The Big Island of Hawaii is the most geographically diverse of the Hawaiian chain. The east is known for rain and its tropical greenery. The west is lava desert interspersed with mega resorts appearing as palm fringed bits of paradise. Hike and learn about Hawaiian history at the same time. Ski the slopes of Mauna Kea and take a surfing lesson on the same day. There are plenty of options to keep you fit and happy on Hawaii.
Skiing Mauna Kea
Snow skiing does not readily come to mind when we think of activities in Hawaii. On the slopes of Mauna Kea, which means "white mountain" in Hawaiian, it does snow, sometimes enough for skiing or snowboarding. There are no resorts, no lifts and no grooming. You need a four-wheel-drive to reach the summit and at least two people. One person skis down, and the second drives the car to pick him up. If you are used to the massive snowfalls and mega resorts on the mainland, this may not seem impressive. That is until you realize that Mauna Kea is one of the few places in the world where you can ski down a mountain in the morning and take an afternoon stroll on the beach.
Volcano Hiking
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see on the island of Hawaii. Designated a World Heritage site in 1987, the park has 150 miles of hiking trails that ring the crater of Halemaumau, go through rainforests with plants that date back to the age of dinosaurs and take you across acres of lava deserts. Walk through the dark and damp recesses of the Thurston Lava Tube, formed when an outside layer of lava cooled while the molten inner lava rushed through. The Visitor's Center at the park entrance can let you know where any eruptions are occurring and how to safely see them.
Walking Tour of Hilo
Walking around Hilo on the eastern side of the Big Island can almost make you feel that you are in a time warp. Wooden storefronts dating from the early 20th century line the streets. The Lyman Mission House & Museum dates back to 1839. The Hilo Farmer's market, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and other island treats operates year round. Continue your walk to Banyan Drive that fronts the resorts on Hilo Bay. The Liliuokalani Gardens just west of the drive is an authentic Japanese garden park, named after Hawaii's last queen. Stroll the pathways that take you over arched bridges, past Japanese stone lanterns, pagodas and intricately crafted rock gardens.
Explore North Kahala History
Spend some time in North Kahala and explore some of Hawaii's most treasured sites. Kamehameha the Great was born in the tiny town of Kapaau, and it is here that the original statue of the king stands.Visit Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, just north of the North Kohala resorts. King Kamehameha built the massive structure on the advice of a Hawaiian priest who told him if he did so he would be successful in uniting the Hawaiian Islands. Also in North Kohala is Lapakahi State Historical Park. This is a partially restored fishing village that is over 600 years old. A one-mile trail leads you through the park, past lava stone walls and reconstructed hales, or houses.
Snorkeling South Kona
South Kona is home to the Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary. Covering 315 acres and over a mile wide, the bay is filled with tropical fish and lined with coral reefs. This is the place where Captain Cook met his end, and in one corner of the bay there is a tall white monument dedicated to the man. The land that sits under it was given to Britain and remains the only piece of British soil left in Hawaii. The only way to get to the monument is to swim or boat. Permits are needed for the latter. The main attraction here is the marine life. Spinner dolphins often enter the bay and will swim surprisingly close to kayaks or snorkelers. Occasionally green sea turtles will enter the bay. They tend to be shyer, but you can usually get close enough for photo or two.
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