 |
 |



Vacation on The Big Island of Hawaii.
|
|
Each island in the Hawaiian Island Chain is unique and the Big Island "Hawaii" is no exception. The Big Island of
Hawaii is about twice the combined size of all the other Hawaiian Islands, hence the name "The Big Island" of
Hawaii. Size is not her only unique quality as the island of Hawaii encompasses a vast range of climates unique to
Hawaii only. Climates range from tropical to sub artic and Hawaii is the only island in the entire chain of islands in
Hawaii where you will find snow with an erupting volcano. Two of five volcanoes that created the Big Island
Hawaii are active. Kilauea Caldera's present eruptive phase dates back to 1983, while Mauna Loa last erupted
in 1984. Both Kohala as well as Mauna Kea are extinct and Hualalai is dormant, since it last erupted in 1801.
Hawaii's scenery covers the total spectrum complete with Hawaii lava flows, high sea cliffs, rain forest, lush
coastal valleys, deserts and rolling pastures.
|
|

The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest in the chain of the Hawaiian Islands. Although
nearly twice the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, Hawaii is still growing.
Places Of Interest:

|
| |
Big Island Highlights:

|
|
| |



Eruption! - Taken from a helicopter above
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
|
|

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park HAVO, is an amazing place to
visit while on vacation. The preserve encompasses two active
volcanoes in an area of approximately quarter million acres.
The terrain in HAVO varies, ranging from sub-artic atop Mauna Kea
Summit to stunning coastal cliffs and tropical beaches along the
Puna Coast. For hikers the park offers an array of hiking trails that
range from half-day excursions to multi day adventures.
Hike along secluded beaches, through native forest and desert as well as
atop the world's largest active volcano - Mauna Loa. Park entrance admission:
Vehicles, $10; Hikers and bikers, $5.
|
Kilauea, possibly the most active volcano on earth has added some
500 plus acres of coastal land to the island since 1983, when the latest
succession of eruptions began. Situated in the heart of Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park, Kilauea is accessible by land or air. There is a Visitor Center in
Kilauea where park rangers provide updates on the region's current volcanic
activity as well as backcountry trail conditions. There are videos on volcanoes,
guided walks and even programs for kids. Guided tours by private tour
operators include, land excursions with a walk through the Thurston Lava
Tube Trail to complete aerial tours.
|
Mauna Kea lies to the north west of Kilauea and is the pinnacle
of all Hawaii, reaching into the sky almost 14,000 feet at the
summit and boasts the utmost collection of large astronomical
telescopes in the world. In contrast to the coastal shorelines where temperatures hover
around 80 degrees F year around, the summit at Mauna Kea can get below
freezing. Thin air at high altitude and below freezing temperatures are a sure reminder
of how diverse the climate is, in different regions of Hawaii. If you are interested in
visiting the summit, the OCIA Visitors' Information Station offers guided tours each
Saturday and Sunday weather permitting. Visit the
Mauna Kea V.I.S.
|
Parker Ranch shares its history with visitors in a small museum north west
of Mauna Kea in the town of Waimea. Claiming to be the nations largest privately owned
Ranch and rightfully so, encompassing some 225,000 acres of land, upwards of 35,000 head
of cattle and producing an estimated 15 million plus pounds of beef annually. Admission is $6.50.
|
Just south of Waikoloa is Kona; famous for her Kona Coffee and white sand
beaches. You can dive, fish, snorkel or swim in the water along the Kona Coast,
where some of Hawaii's best beaches are. For all you fisherman looking for blue
marlin, look no farther, because Kona is the world's premiere spot for hooking up -
Pacific blue marlin that is. Check out
different fishing trips as fees may vary.
|
Certainly one of Hawaii's most picturesque coast lines, the
Hamakua Coast, located on the northeastern shoreline winds
along the island's tall cliffs of Waipio Valley and down to the
the town of Hilo, Hawaii's second largest port. Make the drive
on a clear day and you'll be glad you did. Sights along the
way include the natural beauty of streams, waterfalls and picturesque
views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean as well as views of Waipio Valley.
|
| |
Helicopter flights leave from Waikoloa on the Kona side and
from Hilo on the windward side of the island. There are several helicopter
flights to choose from, ranging from an hour scenic tour to several hours
exploring The Big Island. You can even take an airplane ride over the
island that leaves out of Kona. Although there are a number of tours to choose
from with fees varying based on selected tour, we strongly suggest
you make reservations in advance. Fly over spectacular
volcanoes. As far as we know this is the only place in the entire United States and possibly
in the entire world, where you can tour a live volcano.
|
There is perhaps no other place on earth of comparable size,
which has as many caves as The Big Island, Hawaii. Caves in Hawaii
are known as Lava Tubes and remain one of Hawaii's most valuable
natural resources. Hawaii is home to Kazumura, the world's longest
lava tube and one of the world's top ten longest caves. Located near
Kilauea in the Puna District, Kazumura has over 40 miles of cave
passages. A couple of other caves are the Kaumana Caves above
Hilo and the Thurston Lava Tube [only show cave], located in Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park. Each Wednesday HAVO offers a ranger-guided
tour, (reservations are required).
|
Whale Watching on The Big Island is nothing less than awesome.
Although you will see more Humpback Whales around the island
of Maui, Kona on The Big Island is also a favorite place among visitors
for Whale Watching. Sightings are common during the winter months
between November and March. This is the time Humpback Whales spend
in the Hawaiian Islands after making their 6,000-mile annual migration from
Southeast Alaska to the pacific blue waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Whale watching
tours are for the most part concentrated in and around Kona, where you can charter a boat
or go as a group along with other visitors. Prices vary based on selection.
|
For anyone who has ever experienced the underwater world at night,
or would like to, Hawaii has some of the best night diving
in the islands. Dive with large Manta Rays in the waters
off Kailua Bay. These friendly sea creatures can get Big,
some as large as 3 to 4 meters. Although they are gentle giants
and will swim right along with you, don't touch.
|
While in Hawaii be sure to check out Pu`uhonua o Honaunau
National Historic Park and Hale o Kaewe Heiau. In old Hawaii, anyone who ventured outside
the normal way of life and broke kapu [highly regulated rules] was thought to anger
the gods, which resulted in death. One could be spared life by reaching the sacred
sanctuary ground of the Puuhonua. Admission is $2 per person.
|
The OCIA Visitors' Information Station (VIS), offers a stargazing program
at the "mid-level" facilities 9,300 ft altitude each evening from 6pm to 10pm, where
you'll get to view planets, galaxies and star clusters. Skies above the Visitor Center
are among the clearest, driest, and darkest on the planet. The Visitor Center site is
located at an elevation above most of the major telescopes on Earth! The stargazing
program is free and kids are welcome.
|
|
|

If you would like to travel to
Hawaii and you have special
travel needs, please feel free
to call us on our toll-free line at,
1-866-324-9244.
| |
Information |
Customer Support |
Terms of Service
Frequently Asked Questions |
Contact Us Anytime
|
Preview our library of Hawaii Travel
Tours, complete with over 65 full screen scenic
panoramas. Find places to go or things to do on your trip
that are fun for everyone. Click here.
| |
Copyright © 2004
HawaiiHolidays.com
CST 2074168-50 Your Online Source..
For More Information To Plan Your Vacation
|


|
 |
 |