"The Big Island of Hawaii" Hawaii (Big Island) by starship

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

Postcard of Waimanu Falls - Hawaii (Big Island)

After only 3 days on O'ahu, we took an Island Air hop over to the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the largest and southern most of the well-known Hawaiian group. Flying in, you can't miss the black lava fields of the Kohala Coast contrasted by the sugary, white sand beaches. I really didn't know what to expect from this island so these contrasts were quite amazing. When you drive the Kohala/Kona Coast of this island you have a foot in two dimensions--lunar landscape created by volcanic eruptions producing dark lava and the lush, green, tropical rainforest. Although we spent 5 days on the island, the time went quickly with much of it spent in driving to get to the many nature attractions or just enjoying the beauty of our hotel's setting. Since 2000, many things may have changed. But the only negative we found was the lack of affordable and interesting places to eat and the drive to reach places combined with the lack of gasoline stations.

The "Big Island" may not be as popular as some of the other Hawaiian Islands, but it definitely deserves several days of exploration to appreciate its many faces! Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park is worth the effort to reach it and the Kona Coast is quite magnificent!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Big, beautiful, rugged! Active volcanoes & beautiful beaches!!
Cons:Expensive! and don't run out of gas!
In a nutshell:Sensational views of the Pacific, volcanoes & rainforests!!

Last visit to Hawaii (Big Island): Aug 2000
Intro Updated Jan 25, 2007
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Reviews (21)

Postcard of Thurston Lava Tube - Hawaii (Big Island)

The Thurston Lava Tube Things to Do (9)

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Guest wing corridor at the Royal Orchid - Hawaii (Big Island)

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Royal Orchid's pool area - Hawaii (Big Island)

The Crown Jewel Hotels (6)

Although we did not stay at this hotel, we did visit it. It is the even more expensive sister of the Mauna Lani Bay... more travel advice

Mauna Lani's Main Pool - Hawaii (Big Island)

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Although the ocean is only a short walk away, the Mauna Lani's pool is a fabulous alternative. One of the prettiest... more travel advice

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Comments (35)

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MalenaN Jan 26, 2013 at 4:05 AM

I would like to visit Volcanoes National Park one day! Sounds to be a very interesting place.
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balhannah Aug 21, 2012 at 5:37 PM

Nice page! Hope to come one day, perhaps on a cruise, at least the accommodation will be the Ship!
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  starship Aug 23, 2012 at 4:45 AM
  
  Thanks for your visit to my Big Island of Hawaii page. You're right, a cruise around the islands would be a terrific way to see them -- wouldn't mind doing that myself!!
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bijo69 Mar 19, 2011 at 5:39 AM

Hi Sylvia, great page here! I'd love to see the Volcanoes one day!!!!
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hopang Nov 22, 2010 at 12:50 PM

Volcanoes National Park certainly looks interesting to visit as depicted in your photographs especially Thurston Lava Tube. We have seen one which is said to be the longest in the world in Korea. Thanks for visitng our Hungary page. ~ho & pang
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HORSCHECK Feb 8, 2010 at 8:57 AM

Sylvia, fabulous page about the big island of Hawaii. I must admit that I haven't visited this part of the world yet. Keep up the good work.
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balhannah Jan 19, 2010 at 11:09 PM

Nice lot of tips, and how lucky were you seeing the group in traditional costume heading for the Volacano!
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csordila Jun 6, 2009 at 3:04 AM

Unfortunately, I visited Oahu only, though Big Island with its volcanoes also very interesting. By the way, old London will remain my lover for ever. Thanks for your nice comment. Best. L.
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volopolo Oct 6, 2008 at 12:08 AM

My dream is to be here one day!
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Stephen-KarenConn Jul 9, 2008 at 12:54 PM

Excellent! Karen and I will use some of these tips on our upcoming trip to the Big Island in December. Wish I didn't have to wait so long. It will be my third trip there and Karen's first.
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VeronicaG Dec 1, 2007 at 6:41 AM

Hawaii seems like a paradise! We may just head that way in 2008--thanks for whetting our appetite for this beautiful island!