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The Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian chain,
with an area twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, and
is consequently known as "The Big Island." It is as diverse as it is large,
with unique natural wonders. Not the least of these is Mauna Loa, the world's
largest active volcano. Kilauea volcano, on Mauna Loa's southern flank,
has been continuously erupting since 1983 and every day makes the Big Island
even bigger. Hilton Waikoloa
Village® is located at the base of Mauna Kea, whose summit reaches
to 13,796 feet (4,205 meters). In fact, when measured from its base on the
ocean floor, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world (31,796 feet/9,691
meters), surpassing Mount Everest (29,035 feet/8,850 meters)!
Explore the Big Island of Hawaii
 Beaches and Parks
Museums
Sights of Interest
Highlights, Facts and Figures
Beaches and Parks
A stunning array of beaches, from black to green to white sands - even a beach where all the sand occasionally disappears - can all be found here on the Big Island.
Anaeho'omalu Beach
This beach in the Waikoloa Resort area doubles as a cultural sight because of its well-maintained ancient fishponds. The beach park has elaborately landscaped grounds and plaques marking areas of historical interest. On the spectacular Kohala coast.
Tip: The concession here rents windsurfing equipment and the conditions are normally good for beginners.
Hapuna Beach State Park
A diamond in the rough of the surrounding lava, Hapuna's white sands have earned it a reputation as one of Hawaii's finest beaches. In fact, it has been rated as the top beach in the United States. On the spectacular Kohala coast.
Tip: There is a small cove on the north end of the beach not visible from the parking area.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is the Big Island's number-one attraction as well as an international center for the study of volcanism. Always popular, the park can overflow with visitors when volcanic flows from Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, erupting continuously since 1983, come within a short hike of the road. The park is a spectacular showcase of millions of years of volcanic activity - with steaming vents, craters, cinder cones, hardened fields of lava, lava tubes (caves), "tree molds" embedded in hardened lava, and towering clouds of steam whenever lava is flowing into the ocean.
Hilo Bay
Hilo Bay is a popular site for the traditional Hawaiian sport of canoe racing. Fronting downtown Hilo and near Banyan Drive.
Tip: Watching a canoe race here provides a true taste of Hawaiian culture.
Honaunau Beach
This short stretch on an otherwise lava-covered coast has an offshore reef with fantastic snorkeling. The easiest way in and out of the ocean here is the nearby boat ramp. The beach is within the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau ("Place of Refuge" ). National Historical Park south of Kealakekua Bay in the Kona District.
Tip: Combine a swim here with a fascinating trip back in time through the park's many exhibits.
Kahalu'u Beach
This is a great beach for snorkeling because of the myriads of fish that make this sheltered bay their home. On Alii Drive near Keauhou, a few minutes south of Kailua-Kona.
Tip: Kahalu'u usually offers safe swimming and snorkeling.
Kalapana Black Sand Beach
This beach is east of the original village of Kalapana, which was covered with lava during a recent eruption. It is smaller, but boasts the same exotic black sand. To get to this unmarked spot follow the coastal road from Kalapana for about 2 miles to a small parking lot. The beach is about 3/4 of a mile from the parking lot across a well-worn trail.
Tip: Use caution on the trail and be aware that the lava surrounding the trail is very new and is sharp, easily causing cuts and injury. Also, be prepared because the sea floor drops off quickly.
Kealakekua Bay State Underwater Park
The bay provides opportunities for snorkelers, scuba divers, and glass bottom boaters (commercial tours out of Kailua-Kona and Keauhou) to observe the marine life in this relatively pristine underwater habitat. Rich in coral and colorful reef fish. Fishing restrictions. 315 acres
Access by sea or from Napo'opo'o Beach on Beach Road off Government Road from Puuhonua Road (Highway 160) or Lower Government Road from Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) at Captain Cook or Ke'ei Junction.
Ke'ei Beach
This idyllic gem of a beach is a true slice of paradise. Fronting the fishing village of Ke'ei it combines desolate sands with a view of Kealakekua Bay, the first Island of Hawaii landing site of Captain James Cook (1779). To get to Ke'ei follow the road to Kealakekua Bay, turn left on the bumpy paved road to Honaunau, then make a right down a rough unpaved road to Ke'ei.
