Diversity of culture; Hawaiian artistry and hula; genuine “Aloha” spirit; some of the most striking natural beauty on earth; world renowned spas, resorts, restaurants and distinct agriculture, flora and wildlife… the adventure of a lifetime awaits you on Hawai`i’s Big Island. Whether your pursuits take you to the top of Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest mountain from base to summit, or 100 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean in a submarine, the Big Island is your ultimate destination.
Although Hawai`i’s Big Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands – in fact it continues to grow daily as the eruption of the Kīlauea volcano oozes more lava into the ocean – it is one of the richest in history and culture. The people of the Big Island pay homage to their ancestors through practicing and celebrating ancient art forms, maintaining traditional and modern hula and the Aloha spirit that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The Big Island is one of the most diverse ecological environments in the world, offering 11 of the 13 climactic regions found on the globe. It’s the ideal place to produce such as macadamia nuts, pure Kona coffee, orchids, tropical fruits, and vanilla, to name a few of the agricultural choices found on Hawaii’s Big Island. The ecological variety also offers visitors the chance to horseback ride through a rain forest and snorkel with sea turtles and manta rays all on the same island, making it the ideal vacation spot for both adventure seekers and families.
Whether guests stay in Hilo, the second largest city in the state of Hawai`i; the lively Kona area with its shops and restaurants; the exclusive Kohala Coast luxury resort and golf destination; or right on the crater of an active volcano – Hawai`i’s Big Island has incredibly luxurious, unique and charming accommodation options.
Now is the perfect time to visit the Big Island. More people are discovering Everything Hawai`i from chill to sizzle. Here are some interesting facts that make Hawai`i’s Big Island one of the world’s most exciting and unique destinations:
• Ka Lae is the southernmost point in the United States.
• Kīlauea is the world’s most active volcano and has been continually erupting since 1983.
• Nearly every one of the Big Island’s stunningly diverse regions––from the lava fields of Puna to Kohala’s lush valleys––boasts its own nationally recognized park.
• Parker Ranch is one of the largest privately held ranches in the United States.
• Miloli`i, on the southern Kona Coast, is Hawai`i’s last authentic native fishing village.
• You can see 90% of all the stars visible from earth from Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest mountain when measured from its base below sea level. 13 world-class telescopes, representing nine countries and 30 years of astronomy research are found here.
• Hawai‘i’s Big Island has more than a dozen spas, making it the perfect destination to renew the spirit.
• The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, held annually in Hilo, is the largest gathering of hula in the world.
• Hawai‘i’s Big Island is a worldwide leader in harvesting macadamia nuts and orchids and is the only place in the United States where vanilla and cacao beans (the raw material used to make chocolate) are grown. Hawaii is the only place in the United States where gourmet coffee is grown and Kona is world-famous for its certified high standard crop.
• Hawai‘i’s Big Island is known as the Golf Capital of Hawai‘i with 18 public and resort golf courses.