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haleakala crater

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of nature’s natural wonders.  It has 11 different climate zones in just 4,028 square miles.  From lush rain forests to arid deserts, black sand beaches and snow capped mountains.  Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain, measuring 33,000 feet from the ocean floor to the top of the mountain. 

haleakala crater

         Some of the sightseeing you can do is hike through Waipio Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings.  Check out Puukohola Heiau, this ancient Hawaiian religious temple is the largest temple and has been fully restored.  Go to Parker Ranch and watch Hawaiian cowboys in action.   They are called Paniolo in Hawaiian. 

See the world’s most active volcano, Kileaueau.  Make sure to give the Goddess Pele the respect due her.  It is believed she continues to live here and that is why the volcano is active and the lave flows. 

King Kamehameha the great was born and raised here.  He unified all the tribes on the Big Island and went on to unify Hawaii.  He moved his court to Oahu in the late 1800’s, but moved back to his beloved Big Island, where he lived until he died.

The Big Island has two airports, Hilo and Kona.  Hilo is on the rain forest side of the island and has the best views of the volcano.  Kona and the Kohala Coast offer the best resorts.  A good choice is to fly into one and begin your vacation there and then drive to the other side of the island and end your vacation on that side.  Some car rental companies will charge you a small drop off fee, for not dropping your car in the same location as you picked it up, but it’s worth it.

 

haleakala crater
Most of the beach areas in Kona are not nice sandy beaches, but rather full of lava.  You need to drive to the black sandy beaches to enjoy them.  There is very good snorkeling and scuba diving off of the Big Island.  One of the things I found interesting in Kona, is driving past the lava fields and seeing white rocks and coral being used for graffiti.  Doesn’t permanently damage the area and the person behind you can change it to suit themselves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

haleakala crater
You can go whale watching, swim with the sting rays or dolphins, snorkel, scuba, surfing, take the Atlantis submarine, rent a canoe or kayak, windsurfing and kite surfing.  There is even golf for those who want a tamer activity.  The possibilities are endless.

Some of the world’s finest orchids are grown on the Big Island.  Some of the other agriculture items are Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, papayas and flowers.  A great favorite to take home is Kona coffee and chocolate covered macadamia nuts.
 

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