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Big Island Travel Guide
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Our top big island travel attractions are:
1) - Archaeological sites of the ancient Hawaiians
stone foundations; temples; petroglyphs; Captain Cook memorial
2) - Volcano National Park
lava flows; volcanic crater; walking trails; unique flora
3) - Hiking Waipio Valley,
lush valley, black sand beach, waterfalls, strenuous hiking
4) - Waterfalls and Botanical Gardens of Hilo,
Tropical rainforest, short trails, cascading waterfalls
5) - Waimea Countryside and Pololu Valley,
horse riding; cattle ranches; valley and coastal trails;
6) - Summit of Mauna Kea,
13,796 feet; observatory and star gazing; snow in winter;
7) - Kona coffee and Macadamia nut farms - South Kona
coffee tasting; tours; bed and breakfast
The Kona Coast stretching along the dry sunny west coast of the Big Island is the main tourist hub. Kailua Town (also known as Kailua-Kona), sits in the middle of this coastline and has the islands main airport. Kailua is a small attractive fishing seaside town with lots of restaurants and shops and accommodation ranging from large resorts to condominium and timeshare apartments. The beaches here are only average, with just a couple of sandy bays where snorkelling is good. There are some lovely bed and breakfast and vacation homes in the hills surrounding Kailua where Kona coffee and macadamia nut farms flourish in the foothills of Hualalai (8,271 FT) and Moana Loa (13,677 ft.) volcanoes. Captain Cook to the south has the best snorkelling in the Big Island and nearby is one of the best re-constructed ancient Hawaiian temple at Pu Uhonua.
... more about the Kona Coast, West Big Island
The Kohala Coast, extending north from Kailua Town, has the islands most exquisite beaches and mega-resort golf complexes carved out of the black volcanic lava flows that dominate this otherwise barren landscape. This stretch is often referred to as the Gold Coast.
... more about the Kohala Coast, North-West Big Island
The North Coast is mostly wild and inaccessible but does have excellent hiking into the Waipio Valley and its stunning coastline. The area is dominated by the rural inland cattle farming town of Waimea (also known as Kamuela). This is a good base for sightseeing with easy access to the beaches along the West Coast and to the spectacular Hamakua Coastline on the east. In Waimea you'll find country style vacation homes and bed and breakfast guesthouses in the rolling grasslands.
... more about Waipio and the North Coast Big Island
Hilo Town is the main commercial centre and has the largest port and one of two domestic airports. There are only a few hotels alongside the beach-less ocean front and a few bed and breakfast guesthouses and vacation homes in the surrounding tropical hills. The high rainfall (mostly late afternoon) is more favourable for the areas greatest attraction, the dramatic Hamakua coast to the north with its lush rainforest, many cascading waterfalls, tropical gardens and coastal cliffs. Hilo is also a good base for exploring Volcano National Park, about 30 miles to the south and west as well as the snow capped summit of Mauna Kea.
... more about Hilo Town & the East Coast Big Island
Less than an hour drive to the south is Volcano National Park, home of the only continuously active volcano in the world - Kilauea. To view this area it is best to spend at least 2 nights at Volcano Village or in the town of Hilo. Volcano Village, about 7 miles inland and 4000 feet in elevation, has lots of accommodation from bed and breakfast guesthouses to cabin lodges. The remaining area of the South Coast is wild and the rural district of Kau is one of the most traditional Hawaiian regions and has just one small resort and several small guesthouses / bed and breakfast accommodation.
... more about Volcano & the South Coast Big Island
search for ... Big Island Resorts
find ... Big Island Tour Companies
back to ... Hawaii Travel Guide
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
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