Volcanoes National Park — Home to the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea. Volcanoes National Park is a must-see when visiting the Big Island. It is one of the most visited attractions of Hawai’i. And for good reason—it’s one of the most dramatic examples of a live volcano in the world. The ancient Hawaiians’ most-revered goddess was Pele, the Queen of Kilauea. Locals say you can still see her, disguised as an old woman walking through the cooled tracks of obsidian that are dried beds of lava.
It’s a monumental prehistoric feeling to be present among the birth of new land. Follow the park paths and stay away from closed areas and this is one of the safest places to see a live volcano in action, which is why so many traveling families love it. For a one- to three-hour visit, the park recommends exploring the summit of the volcano via the Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile road that rings the open mouth or caldera (like the word, cauldron) of the volcano. This is also one of the best places in the world to view moving, molten lava flowing into the sea. Check the official Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Web site for current conditions. A local superstition says you must not take anything from Pele’s sacred volcano or you’ll incur the goddess’ wrath, so hands off those pretty rocks!
Hilo — If you think it rains a lot in Seattle, think again. Hilo is the wettest city in the United States, and the largest city on the Big Island. Despite the town’s reputation for rain, there is still plenty of sunshine to go around as well. All of that rain and sun creates a rich rain forest environment, beautiful botanical gardens and no shortage of rainbows. Hilo is nestled between two volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. The close proximity to the active volcano of Mauna Loa creates hot springs and bubbling streams within the area. The town has also been subject to Tsunami devastation in the past.
Kailua, Kona — This community was established by King Kamehameha I to be his seat of government (he was originally the chief of Kona before consolidating rule of the Islands), and the capital of the newly unified Kingdom of Hawai‘i. (The capital was later moved to Lahaina, then, to Honolulu.) Royal fishponds at Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park were the hub of unified Hawaiian culture. The town then functioned as a retreat of the Hawaiian royal family. Up until the late 1900’s, Kailua-Kona was primarily a small fishing village. More recently, this region has undergone a real estate and construction boom fueled by tourism and investment. The town's main road is Ali‘i Drive is, Kailua's oceanfront downtown street, it starts at Kailua Pier; here are some historic places heading South. Kailua Pier is the starting and finishing point for the world-famous Ironman World Championship triathlon and is a great place to watch the sunset. North of the pier is the Kamakahonu royal residence and Ahu‘ena Heiau. Another royal residence is Hulihe‘e Palace, used by members of the Hawaiian royal family until 1914. The Historic Kona Inn and other shops are on the street. Churches on the drive include Mokuaikaua Church, Hawai‘i's first Christian church built in 1820, and Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Parks include La‘aloa Bay (also known as Magic Sands or White Sands Beach) and Kahalu‘u Bay.
The world famous Kona coffee is grown near Kailua, Kona on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa.. This coffee has developed a reputation that has made it one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world. Only coffee from the Kona Districts can be legally described as "Kona". The Kona weather pattern of bright sunny mornings, humid rainy afternoons and mild nights creates favorable coffee growing conditions.
Mauna Kea — The northern dormant volcano on the Big Island, Mauna Kea meaning “white mountain”, is named for it’s seasonal snow-covered summit. While the peak rises 13,803 feet above sea level, by measure of the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world measuring 33,476 feet from its base to peak. The summit is recognized as one of the best astronomical sites in the world and home to several leading observatories.
Waipi’o Valley (Valley of the Kings)— The largest valley on the windward side, surrounded by the breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls of the Kohala Mountains. The coast is a black sand beach and the ocean plummets 6 miles in depth off shore. Waipi’o Valley is sacred to the Hawaiians and often referred to as the Valley of the Kings because it was once home to many rulers of Hawaii. Several of the kings were buried within the cliffs surrounding the valley and are said to protect the sacred location. Despite devastation from floods and tsunami’s, no lives have been lost due to natural disasters. Today, only a handful of people premanently reside here, but it’s believed that up 10,000 people once resided within the valley.
Volcanoes National Park — Home to the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea. Volcanoes National Park is a must-see when visiting the Big Island. It is one of the most visited attractions of Hawai’i. And for good reason—it’s one of the most dramatic examples of a live volcano in the world. The ancient Hawaiians’ most-revered goddess was Pele, the Queen of Kilauea. Locals say you can still see her, disguised as an old woman walking through the cooled tracks of obsidian that are dried beds of lava.
Kailua, Kona — This community was established by King Kamehameha I to be his seat of government (he was originally the chief of Kona before consolidating rule of the Islands), and the capital of the newly unified Kingdom of Hawai‘i. (The capital was later moved to Lahaina, then, to Honolulu.) Royal fishponds at Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park were the hub of unified Hawaiian culture. The town then functioned as a retreat of the Hawaiian royal family. Up until the late 1900’s, Kailua-Kona was primarily a small fishing village. More recently, this region has undergone a real estate and construction boom fueled by tourism and investment. The town's main road is Ali‘i Drive is, Kailua's oceanfront downtown street, it starts at Kailua Pier; here are some historic places heading South. Kailua Pier is the starting and finishing point for the world-famous