WELCOME TO THE BIG ISLAND

Aloha and welcome to Hawaii, the Hawaiian island that has more than earned its nickname as “The Big Island.” The Big Island is the largest of all the islands, twice the size of the other main islands combined and the perfect embodiment of all Hawaii has to offer. Hawaii’s stunning beauty is surpassed only by her ability to continue expansion thanks to the constant flow of molten lava from Mt. Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. The Big Island is considered the golfing Mecca of Hawaii with 20 diverse and challenging courses and is also known as the sportfishing capital of Hawaii. Here you can tour the largest privately owned ranch in the country (Parker Ranch), stay in luxurious oceanfront resorts, visit Hawaii’s last authentic native fishing village (Milolii) and spy on mysterious lava glowing in the deep night as the volcanic creation process ensues. The diverse activities and natural views here on the Big Island are truly unparalleled. Geography and Climate Comprising 62% of the state’s total area, the Big Island’s land base is 4,038 square miles and growing by the second. Hawaii is considered the most ecologically diverse of all the islands due to a very diverse range of natural environments. Those who love packing in a broad range of outdoor activities will never be bored on the Big Island. Temperatures here average between 71 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (21.6-25 C), dropping as you travel upwards into the mountain lands. It is not uncommon for temperatures to plunge below freezing atop snowcapped Mauna Kea. The Big Island contains 11 out of 13 of the world’s climatic zones, so bring layers if you plan to do some volcano hiking. Expert skiers with a 4-wheel drive vehicle might like to challenge themselves if the right conditions present themselves! The Five Volcanoes Hawaii is comprised of five distinct volcanoes that through repeated eruptions eventually came to overlap one another to form one solid island. Visit Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa and Kilauea for a visual look at Hawaii’s rich geological history. Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, and Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, are both active volcanoes, although Mauna Loa hasn’t erupted since 1984. Mauna Kea volcano is considered to be the tallest mountain in the world, measuring a total of 32,000 feet (9,753 m) from base to tip. The Mauna Kea Observatory is a hub of significant astronomy research – from Mauna Kea’s tip, 90% of all the stars within our Earthly perspective can be viewed! Beaches With 266 linear miles of coastline, the Big Island of Hawaii is home to over one hundred diverse beaches. However, the typical white-sand beaches as one knows them from the other islands are rarer here. On the Big Island, you will find four unique types of sand beaches: black sand beaches, green sand beaches, white sand beaches and “salt and pepper” beaches, which contain a mixture of black and white sand. For many visitors, the Big Island will be their only chance to visit a green sand beach (at Ka Lae), where the sand was created from olivine crystals. Punaluu Bay on the Big Island’s south shore is popular for its frequent green sea turtle sightings. Hilo Hilo Town, also graced with the nicknames "America's Wettest City" and "Orchid Capital," emits a feeling of true tropics here on the Big Island’s east shore. Hilo averages a rainfall of over 100 inches (254 cm) and, as you can imagine, the lush tropical flowers and plants here are mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Stop by Liliuokalani Gardens and Wailuku River State Park for more breathtaking scenery. Kohala Kohala, located on the west shore, has the unofficial claim to fame of being the sunniest spot in the Hawaiian Islands. Luxury resorts combine with a rich cultural history to form a desirable playground for those who like to vacation in style. Don’t miss the ever-popular white sand sun spot Hapuna Beach. Waipio Valley To visit Waipio is to get a sense of what paradise truly should be. Waipio Valley on Hawaii’s north shore is fittingly nicknamed "The Valley of the Kings.” This expansive and lush green valley, accessible only by 4-wheel drive or on foot, rewards curious visitors with utopian views of waterfalls, fruit trees, fishponds, streams and endless visions to delight the senses. Macadamia Nut Capital of the World The town of Honokaa is on Hawaii’s northeast coast in the Hamakua District, famous for its gorgeous tropical landscape. Visit the plantation town that earned this locale the title of “Macadamia Nut Capital of the World.” As you trek through the wild jungle setting of the Hamakua District, you won’t want to miss Akaka Falls, the highest waterfall in Hawaii. What makes the Big Island unique? Start your journey with a northbound tour along eastern Hawaii’s Hamakua Coast, then head back down the west side along the Kohala Coast for spectacular ocean views. Whatever route you choose, and whatever activities you cram into your time on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll have a memorable and scenic ride that leaves you anticipating your next visit. Many would agree that the Big Island is the best Hawaii has offer, a natural beginning, a place where the origins of these volcanic islands are crystal clear and the creation of life awakens a spiritual side of all who explore here.

