THE BIG ISLANDThe Island of Hawaii is known as 'the Big Island', its the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands chain. The Big Island has a connection to Australia because both were 'discovered' by Captain Cook, there is even a town on the Big Island named after the explorer.
The Big Island is known for its active volcano's, home to Mauna Loa, the worlds largest Volcano, and Kilauea, its younger cousin which is the worlds most active volcano as well as Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano which, when measured from its base under the ocean, is the tallest mountain in the world. Mauna Kea is also home to many scientific observatories that watch the night sky.
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WAIKOLOAWaikoloa is home to a massive group of hotels and resorts with the most popular being the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Located on the West side of the island, Waikoloa is known for its beautiful weather, almost year round. Most of the hotels are beachfront although many dont have an actual beach, being an island with recently active volcanos, much of the waterfront is volcanic rock. That's not to say there arent some spectacular beaches to be found. The Big Island is known for its black sand beaches and there are plenty of hidden gems to be found. Anaeho'omalu Beach, known as A-bay, is located right within Waikoloa and offers beach activities, an oceanside restaurant, the Lava Lava Beach Club, as well as bathrooms and free parking. |
HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGEHOTEL // CONDO // FAMILY FAVORITE
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SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES
KAILUA-KONAKailua, referred to as Kailua-Kona by locals, is a sunny beach town located in the heart of the Kona district on the western coast of the Big Island. Within this part of the island you’ll find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks.
Home to shops, restaurants and bars, Kailua-Kona is the where you will find some of the best places to eat on the Big Island. Kailua-Kona is also home to a small group of shops perfect for grabbing a Hawaiian keepsake or gift. Shielded by Mauna Loa, Kona’s calm and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, sailing and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). You can even snorkel or scuba dive with manta rays. The Big Island is known for the smooth Hawaiian coffee and there are plenty of coffee farms in the local area to explore. |
HILOHilo is the capital of the Big Island and is located on the East (Windward) side of the Island. Hilo is known for being rainy, rainfall here averages over 3500mm of rain annually but this make Hilo beautifully tropical and lush. The surrounding (rain)forests are full of colorful flowers and waterfalls.
Rainbow falls (pictured) is located a short drive away from town and marks the start of a trail you can drive to see some of the most breathtaking scenery the island has to offer. Hilo is also located close to Volcano National Park and has its own airport where you can take a helicopter ride over active lava. |
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKHawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the most active volcanoes on the surface of the earth, the Kilauea Volcano. The park was established in 1916, and covering over 300,000 acres of land, the park is a must-see for any visitor of the Big Island. As well as providing unique hiking and camping opportunities there is plenty to see and do for a family or casual tourist.
On the doorstep of the National Park is one of the best kept secrets of the Big Island: Volcano Village. Volcano Village is a rustic village in the middle of a lush rainforest and is famous for its beauty and tranquility. This tiny town has a few small eateries and stores and is a great place to grab a bite to eat before heading into the park. |
MAUNA KEAMauna Kea is a dormant volcano with a peak of 4,207.3 m above sea level. Most of the volcano is underwater, and when measured from its underwater base, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world, measuring 10,211 m. This and its location in Hawaii makes it the perfect spot to view the night sky.
The Mauna Kea Observatories are a number of independent astronomical research facilities and large telescopes based on the summit. These arent they type of telescopes you can look though and most are unmanned, but the summit offers you a unique opportunity to view the sunset from above the clouds and to look at the night sky with very little light pollution. A trip to Mauna Kea isn't for the feint hearted, its elevation means that you will need to stop half way to acclimatse and many get altitude sickness at the summit. But its worth it, the view is spectacular! |