The Big Island

Hawaii is the 50th US state in the Western US, in the Pacific Ocean. It lies about 2000 miles from the US mainland. This is the only state outside of North America, the only one comprised entirely of islands, and the only state in the tropics. The eight main islands are Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lani, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.

The island of Hawaii is the largest island and the southeasternmost of all the islands. It is referred to as the Big Island, and is known for its natural beauty, particularly volcanoes. It was originally formed by five volcanoes.

Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are the two largest volcanoes. Mauna Kea, now extinct is the highest mountain in the Pacific Basin. Mauna Kea is home to the Mauna Kea Observatory, an active research facility. Only 4WD vehicles can reach the summit and the Visitor Information Station.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most geologically fascinating national parks in the US. It has two active volcanoes. The park is located on the southeast side of the island. Active lava continues to flow into the oceans and cools into rocks. The park is home to the Kilauea Volcano.

The Halema'uma'u Crater is the legendary home of the Hawaiian goddess of fire, Pele. It's an actively steaming crater. To get a closer look at it follow the Crater Rim Road to the brim.

Another highlight in the park is the Thurston Lava Tube, where lave once flowed and cooled, leaving a tunnel nearly 500 feet long and 20 feet high.

Waipio Valley is a lovely valley on the northeastern coast of the Big Island. It is often referred to as a kind of “Shangri La.” The valley dissects the Kohala Mountains. On the valley floor you can find bananas, papayas, mangoes, grapefruit, and avocados growing. There are colorful ginger trees, orchids, and hibiscus.

Waipio is fed by the Hiilawe Falls dropping down more than 1,200 feet. This is a double waterall and considered one of the highest in the world.

The Hamakua Heritage Corridor is a popular scenic drive along the Hamakua Coast running from the town of Hilo to the Waipio Valley Lookout.

The Kona Coffee Living History Farm is the only living history museum in the nation that is dedicated to the heritage of traditional coffee farming. Visitors can see how life was for coffee growers in the 1920 and 30s. Costumed interpreters show daily tasks.

The grounds can be explored and you can see the Kona Nightingale (a breed of donkey). Enjoy sampling the coffee.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a great place to learn about island traditions. The present temple site is a replica of the original. At one time the palace was a place of refuge, protected by a huge wall. Replicas of koa wood carvings of temple gods are back in their original positions,

On site is a royal fishpond called “he-lei-palalu”

Akaka Falls State Park is located near Hilo. It includes two waterfalls – Akaka Falls the tallest on the island and Kahuna Falls. The surrounding area is beautiful with tropical ferns, bamboo, and orchids.

The trail to the falls is paved and some sections have steps. The trail leads past Kahuna Falls to the top of Akaka Falls.

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden has over 2,000 species of tropical plants. It is run by a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and studying tropical flora. There are paths to walk and a 500-foot observation walkway overlooks a ravine and many plants. Palm Vista has a collection of over 200 species of palms from all over the world.

Hapuna Beach is known for its white sand and facilities. Here tourists enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, and surfing, There are concessions and picnic shelters. For overnight stays there is access to electricity and showers.

Waikoloa Beach is located on the Kona Coast and is in an area with many petroglyphs. Tourist vacation in the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Here visitors can enjoy cruising the canals in wood-paneled boats.

On the grounds are tropical gardens with various sculptures. The gardens surround a saltwater lagoon.

The resort has an area where guest can interact with dolphins. For recreations there are two championship golf courses, tennis courts, a lagoon for stand up paddle boarding and kayaking and three pools.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is located where Captain Cook landed in 1779. Kealakekua Bay is a protected Marine Life Conservation District. This is a popular place for scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Highlights within the parks include the Captain James Cook Monument and Hikiau Heiau, a temple that was built to honor the Hawaiian god Lono.

Even though Hawaii is not associated with cattle ranching, the Parker Ranch is the largest in the US. It stretches from the Kohala Mountains to the northwest coast of the Big Island.

The ranch is open to the public. Tours include the 19th-century John Parker house, Pukalani Stables, and Puuopelu, the modern Parker family home. The house is like a museum with over 100 paintings by renowned artists like Renoir, Pissarro, and Degas.

Magic Sands Beach is known for its “disappearing” sand. Arriving and finding soft sand you might later see a rocky, volcanic landscape at the edge of the water leaving just a few sandy spots.