Big Island of Hawaii Guidebook

The Big Island of Hawaii is the third most popular choice amongst visitors, with over 1.5 to 1.7 million travelers annually. Often called the 'Big Island' to help distinguish it from the 1,500 mile long archipelago with which it shares its name, Hawai'i, the Big Island has certainly earned its nickname. Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean the landmass of the Big Island is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, about 4,050 sq. miles and still growing daily thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the eastern coast of the island. Composed of five major volcanoes, the island is the youngest in the Hawaiian chain with origins dating back some 800,000 years to present day.

It is not purely these massive geographic bodies that create the mystique of Hawai'i. There is a world in Hawai'i that resides upon the slopes of these mountains that rivals any other place on earth. Mother nature pulled out all the stops when she created this place.

Top Attractions in on Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most...

Puuhonua o Honaunau Historical Park

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (poo-oo-ho-noo-ah o hoe-now-now), formerly known as Place of Refuge at Honaunau, is an incredibly beautiful and educational experience that no trip to the Big Island should be without. After you pay your $5 per vehicle fee and walk past the educational displays, you round a...

Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley

The Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley is a strenuous 9-mile switchback trail that climbs 1,200 ft to the top of a ridge, then descends into the Waimanu Valley. The views into Waipio Valley as you start up the trail (often called Z-Trail) are incredible. Z-Trail Now, if you thought the view from the...

Hiilawe Falls

Hi'ilawe Falls is the most famous waterfall in Waipio Valley. The falls is between 1,200 and 1,600 feet tall (depending on who you ask), making it the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii. It was a lava flow from Mauna Kea that formed the cliffs on the side of the falls. Hi'ilawe Falls share...

Green Sand Beach - Papakolea

Known as Green Sand Beach or even Pu'u o Mahana, Papakolea Beach, is well deserving of its name. The olive-like color of the sand comes from the presence of a greenish, semi-precious stone named, appropriately enough, olivine. The erosive force of the ocean washing into the base of Pu'u o Mahana...

Akaka Falls State Park

The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After a taking a short set of stairs turn left and you will be led on a paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams. Everywhere you look you are surrounded by giant Ti plants,...

Pololu Valley Overlook

As you pass the 28 mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of our next stop, Pololu Valley. On a sunny day you will see the vibrant blue and green ocean crashing into the rugged sea cliffs and the deep green carpet of...