Big Island Tourism: Tour the Big Island

The youngest of the Islands, the Big Island of Hawaii is still growing. Kilauea, the island's active volcano, has been continuously erupting since 1983, and spews forth about 350,000 cubic yards of lava each day. The island's beautiful Black Sand Beach is a direct result of the ocean eroding cooled lava. These are just two of the many attractions to take in on one of your Hawaii vacations.

Hawaii Destinations

Hawaii is indeed a big island—over 265 miles of stunning coastline. But there's much more than coastline to The Big Island. From fiery Kilauea, to the grand heights of Mauna Kea (the White Mountain), to the beauty of the Rainbow Falls, to Waimea cattle ranches, Hawaii's geography is surprisingly varied.

Once you're on Hawaii, you have to decide what to do, and that isn't as easy as it sounds. There's much more to the island than sun tanning and surfing—although it offers these opportunities in abundance! Check out the list below for some of the attractions of Hawaii:

  • Volcanoes National Park, home of Kilauea
  • helicopter sightseeing
  • the orchid gardens in Hilo
  • coffee and macadamia nut plantations on the Kona Coast
  • Parker Ranch where you can meet some authentic paniolos (Hawaii's own cowboys)
  • sport fishing
  • submarine rides
  • bicycle tours
  • horseback riding
  • luaus
  • Pu'uhonua o' Honaunau—The City of Refuge—a taste of ancient Hawaii.
A short drive away from either Kona or Hilo, you can see the lava flows of Kilauea, relax on the sparkling Black Sand Beach, or go horseback riding in the country. From warm, sunny Kona to cool, wet Hilo, from the country of the north shore to the volcanic activity in the south, the Big Island of Hawaii has much to offer.

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival

Every year, starting on Easter Sunday, the weeklong festivities include a parade, arts and crafts fairs and cultural events, culminating with the group Kahiko (ancient) and Au'ana (modern) hula competitions. The festival is dedicated to King Kawika (David) Kalakaua who was known as the Merrie Monarch. King Kalakaua is credited with restoring to the Hawaiian people many of the traditions forbidden by the missionaries, including the hula. If you happen to be visiting Hawaii around Easter, plan on spending an afternoon or evening enjoying the festivities of the Merrie Monarch Festival.