To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the island of Hawaii is called "Hawaii's Big Island." The Big Island of Hawaii is a tropical island with a fairly mild year round climate tempered by the Pacific Ocean and northeasterly trade winds. The Big Island boasts 10 of the 15 climatic zones in the world. Besides the trade winds, elevation also plays a role in determining an area's microclimate. The Big Island excites the senses and inspires the adventurer. You can hike into a volcano crater, catch marlin weighting hundreds of pounds, stare into the heavens from snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea, and relax, swim, kayak, and snorkel at a black sand, white sand, or even a green sand beach. Come discover the area of the Big Island that you can call home!
Sacred, Peaceful, Historic. North Kohala is a peaceful, undeveloped area that is home to some of the most historically significant sites on the Big Island. From the birthplace to King Kamehameha I to the charming town of Hawi, that was once sugar country. Many artists call this area home and show their works in the 1920's vintage shops and stores in town. A serene drive through the northern most tip of Hawaii's Big Island is a tranquil journey off the beaten path. On a clear day you can see across the channel to the island of Maui.
Dominated by bright, sunny skies and warm weather, here you will find a number of luxury resorts and golf courses. South Kohala has some of the prettiest beaches on the island and with very little rain, it is haven for tourist and locals alike. This area stretches from Kona Keahole airport to the harbor at Kawaihae. The drive is scenic with spectacular ocean on the West and the rugged volcano's on the East.
This is the busiest and most widely known part of the island. North Kona, is the most populous area of West Hawaii. This bustling town offers wonderful dining, shopping-but still gives a small town feeling. This area has several names depending who you talk to; Kailua, Kona, or Kailua-Kona. This is the hot and dry side of the island. In the winter, the lows can reach mid 60's. In the summer, it can reach the high 80's. Most days average between 72-77. Sunny Kailua-Kona is a busy seaside village consisting of many historic sites tucked among the open air shops and ocean front restaurants along the banyan-shaded Ali'i Drive. The area is dominated on the mauka (mountain) side by coffee plantations that grow the famous Kona coffee. Kona is home to the world-renowned Ironman Triathlon and big game fishing. In ancient times, this area was considered the best place to live on the Big Island due to its excellent weather. Many kings, including Kamehameha I, had homes here. Holualoa is a quaint little town surrounded by lush tropical foliage, art galleries, charming boutiques.
South Kona's calm and clean waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, spotting dolphins and honu (green sea turtles). On land, the cooler uplands are home to hundreds of coffee plantations. Kealakekua Bay, a marine life preserve, offers a wide variety of colorful fish and spinner dolphins play close to shore. Captain Cook's Monument rises across the bay where he was killed in 1779. In Honaunau, there is a national historic park that recalls the days of old Hawaii.
The southern most region is also know as the Ka'u district. Kau is the least developed and least populated region on the island. South Point, is the southernmost point in the United States. It is dominated by the flanks of Mauna Loa which rises to an impressive 13,679 feet. The famous green sand beach is located here as well as the most accessible black sand beach on the island.
The Puna district stretches from the Volcanoes National Park north to Hilo town. This area is underdeveloped with spread out settlements with a very rural look. The tropical climate on this eastern- most part of the wind-wars side of the island receives a lot of rain and the vegetation is lush green. Volcanoes National Park is the location of Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. The park boast incredible hiking trails, lush rainforest, Hawaiian petroglyphs, walks through lava tubes and of course the caldera. You may even see a fresh lava flow firsthand. as it oozes slowly toward the sea, where it continues to create new land for the island of Hawaii.
Hilo's scenic bayfront is lined with renovated storefronts dating back to the early 1900's. This is the center of most commerce. You will find shopping, movie theatres, and dining a plenty here. One of the islands most spectacular waterfalls, Rainbow Falls, is located just one mile from Hilo. If the rainfall has been moderate, the falls flow beautifully and with an unusual shape to them. This is one of the highlights of the Hilo area.
It can rain here up to 150 inches annually, making it one of America's wettest towns. With lots of rain, you will find this area exceptionally green and fertile. The area is ideal for growing ferns, orchids and anthuriums. Although it maybe raining, the rain is warm (the temperature seldom drops below 70 F/21 C), and there is usually a rainbow afterward.
The stunning Hamakua coast, which includes lush valleys, impressive gorges, numerous waterfalls and a glimpse into the old, underdeveloped Hawaii. The Islands famous Waipio Valley is located on this coast. The valley is peaceful and lush, the waterfalls and mile-long black sand beach are well worth the drive.
