"Hawaii - Land of Lava" Hawaii (Big Island) by KiKitC

Hawaii (Big Island) Travel Guide: 1,847 reviews and 4,397 photos

11,000 feet in a helicopter to see the top!

BIG Island Adventure

Heading to the Big Island of Hawaii? Get ready...it is BIG. I wouldn't suggest any less than five days to get some of the "must see" attractions. I highly recommend splitting your stay to the two sides of the island. We stayed three days on the Kona side, and two days on the Hilo side.

The Big Island has 10 of the 15 world climatic zones, making the range of activities vast...from snow skiing to scuba in the same day. So, I will attempt to break down which activities are more accessible from each side. (It took over four hours to drive from across the island.)

Akaka Falls drops 420 feet!

If you're staying on the Kona side, plan a trip down 11 south to visit Pu'uhonau O Honaunau, the Captain Cook monument, the "Painted" Church, and further south for black and green sand beaches. If you are staying on Ali'i Drive, the clubs, Ironman Triathlon, Atlantis Submarine, King Kamehameha Hotel and Luau, and Ahu'ena Heiau can be found on the northern end. The southern end of Ali'i Drive has access to Keauhou Bay catamarans, the "Little Blue" Church and Kahalu'u Beach. And for the financially unchallenged, grab a helicopter tour out of the Kona Airport. This is really the best way to see Hawaii.

We then stayed two days on the Hilo side. This is the wettest city in the US. Expect rain...but this makes the waterfalls and lush tropical jungles. From here visit Akaka Falls Park, Kolekole Park, the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden, Laupahoehoe Point and Memorial, and Waipi'o Valley.

At least I still have my hand...

In most of my pictures, I have placed my left hand behind either my husband or an inanimate object. I did this in attempts not to remember the accident, and see my Hawaii pictures as I would have rathered seen it. But, I thank the Great Spirit for allowing me and my husband to stay alive, together, to continue enjoying wonderful life and love. So, soon I will be sharing the "oops" pictures.

Pros and Cons

Pros:So many different experiences on one island
Cons:Too many different experiences on one island
In a nutshell:From lava to waterfalls, the Big Island is a diverse experience

Last visit to Hawaii (Big Island): Jul 2005
Intro Updated Apr 19, 2006
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Reviews (6)

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Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 15, 2005

8 photos

Hawaiian Experience

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Comments (29)

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Donna_in_India Oct 10, 2010 at 5:39 AM

Wow, 350 photos!! Sounds like a great tour. Have done some kind of air tour in a few places and they've always been a highlight of my trip.
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hopang Dec 21, 2009 at 9:37 AM

Wonderful Hawaii travel page with excellent photographs. Helicopter tour over Hawaii sounds great for any foreign tourists visiting Hawaii. We certainly hope to visit Hawaii one day! ~ho & pang
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volopolo Dec 1, 2009 at 9:41 AM

Excellent picture of Kilauea Caldera from the helicopter
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bijo69 Aug 31, 2009 at 2:55 PM

Just recently read Hawaii by James Michener and really would love to see the islands! Thanks for visiting my Stockholm page Christine!
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junecorlett Feb 24, 2009 at 8:09 AM

Your travel pages have places I have never heard of. "Mahalo" for your tips!!
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Dabs Nov 19, 2008 at 8:01 PM

Ah, I was I was in Hawaii right now instead of freezing my tush off!
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Mikebond Nov 18, 2008 at 5:50 AM

Interesting page about Hawaii. Thanks for visiting my Padova page. The 9-11 monument is really touching.
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silu Jul 14, 2008 at 4:35 AM

very nice article
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RickinDutch Nov 18, 2007 at 5:32 PM

Great tips of wonderful Island. Still regret not taking the helo tour. Happy Birthday!
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scottishvisitor Jul 10, 2007 at 1:57 PM

Here in the UK it is also common to find a Gideon's Bible in your bed side drawer in hotels = enjoyed the local customs & the language lesson