What Can I Do On
The Big Island?
There are a multitude
of excellent swimming beaches but a visit the black sand beaches
of Kahena Beach and Punaluu Beach are a must, as is the green sand beach
of Puu Mahana. Hapuna Beach is a favorite and falls into the category
of the tourists classic version of what a Hawaiian beach should look
like. Surfing enthusiasts will be drawn to the Hilo Surfboard
Company to see their large selection of surfboards across the ages.
Snorkel the waters
of
Kealakekua Bay, where a monument marks the spot where Captain Cook
was killed in 1779, as well as the Kapoho Tide pools. Kahalu'u Beach
Park, Honaunau and Hookena Beach Park are popular snorkeling spots on
the southwest side of the island.
A must for scuba divers
are the night dives off the Kona coast to view giant manta rays feeding
in about 30 feet (9 metres) of water. Sea turtles, dolphins and colorful
fish are commonplace on dives out of Kona
and
Hilo, with the clearer water on the Kona side.
Take a drive around the
rim of the massive Kilauea
volcanic crater. The Chain of Craters road will provide views
of active lava flows across the highway and into the ocean. Visitors
staying on the Kona side of the island, and wanting to see the volcano
flows, should plan on a night in Hilo since the round trip drive will
take about 9 hours. A helicopter flight over the volcano's may be a
suitable alternative.
Hike with experienced
guides through the Kula Kai Caverns located near South Point, the timeless
beauty of the Waipio Valley, "The Valley of the Kings",
the short hike to the Akaka Falls as well as hikes in the Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park.
Moana
Kea is home to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, but
at a height of 9,300 feet above sea level, it may not be suitable for
younger children or adults with breathing problems. View the stars at
the International Astronomy Center or visit the Imiloa
Astronomy Center of Hawaii located in Hilo. During the winter months,
play in the snow at the top of Moana Kea and swim at one of the beaches,
all in the same day.
What
Accommodation Will I Find On The Big Island?
Many of the top
hotels, luxury resorts and condominiums are located on the Kohala
coast on the western side of the island. On the eastern Hilo side,
visitors will find hotels of all sizes as well as small, charming
inns. Bookings can be made from our
Hawaii accommodation page
which provides the best possible prices on the day of reservation.
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List Of All Big Island Accommodation
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For Big Island Vacation Rentals Only
When Is The Best Time On
The Big Island?
The Big Island is a
year-round destination. April - November is
warmer and drier than December - March. The western Kona side is the
sunnier and drier side while the eastern Hilo side is wetter and
more tropical.
The busiest time is
between December and February when the snowbirds take refuge from
the harsh winters in their mainland states. For detailed
weather forecasts visit the Hawaiian Islands
National
Weather Service Forecast website.
Getting To
The Big island & Getting Around?
Most visitors
arrive by air from one of the other islands at either
Hilo International Airport or
Kona International Airport, but there are some direct flights
from the USA mainland to Hilo. Several cruise ships operate between
the Hawaii Islands and a
Hawaii
Superferry is scheduled to start catamaran ferry operations in
early 2008.
Many of the
island's best sights is only accessible by 4 wheel drive and, unlike
Oahu, there is very limited local bus service on the Big Island.
Some car rental companies disable their 4 wheel drives to
prevent driving on extreme terrain, while some do not allow driving
on unpaved roads. |
