Big Island Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Big Island

The Island of Hawai'i is sometimes called the Orchid Isle or the Volcano Isle, but to its residents it's always "the Big Island of Hawaii."

A Big Island vacation excites the senses and inspires the adventurer. You can hike into a volcano crater, catch marlin weighing hundreds of pounds, discover our universe from the top of Mauna Ke'a, and outstare a shark from the safety of a submarine porthole.

The Big Island has the world's most active volcano: Kilauea, which has been spewing lava intermittently since January 3, 1983. Upscale resorts line the coast, with the touristy, trafficy town of Kailua-Kona serving as social and economic center.

The sheer size of the Big Island, larger than all of the other islands combined, can be its main drawback for the explorer -- you can drive and drive and drive and drive between attractions. So allot your time accordingly.

Locality:

The Big Island of Hawaii is the most southerly of the main Hawaii state islands. It's is near equal to all of the other main Hawaii islands put together.

The Big Island's tropical climate is nearly ideal. Geographically it's the most diverse island of the archipelago, with deserts, rainforests, volcanoes and snow-capped mountains.

The Big Island is home to five volcanoes: Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Hualalai, Kohala and Mauna Kea. Mauna Loa and Kilauea have been the most active in recent times, with Hualalai brooding silently as an eruption possibility.

In the winter, both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are cloaked with a mantle of snow. The Beaches - Beach lovers can enjoy 80 or more beaches, and new ones are formed when molten lava shatteres as it hits cold ocean waters. Beautiful marine life can be observed by snorkeling or scuba diving from boat and from shore.

Popular attractions include:

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park - established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.

The Ocean - Spectacular crystal-clear Hawaiian waters awaits. Experience the stunning corals, fish, turtles, dolphins, and whales that populate the islands. Kayak across the blue water and marvel at the scenery in paradise. Don't forget your underwater camera!

Kona - Kona is famous for sportfishing, snorkeling, sunsets and coffee. It means "leeward" in Hawaiian and stretches along the isle's west side. The northern portion of the Kona side is also known as the Kohala district. You will see strikingly different terrain features as you travel up and down the coast.

Hilo - Historic Downtown Hilo is alive and bustling. More laid back from the hustle of more touristy Hawaii, one can find great bargains in this quaint town. Its diverse shopping opportunities, small scale, and friendliness makes Hilo an enchanting town to visit and explore. With lots of rain, you will find Hilo exceptionally green and fertile.

Suggest a change to the Big Island Things to do section (click to dropdown)

Population: 295.734.100
Languages: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000)
Currency: US dollar
Currency code: USD
Local Times:
U.S.A. - District of Columbia - Washington DC

U.S.A. - Florida - Orlando

U.S.A. - California - San Francisco

U.S.A. - New York - New York

U.S.A. - Nevada - Las Vegas

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.

America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why a significant proportion of Americans have never bothered getting a passport.

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