Hawaii

This is the youngest, most diverse and the grandest of all the Hawaiian Islands. Larger than all the other islands put together, it's an island of amazing contrasts with lush rainforests, monolithic cliffs, beaches of many colors and active volcanoes.

Visitors are constantly delighted by the 14,000 foot snow clad summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the two tallest mountains in the Pacific, the desert scape of Ka'u and the astonishing green grass of Waimea.

First discovered by the Marquesas Islanders more than a millennium ago, the Big Island is where Polynesian mythology says Madame Pele, goddess of fire dwells. She is said to live in the fire pit of Halemaumau in Kilauea crater on the slopes of Mauna Loa, from where she actively pours forth-new lava on an almost daily basis.

An island of massive and varied terrain, Hawaii offers spectacular ocean vistas, plunging waterfalls, dense forests, mountain greenery and expansive deserted beaches. There are abundantly flowering vanda orchids and 30,000 other orchid species, as well as anthuriums, the beautiful heart shaped flower.

For those who travel the world looking for unique and challenging golf courses, you will find them on the Big Island. The green fairways are carved from ancient lava fields overlooking the Pacific and the courses have been designed by the masters.

Fishing for marlin is a marvelous experience, for Hawaii is home to the famous International Billfish Tournament.

Hilo
Ever since Hawaiians came to the mouth of the Wailuku River to barter, Hilo has been a trading centre. Step into the missionary era at the Lyman House Memorial Museum (276 Haili St. 808-935-5021. Adm. fee), a New England-style house (1839) with koa wood floors and original furnishings. The museum focuses on early settlements and immigrant cultures. Hilo is the seat of government of the Big Island and below it lays rainforests and black lava rocks hugging a serrated shoreline that is expanding thanks to lava from Kilauea Volcano.

North Coast
To the north the highway snakes between mountains and sea through miles of sugarcane to Waipi'o Valley and Waimea. See also the Hamakua Scenic Drive.

Near Kawaihae, Pu'ukohola Helau was built by King Kamehameha the Great and is now a treasured historical site. In Waimea-Kamuela, the Parker Ranch houses a magnificent collection of Italian and French period pieces and more than a hundred original paintings by masters such as Renoir, Degas, Pissarro, Utrillo, Dufy and Corot.

Lapakahi State Historical Park, north of Kawaihae was once an ancient Hawaiian fishing village and visitors can now walk through the village to King Kamehameha's birthplace and to Mookini Heiau believed to have been constructed about 480 BC.

Westshore
To the south are Waikoloa and a breathtaking view of lava flows, cactus, and coconut trees along a distant shoreline. Anaehoomalu Bay and its pretty white sandy beach, curves between the shallow bay and an ancient Hawaiian fishpond once used by royalty. (see also the Hupuna Beach Prince Hotel.

Kailua - Kona
Seven years before his death in 1819, Kamehameha the Great moved to Kailua-Kona (Convention & Visitors Bureau, 75-5719 Alii Dr. 808-329-7787). The grounds of his temple, Ahuena Heiau (King Kahameha Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd. 808-329-2911), include large carved images and a reconstructed prayer tower.

Mokuaikaua Church (Across from Hulihee Palace. 808-329-1589) New England architecture meets island materials (lava rocks and coral-based mortar) in this 1830s church, which is topped with a landmark steeple. Inside are koa wood pews and a model of the brig Thaddeus, which in 1820 carried the first missionaries 18,000 nautical miles from Boston to Hawaii.

South of Kailua Kona you find some interesting Historic Sights. It was here where Captain Cook met the first Hawaiians and also here where later on he was killed Kaelakekua. Another Cultural Historic Highlight is the famous Polynesian temple of the ancient high priests of Hawaii, better known as the City of Refuge.

South Coast
The south shore of the Big Island is rugged and dry. You find here numerous lava fields and several coffee and Macadamia plantations. Most important sight on the south side is the spectacular Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Interior
The interior is dominated by two huge volcanoes, the Mauna Kea and the Mauna Loa. Normal rental cars are not allowed on the saddle road, crossing the island east-west. For information on visiting the Observatory, go to Hawaii Volcanoes NP.

Recreational Areas (Beaches)
Hapuna: The Big Island of Hawaii is so young that lava coastlines are the norm and white-sand beaches the exception. Hapuna's white sands and easy water access more than make up for the rest of the island's lack of swimmable coastline. With very little wave action and rarely any cloud cover, the water at Hapuna offers unbelievable visibility. There are also restrooms, showers and resorts nearby.
Kailua Bay: World-famous for its deep-sea fishing, Kailua-Kona is really more of a boater's haven. However, there are a few strips of sand in Kailua and a few miles south. The clarity of the water and general lack of currents mean the water's perfect for swimming on a blistering Kona afternoon.
Kealakekua Bay: A snorkeler's dream, Kealakekua Bay is most scenically reached via tour boat, easily booked through any hotel or travel desk. A natural reserve, Kealakekua's crystal-clear waters teem with friendly marine life of all shapes and sizes. A monument to Captain Cook and the rugged coastline make the views above water spectacular as well. Bring your beach gear when you visit neighboring Puuhonua o Honaunau -- the two spots are just minutes apart.
Hilo Bay: Having been devastated by tsunamis (seismic ocean waves) a number of times, the townsfolk of Hilo finally constructed a huge breakwater that shields the bay from not only devastating surf, but any and all surf. The water in Hilo Bay is often murky and best for kayaking or swimming because of extensive runoff from nearby streams and rivers. Directly in the line of equatorial currents, Hilo Bay's highlight is beachcombing, as flotsam from around the Pacific Rim can wash up here.
South Point/Green Sand Beach at Papakolea: The southernmost point in the United States can be reached after a 9-mile drive along a deserted road that leads to spectacular sea cliffs. While the ocean itself here is difficult to access, the coastal views are spectacular. A roughly 3-mile-long jeep trail leads to the green-sand beach at Papakolea, a trek well worth the effort. Liberally sprinkled with specks of olivine crystal, the sand here appears to be green, hence the name. Swimming and snorkeling are fine, but don't go in the water if the surf looks rough.