The Island of Hawaii (colloquially known as the Big Island) is the youngest island in the state; twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined, and home to a vast number of natural wonders that attract millions of visitors a year. There truly is something for everyone!

One of the most famous of these sights is the Kilauea (spewing or much spreading in Hawaiian) Volcano located on the windward (southeast) Ka’u side of the island, standing at just over 4,000 feet tall, making it 33,000 feet taller than Mount Everest if measured from the sea floor to the very top.
Kilauea has been constantly erupting since 1983, with its most recent being in 2018. Millions of people around the world come to see it, making it the most visited attraction in Hawai’i..

 

 

There are four other volcanoes that the Island is built from: Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualālai and Mauna Loa. These volcanoes hold multiple world records – Mauna Kea being the largest sea mountain, the largest active volcano Mauna Loa, and of course most active and youngest of the volcanoes Kilauea. At the massive Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can see attractions like lava, sulfur banks, the glowing Halemaʻumaʻu crater, hike, camp, stargaze, and so much more.

On Big Island, you can traverse through 8 out of 13 of the world’s climate zones as a result from the elevation and shielding effect of the volcanoes on nearby environments. Locals and visitors alike explore the island by hiking as there are countless different natural attractions to be seen – from the Kohala coast, catch Hawaii wildlife in Kiholo bay, see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii in Hamakua, or see the green sandy beaches at Papalokea.

Historically, the Big Island has much historical and cultural significance as its home to the birthplace of the great leader Kamehameha I, as well as the site of the first westerner, Captain Cook’s death at Kealakekua bay. Kealakekua bay is home to beautiful snorkeling experiences, and a protected marine sanctuary.

According to Hawaiian legend, whoever had the strength to turn the 3 ton Naha Stone would become the leader of Hawaii. Kamehameha at the age of 14 was able to accomplish this, and went on to become a fierce warrior and respected King uniting the Hawaiian Islands. The Naha Stone is located in front of the Hilo Public Library.
The landmark Kamehameha statue across from Iolani Palace on Oahu is very well-known, but Big Island is the home to the original statue, created in 1880 in Italy. On its way to Honolulu, the ship carrying the statue sunk, and was assumed to be lost. However, in 1912, the statue was recovered and restored, and now stands near Kamehameha’s birth place at Kapaʻau, near North Kohala.
Another cultural experience is hiking the Kings Trail (formally Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail), which was used in ancient Hawaii as a major land travel route taken by royalty, traders, messengers to chiefs, and warriors on their way to battle. This trail connected many of the smaller communities to each other, and to larger populations.

The Kona Coast (on the western coast) is where you are going to find beautiful sunny white sandy beaches, as well as many opportunities to spot wildlife like honu, and humpback whales. Snorkeling is also a popular activity here, no matter what time of day – at night, you can swim along side manta rays feeding, a Kona only sight! Kona’s the best for a calm day of local farmers market and Aliʻi drive shopping, drinking amazing coffee, and watching the most beautiful sunset.

All along the Hilo (eastern coast) side are beautiful waterfalls, one of the most famous being ‘Akaka falls. North of Hilo, or the Hamakua Coast is home to beautiful nature sights including hikable lush rainforests and canyons.

If the grand heights of Volcano Village catch your eye as a wonderful place to see the skies, drive south of Hilo to the ‘Imiloa (exploration driven by a sense of wonder and imagination in Hawaiian) Astronomy Center. Nearby Mauna Kea houses some of the world’s greatest astronomical observatories. The ‘Imiloa center has a full-dome planetarium, as well as exhibits that teach you all about Hawaiian culture and tradition relating to the skies, and scientific theories and explanations of the natural world.
But if you’d rather see nature down low instead of up high, watch lava flow down from Kilauea at Hawaii Volcanoes – only 45 minutes away from Hilo.

Wherever your interests may lie, whether that be cultural, natural, or historical, the Big Island has plenty in store for you.