Hawai`i (Big Island) Overview

Hawai'i: it is an island of extremes--and of constant change. Ski or stargaze on Mauna Kea, or view evolution in action while sipping honey wine at fiery Kilauea. Hike through Hilo's rainforests and waterfalls, or view the black lava desert of the Kohala Coast.

Districts

The Island of Hawai'i is the furthest south of any in the island chain, and it's larger than all the other islands put together. It's also the home of the world's highest mountain (Mauna Kea), though much of the base is submerged. Nearby Kiluaea is the most active volcano in the world and the most popular visitor attraction in a state that's full of visitor attractions. The Big Island, as it's called, is the only place where one can ski in the daytime and walk barefoot in a warm sea at sundown.

Kona
This spread-out district stretches from South Kona, the location of Honaunau Bay, to the vast Kona State Park. The most heavily populated area is Kailua-Kona, the site of the Kailua Pier, the main tourist shopping drag. Just below Kailua-Kona is Keahou-Kona. Hotels range down the coast, from Kailua to Keahou.

Central Kailua-Kona has a half-dozen attractions, including Ahu`ena Heiau and Hulihe`e Palace. Along the coastline are Laaloa Beach Park, known for its "magic sands," and the Kona Historical Society Museum. The southern town of Captain Cook is considered a part of greater Kona. Many people make the trip down the coast to snorkel at the marine preserve or view the sea captain's monument.

Kohala Coast/Kohala
The name translates to "Gold Coast." At first, it's hard to understand why this place deserves its name; the terrain is harsh, barren and almost spooky, until one reaches the resort districts.

Upcountry
Inland from Waikoloa is the town of Waimea. It's small and out-of-the-way, but it has an abundance of personality. Businesses here are usually family-owned, and many of them feature island-made products.

The land surrounding Waimea is either part of the Parker Ranch (the largest ranch in the state), or part of the Waipio Valley, which can only be toured on horseback or by covered wagon. Hamakua Coast, the northeastern coastline of Hawaii, is often classified among the most scenic drives in the world.

Hilo
Below the Hamakua Coast, in a fertile little pocket that gets more rain than just about any other place in the world, is Hilo, a booming town by Hawaiian standards, but also cute, quaint, and stuck in a time warp, offering historic tours and a daily fish market.

Volcano
South of Hilo on Highway 11 is the most famous spot in the islands. Officially titled Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it is informally known as "The Volcano" or "Kilauea." Kilauea is, in fact, only a part of the massive park, but it's the part that everyone comes to see. Belching smoke and spewing flame, this is the most active volcano in the world.

South and Central Regions
Between Volcano on the east side and Kona on the west, the island is a vast expanse of untouched volcanic overflow. The majority of it is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Above this is Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, the best star-gazing spot in the world and a designated astronomy center. The southern tip of the island, which is also the southernmost point in the U.S., has barely been touched by civilization.

Entertainment

Jungle tours, lava flows, humpback whales, stargazing, Kona coffee—the Big Island is a smorgasbord of sensory delights. Give yourself plenty of time to explore Waipio Valley or to hike the trails of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take in a sunset over cocktails or a sunrise over fresh island juice. Enjoy traditional Hawaiian-style entertainment at a luau. Experience the best of Hawaii: eco-adventures, art, culture, and genuine Aloha spirit.

Get in the Water!
Notable surfing beaches on the Big Island include Kahalu'u Beach Park, Honoli`i Point, and Hilo Bayfront. Scuba schools abound. More involved than snorkeling (but less involved than scuba) is thy hybrid sport known as snuba. Scuba, snorkel, and just plain recreational tours on the water are also available.

Golf
The Big Island offers some of the best golf conditions anywhere. It boasts 18 courses, ranging from championship oceanfront courses to isolated, upcountry courses. The courses of Kohala Coast, boast spectacular scenery, challenging play, and excellent facilities.

Fishing
Charter your own fishing boat or go on a fishing cruise, as the options abound. You'll find world-class marlin fishing, among other things. Many fishing boats dock at Honokohau Marina on the West Side of the island.

Delight Your Palate
Kona coffee is world-famous, and the farms that produce it are usually open to tourists. Also worth a visit is the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, home of Hawaii`s favorite nuts.

Shopping
Visit Kings' Shops in Waikoloa for an upscale shopping experience. Kona Inn Shopping Village is a popular Kailua mall housed in a former hotel in Kailua-Kona. In the upcountry village of Holualoa, you'll find the highest concentration of galleries on the island.

Theaters
Hawaii may not be known as a nighttime hotspot, but it certainly has its share of entertainment venues. Take in a movie at one of several cinemas in Kona or on the Hilo side. If live performance is what you have in mind, the Akebono Theater in Pahoa is a safe bet.

Luau
Aside from their entertainment value (which is high,) luau also offer a taste of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. The flavors of Polynesia make these cultural events even more of an enticement.

Dining and Drinking

As far as most people are concerned, there are two restaurant scenes on the island: West and East. West is Kona; East is Hilo. There are other regions to the North and South of the island, but people tend to group everything within one category or the other. Even regular travelers or longtime residents usually don't venture off their side of the island too often; the drive is simply too long. For that reason, most popular restaurants have two locations, one in Hilo and one in Kona, Kohala, or Waimea.

Where To Stay

Accommodation options on the Big Island range from $10 hostels to pleasant, family-owned B&Bs to outrageously priced luxury hotels. Most hotels are located in one of a few districts, but the B&Bs and guest homes are sprinkled all around the island. Consistent with the normal Hawai'i layout, the populated areas are along the coastline; the majority of the inland area is designated park area or ranch land.

Hawaii (Big Island) by the Numbers

Elevation: 18 feet
Highest Point: 13,796 feet (Mauna Kea)

Average Annual Rainfall: ranges from 10 inches at Kawaihae to 128 inches at Hilo Airport

Average January Temperature: 73 degrees F
Average July Temperature:76 degrees F

Time Zone: GMT-10
Country Dialing Code: 1
Area Code: 808

Population: 148,677
Ethnic Mix: 30.2% Hawaiian, 23.2% Caucasian, 14.1% Japanese, 10.5% Filipino
Major Industries: tourism/hospitality/recreation, sugar, coffee, cattle

Landmarks: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kealakekua Bay, Kailua-Kona, Kawaihae, Parker Ranch, Waipio Valley

Did You Know?

Hawaii's Big Island is the youngest in geologic age, as well as the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It continues to increase in size because of Kilauea, the world's most active volcano.

Orientation/Geography

Hawaii's Big Island is located amongst the Hawaiian Islands, to the southeast of the island of Maui, in the central Pacific Ocean.


Content Provided by WCities