Big Island Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also the biggest island. It is still growing! It is the home of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea), the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). The island has lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow capped mountain tops to beautiful black sand beaches. This makes it a stunning island and a fantastic romantic retreat. Hawaii Island is an unrivalled expression of the power of nature.
Things to do
The Big Island Hawaii is full of Things to do. There are air adventures to be had in an open doored helicopter where you can take in the views of the island and in particular Mauna Loa, Volcano Kilauea, rainforests, waterfalls and macadamia nut farms! This is an amazing adventure where you literally feel the heat from the molten lava of the volcano!
For those who like to keep their feet on the ground, there are 18 golf courses available in unique settings to test out your game skills. Big Game Fishing is a great activity, as Kona coast is a great place to fish for Mahimahi, Marlin, Ono and Ahi.
Whilst out in the water, from December through to May, the humpback whales make their annual voyage to Hawaii. The sight of a breeching humpback whale is not one to be missed and will be a sight that will remain firmly in your memory.
Whether it is night swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, there’s plenty to do in the water. It is possible to go to the salt water swimming hole which is one of the best hidden places on Big Island. The sea pool gives you the opportunity to relax and acclimatize to the waves with the little fish!
Shopping
The Big Island Hawaii is a great place to find souvenirs to take home with you. There are Hawaiian quilts and jewelry to handmade glass and rare Koa wood bowls. Local artisans come up with some great unique keepsakes. There are Shopping malls and stores to be explored in Hilo, Historic Hailua Village and the Kohala Coast. In the Waikoloa Beach Resort, you’ll find The Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Market place offering more Shopping opportunities.
Nightlife
The Eating outon The Big Island Hawaii is as exciting as it is in the day time. There’s Hawaii regional cuisine in local restaurants, sunset cruises, live music in the resort areas of historic Kailua Village, Keauhou in Kona and Kohala Coast. There’s special shows and weekly information for you to enjoy. It is possible to go snorkelling and scuba diving with manta rays on the Kona coast, or go stargazing on top of the highest sea mountain in the world, Maunakea. It’s not a late night place, but you’ll want to be up early to explore the rest of the island.
Eating out
Coffee is plentiful in Big Island Hawaii at the various coffee farms. There’s one called Bay View Farms coffee which is an actual plantation where they produce Hawaiian Kona coffee.
Plate lunches in Hawaii are the equivalent of the Japanese bento box. Local eateries and delis serve these. They can include the Korean bulgogi and the Loco Moco which originated in Hilo on the Big Island. It is a big hamburger topped with a fried egg and gravy, served with rice.
There is a family run restaurant called Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm who serve fish they have grown on their own premises. The thai leaf wrapped steamed mullet and fried aholehole are signature dishes.
There is no shortage of eating places on the Big Island. Whatever your tastes, you’ll find something you fancy.