Hawaii Big Island
They don’t call it the Big Island for nothing - on the Island of Hawaii, the world’s largest and most active volcano, Mauna Loa, stands tall claiming about half of the island. The island is also home to the World Botanical Gardens, the largest collection in the state. Adventures surround you in ocean kayaking, catamaran excursions, and hang gliding—just a few of the countless attractions on the Big Island!
Fun Facts:
Total area: 6459 square miles
Number of resorts: 92
Elevation: 13,796 feet at Mauna Kea, the highest point.
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Hawaii Big Island Spots to Watch
Stay Here
Trade winds keep things comfortable all year round, but there are some differences in the island’s climate. The Kona side of the island is a bit drier, while the Hilo offers a wet, more tropical feel. And consider choosing lodging near the sights you want to see, at least for the night – it is the Big Island after all and you don’t want to spend all your time driving!
Hawaii Big Island Lodging
Play Here
The Big Island’s attractions run the gamut – and rest assured everything here is BIG. Visit bubbling active volcanoes – the largest in the world – or astronomical observatories – also the largest in the world. Feeling adventurous? Meet up with the cowboys, take a surf lesson, go whale-watching, explore ancient ruins, dive coral reefs or hang glide through the mountains. Hawaii packs excitement into its land, sea and sky alike!
Hawaii Big Island Attractions
Dine Here
While the umbrella of island fare covers a melting pot of pretty much anything in the Pacific Rim, Hawaii Regional Cuisine is a relatively new phenomenon. It was started in the 1980s by a group of chefs looking to revitalize and diversify the state’s agriculture. Today local growers and ranchers work with area restaurants to bring you a fresh and true taste of the land!
Hawaii Big Island Restaurants
How to Get Here
Hawaii’s Big Island is serviced by two main airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Most visitors get to the island via Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu by booking a connecting flight to Big Island. Flights are offered by Island Air.
Getting Around
We can’t stress enough that Hawaii’s Big Island is just that – BIG, so you’ll want to take that into consideration when making transportation plans. Tour operators can give you a bus ride to many popular attractions and the Hele-On Bus offers bus service between Hilo and Kona, but for the most freedom and the best chance to get off the beaten path, we suggest renting a car.
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