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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.
When searching for
Big Island real estate many buyers prefer to stay in
Big Island vacation rentals to see how they like the
area.
Staying at
Big Island vacation rentals while on your Big Island
vacation is a better option than a hotel.
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