Things to do / Travel Guide
The Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, yet it is the most sparsely populated. With fewer tourists than any of the other Hawaiian islands, tourists who do visit the Big Island have the good fortune of enjoying almost everything the other islands offer, and without the crowds.
In particular, the Big Island is probably the best place to appreciate Hawaii's secular and religious history and fascinating culture. Over the years, for instance, the Big Island has been the home to Polynesians, the legendary Captain Cook, and Kamehameha, who founded the Hawaiian monarchy.
The Big Island's first famous tourist was none other than Mark Twain, who came as a reporter for the Sacramento Union in 1866. Contemporary visitors to Hawaii come for both the luxurious resorts and the natural and cultural attractions. The volcanoes appear different today than they did in the time of Mark Twain, but they are still unique.
World-famous scenery is one of the biggest draws of the Big Island. The landscape is varied enough for an entire continent, as alpine mountains, arid deserts, and sub-tropical valleys can be found within an hour's drive of one another. The Big Island also features some excellent beaches, some of which are located at the edges of sea cliffs and tropical valleys. While some of the beaches are remote, many are unique and exotic, featuring white, black, and green sands. These beaches, along with cascading waterfalls and some interesting abandoned settlements, can be hiked to and enjoyed in person or viewed from some of the Big Island's most breathtaking vantage points.
The natural highlights of the Big Island, however, are clearly its active volcanoes. If you're up for a serious hike, you can reach spots where lava from these volcanoes emerges from the ground and pours out into the ocean. Lava tubes, cinder cones, and smoking craters can also be explored with ease.
Time Zone
In the winter, Hawaiian Standard time (HST) is two hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST) and five hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST). In the summer, when the rest of the United States is on Daylight Saving Time, Hawaii is three and six hours behind, respectively.
Risks
Some of the most exciting attractions the Big Island has to offer are quite remote. Therefore, it is quite possible that you will have beaches, heiaus, and lava flows all to yourself if and when you visit them. Remember to bring lots of water to these places, as the tropical sun is hot and as the temperature increases when hiking along black lava flows. Furthermore, it is suggested you wear gloves and heavy pants when crossing the lava flows, as they tend to be sharp and glass-like.
Like most people, Hawaiians take trespassing on private property very seriously. Keep your wits about you and carefully observe any signs you see.
If swimming is your activity of choice, be aware that, depending on the season, the ocean currents may be dangerous. The best advice is to do what the locals do.
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