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The Hawaii Islands
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Big Island Hawaii
This is the
youngest, most diverse and the grandest of all the Hawai'ian islands.
Larger than all the other islands put together, it's an island of
amazing contrasts with lush rainforests, monolithic cliffs, beaches of
many colours and active volcanoes.
Visitors are
constantly delighted by the 14,000 foot snow clad summits of Mauna Kea
and Mauna Loa, the two tallest mountains in the Pacific, the desertscape
of Ka'u and the astonishing green grass of Waimea.
First discovered by the Marquesas Islanders more than a millennium ago,
the Big Island is where Polynesian mythology says Madame Pele, goddess
of fire dwells. She is said to live in the firepit of Halemaumau in
Kilauea crater on the slopes of Mauna Loa, from where she actively pours
forth new lava on an almost daily basis.
An
island of massive and varied terrain, Hawai'i offers spectacular ocean
vistas, plunging waterfalls, dense forests, mountain greenery and
expansive deserted beaches. There are abundantly flowering vanda orchids
and 30,000 other orchid species, as well as anthuriums, the beautiful
heart shaped flower.
For those who travel the world looking for unique and challenging golf
courses, you will find them on the Big Island. The green fairways are
carved from ancient lava fields overlooking the Pacific and the courses
have been designed by the masters.
Fishing
for marlin is a marvellous experience, for Hawai'i is home to the famous
International Billfish Tournament.
Hilo
Ever since Hawaiians came to the mouth of the Wailuku River to barter, Hilo has been a trading center. Step into the missionary era at the Lyman House Memorial Museum (276 Haili St. 808-935-5021. Adm. fee), a New England-style house (1839) with koa wood floors and original furnishings. The museum focuses on early settlements and immigrant cultures.
Hilo
is the seat of government of the Big Island and below it lies rainforests and black lava
rocks hugging a serrated shoreline that is expanding thanks to lava from
Kilauea Volcano.
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North Coast |
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the north the highway snakes between mountains and sea through miles of
sugarcane to Waipi'o Valley and Waimea. See also the Hamakua Scenic Drive.
Near
Kawaihae, Pu'ukohola Helau was built by King Kamehameha the Great and is
now a treasured historical site. In Waimea-Kamuela, the Parker Ranch
houses a magnificent collection of Italian and French period pieces and
more than a hundred original paintings by masters such as Renoir, Degas,
Pissarro, Utrillo, Dufy and Corot.
Lapakahi
State Historical Park, north of Kawaihae was once an ancient Hawai'ian
fishing village and visitors can now walk through the village to King
Kamehameha's birthplace and to Mookini Heiau believed to have been
constructed about 480 BC.
Westshore |
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the south is Waikoloa and a breathtaking view of lava flows, cactus, and
coconut trees along a distant shoreline. Anaehoomalu
Bay and its pretty white sandy beach, curves between the shallow bay and
an ancient Hawai'ian fishpond once used by royalty. (see also the Hapuna Beach Prince
hotel
Kailua - Kona |
Seven years before his death in 1819, Kamehameha the Great moved to Kailua-Kona (Convention & Visitors Bureau, 75-5719 Alii Dr. 808-329-7787). The grounds of his temple, Ahuena Heiau
(King Kamehameha Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd. 808-329-2911), include large carved images and a reconstructed prayer tower.
Mokuaikaua Church (Across from Hulihee Palace. 808-329-1589) New England architecture meets island materials (lava rocks and coral-based mortar) in this 1830s church, which is topped with a landmark steeple. Inside are koa wood pews and a model of the brig Thaddeus, which in 1820 carried the first missionaries 18,000 nautical miles from Boston to Hawaii.
South of Kailua Kona you find
some intresting Historic Sights. It was here where Captain Cook met the
first Hawaiians and also here wher later on he was killed (see Kaelakekua SP).
Another Cultural Historic Highlight is the famous polynesian temple of the
ancient high priests of Hawaii, better known as the
City of Refuge.
South Coast |
| The southshore of the Big Island is
rugged and dry. You find here numurous lava fields and several coffee and
Macademia plantations. Most important sight on the southside is the
spectaculair Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park.
Interior |
The interior is
dominated by two huge volcanoes, the Mauna Kea and the Mauna Loa. Normal
rental cars are not allowed on the saddle road, crossing the island
east-west. For information on visiting the Observatory, go to Hawaii Volcanoes NP.
Recreational Areas (Beaches) |
- Hapuna:
The Big Island of Hawaii is so young that lava
coastlines are the norm and white-sand beaches the exception.
Hapuna's white sands and easy water access more than make up for the
rest of the island's lack of swimmable coastline. With very little
wave action and rarely any cloud cover, the water at Hapuna offers
unbelievable visibility. There are also restrooms, showers and
resorts nearby.
- Kailua
Bay: World-famous for its deep-sea fishing, Kailua-Kona is
really more of a boater's haven. However, there are a few strips of
sand in Kailua and a few miles south. The clarity of the water and
general lack of currents mean the water's perfect for swimming on a
blistering Kona afternoon.
- Kealakekua
Bay: A snorkeler's dream, Kealakekua Bay is most scenically
reached via tour boat, easily booked through any hotel or travel
desk. A natural reserve, Kealakekua's crystal-clear waters teem with
friendly marine life of all shapes and sizes. A monument to Captain
Cook and the rugged coastline make the views above water spectacular
as well. Bring your beach gear when you visit neighboring Puuhonua
o Honaunau
-- the two spots are just minutes apart.
- Hilo
Bay: Having been devastated by tsunamis (seismic ocean waves) a
number of times, the townsfolk of Hilo finally constructed a huge
breakwater that shields the bay from not only devastating surf, but
any and all surf. The water in Hilo Bay is often murky and best for
kayaking or swimming because of extensive runoff from nearby streams
and rivers. Directly in the line of equatorial currents, Hilo Bay's
highlight is beachcombing, as floatsam from around the Pacific Rim
can wash up here.
- South
Point/Green Sand Beach at Papakolea: The southernmost point in
the United States can be reached after a 9-mile drive along a
deserted road that leads to spectacular sea cliffs. While the ocean
itself here is difficult to access, the coastal views are
spectacular. A roughly 3-mile-long jeep trail leads to the
green-sand beach at Papakolea, a trek well worth the effort.
Liberally sprinkled with specks of olivine crystal, the sand here
appears to be green, hence the name. Swimming and snorkeling are
fine, but don't go in the water if the surf looks rough.
For
more regional information on the Big Island Hawaii, go to
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more product information on the Big Island Hawaii, go to
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For
more travel info on the Big Island Hawaii, go to
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Map of the Big Island Hawaii |
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For
more general information
on Hawaii, go to: |
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For more regional
information on Hawaii, go to: |
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For
our special offers to Hawaii from Europe, go to:
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These
specials are individual tour packages, including the roundtrip flights from
Europe, interisland flights, hotels, transfers and rentalcars. Another option is to create your own package to
the Hawaii by utilizing the separate travel components, like
hotels,
flights,
Carrental
and
excursions
on the islands. |
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