Many lovers of tropical wonder flock to Hawaii’s Big Island each year. This majestic and massive island, the largest in the Hawaiian Islands chain, offers much to do and see. As you plan the specifics of your trip, purchase travel insurance to cover you on your trip and pack your bags, make sure you include enough time to explore the sites that fill this island wonderland, ensuring that you’re an informed and well prepared traveler.
Volcanoes National Park
The active volcanos that fill Volcanoes National Park prove a consistently engaging attraction for Big Island visitors. These volcanos have been actively oozing lava since 1983, making them an uncommon sight to behold and something you definitely don’t want to miss on your trip.
Mauna Kea
If rugged mountain terrain is your preference, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Despite being situated on what is considered by many to be a balmy island paradise, this mountain is commonly topped with snow during the winter months. If the mountain slopes aren’t enough to draw you in, consider a stop to Mauna Kea Observatory, the site of a collection of NASA telescopes and home to many astronomical discoveries.
Waterfalls
The Big Island boasts an array of impressive waterfalls. Take a hike in the Pololu Valley while on your trip to take in some of these pristine and natural beauties. The Kapoloa Falls, a 300-foot high waterfall in this valley, is surrounded by trails, allowing for easy access to the natural wonder. The Akaka Falls is another easy-to-access phenomenon, as getting to it only requires a short, 10-minute hike on a paved trail.
Captain Cook Monument
Captain Cook landed on the Big Island in 1779 and convinced the locals, who just happened to be engaging in a religious festival, that he was a god. When the Hawaiians realized he wasn’t who he claimed to be, they killed him. Today Cook’s visit is memorialized at the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
Snorkeling
The crystal clear ocean waters that surround the Big Island provide the perfect opportunity for snorkeling. Whether you select Kahalu’u Beach Park, Kealakekua Bay or Mauna Kea Beach, you’ll almost certainly be treated to an array of beautiful sights as you explore the waters of Hawaii through a snorkeling mask.
The Merrie Monarch Festival
If your visit takes place around Easter, you may be lucky enough to experience the Merrie Monarch Festival. This celebration of Hawaiian culture features hula performances along with gallery tours on which you can take in some of the culture that makes Hawaii such as a distinctive location.
Because the Big Island offers so many different activities and attractions, you can surely find something to delight you regardless of your interests. Whether you select only a few of the engaging goings-on in which to participate, or instead you fill your days with frenetic action, you’ll almost certainly find your trip to the Big Island one to remember.
She enjoys baking red velvet cupcakes and walking her puppy, Pete.
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