Tip: When the surf is up Ke'ei delivers nice rides to intermediate and advanced bodyboarders and surfers.
Kehena Beach
Surrounded by cliffs and tall trees, this black sand beach can be found near mile marker 19 on Highway 137 in Puna, south of Hilo. This beach is a good place to see dolphins.
Tip: Some have designated this beach as clothing optional; however, public nudity can lead to arrest in Hawaii, so discretion is advised. There is a strong current and there may be large waves. Swim with caution.
Kolekole Beach Park
There is no real beach, but the scenery at this small park is outstanding. An oceanfront waterfall adds to the setting where the river meets the sea. On the Hamakua Coast near Honomu.
Tip: Watch courageous bodyboarders narrowly miss the rivermouth boulders as they ride the wild breakers of Kolekole. Remember these conditions are for experts only.
Magic Sands Beach
This white sand beach near Kona Town has been known to disappear overnight due to tidal shifts or strong surf, but eventually, the sand always returns. Located on Alii Drive just south of Kailua-Kona.
Tip: This beach has a perfect sunset view.
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Museums
The Big Island has an incredible past. Did you know that at one time it was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom under King Kamehameha? Much more can be discovered at the island's many museums.
Kona Historical Museum
An overview exhibit highlighting the history and culture of the Kona District, including a detailed history of Kona coffee. In Kealakekua on Highway 11.
Lyman Museum
Hawaiian artifacts, ethnic plantation worker exhibits, and a history of Hilo's missionaries are contained in this historic structure. One of only four nationally accredited museums in the state (and the only one on the Big Island), the Lyman also showcases a world-wide collection of seashells and minerals. Just above downtown Hilo at 276 Haili Street.
Parker Ranch Homes and Museum
The magnificent residences of the Richard Smart family are full of his priceless art collections. The Parker Ranch Museum chronicles the rise of ranching in Hawaii. In the heart of Kamuela (Waimea) in upcountry North Hawaii.
Volcano Art Center Gallery
Over 200 artists are represented in this gallery which occupies the original site of the Volcano House Hotel. Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, next to the Visitor Center.
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Sights of Interest
The true diversity and beauty of our island can only be experienced by venturing around it.
Akaka Falls
The trail to Akaka falls is a wonder of bamboo and flowers, including large red ginger stalks. Thunderous Akaka has a smaller neighbor, Kahuna Falls, which is also visible on the loop trail. Within Akaka Falls State Park. Follow the signs through the plantation town of Honomu on the Hamakua Coast.
Tip: Taking the right side of the loop trail makes your trip predominantly downhill.
Coconut Island
This landscaped islet in Hilo Bay is reached over a foot bridge. On the other side are the Liliuokalani Gardens with their tranquil fish ponds and Asian-influenced landscaping.
Hamakua Coast
The fertile and green Hamakua Coast stretches the length of Mamalahoa Highway from Hilo northwest to Waipio, the "Valley of the Kings". Waipio's natural wonders include many waterfalls cascading down over 1,000 foot cliffs.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is the Big Island's number-one attraction as well as an international center for the study of volcanism. Always popular, the park can overflow with visitors when volcanic flows from Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, erupting continuously since 1983, come within a short hike of the road. The park is a spectacular showcase of millions of years of volcanic activity - with steaming vents, craters, cinder cones, hardened fields of lava, lava tubes (caves), "tree molds" embedded in hardened lava, and on some days, towering clouds of steam where lava flows into the ocean.
Hilo Town
The Big Island's county seat and commercial center. The downtown district has been renovated over the last few years and is now a nice mix of local businesses, historic buildings, and shops catering mostly to visitors. Hilo is on the east coast of the Big Island and may also be reached by direct flights to Hilo International Airport.
Tip: Hilo is famous for its moist climate so have umbrellas, shoes, and jackets on reserve.
Honokohau Harbor
Kona's main harbor is the starting point for expeditions in search of marlin and other large game fish. Off Queen Kaahumanu Highway just north of Kailua-Kona. Tip: The competition between charter boats is fierce so shop around for the one that best fits your needs. A little known National Historic Park is just to the north of the harbor.
