"Keeweechic's Big Island" Hawaii (Big Island) by keeweechic

Hawaii (Big Island) Travel Guide: 1,846 reviews and 4,392 photos

The Island of Hawaii is commonly known as "The Big Island" in order to distinguish it from the rest of the Hawaiian chain. Very aptly named since the Big Island was formed from 5 massive volcanoes and is twice as large as all of the other islands combined. The history of volcanic activity is the most important aspect of this island. The Big Island is home to the world's most active volcano, Kilauea which is still adding acres of lava to the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain. Lava flows daily whether it be in trickles or torrents. Real estate agents cannot keep up with the constant changing inventory. As you drive around the island, the volcanoes influence is very evident. You will see miles and miles of barren lava-rock-filled coastline that is not nearly as eroded as the coastline of the other islands, which are much older and have had longer to be shaped by the wind and the water. The island has contrasts of lush vegetation on the windward side while on the sunny Kohala Coast you find ancient lava flows and sun drenched beaches.

The Big Island is believed to have been first inhabited by Polynesians around the fifth century and by A.D. 1000 coastal areas were fairly well established. The first contact these Polynesians had with another race was in 1527 when a Spanish vessel was wrecked off the coast of South Kona. The captain of the ship and his sister survived to intermarry with native Hawaiians, founding a line of chiefs. Captain James Cook made his initial visit to South Kona's Kealakekua Bay in 1779 and was killed after a skirmish with natives that same year. Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, was the first Hawaiian chief to gain control of and rule the Hawaiian Islands. The first Christian missionaries arrived on the island of Hawaii in 1820 and the first Christian church in Hawaii was built in Kailua-Kona.

While we were living in Hawaii (Oahu) for 2 months, we went over to the Big Island for a long Thanksgiving weekend. I was totally stunned by the volcanic activity - I don't think that I realised the extent of the coverage of lava to be seen. Standing so close to lava which was still flowing, the glow, the heat you could feel, was awesome. My only regret was not being able to take a helicopter ride over the volcanoes - the day we chose was cloudy and not worth doing.

More in my Travelogues

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks. (c) keeweechic 2001 - 2006 (copyright)

Intro Updated Aug 4, 2006
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Reviews (21)

A Mobile Church Things to Do (15)

The road comes to an abrupt end at a lava flow that destroyed much of Kalapana village in 1989. This church, they... more travel advice

Standing right over the lava tubes - Hawaii (Big Island)

Standing right over the lava tubes Things to Do (15)

Kilauea is the world's most active volcano, it has been erupting constantly since 1983. When we were there, Kilauea had... more travel advice

Amazing Lava Flows - Hawaii (Big Island)

Amazing Lava Flows Things to Do (15)

This 217,000 acre park is where you will find the active Kilauea Volcano and features an observatory, museum, fern... more travel advice

The Sunsets Things to Do (15)

You cannot be in any of the Hawaiian Islands without at some point, experiencing one of the magnificent sunsets. It... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All The Volcano Park
Local Customs (2)
See All Electricty :

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 4, 2006

3 photos

ABOVE THE CLOUDS

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Comments (63)

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chewy3326 Jan 27, 2006 at 9:21 PM

Interesting page. I like your photos of lava flows, they look spectacular.
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RickinDutch Jan 24, 2006 at 9:51 AM

Thanks for sharing your tips from the Big Island. The only island we have yet to visit but will rectify that in May. Your tips were helpful - still not sure which side to use as base - Hilo or Kona?
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traveldave Jul 30, 2004 at 4:40 AM

I think it would be amazing to see Volcanoes National Park, especially at night. Hawaii is one of the few U.S. states I haven't visited--I'll have to get there one of these days.
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dr.firas Jun 10, 2004 at 1:11 AM

With your permition, I would love to speak philosophically: your Volcano park proves that even in a heaven like Hawaii the hell is never far LOL
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freya_heaven Apr 14, 2004 at 12:29 PM

Excellent page, You have some beautiiful photos. Must be quite Erie to see the glow of lava at night!. Happy Tavels (~_~)
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morgane1692 Mar 28, 2004 at 5:09 AM

Hawaiian sunsets are always otherwordly, any island, any evening! but I *must* get to the Big Island one of these days and see the lava and volcano for myself. Very cool shots here!
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marcoparco Feb 24, 2004 at 6:12 PM

Wow truly amazing pictures....I especially like the one where the Lava is flowing in the ocean....amazing! Cheers
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2rs Jan 18, 2004 at 8:11 PM

Thanks for sharing, love the pics above the clouds.
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TropicGirl77 May 27, 2003 at 2:27 PM

I enjoyed your page! We've been to many of the same places ... my favorite (besides my brother's house) is the City of Refuge.
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daddygila May 4, 2003 at 7:51 AM

A Big Aloha and MAHALO NUI LOA !!!!