Aloha and welcome to Hawaii, the Hawaiian island that has more than earned its nickname as “The Big Island.” The Big Island is the largest of all the islands, twice the size of the other main islands combined and the perfect embodiment of all Hawaii has to offer. Hawaii’s stunning beauty is surpassed only by her ability to continue expansion thanks to the constant flow of molten lava from Mt. Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano.

The Big Island is considered the golfing Mecca of Hawaii with 20 diverse and challenging courses and is also known as the sportfishing capital of Hawaii. Here you can tour the largest privately owned ranch in the country (Parker Ranch), stay in luxurious oceanfront resorts, visit Hawaii’s last authentic native fishing village (Milolii) and spy on mysterious lava glowing in the deep night as the volcanic creation process ensues. The diverse activities and natural views here on the Big Island are truly unparalleled.

Geography and Climate

Comprising 62% of the state’s total area, the Big Island’s land base is 4,038 square miles and growing by the second. Hawaii is considered the most ecologically diverse of all the islands due to a very diverse range of natural environments. Those who love packing in a broad range of outdoor activities will never be bored on the Big Island.

Temperatures here average between 71 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (21.6-25 C), dropping as you travel upwards into the mountain lands. It is not uncommon for temperatures to plunge below freezing atop snowcapped Mauna Kea. The Big Island contains 11 out of 13 of the world’s climatic zones, so bring layers if you plan to do some volcano hiking. Expert skiers with a 4-wheel drive vehicle might like to challenge themselves if the right conditions present themselves!

The Five Volcanoes

Hawaii is comprised of five distinct volcanoes that through repeated eruptions eventually came to overlap one another to form one solid island. Visit Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa and Kilauea for a visual look at Hawaii’s rich geological history. Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, and Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, are both active volcanoes, although Mauna Loa hasn’t erupted since 1984. Mauna Kea volcano is considered to be the tallest mountain in the world, measuring a total of 32,000 feet (9,753 m) from base to tip. The Mauna Kea Observatory is a hub of significant astronomy research – from Mauna Kea’s tip, 90% of all the stars within our Earthly perspective can be viewed!

Beaches

With 266 linear miles of coastline, the Big Island of Hawaii is home to over one hundred diverse beaches. However, the typical white-sand beaches as one knows them from the other islands are rarer here. On the Big Island, you will find four unique types of sand beaches: black sand beaches, green sand beaches, white sand beaches and “salt and pepper” beaches, which contain a mixture of black and white sand. For many visitors, the Big Island will be their only chance to visit a green sand beach (at Ka Lae), where the sand was created from olivine crystals. Punaluu Bay on the Big Island’s south shore is popular for its frequent green sea turtle sightings.

Hilo

Hilo Town, also graced with the nicknames "America's Wettest City" and "Orchid Capital," emits a feeling of true tropics here on the Big Island’s east shore. Hilo averages a rainfall of over 100 inches (254 cm) and, as you can imagine, the lush tropical flowers and plants here are mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Stop by Liliuokalani Gardens and Wailuku River State Park for more breathtaking scenery.

Kohala

Kohala, located on the west shore, has the unofficial claim to fame of being the sunniest spot in the Hawaiian Islands. Luxury resorts combine with a rich cultural history to form a desirable playground for those who like to vacation in style. Don’t miss the ever-popular white sand sun spot Hapuna Beach.

Waipio Valley

To visit Waipio is to get a sense of what paradise truly should be. Waipio Valley on Hawaii’s north shore is fittingly nicknamed "The Valley of the Kings.”

This expansive and lush green valley, accessible only by 4-wheel drive or on foot, rewards curious visitors with utopian views of waterfalls, fruit trees, fishponds, streams and endless visions to delight the senses.

Macadamia Nut Capital of the World

The town of Honokaa is on Hawaii’s northeast coast in the Hamakua District, famous for its gorgeous tropical landscape. Visit the plantation town that earned this locale the title of “Macadamia Nut Capital of the World.” As you trek through the wild jungle setting of the Hamakua District, you won’t want to miss Akaka Falls, the highest waterfall in Hawaii.

What makes the Big Island unique?

Start your journey with a northbound tour along eastern Hawaii’s Hamakua Coast, then head back down the west side along the Kohala Coast for spectacular ocean views. Whatever route you choose, and whatever activities you cram into your time on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll have a memorable and scenic ride that leaves you anticipating your next visit. Many would agree that the Big Island is the best Hawaii has offer, a natural beginning, a place where the origins of these volcanic islands are crystal clear and the creation of life awakens a spiritual side of all who explore here.