United States of America > Hawaii > Big Island
Overview
Known as Big Island to avoid confusion, the Island of Hawaii is the largest in the archipelago and, at an estimated age of less than half a million years, the youngest. It's one of the few places on earth where travellers can go from snowboarding to snorkelling in a single day! Local legend has it that the volcano goddess Pele and the demi-god Kamapua'a, who could control the weather, battled for the island and eventually decided to divide it. Pele took the hot, dry western half and Kamapua'a ended up with the wet, tropical east.
Big Island, however, actually has twelve distinct climatic zones ranging from tropical rain forests in the east to the frozen tundra atop Mauna Kea, and the arid desert of Ka'u in the south. This diversity makes Hawaii's Big Island an unrivalled pleasure ground for active holidaymakers, the island's resorts offering every type of outdoor activity imaginable. To add to the thrill there is the attraction of two active volcanoes on this island. The Kilauea Caldera is the longest continuously erupting volcano in the world, with its present eruptive phase dating back to 1983; Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. Of the three other volcanoes on the island two, Mauna Kea and Kohala, are extinct, while Hualalai is considered to be dormant. All of this volcanic action has meant that holidaymakers can decide on their preferred beach sand tones ranging from white to red, black and even green.
Together with the diverse ecosystems of Big Island, visitors can look forward to the rich Polynesian Hawaiian culture, which has absorbed some interesting elements from both Asia and Europe, creating a colourful mix. On the coast visitors can dance the hula at an authentic luau feast, while upcountry they will find a blend of Portuguese and Mexican culture combined with Hawaiian tradition among the 'Paniolos' (cowboys) on the giant cattle ranches.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
There's always plenty to see and do on Hawaii's biggest island. With no shortage of natural beauty, many holidaymakers spend their stay exploring the breath-taking scenery in Volcanoes National Park, Waipi`o Valley, Akaka Falls, and the slopes of Mauna Kea. There are also several beautiful botanical gardens around Hilo.
The beaches of Big Island, while not as famous as Waikiki, are also worth seeing as they're made up of white, black and green sand. Kua Bay, for one, is a stunning white-sand beach with good facilities.
Visitors who want to get up close and personal with nature can go on dolphin and whale-watching trips, and The Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a swimming with dolphins experience.
For a glimpse into life on Big Island, several coffee farms offer tours, and travellers will enjoy a trip to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company, which is one of the only vanilla farms in the US.
Lapakahi State Historical Park offers another perspective as a partially restored fishing village dating back 600 years. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is also a must-visit to learn about Hawaiian heritage, though it's often crowded with tourists.