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Things to do / Travel Guide
Big Island of Hawaii Getaways
Hawaiian history, religion, and culture are best appreciated on Hawaii's 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 white, black, and green sand beaches, some of which are located at the edges of sea cliffs, lava flows, and tropical valleys. Visitors can also enjoy world-class diving opportunities.
Big Island of Hawaii Vacation Spots
If you've only got a short amount of time to spend in Hawaii, it's at the Big Island of Hawaii that you might want to spend it all. The area is laden with vacation spots that will awaken the spirits of the young, the old, and everyone in between. The nature, the weather, the water, and the people inspire a sense of calm, peace, beauty, and happiness. Whether you're attracted to a vacation of sun and surf, underwater explorations, volcano hikes, hot spring soaks, or dancing under powerful waterfalls, the Big Island will make your Hawaiian dreams come true.
Put Volcano Village on your itinerary now and thank us later—this town, named Volcano for its proximity to Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park, is a charming hamlet that serves as a great point of embarkation for entering the park, one of Big Island's main attractions. The village is filled with quaint B&Bs, galleries, restaurants, and serves as home to many artists and artist studios. The Volcano Garden Arts is a prime spot for viewing some of the art that was born in the area, including a wonderful sculpture garden.
Hilo Tourist Attractions
For many tourists, the main Big Island attraction will be Kilauea, the world most accessible active volcano. You can watch lava oozing out from the ground from a mere distance of ten feet. When the soles of your shoes start melting, you know it's time to back up a bit. There are other less active volcanic craters that you can walk across. Volcano related sites will take up at least two days, with many hikes and walks of varying difficultly. You can also take helicopter rides right over the bubbling crater.
Besides exploring the wondrous volcanoes, you should set aside some time to revel in the magnificent waterfalls of the windward coast near Hilo—a real tropical Hawaiian town. This small town has fewer tourists coming in and out than some of its neighboring towns and parks. It's loaded with historical buildings, cultural events, and gives tourists an opportunity to see the "real Hawaii." Take a drive down Banyan Drive to see more than 50 banyan trees, and then make a stop at the Hilo Farmers' Market. In terms of waterfalls, check out Pe'epe'e Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Kona Getaways
Some of the best resorts on the Big Island are located around the Hana and Kona coast. Here you'll find great beaches and fantastic golf courses that cater to beginner up through advanced skill levels. A drive along the western coast may be rewarded by whale sightings; and on a clear day you will see a mountain rising out of the sea to the east—that is Maui.
Another Kona perk you should take advantage of is the abundance of coffee farms in the southern and upcountry areas. Known as the coffee-belt of the region, the area offers coffee tours, and of course, excellent tasting opportunities!
Big Island of Hawaii Road Trip Getaway Planner
There are historic temples and other sites around the island and white, black, and green sand beaches—some of these beaches (which are well worth your while) require serious effort to get to. Take a trail down the cliff into the Pololu Valley and keep hiking along the beach—it's all pretty remote and beautiful.
There's a saddle road that crosses the island between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. It's a long and desolate road through a volcanic desert, but the experience of being at those summits is unique, even for Hawaii. Certainly a unique Hawaii road trip. Just make sure you have a good map of the Big Island.
Spend at least five days here, staying three days in the Kona/Kohala area and two in Hilo/Volcano. Avoid cross-island day trips, as you won't have enough time to fully explore a single place.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Hilo, Kona, Volcano, Big Island of Hawaii
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
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