About the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii (the Orchid Isle) is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands (about the size of Connecticut). It's about twice as large as all the other Hawaiian islands combined, and is the most southern (and closest to the equator). The Big Island is the youngest of the islands at some 800,000 years old and is still growing due to constant lava flow and natural evolution. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has one of the world's most active volcanoes (don't worry, it is very safe and a wonderful sight to see), which pours into the Pacific Ocean every minute and has since 1982, thereby adding to the shoreline and growth of the Big Island.

kona hawaii coast condo vacation rental The two main cities on the Big Island are Kailua-Kona and Hilo. Kailua-Kona is located on the western side and is considered the dry side of the island. It is also the marlin fishing capital of the world. Hilo is on the eastern side and is considered the wet side of the island (each island of Hawaii has a wet and dry side to them). The big island is a place for adventure as well as ancient history. There is horseback riding, numerous golf courses, para-sailing, scuba-diving, and even snow skiing on top of Mauna Kea. For the laid back, there is cultural experiences abound from ancient petroglyphs, heiau, royal palaces, and places of worship dating back several hundred years to never-ending shopping and sightseeing.

From its snow-capped peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea (13,000 ft elevation) to its black, white and green sand beaches, the island is really a study in contrasts. There are rocky deserts, lush rain forests, peaceful bays, rolling pasture land, luxurious orchids, waterfalls, coffee orchards where world famous "Kona Coffee" is grown, panoramic views and the sweet smell of flowers from the minute you get off the airplane.

Whatever you are looking for in a Hawaiian vacation, The Big Island (Orchid Isle) boasts the most economical way to spend your vacation dollar and offers some great moments that will last a lifetime.

Must See's:

AKAKA FALLS - north of Hilo, plunges more than 420 feet in a sheer drop over a volcanic cliff.

BLACK SAND BEACHES - made up of pulverized lava, located on the southeastern cliff.

CAPTAIN COOK MONUMENT - at Kealakekua Bay, is a tribute to the British navigator and discoverer of the Hawaiian islands who was killed on the shoreline in 1779.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH - at Kailua-Kona, was erected by American missionaries who first landed on this coast in 1820.

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - one of the top scenic attractions in the Aloha State, the park has an array of unique volcanic formations, forests of giant tree ferns, steaming craters and a volcano museum that shows free movies daily.

HULIHE'E PALACE - in the village of Kailua-Kona was once the summer home of Hawaiian royalty and now houses a rare collection of Hawaiiana.

KAMEHAMEHA STATUE - in Kohala. This, the original statue was lost at sea during shipment to Hawaii. It was later recovered after a replica had been made and erected in Honolulu.

KAMUELA MUSEUM - in Kamuela/Waimea, with royal Hawaiian treasures from the Iolani Palace, ancient Hawaiian artifacts and art objects from around the world.

LAPAKAHI STATE HISTORICAL PARK - north of Kawaihae, was once an ancient Hawaiian fishing village.

LAUPAHOEHOE - which literally translated means "leaf of lava" is one of the Hamakua Coast's many scenic and historic spots.

LAVA FLOWS - are marked by Warrior signs which designate flows which have surged down the mountains of Mauna Loa and Kilauea since prehistoric times.

LYMAN MISSION HOUSE MUSEUM - in the city of Hilo, contains a collection of historic Hawaiian relics.

ORCHIDS AND ANTHURIUMS - grow in profusion in Hilo and surrounding areas for export to far ports of the world.

PAINTED CHURCHES - at Honaunau, St. Benedict's is the oldest Catholic Church on the island, constructed in 1875. The church has brilliantly hued murals depicting biblical scenes on the interior walls. Murals in the Star of the Sea Catholic Church at Kalapana were painted by a priest half a century ago.

PARKER RANCH - in the Waimea-Kamuela district at the foot of Mauna Kea, is the second-largest cattle ranch under the American flag, and is the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the world.

POLOLU VALLEY - in Kohala, was once the locale of a number of ancient Hawaiian heiau (temples).

PU'UHONUA O HONAUNAU (PLACE OF REFUGE) - a National Historical Park, is said to have been built at the Honaunau location in the 12th century to provide political and religious asylum.

PUUKOHOLA HEIAU - near Kawaihae, was built by Kamehameha the Great and is now a National Historical Site.

RAINBOW FALLS - one of the Big Island's loveliest waterfalls, is located in Hilo.

WAHA'ULA HEIAU - at the foot of the Chain of Craters Road is maintained by the National Park Service as part of the Volcanoes National Park. Walking tours available.

WAIPIO VALLEY - north of the town of Honokaa, was once the home of kings of old Hawaii.

WHITE SAND BEACHES - Hapuna State Beach Park, Anaehoomalu Beach, and Magic Sands Beach (Kailua), all on the western side of the island.

Mahalo, and enjoy Hawaii!

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