The Big Island of Hawaii: Complete Island Guide

The Orchid Isle

The Big Island of Hawaii, of course, is the largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain- which consists of eight major islands and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawaii in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

The vast majority of the Big Island's visitors stay in the Kailua-Kona area with its fantastic weather, abundant shopping, and vast array of dining options. This region also features a wide variety of accommodations, from high-end resorts and condominiums to quaint B&Bs and inns. The ocean off the Kona coast is clear and great for both snorkeling and diving. To the north of Kona is the Gold Coast of Kohala. While drier and more barren than Kona, the region offers amazing beaches, great weather conditions, and several luxury accommodations to choose from. 

On the other side of the island, you'll discover Hilo and the Puna region. These are good locations to base from if you're interested in exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This part of the island receives an abundance of rainfall that creates the lush and green surroundings. Accommodations are harder to find, but a few hotels, small inns, and private rentals can be found, especially in the Volcano Town area. The volcano area, which is located at a crisp 4,000 ft. above sea level, is dotted with a wide assortment of homes, bed and breakfasts, and small cottages for renting. This area, too, serves as a great place to stay if you're mainly interested in exploring HVNP.

Those who have an appreciation for geography or geology will love the park, though. Despite Kilauea being the most active volcano on the planet, the volcanoes of Hawaii are nothing like their cousins on the West Coast of the U.S. Mainland (Mt. St. Helens or Mt. Rainier). They are not explosive and pose little threat to visitors on the island. Plus, the lava flow moves at a turtle-like speed that you could outwalk if necessary; no running required.

To fully appreciate and explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you'll want to give yourself at least one full day, preferably two if possible. There are many great hikes within the park and several stops which offer informative displays about the history of the region. Also be wary of VOG (a volcanic smog) when visiting the park.

It Really is a BIG ISLAND...

It is ironic, but what is so easily forgotten about the Big Island is what is the most obvious: its size. You can expect lots of driving on the island. The quick and frequent stops found on the other islands in the chain don't always exist here. Some drives are spectacular, while others are long and even dull. Because the island so large and diverse, many people have compared driving around Hawaii to a nine-state road trip. But don't let the Big Island's size scare you off; it just means there's more to explore.

Where else could you go snow skiing, walk to a lava flow, surf, snorkel, and visit a rainforest in the same day? Where else could you find an island that emits the mana– the aura of Hawaii–quite like this one?  Steeped in lore, full of adventure, bursting with life, and home to the only land younger than you are... Aloha to the Big Island of Hawaii!