Big Island

The spirit and energy of creation surrounds you everywhere on Hawaii's Big Island. Polynesian legend claims the goddess Pele gave volcanic birth to the Islands of Aloha. Hawaii's Big Island is her latest and greatest creation. One island. Still warm from its fiery birth. Larger twice than its sisters combined and growing every day as its active volcano, Kilauea, sends new land to a steamy meeting with the ocean 4,000 feet below. Countless waterfalls feeding rain forests of botanical wonder add a fantasy flavor to the landscape. Massive black lava fields hint at the island's relative youth. And multiples of uncrowded beaches let you catch your breath amidst unspoiled beauty. It's thrilling.

The island of Hawaii, better known as "The Big Island" is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands. In fact, the island of Hawaii is so young, it really hasn't finished growing up yet! The big island is home to Kilauea, the worlds most active volcano. Kilauea most recently began to erupt in 1983 and continues to erupt today, continuing to increase the land mass of the island. Tourists may visit Hawaii Volcano's National Park and walk on newly hardened lava flows and see hot steam poring from volcanic vents. An even better way to see the park is from a helicopter, which affords a much better view of the active lava flows.

Two huge volcanos, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa form most of the big island. Muana Kea is the largest, standing 13,796 feet tall, and snow is a common site on its highest slopes. The big island's sheer size contributes the the amazing diversity of climates which are to be found. Snowy peaks, sun-drenched beaches, "lunar" lava flows, tropical rain-forests and arid dry lands are all present.

Most visitor accommodations are found in two separate areas on opposite sides of the island, each serviced by it's own airport. The town of Kailua, situated on the big island's west shore, is the hub for activities on the island. This is the leeward coast, which means this area gets less wind and more sunshine than the rest of the island. Hilo, situated on the eastern shore, is the other resort area. The Hilo side is quieter and less built-up than the Kailua side and is perfect for a real hawaiian get-away.