauna Loa Estates
SCENIC RESIDENTIAL AREA
Mauna Loa Estates offers visitors a glimpse into local island living with its unique residential community built on volcanic terrain. The area features spectacular views of Mauna Loa volcano and provides access to scenic hiking trails through ohia forests and lava fields. Visitors enjoy driving through this distinctive neighborhood to experience the contrast between lush vegetation and dramatic volcanic landscapes that characterize this part of the Big Island.