12 Wild Island Escapes Where Amazing Creatures Welcome Animal Lovers

5. Big Island, Hawaii, USA: Marine Marvels

Hawaii’s Big Island offers a stunning variety of wildlife experiences, both on land and underwater. Along its shores, you can see green sea turtles basking on black sand beaches or swim with manta rays during nighttime snorkeling adventures. Between November and April, humpback whales migrate through the surrounding waters, providing spectacular opportunities for whale watching. The island’s lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes are home to colorful native birds, including the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the endangered nēnē goose. Hiking trails through Volcanoes National Park reveal a dynamic ecosystem shaped by lava flows. With its mix of marine and terrestrial wildlife, the Big Island delivers unforgettable encounters.