The Big Island of Hawaii is the state's largest, easternmost island. This tropical paradise abounds with astonishing treasures. Lush, green tropical forests meet sparkling sands and waters, overlooked by the sleeping giants of volcanic peaks. Polynesian old-world entertainment mingles with modern history to ensure that every inch of Hawaii's Big Island is a new world to explore. By air, water or land, there is no shortage of ways to know Hawaii.
Hawaii's Warm Waters
With an average ocean temperature of 77 degrees, it is hard to resist time in and on the water around the Big Island. You can swim with dolphins, take snorkeling tours or scuba diving lessons and explore beautiful coral reefs in the waters off the Big Island. Seasoned captains also stand ready to offer boats for charter fishing, day cruises or an excursion to watch the humpback whales. Creatures of habit, the whales swim more than 3,500 miles from Alaska to Hawaii annually. They mate and bear their young in Hawaii during wintertime, according to Big Island Tours.
Explore Hawaii's Rainforest
The Big Island is ideal for hiking to numerous natural attractions, or for a change of pace, try an eco-adventure such as a zip-line tour. This off-road safari begins by venturing deep into the jungles, where you strap up to a zip-line and fly off into a world that seems almost untouched by man. Waterfalls, wildlife and unforgettable scenery will make evident why Mark Twain declared Hawaii "the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean," as Pinnacle Travel notes.
Discover Pele's Home
So central were the volcanoes to native Polynesian life that numerous legends sprung up surrounding Pele--goddess of the volcanoes, who lives in the Halemaumau crater of Kilauea where "early Hawai'ians...made offerings to placate her wrath," Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park explains. The youngest of Hawaii's islands, the Big Island's volcanoes are still active, and the lava fields, craters, and lava tubes--including one walk-in tube--are on national park ground and open to the public, 24 hours a day, for a small fee. Organized tours are available, but many prefer to hike in watch the current eruption; Pele has caused the lava to flow, slowly and relentlessly, for many years--and no one knows when she will stop. The view at night is breathtaking.
Luaus and Hawai'ian Entertainment
The Big Island offers classes in Hula, lei making and playing the ukelele in many shopping centers and resorts. In the Kona and Kohala areas, luaus are offered every night of the week. Visitors to a luau receive a shell lei in greeting, signifying them as honored guests. The luau feast is sure to include kalua pig--which is a whole pig roasted in a pit for a day. Lean and delicious ocean fish like mahi mahi blend with Polynesian dishes like huli-huli chicken or chicken long rice to offer a nutritious and satisfying sample of Hawai'ian cuisine. Enjoy the sunset as beautiful women dancing the hula, fire-dancers, fierce Maori warriors and knife-throwers entertain.
Big Island Shopping
The Big Island offers unique and interesting shopping opportunities that provide the perfect excuse to wander the streets and get your body moving. Native Polynesian crafts, planters and statues made of lava, fresh fish sold in old-world style markets and stalls--a healthy treat--are but a few of the treasures to be found. A stroll through the Hilo Farmer's Market will prove refreshing; held Wednesday and Saturday mornings, fresh fruits and vegetables, exotic flowers, local crafts and even tourist apparel is offered by locals. Make sure to sample the healthy fresh food, and end your visit with something to take home.
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