Hulihee Palace
Built in 1838, Hulihee was the former summer palace of King David Kalakaua, the "Merrie Monarch." Elegant Hawaiian koa wood furniture is on display inside. On Alii Drive near the Kailua-Kona seawall. Telephone: (808) 329-1877.
Tip: This is a nice cultural departure from Kona's otherwise shopping- and activities-based highlights.
Kailua-Kona Town
Hawaii's deep sea fishing capital. The weather is usually ideal in this small oceanside town that serves as the center of Kona coast activity. About 10 minutes from Kona International Airport on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway.
Tip: The annual billfish tournaments here attract anglers from around the globe.
Kealakekua Bay
The Big Island landing point of Captain James Cook in 1779. Visible across the bay is the large memorial erected by the British in 1874 to commemorate the event. From the town of Captain Cook follow Napo'opo'o road to Kealakekua.
Tip: Take the time to explore the Hikiau Heiau next to the bay. It was here that Hawaiians entertained Cook during his first trip ashore.
Parker Ranch
The 150,000-acre Parker Ranch is not only Hawaii's largest, it competes with the King Ranch in Texas for the title of the nation's biggest cattle ranches. A visitor center and several museums are scattered between the ranch grounds and the neighboring cowboy town of Kamuela (Waimea). At the junction of Kawaihae Road and the Mamalahoa Highway.
Tip: Riding enthusiasts can book tours on horseback through the ranch.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau ("Place of Refuge" ) National Historical Park
The Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, or Place of Refuge, is a national historical park containing a restored - and highly picturesque - Hawaiian village. In ancient Hawaii, all islands had such places where those who had broken kapu (ancient Hawaiian prohibitions, similar to "taboo" in Southern Polynesia) could seek safety from punishment. Highway 11 to Keokea, then Highway 160 down to the coast and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau.
Tip: The scuba diving in this area is also excellent.
Rainbow Falls
An impressive waterfall known for its misty rainbows. In Hilo's Wailuku River State Park. Take Waianuenue Avenue to Rainbow Drive - the park is on the right.
Tip: It takes only minutes to reach Rainbow Falls from downtown Hilo.
Suisan Fish Market
Hawaii's premier fish market. Come early to watch the intense bidding for the day's catch. Bay side of the Kamehameha Avenue and Lihiwai Street intersection in Hilo.
Tip: This is the spot to photograph Hawaii's many colorful gamefish up close.
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Highlights, Facts and Figures
Before you leave home, take a moment to become familiar with our island home. A brief review of the history, climate and rare natural features of the Big Island offer a taste of what is to come.
Climate
Scenic attractions include rainforests, waterfalls, tropical beaches of white, green and black sand, snow-capped peaks, rolling mist-shrouded pastures, and vast fields of lava. The climate varies as widely as the landscape, ranging from the balmy mid-80s at sea level to below-freezing temperatures at the summit of 13,796-foot Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world (measuring from its base on the ocean floor).
Flora & Fauna
Hawaii is known throughout the world for its richly flavored Kona coffee and delicately beautiful orchids, and is the state's largest producer of papayas, avocados, macadamia nuts and anthuriums. Here, too, are about 1,660 species of flowering plants and 45 species of birds found nowhere else on the planet, making Hawaii a paradise for botanists and ornithologists. The summit of Mauna Kea offers astronomers some of the best viewing conditions on earth. Several of the world's most powerful telescopes have been built there by the U.S. , French, Canadian, Japanese, and British governments.
Activities
Ocean activities abound, including swimming, skiing, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Those who prefer land-based diversions can enjoy sight-seeing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, tennis, or golf on one of several championship courses.
For more information, call the American Express® Tours Desk at Hilton Waikoloa Village® by dialing (808) 886-1234, extension 51.
History
The Island of Hawaii was the home of Kamehameha the Great, the warrior chief who unified the islands and gave the name "Hawaii" to the resulting kingdom. Rich in legend, many historical sites have been respectfully preserved, including Hulihee Palace in Kailua-Kona, Pu'uhonua O' Honaunau (Place of Refuge) in South Kona, and Pu'ukohola Heiau near Kawaihae.
