Hawaii

Exploring the Big Island of Hawaii

Text by Valerie Mellema

Each island in the chain of islands that make up the state of Hawaii is dramatically different in age. If there was to be a “baby” among all of the islands it would be the “Big Island” of Hawaii.

Visitors will usually arrive on Hawaii at the airport in Hilo, commonly referred to as the “city of rainbows”. From there is an almost endless list of possibilities and wonders.

Heading north from Hilo brings a traveler into the coffee and macadamia nut area of the island. Guests are encouraged to stop at some of the production facilities that are open to the public to taste the wonderful Kona coffee and sample some of the wonderful products made with the native nuts.

Continuing north brings a traveler to the Waipio Valley where they will find the boyhood of home of the beloved King Kamehameha. This is also the location of one of the largest shrines still existing in the islands the Puulohola Heiau.

From there travelers are able to visit one of the largest working cattle ranches in the United States, the Parker Ranch, or continue down out of the mountains and into the Kailua Kona area.

Along this western shore of the Big Island is where the familiar “Iron Man” competition happens each year. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful ocean view as they travel along the black lava plains, and they should keep their eyes open for the many pieces of artwork and images that natives have created with white pebbles against the black solidified lava.

Not many visitors are aware that the southernmost point of the United States exists on the island of Hawaii. Kau Point while holding this place of note is also one of the few locations in the world that can boast of a green sand beach as well.

At this point a traveler would be heading back up the eastern coast of the island and would begin to see the vast steam plumes brought about by the activity at Volcanoes National Park. This is a true “must see” destination on the island, as it harbors the active volcano, endangered species of birds and plants and offers guests accommodation and dining at the edge of the volcanic crater. One of the most popular activities of guests at the park is a nighttime drive down to the foot of the volcano, where the electric orange glow of the lava can be tracked as it makes it way to the sea. Once the lava contacts the water it creates a never ending display of flashing lights and heavy plumes of steam.