The big island of Hawaii is a travelers dream. It is filled with interesting things to do, and places to go. The difficult part of any trip to the Big Island is figuring out what to see. That is especially true for first time visitors to the island. So, we wanted to share some of the best places to see. Here is our Top Eight Reasons to visit the Big Island of Hawaii:
- Punaluu Black Sand Beach. This is one of the most unique beaches in the world. The sand comes from volcanic lava being worn down over time. The interesting thing is that you will find white and green sand there also. Swimming is not the best here, but there is plenty to see, and a good picnic area. Our favorite parts of the area are the green sea turtles (honu) that make this place home. It is located south of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano that last erupted about 4000 years ago. It also happens to be the world’s tallest mountain. It sits over 33,000 ft tall, when measured from the bottom of the ocean floor. It is often called the “white mountain,” because its peak is often covered in snow. Skiing is not for the amateur though. The feature of this site is the Keck Observatory, which allows for unparalleled stargazing. The Keck Observatory is home to the two of largest telescopes in the world. Take the tour of Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Center, which is named after Kona raised astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who lost his life in the Challenger Shuttle tragedy.
Mauna Loa is the most massive volcano in the world. It may not seem as such, but this mountain covers half of the Big Island! It is only 350 ft shorter than Mauna Kea. The Hawaiian interpretation of the name is “long mountain.” It is a slumbering giant worth seeing. Don’t be fooled, though. It will awaken again some day. On any given day, the Geological Survey teams record up to five earthquakes from the King of Volcanoes.
- Parker Ranch Visitor Center. The Parker Ranch is every horse lovers dream, as it is the biggest ranch in the islands. It is also one of the most historic ranches in the United States. Named after the founder, the Parker Ranch is now home to the paniolo, or the modern day Hawaiian cowboy! There is a museum that will give you lot’s of information on the evolution of the ranch, from the founding of the ranch in 1847, to the modern day horse ranch. It is a self guided tour. The Visitor Center is open 9a until 5p, Monday through Saturday. For more information, check out www.parkerranch.com. Bring your cowboy hat!
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park The Park is home to Kilauea, one of the only active volcanoes that you can actually get close and see. A helicopter ride is the best. There is plenty to do in the place. Loihi is located underwater off the southern coast of Hawaii's Big Island. Erupting since 1996, this emerging land mass may break the surface in about 250,000 years, adding a ninth island to the Hawaiian chain. Just don’t take any of Pele’s rocks! It is bad mojo. This 300 plus acre park is Hawaii’s number one attraction.
- Hamauka Coast Drive. The Hamauka is located on the eastern side of the Big Island, at Hilo. This is the wet side of the island, so the flowers and fauna are breathtaking. Some of the best seascapes in all of Hawaii can be found here. It will take you near the Hawaii Tropic Botanical Gardens and Akaka Falls. Don’t forget your camera.
- Thurston Lava Tube. The tube is also called Nahuku. It is an once in a lifetime chance to walk through a 500 year old lava tube. It was formed as a lava flow cooled and hardened. At the other end of the tube is a tropical rain forest that has some great photo opportunities.
- Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park This park is located on the Kona Coast, which could be an article in and of itself. This is the park to go to in order to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. It used to be the home of refugee lawbreakers. If a lawbreaker could make it there, they would go through a ceremony of absolution and be allowed to return to society. One of our favorite parts of this park is the kii, or wooden images of gods. These statues guard the Hale o Keawe Heiau, a sacred temple. The temple is the final resting place for 23 alii, or chiefs. A black lava rock shoreline hindered invaders from coming there.
- Waipio Valley. To come to this place is to stand in the midst of royalty. The Waipio Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii. It is also loaded with tropical beauty. The 2000 fit high cliffs make this a must see.
We hope that we have inspired you to make a trip to the Big Island with these eight reasons to visit the Big Island of Hawaii. We have only touched on some of the wonderful things you can do there. Yet, you would really need a good two weeks to get it all in well.
