From ocean floor to summit, 13,803-foot (4,207-meter) Mauna Kea is the world’s tallest mountain. It’s also one of the Big Island’s most recognizable landmarks—and it boasts some epic views too. While you likely won’t be able to see much of the island itself thanks to the nearly ever-present cloud cover, you can admire sunset views and take part in next-level stargazing via telescopes at the observatory.

Cascading down 442 feet (135 meters) and surrounded by a wall of greenery, Akaka Falls can be reached via the Hamakua Coast. Snap pictures of this natural wonder and stick around to enjoy the views, then continue to wander the park’s paved paths, spotting the much smaller Kahuna Falls along the way. There’s an entrance fee to Akaka Falls State Park, but you can let a guide take care of the logistics instead on a scenic waterfalls tour that includes a stop at the Waipio Valley lookout.

The Kilauea Iki crater offers one of the coolest hiking trails in all of Hawaii, with one-of-a-kind Big Island views. In just 3.3 miles (5.3 kilometers), you’ll hike through a rainforest and into the volcano crater. You can actually feel the heat from nearby geothermal activity as you hike this otherworldly path. If you came for the views but not the trek, you can join a full-day tour with a stop at the Kilauea Iki crater lookout and a short hike along the crater rim trail.

On a hill above the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay lies The Coffee Shack. This hidden viewpoint on the Big Island of Hawaii serves up impeccable cups of coffee and island-inspired breakfast plates, such as benedict made with ono (wahoo fish) or Hawaiian French toast made with homemade luau bread—with truly unbeatable views of the Kealakekua and Captain Cook regions. Simply sit back and take in the sights as the lush green land gives way to beautiful Pacific Ocean blues.

The olive-colored flecks that comprise the green sands of Papakolea Beach come from olivine crystals that naturally occur in lava rock—a rare sight. Getting to Papakolea Beach requires hiking 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) round-trip. Driving, including an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), to the beach is not permitted, as it’s harmful to the ecosystem and the ancient Hawaiian ruins hidden there, but the hike is well worth it.

Toward the northern tip of the island, at the very end of Akoni Pule Highway, you’ll find the Pololū Valley Lookout. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best viewpoints on the Big Island of Hawaii: Black sand beaches, plant-covered mountains, and the unending Pacific Ocean all paint the scene. Simply admire the view from the end of the road, or tackle the Pololū Trail. Despite being just .9 miles (1.4 kilometers) long, it’s a challenging path, so be sure you’re well-prepared before you go.

At first glance, the Pu'u Wa'awa'a Forest Reserve looks like a grassy hill. But underneath all of that bright green grass lies a dormant 3,967-foot-tall (1,209-meter-tall) volcanic cinder cone. You’ll need to tackle a relatively tricky 6.5-mile (10.5-kilometer) trail to the peak, passing ranch livestock along the way—be sure to close the gates behind you so the goats don't escape! Upon reaching the top, enjoy unobstructed views over the Kailua-Kona region.

Nearly every beach on the West Side (aka the Kona side) of the Big Island is fantastic for sunset watching, but Anaehoomalu Bay, often shortened to A-Bay, is a local favorite. Not only are you directly in line with the setting sun, there are also plenty of palm trees, perfect for creating that island sunset silhouette. For the best views from A-Bay, consider heading toward the south side of the bay and the Kuualii Fishpond. Alternatively, sail into the sunset on a catamaran cruise.

While there are so many scenic spots on the Big Island of Hawaii, the best views may be found while soaring over volcanoes such as Kilauea Iki on a Hawaii helicopter tour. Depending on the volcanic activity on any given day, you might see lava flows, steam vents, deep craters, and more. Most helicopter fly-bys are part of larger Big Island of Hawaii helicopter tours, so you may glimpse island highlights such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and more.