Explore the 'Big Island' of Hawaii

With so many amazing options, clients often ask me where the should visit when the take their family vacation to Hawaii. Most people do not realize that Hawaii offers several very diverse options with some of the more popular options being the islands of Maui and Oahu. But if you want to get a real sense of the more natural beauty of the state I always suggest you head over to the 'Big Island', or the island of Hawaii itself.

The largest and youngest island in the Hawaiian chain, the Hawaii Island is still growing. Home to the world's most active volcano (Kilauea) and the tallest sea mountain (Maunakea), this unique island offers all but two of the world's climate zones. From pristine beaches to lush rain forests, active volcanoes to snow capped mountain tops, there is certainly something for everyone on this beautiful island. So check out below for the amazing places to visit during your vacation to the 'Big Island'.

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Kohala

The Kohala region is home to some of the finest resorts on the 'Big Island' and is only a short 20-minute drive from the Kona International Airport. Beautiful resorts, amazing golf, and breath taking lava landscapes await you here.

Kohala Coast Highlights:  

• Puukohola Heiau National Historical Site- this historic site is home to one of the largest and last heiau (temple) built in Hawaii. 
• Hapuna Beach State Park- one of the largest white sand beaches on Hawaii's Big Island.

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The island of Hawaii is separated into seven distinct vacation areas with different experiences and focuses available for your family vacation-- Kohala, North Kohala, Kona, Kau, Puna, Hilo, and Hamakua. 

Kona

Kona is the gateway to the majestic island of Hawaii. Here is where your travels will typically begin as you land at the Kona International Airport. The coastline of this region is lined with lava rocks and the area features expansive coffee farms, beautiful beaches, and historic Hawaiian landmarks.

Kona Highlights:    

• Keauhou- This resort area, just south of Historic Kailua Village, is where you can often spot manta rays and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). 
• Historic Kailua Village - a lively seaside town home to shopping, dining and important historic sites.
• Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park - This Marine Life Conservation District is a historic area that marks the site where the first westerner, Captain James Cook, landed on the island.
• Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park- Learn about early Hawaiian history at this historic place of refuge and former royal grounds.
• Holualoa- This small town and art enclave, located on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano, is located in the heart of Kona Coffee country.
• Hulihee Palace- this was a historic vacation home for Hawaiian royalty.

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Hilo

In Hilo you will find the opposite of the Kohala side of the island-- with stunning volcanic landscapes being replaced by lush tropical rain forests, stunning waterfalls, and amazing gardens. What was once the farming and fishing center of Hawaii grew into the sugar capital of the island in the 20th century. Today this region is ripe with fertile landscapes and history to be enjoyed by tourists.

Hilo Highlights:

• Downtown Hilo- a historic town that features a variety of unique shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and cultural sites.

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North Kohala

While Kohala is known for its beautiful development that intertwines with its surroundings, North Kahala is known for its relatively untouched pastoral beauty. Besides being a beautiful area featuring the charming town of Hawi and the amazing Pololu Valley Overlook, this is also the home of some of the most historically significant sites on the Big Island from Puukohola Heiau to King Kamehameha's birthplace.

North Kohala Highlights:    

• Pololu Valley Lookout- breathtaking view of Pololu Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline. 
• Kamehameha Statue- The original King Kamehameha Statue can be found near his birthplace in North Kohala. 
• Mookini Heiau State Monument- Built around 480 A.D. this sacred temple is located near Kamehameha's birthplace. 
• Lapakahi State Historical Park- This partially restored fishing settlement is over 600 years old. 
  
• Waimea- Travel to the cool, green pastures to discover paniolo (cowboy) country, fine dining, shopping and culture.

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Hamakua

On the northeastern side of Hawaii's Big Island, just north of Hilo, lies the Hamakua Coast. With 84 inches of rainfall a year, this area is known for the Hamakua Heritage Corridor drive, a road trip along the coastline that passes by lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls and lovely seaside views.

Hamakua Highlights:    

• Akaka Falls State Park- features two amazing waterfalls, Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). 
• Hamakua Heritage Corridor- Take a memorable drive from Hilo to the Waipio Valley Lookout to see scenic overlooks, waterfalls, botanical gardens and small towns. 

Puna

This area on the eastern tip of Hawaii's Big Island stretches from the sea to the 4,000-foot summit of Kilauea volcano. On the coast you'll find roiling ocean, black-sand beaches and a spring warmed by the volcano's steam. Towards the volcano you'll find rainforests, steam vents and the rugged landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Puna Highlights:     

• Lava Tree State Park- 17-acre State Monument with excellent examples of unusual lava tree molds. 
• Kalapana- Once a historic town partially destroyed by lava, now a lava viewing area on the southeastern coast of Hawaii's Big Island.

Kau

Vast, rural and remote, Hawaii Island's southernmost region, Kau, seems almost untouched by civilization except around the small communities of Naalehu and Pahala. In this area you'll discover things have moved along at a pace all their own.

Kau Highlights:    

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- 330,000-acre park spanning the summit of Maunaloa to the sea and home to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. 
• Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)- located at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is easy to explore. 
• Ka Lae (South Point)- the southern most point in the U.S. and is believed to be the point where the first Polynesians landed on Hawaii. 
• Punaluu Black Sand Beach- This is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii and a place to spot protected honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles.

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Interested in planning a vacation to the 'Big Island'? Then click on the button below to touch base with me! I'd be happy to help plan the perfect Hawaiian vacation.

Let's Talk

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Jenn Whitney is a travel enthusiast and mother of four. Her goal is to share her experiences and knowledge to help families plan amazing vacations around the world. Jenn is the owner of Whitney World Travel, a boutique family and luxury travel agency, and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. You can contact Jenn by e-mail at [email protected]