Best Reasons To Visit the Big Island
Table of Contents:
1. What is unique about the Big Island?
2. What are the main attractions?
3. Where to stay on the Big Island, from economy to luxury hotels
4. Book Big Island vacation package at special rate
1. What is unique about the Big Island?
- CHANGING LANDSCAPES
The largest island in the Hawaiian chain, the Big Island contains 11 out of 13 climatic zones of the world. As you drive around the island, you will be amazed by how fast your surroundings change.
On the West Side of the island (Kona Coast), you will see luxury resorts framed by championship golf courses, stark black lava fields, and the glistening Pacific Ocean.
On the East Side, you can explore Hilo Town, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Hilo is known as "America's Wettest City" and "Orchid Capital" - the flora there is amazing. In other parts of the island, terrain varies from moonlike volcanic rock to the grassy expanses of Parker Cattle Ranch, to the neat-looking cofee plantations and macadamia nut orchars.
- ACTIVE VOLCANO
Kilauea Crater is the world's most active volcano, as well as the world's only drive-in volcano. There is plenty to see there: lava tube walks, rainforest treks, views of barren lava and hiking trails. Don't miss the lava glow in the dark!
- BLACK AND GREEN SAND BEACHES
When hot lava runs into the ocean, black sand beaches are created. You can see quite a few of those on the southeast shore because it is the most volcanically active part of the island. Green sand beaches, which are made from olivine crystals, are very rare. The only green sand beach on the Big Island is located at the southernmost tip, Ka Lae.
- OUTSTANDING SCUBA DIVING
Named the #1 Dive Destination by Scuba Diving Magazine, the Big Island offers a variety of adventures, including scuba certification courses and guided scuba dives.
- HAWAII'S GOLF CAPITAL
Big Island offers 18 spectacular golf courses that flow like emerald green carpeting over black lavascapes.
- HISTORIC AND CULTURAL SIGHTS
Big Island is the cradle of Hawaiian civilization, the place where the first Polynesian settled some 2,000 years, birthplace of three of Hawaii's kings and the site of ancient battles. There are several petroglyph parks where you can view ancient rock carvings that tell the story of Hawaii through symbolic drawings.
The Big Island counts 150 years of Wild West history on its rich farmland. You can take an interesting tour of Parker Ranch, the largest privately owned ranch in USA.
- SNOW-SKIING
Have you ever thought of snow-skiing in Hawaii? You actually can ski on the Big Island, on the slopes of Mauna Kea. The snow is not very good and is only recommended for expert skiers. The hills nearby are the perfect venue for boogie boarding on snow.
2. What are the main attractions on the Big Island?
- Kailua-Kona Town (West Shore)
Kailua-Kona Town is the busiest spot on the island, a real tourist mecca with plenty of shopping and dining. It used to be home to King Kamehameha the Great, so there are many historical sights around.Most visitors arrive into Kona Airport and stay on the West Shore, known for its sunny weather and beautiful sandy beaches where you can try every imaginable water sport. For the best snorkeling in the state of Hawaii, visit Kahalu'u Beach Park - crystal-clear water and living rainbow of fish all around will make this an unforgettable experience!
- Kohala (West Shore)
The Golden Kohala Coast that has for years been the tropical playground for many vacationers. It claims to be the sunniest in all of Hawaii and is famous for silk beaches and luxury resorts of Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and Waikoloa. Kohala's rich history can still be seen in the numerous historic sites and some of the world's best preserved petroglyphs (carvings in stone). The best beach on Kohala is Hapuna Beach - imagine a broad stretch of white sand with rolling surf, clear skies and a view of Maui. - Waimea (West Side)
The windswept Kohala Mountain Road takes you away from the coast into Waimea area, the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country. You will see vast ranch lands, lots of cattle and cinder cones along the way.The world's largest privately-owned cattle ranch, Parker Ranch, surrounds the town of Waimea. You can learn about the 150 year history of Hawiian ranching, visit the historic family homes, go horseback riding, take wagon tours, or enjoy the annual Parker Ranch rodeo.
- Hilo Town (East Shore)
Hilo is located in the most tropical area of the island. Average rainfall of more than 100" (welcome to "America's wettest city!") produces absolutely spectacular flowers at Liliuokalani Gardens, and brilliant waterfalls and rainbows at Wailuku River State Park.The town itself is the opposite of Kailua-Kona, both spiritually and physically. It still remains what it always was - an old charming seaport and sugartown where rhythms are slow and sensual. Nights here are alive with sounds of the tropics and the heady smell of fruits and flowering trees wafting on the breeze.
- Volcanoes National Park (East)
Volcanoes National Park is Big Island's Number One attraction. You have the unique opportunity to visit 2 volcanoes - Mauna Loa and Kilauea. You can actually walk right up to the crack of doom, smell the sulphur in the air and feel the hot steam rising from fissures around you. The best time to watch volcanic activity is in the evenings, when the unearthly glow of molten lava is visible through cracks in the earth.Rising 13,677 feet above the sea level, Mauna Loa is the largest single mountain mass in the world. In Mauna Loa's rugged high altitude wilderness area you can inspect cinder cones, gaping chasms and barren lava wrought into fantastic shapes. Dramatic landscapes at Mauna Loa will leave you breathless
Mauna Loa's smaller neighbor, 4,000-foot Kilauea, is the world's most active volcano. It erupts about once a year and hot streams of lava flowing into the sea makes the island grow year by year! On Kilauea's slopes patches of vegetation thrive amid lava deposits. To see the most of Kilauea, take the 11-mile Crater Rim drive that circles Kilauea's summit caldera and craters. It passes through rain forest and desert, sulphur banks, and pit craters. You will sea lava flows that vary from shiny black to dark brown, as well as steam vents that are formed when underground water reaches hot rock. Kilauea area is also excellent for hiking, camping, nature walks and star gazing.
