• If you are set on seeing red-hot lava, this is the place to go.

• Many adventurous things to do, like exploring active volcano, riding through wide-open ranch lands, discovering underwater caves, and scuba diving with manta rays at night

• Golfers will appreciate dramatic scenery and stark black lava fields

• Total diversity and constant change - you will see secluded black sand beaches, quaint hotels, upscale resorts, snowcapped mountain of Mauna Kea, waterfalls, entertainment

• The town of Hilo is known as America's Wettest City and America's Orchid Capital... botanic gardens are to die for!

How long to stay:
   5-7 days. This is the largest island and if you want to see it all, it is a good idea to stay at 2 different places: 3-4 nights in Kona (West Side) and 2-3 nights in Hilo (East Side). Drive between Kona and Hilo takes 3 hours.

Why choose another island over Big Island:
   Landscape includes vast miles of black lava and desert-looking beaches... not everyone's idea of tropical paradise. If you are looking for lush greenery, go to Kauai.