The Big Island of Hawaii is a spectacular place to explore. You will enjoy a wide range of activities including sightseeing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, water sports, swim with dolphin tours, deep sea fishing, whale watching and much more. Plan your own island exploration itinerary or just take the Big Island tour and let them do the driving while you take in the beauty of Hawaii.
No matter where you start your exploration from, you must visit the city of Hilo, which is the largest city on the island of Hawaii. When you arrive in Hilo, go to the Jaggar Museum located at the Halemaumau Crater overlook. Halemaumau is the home of Pele, the volcano goddess. The Hilo Farmers Market is also a very popular place to visit and try the local cuisine, pick up fruits and vegetables, maybe a delicious macadamia nut, and peruse an endless variety of crafts. The best days to go are on Wednesdays or Saturdays, when more than 200 local farmers and artisans usually attend.
No trip would be complete without visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The two active volcanoes are Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The 4,000 foot tall Kilauea is the one everyone wants to see. The Kilauea Visitor Center will provide you with up-to-date information on the trails and where you might see the lava flow. Plan to spend most of the day here because you’re looking for a 3-hour hike or 11-mile drive along Crater Rim Drive. The scenery is stunning as you pass over the Kilauea caldera and through lush rainforest. This is a place you’ll talk about for years, even if you didn’t see the lava flowing while you were there.
Anaehoomalu Bay is located within the Waikoloa Resort complex and is a great place for swimming and snorkeling. This is an amazing place to see sea turtles in the ocean and right on the beach. The beach is widely known as A-Bay Beach and to get there just take Highway 19 North from Kona towards Kohala Resort Area. It is approximately 27 miles from Kona. The Hilton Waikoloa Village has some of the most beautiful pools and tropical landscaping on the island and is worth a visit for these reasons alone. They also have a 175 foot water slide at their Kona pool and their Kohala River pool is actually 4 pools interconnected by water slides.
The Kona Coast is called the Blue Marlin Capital of the World for good reason. If you like deep sea fishing, the Big Island of Hawaii is one of the best places to get out on the water. Fishing is excellent with the opportunity to catch Marlin, Mahi Mahi or Wahoo. Book your favorite fishing boat and get ready for a great day. As a bonus, you can experience seeing humpback whales. Some fishing charter boats will include an amazing snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument where you will see a fantastic variety of fish as part of your deep sea fishing package.
This large island of Hawaii has a unique spectrum of amazing things to see and do that you won’t find on the other islands. Consider visiting two or three Hawaiian Islands on your next vacation, and make sure Hawaii is on your must-see list.
