Big Island Holidays
Twice as large as all the other islands combined, Hawaii covers over 4,000 sq miles, which makes it roughly half the size of Wales. Often called the Big Island, it's also the most geographically diverse, with 11 of the earth's 13 different climates. For sheer diversity in a holiday Hawaii really is unsurpassed. There are black lava desert plains, waterfalls, rainforest, the world's most active volcano, and even snow-capped mountains.
The western side of the island is the driest in the region, with fantastic beaches and water sports. To the east, the coast becomes rugged, the seas are rougher and tropical rainforest, ravines and waterfalls dot the landscape.
Kona on the west coast and Hilo in the east - the largest city on the island - are the main Hawaii holiday centres and have plenty of hotels and restaurants.
Kona Holidays
North Kona is the busiest and most widely known part of the Big Island, it's here the touristy sea-side village of Kailua-Kona is set at the edge of Kailua Bay. This lively, fun town offers a wide variety of dining,bars and quirky shops.
Waikoloa Holidays
The forty mile stretch of the Kohala Coast on the northwest side of the Big Island is home to many luxury hotels and resorts. Waikoloa Beach is one of the most popular.
Hilo Holidays
Hilo on the east coast is the island's capital and the largest town. Almost all the rain that falls on the slopes of Mt Maunea Kea flows to the sea on the eastern side of the Big Island.
Things to see and do
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Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing
Hawaii is a destination really geared towards stargazing; boasting 90% clear nights and a total of 13 large telescopes on the summit of Mauna Kea alone. The surrounding ocean cuts down on artificial light pollution and leads to better, more stable stargazing conditions.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The southern and smaller two of the Big Island's volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea jointly constitute, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, thirty miles from Hilo and eighty miles from Kona.
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Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
Hula was born on Hawaii and the biggest festival takes place each spring on the Big Island.