- Ka Lae (the southernmost point of the US)
If you take the road all the way south, through vast coffee plantations (ah, the fantastic Kona coffee!), you will reach Ka Lae, known as the southernmost point in the United States. It looks very dramatic - rugged cliffs, and the famous sparkling olive-green sand beach. - Punalu'u Black Sand Beach (South Shore)
Punalu'u Bay is one of the loveliest places of the Big Island. It is framed by a black sand beach, rare and fascinating sight. It is also famous for the green sea turtles that love to visit this beach. This area is full of wildlife and is definitely worthwhile visiting. - Waipio Valley, "The Valley of the Kings" (North Shore)
Known for its majestic beauty and royal history, Waipio is the biggest valley on the Big Island, and perhaps one of the most idyllic places on this planet. It is accessible only by hiking and four wheel drive vehicles, so its pristine condition remains untouched. The valley is laced with waterfalls, rivers and streams, taro patches and fishponds, and a wild and unkempt array of fruit-bearing trees. As home to legendary Hawaiian gods and kings, Waipio is still a cultural and spiritual center for the traditional Hawaiian way of life. - Honokaa, "The Macadamia Nut Capital of the World" (Northeast Shore)
Hamakua District refers to the entire northeast coast which includes tropical canyons, rugged cliffs and magnificent waterfalls, such as Akaka Falls - the highest in Hawaii. Flowers, bamboo, palms, orchids, and philodendrons are all growing wild, and the crashing sounds of surf and waterfalls round out the experience. The few small towns greet you with plantation style atmosphere. The largest of them, Honokaa, is known for the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Plantation that made Honokaa famous as the "Macadamia Nut Capital of the World". - Mauna Kea Mountain (North)
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano and the tallest mountain on the planet, measured from its base on the ocean floor. Mauna Kea means "white mountain" - it is usually snow-capped from December till May. Mauna Kea is the only spot in the tropical Pacific that was glaciated. The snows atop Mauna Kea are unpredictable but in winter there is often enough snow for snow-skiing!You can take the tour of Mauna Kea Summit to see astronomic observatories from all over the world, as well as the world's largest telescope are located, or watch the stars from Onizuka Visitors Center.
Old fishing village at Lapakahi Park (Kohala Coast)
Snorkeling near Kona
Rainbow Falls are surrounded with tropical flowers
The famous volcano is erupting
Relaxing sunset cruise
More snorkeling - the water is always so clear
Nani Mau Gardens
You can see whales playing off-shore in winter
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Are you planning a vacation to the Big Island? Hawaii Travel Bureau offers special discounted rates on Big Island vacation packages.
Our customers say:
We had a very nice time in Hawaii, plenty of sun and fun! The package we booked through you (airfare, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Sheraton Kauai, Hilton Waikoloa, car rental) was what we expected, and sometimes better than expected. Before booking with Hawaii Travel Bureau, we looked into the arrangements using Expedia and Travelocity, but it turned out that your prices were much better than what we could find on our own! Everything was great... we had a great dinner with our family and friends, and went on a a dolphin adventure at Hilton Waikoloa where we actually swam with the dolphins. We will go again, and I'll call you again to make the arrangements Kirk and Akiko B., San Francisco, CA
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3. Where to stay on the Big Island, from economy to luxury hotels
Luxury 
The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii |
Deluxe 
Outrigger Fairway Villas (condo) |
Moderate 
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel |
Economy 
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort |
4. Book Big Island vacation package at special rate
Finding a good vacation package is tricky. How can you decide which hotel to choose among four or five that look similar? Is ocean view worth the extra money? How can you be sure the hotel you booked doesn't disappoint? What if you find out that the person next to you on the plane paid 40% less for his ticket than you?
Hawaii Travel Bureau is here to make you feel very good about your vacation. We can put together a custom vacation package for you that will cost 10-65% lower than published rates, and less than Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity rates.
You want to know what's special about Hawaii Travel Bureau? First, we have a team of highly-trained agents who know all there is to know about Hawaii, and can recommend hotel, condo or tour that will work best for you. Second, our rates are really good (you'll see!) because we have our own wholesale contracts with airlines, hotels, car rental and activity companies.
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Here is how you can receive a fast and detailed quote for your trip:
Need some ideas for your vacation? Here are some of our special deals to get you started:
| Price for 2 people | Package description |
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Lowest-Priced Luxury Package From $1,630.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
The Fairmont Orchid can cure even the worst stress with the unique outdoor spa, hidden Jacuzzi, and secluded lagoon with green sea turtles.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in moderate room at The Fairmont Orchid, cool convertible car... |
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Honeymoon Package From $854.50 + airfare at our discounted rate |
At Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, lapping crystal-blue waves and green sea turtles are right outside your door.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in partial ocean view room at Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, free guaranteed upgrade to ocean view, compact car, full buffet breakfast daily, bottle of champagne... |
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Best Family Deal From $1,154.50 (for 1-4 guests) + airfare at our discounted rate |
Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona condos overlook the black-rock beach, dolphins playing in the water, and incredible blazing-orange sunsets.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in 1-bedroom ocean view at Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona (4 stars), compact car... |
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Best Bang for the Buck From $855.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort is the only hotel in Kona town that fronts a small sheltered white-sand beach, a rarity for the Big Island.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in partial ocean view room at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort (2 stars), full buffet breakfast daily, economy car... |
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Unique Retreat: "All About Volcanoes" From $1,412.50 + airfare at our discounted rate |
At Volcano House, you sleep on the edge of the crater and watch glowing lava right from your room.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in crater view room at Volcano House (2 stars), Jeep Wrangler... |
We are here to help you with your Big Island vacation planning!
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