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Copyright 2004 Hawaii Holidays - The Big Island

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:
 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 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 South East Hawaii
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 North Hawaii
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 Paniolo Country
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.
  
Kona Coast South West Hawaii
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.
  
Hamakua Coast North Coast
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 - The Big Island Helicopter Flights over The Big Island
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.
  
Explore Lava Tubes South East Hawaii
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).
  
Humpback Whales Kona Coast
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.
  
Night Diving Kailua Kona
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.
  
Stargazing North Hawaii
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.
  
Big Island Hawaii Vacation
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