Hawaii Islands: The Big Island
Diverse
is the word most commonly used to describe Hawaii's Big
Island. Not only does the Big Island have tremendous
sun and surf appeal; it boasts the world's most active
volcano; spectacular water activities, including snorkeling,
diving, kayaking and fishing; eco-adventures such as
hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and hunting; and
tropical white, black and green sand beaches. For golf
enthusiasts, Hawaii's Big Island is known as the Golf
Capital of Hawaii, with 18 spectacular golf courses and
several more now in the making.
Larger than all the other islands combined, "The Big Island"
is a miniature continent with stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs,
volcanic parks, exotic rivers, vast plains and even cactus-studded
deserts. The island is dominated by the twin peaks of Mauna
Kea and Mauna Loa, both over 13,000 feet high and divided by
ski slopes. Actually, Mauna Kea is only the top of a submerged
mountain. Yet at 32,000 feet from sea floor to sky, it could
be called the tallest mountain in the world, dwarfing Mount
Everest by several thousand feet. "The Big Island" is the youngest
in Hawaii, a mere baby at one million years old and still growing
with constant eruptions and lava flows. It is one of the only
places on Earth where you can still see an active volcano. Along
the island's eastern edge, the desolate moonscape of Volcanoes
National Park is home to Kilauea, a fiery volcano that has been
periodically erupting over the last decade. Visit the charming
port town of Hilo, the flower capital of the world, lined with
exotic black and white sand beaches. The Kona Coast, world famous
for coffee plantations, offers stunning views of the ocean from
its powdery beaches and sharp cliffs.
There are said to be 13 climatic regions on earth and the
Big Island has all but two, the Artic and the Saharan. Nearly
every one of the Big Island's stunningly diverse regions has
its own nationally recognized park. This, in addition to the
many historical sites, makes the Big Island a must see for
the traveler who wants to experience Hawaii's rich cultural
history and unique natural resources.
BIG
ISLAND RESORTS
Island Breeze Luau
The Island Breeze Luau is held under the stars, on the historic
grounds of the King Kamehamea's Kona Beach Hotel. Rated the
best luau on the Big Island! The luau features a twenty-two
dish buffet brimming with delicious fish, meat and fresh Big
Island produce. An open bar complements the luau. Highlighting
the evening is the spectacular Island Breeze Polynesian Revue,
which includes the dangerous and fascinating fire-knife dance.
Atlantis Submarines, Big Island Odyssey Adventure
Allow Atlantis submarines to show you the other 96% of Kona
you can't see! Treat yourself to Kona's most beautiful & captivating
scenery, habitats and isolated treasures. 1-hour tour.
Sunshine Helicopter
Kohala / Hamakua Coast
Witness the awesome beauty of the Kohala Mountains. The black
beauties will take you on a climb up steep ocean cliffs &
down into a deep winding valley. 45-minute tour.
Formations of Pele-Kilauea Volcano Hilo
The ever-changing colors and landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park unfolds as rainforests give way to barren
lava fields. Search for active lava flows and experience
the "newest place" on earth. You will experience Pele's
fountain where molten lava erupts into the Pacific Ocean
as waves crash ashore. 45-minute flight.
Big Island Volcano Deluxe Kona
Experience the fiery lava vents of the Big Island's active
volcano, Kilauea. The intensity of the live volcanic landscape
will take your breath away. This is just one of the unique
sights you'll find on an island boasting 11 out of 13 climate
zones present on earth. View the hidden tropical valleys
of the Kohala Mountains, alive with dozens of roaring waterfalls,
and the beautiful rainforest of the Hamakua coast. 1 hour
& 45-minute flight.
Dream Cruises:
Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise
Dream Cruises will be searching for the majestic humpback
whale, pilot whales, spinner dolphins, sea turtles and porpoises!
This cruise is for marine lovers.
Island Grill Dinner Cruise
View a brilliant sunset while enjoying the spectacular sights
from the Kona Coastline, with a freshly grilled dinner served
island-style. The tantalizing menu will tempt your taste
buds!
Pacific Splash Barefoot Fun & Wild Dolphin
Cruise
Cruise with pods of spinner dolphins along the scenic Kona
Coastline and anchor off the beach for a morning full of
fun in the sun. Enjoy the water slide, water trampoline
and snorkeling. Guests should be sure to bring beach gear
(swimsuit, towels, sunscreen lotion, hats, sunglasses, camera
etc.).
Dining
Dining on the Big Island has become an attraction in itself,
and quite a few chefs have something of a celebrity status.
This reputation speaks not only to how they cook, but also
what they cook. While enjoying rich and varied influences
from the many countries and ethnic groups that figured in
Hawaiian heritage, the cuisine retains a distinctively local
flavor by featuring fresh local ingredients highly in every
meal. The island's fertile volcanic soil produces the finest
in fruits, beans, herbs and vegetables, all staples of Hawaiian
diet. Add the products of local ranchers and fishermen with
a cultured appreciation for aesthetic surroundings, and
the Big Island creates a recipe for an exceptional dining
experience.
Gourmet: Bamboo, a tropical saloon on
the island's northern coastline, serves expertly-prepared
island delicacies, including fresh fish, lamb dishes, and
plenty of locally grown produce. The interior décor
mixes nostalgia and elegance, and it's filled with Hawaiian
music every weekend night. Highway 270, Hawi
Highly Recommended: Roy's Waikoloa Bar
& Grill is the creation of culinary trailblazer Roy
Yamaguchi, known for his expert blending of local ingredients
and fine international traditions. Add superb service and
a view overlooking a 10-acre lake and you get an evening
of dining excellence. 250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Kamuela
Local Flair: The Coffee Shack's outdoor
deck is the place to go for informal indulgence in great
food and drink. Relax in the crisp air, surrounded by ferns,
palms, banana trees, and a sweeping view of the ocean. Dine
on hearty salads, excellent sandwiches on home-baked bread,
and a fine assortment of ales and spirits. Highway 11, South
Kona
Romantic: The Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant
brings the uncanny allure of volcanoes to your evening meal
for the ultimate "fireside dining." Located in
the tiny village of (what else?) Volcano, the lodge serves
fine Continental cuisine in a cozy setting, complete with
a roaring conventional fireplace and rustic décor.
19-4055 Old Volcano Road (Wright Road), Volcano
Nightlife
Because of its distinctive natural state (ie, blissfully
minimal development), the Big Island is best-suited for
romantic nights and is not a big party town in Hawaii. Nonetheless,
most major resorts have live entertainment every night.
The premier tourist areas of Kona and Kohala often have
big-name artists performing. Old-style community theaters,
like the People's Theatre in Honoka and Pahoa's Akebono
Theater, still thrive in some of the smaller towns and are
an ideal way to get entertainment with a local flavor. You
will find the Big Island has the others beat when it comes
to lu'aus.
The Kona Village Lu'au: This party is
held every Friday night at the Kona Village Resort. The
longest and best continuously running luau on the island
is an authentic Polynesian presentation of the ancient ceremony.
A buffet of roasted pig, sweet potatoes, steamed fruit and
an assortment of other delicacies are yours to enjoy during
the show. Ka'upulehu
The Crown Room: This popular locals' hangout
is a good place to catch a weekend show featuring some up
and coming area musicians. Hilo
Uncle Billy's: This Polynesian-themed
hotel and restaurant puts on a free show of Hawaiian music
and hula dancing every night. Hilo
