The Big Island of Hawaii is big, it makes up over half the entire state itself. The most defining features are, of course, the enormous mountain tops and the most active volcano in the world. Everything is big on the Big Island, let’s try to digest the main acts of this tropical paradise. Hawaii has a lot to offer and the best way to truly experience everything is to stay in a Hawaiian beach rental vs staying in a hotel
1. Hapuna Beach
Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/35886375@N06
One of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna is home to white sandy beaches for as far as the eye can see. Also home to great waves and crisp, clean waters for snorkeling, this beach is the perfect first-stop for a family adventure in Hawaii.
2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/striderv
You can’t visit the Big Island without going to the State’s biggest, world-renowned landscape of volcanoes and rainforests. Climb up to the crater rim and witness Mother Nature in all her most powerful glory. There are tons of tours happening around the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, teaching you everything from the island’s history to the scientific nitty-gritty of all things lava and magma.
3. Mauna Kea
Photo: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty_Meter_Telescope
This spot on the Big Island is home to the astronomers of the world. Neil Degrasse Tyson cited as this being one of this favorite place to observe the stars, due to its elevation, miniscule pollution, and great atmosphere. That goes for both the atmosphere and the backdrop. A place like no other on Earth.
4. Kealakekua Bay
Photo: www.hawaii.com
This pristine bay is teeming with fish and marine life. This is the place to be for snorkeling and kayaking. When you’re floating out in the water, it’s so clear that your eyes sometimes play tricks on you and it almost appears like you’re floating on glass. Just look at all the pictures that come out of the Bay and you’ll see what the fuss is all about.
5. Waipio Valley
Image Credit: flickr.com/photos/dexxus/5499821986
Another place on the Big Island that looks like something you’ve seen in a movie. The landscape is dramatic, as are the waterfalls, the wild life, and the beach. The wild horses are a treasure of Waipio Valley, this is one of the few places in America where you can witness the untamed wilderness.
6. National Historic Site
This giant hub on the Big Island is a great first-day stop to get a good grounding of what Hawaii’s roots are, how the island came to be, and wow they have such a great culture of people. When you visit Hawaii, you know the people are being genuine with you 100%. Learning their history, you can see why it’s like that, not just because they get a lot of tourists.
7. Celebrate like a Hawaiian
Before you leave Hawaii, you should participate in at least 1 of the major Hawaiian festivals. They know how to throw a party like no other place in the country. One of the big ones on the Big Island is The annual Hawaiian Music Festival in July. All the staple Hawaiian sounds and flavors are present: the best ukulele players, steel guitars, slack keys, and lovely singers to put you into a trance. King Kamehameha Festival Day is also a big one where you get a parade, cultural exhibitions, and tons of food, arts, crafts, and games to do for the whole family. Great way to leave your trip on a high-note.
Having lived on the Big Island twice in my life I can say it is a place like no other. Rain Forest’s, Snow capped mountains and yes, a mini desert. Had the pleasure of knowing David ‘daddy ‘ Bray, one of the few Hawaiian Priests or Kahuna. Took me up to the Volcano’s and showed me his magic with Madam Pele. I could go on and on. If you don’t visit at least once in your life, shame on you. You’ll go back. Aloha, Kavika Rivers
Thank you for the info; Hawaii is our favorite vacation spot and my wife and I always dream about leaving Washington DC area and move there. The Hawaiian people are kind and genuine people. We love them. We visit Oahu about every 3 years. Maybe next time we’ll visit the Big Island instead.