A Healing Island
With such a diversity of natural wonders and activities, an ideal climate, world-class accommodations, and islanders imbued with the aloha spirit, the Big Island of Hawaii is truly an exceptional place - the Island Jewel of the Pacific. This uniqueness has attracted many in pursuit of better health and well-being. The Big Island is becoming known as the Healing Island, leading the world in the use of medical and scientific therapies in conjunction with ancient traditions.
Click here to visit our Kohala Spa, where Hawaiian healing techniques are combined with today's health advancements.
Snow in Paradise
Snow skiing in Hawaii? Yes! The Big Island summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are Hawaii's version of winter wonderlands. Only here can visitors ski powdered winter snow in the morning, snorkel over radiant coral reefs in the afternoon, then relax over a seaside gourmet meal as one of Waikoloa's celebrated sunsets signals the end of the day. Any sign of new powder finds enthusiasts up early for the windy drive up Mauna Kea and down popular ski runs like the Ono Trail, King Kamehameha's Run and Goddess of Fire Pele's Parlor. Also of interest are the mountaintop observatories that house some of the world's most sophisticated telescopes.
Deep Sea Sportfishing
The idyllic waters off Kailua-Kona are unsurpassed for deep-sea fishing. One visit to nearby Honokohau Harbor lets you know you're in Big Marlin Country. Many of the local charter vessels accounts of their record breaking catches, which are easily verified by the many trophies displayed in the harbor and nearby Kona Town. The annual jackpot billfish tournaments held here attract anglers from all around the world who vie for the thrill of a landing a world record, and the chance to win a championship purse. For the less experienced fisherman, the local captains and crews have stocked their craft with everything needed to land a big one. Even non-experts have a chance at an elusive giant Blue Marlin.
For more information, call the American Express® Tours Desk at Hilton Waikoloa Village® at (808) 886-1234, extension 51.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is the Big Island's number-one attraction as well as an international center for the study of volcanism. Always popular, the park can overflow with visitors when volcanic flows from Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, erupting continuously since 1983, come within a short hike of the road. The park is a spectacular showcase of millions of years of volcanic activity - with steaming vents, craters, cinder cones, hardened fields of lava, lava tubes (caves), "tree molds" embedded in hardened lava, and towering clouds of steam whenever lava is flowing into the ocean. The lava flows from a "hot spot" deep within the earth that was also responsible for the creation of the other Hawaiian Islands that have since drifted northwest on a tectonic plate. A new volcano, christened Loihi, is currently growing beneath the sea southeast of the Big Island and is expected to break the surface and become Hawaii's newest island in several thousand years. The park's many attractions include Halemaumau, Devastation Trail, Kilauea Iki, and the Thurston Lava Tube. "
- Halemaumau
This fire pit lies within the Kilauea Caldera. It is considered to be the home of Hawaii's volcano goddess, Madame Pele. A short walk off Crater Rim Drive.
- Devastation Trail
The trail passes through an area devastated by a prolonged shower of hot cinders from the 1959 eruption of Kilauea Iki. Bleached white tree trunks dot the landscape and lend it a spare beauty. Today life has returned to parts of the trail as trees and shrubs fight to re-establish themselves in the once barren landscape. The trail can be accessed from Crater Rim Drive at two places - the Devastation Trail parking lot and the Puu Puai parking lot.
Tip: Those traveling in groups can choose a designated driver to pick them up at the other end after an easy 20 minute hike over the length of the trail.
- Kilauea Iki
"Iki" means "little" in Hawaiian, but during past eruptions, this little crater has done big damage to nearby native ohia forests. Off Crater Rim Drive in the national park. A hike into the crater (from the parking lot at the overlook just across the road from Thurston Lava Tube) leads through a lush forest, alive with the songs of endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers, to a stark crater floor that is home both to steaming vents and scattered bushes tenaciously re-establishing a foothold for life.
- Thurston Lava Tube
A huge cave formed as the top of a large lava flow cooled more quickly than its contents, which eventually ran out, creating the subterranean void. Today, Thurston Lava Tube's dark interior is illuminated. Follow the trail clearly marked on Crater Rim Drive.
Tip: Namesake Lorrin Thurston was also one of the engineers of the 1893 overthrow of Hawaii's last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani.
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