Big Island Hawaii Tours and Activities, including inter-island excursions
Young and Still Growing
The Big Island of Hawaii lives up to its name; at 95 miles long
and 80 miles wide, it is much larger than the other three major
islands combined. Indeed, it comprises over 63% of the land area
of all the Hawaiian Islands . At a mere 450,000 to 800,000 years
of age, it is also the youngest island and is still forming today
because of Kilauea , the world's most active volcano.
Unparalleled Majesty
Big Island has some of the world's tallest mountains, deep valleys,
plunging waterfalls, 266 miles of coastline, black sand beaches,
astounding agricultural plantations, picture-perfect tropical waters
- the list could just go on. It truly is a place of matchless beauty.
Step into the Sky
In the northeast, Mauna Kea, the " White Mountain ," rears its head
some 13,796 feet (4,205 m) above sea level, serving as an excellent
platform for modern astronomical observatories. Mauna Loa, the "
Long Mountain ," isn't much shorter at 13,679 feet (4,169m). This
mountain alone is 60 miles long and 30 wide and consists of lava
described as "iron-hard," making it the densest and most massive
mountain on earth. Both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are among the tallest
mountains in the world.
Coffee Capital
In Kona on the western coast, the world-famous Kona coffee is grown.
Besides coffee plantations, you'll find a lot of things to do there
on both land and sea, including scuba diving, snorkeling, snuba
(a delightful combination of snorkeling and scuba) and sportfishing.
Honokohau, Keauhou and Kealakekua Bay are also prime locations for
all kinds of water sports and are overflowing with marine life.
Kealakekua Bay is also the place where Captain James Cook lost his
life in 1779. The Captain Cook Monument , a 26 ft (8 m) tall obelisk,
reminds of this great navigator and explorer of the South Seas .
Walk on Lava
Volcanoes National Park is the most active volcanic region on the
planet. Only on the Big Island can you witness the breathtaking
natural phenomenon of lava flowing into the ocean. Specialized tours
take you right into the middle of the action in both these places.
Or you can choose a sightseeing tour that will provide you with
a day-long overview of all the best sights and scenes on the island.
