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By Eagle Strayhorn | May 28, 2009
Big Island Tour – Top 10 Places on the Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is actually the largest island because it is the youngest island, and has not been eroded by the Pacific Ocean as much as other islands like Maui or Oahu.
Big Island lava flow at night
Legend says that the Island of Hawaii was named after the legendary land or realm of Hawaiki, which is a place from where the Polynesians originated, where they go in the afterlife, and the place where Gods live. Here is a short video showing all there is to see on a tour of the Big Island
The most recognizable feature about the Big Island of Hawaii is the active volcanoes that still erupt today. The island is actually formed by 5 overlapping volcanoes: Kohala (extinct), Mauna Kea (dormant), Hualalai (dormant), Mauna Loa (active and part of our Big Island of Hawaii Volcano Tour) and Kilauea (the most active and part of our Kilauea volcano tour).
It is truly an amazing experience to witness the power of the earth growing right before your eyes! The Kilauea Volcano is by far the most active – it has been erupting almost continuously for over two decades. At the edge of the ever-expanding coast, where the lava meets the ocean, you can sometimes see billows of white steam rising into the sky.
At night, the lava lights up the sky to give an orange glow and some incredible photo opportunities. Eventually the ocean grinds the dark volcanic rock into black sand beaches.
Below are our top 10 activities and things to see when traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii:
1. Liliuokalani Gardens
The Liliuokalani Gardens on the Big Island overlook Hilo Bay. The land for the gardens were given to Hawaii by Queen Liliuokalani, who was the last monarch and only Queen Regnant of the Kingdom of Hawaii, is the largest Japanese style garden outside of Japan. The gardens consist of Waihonu Pond as well as bridges, carp ponds, pagodas, statues, torii, and a Japanese teahouse.
Liliuokalani gardens big island hawaii
2. Banyan Drive
Banyan Drive is named after the graceful and stately banyan trees that line the road. Each tree is named after the person who planted it. Familiar names who have planted trees include Emilia Earhart, King George V, Babe Ruth, Franklin D Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon.
Banyan Drive on the Big Island of Hawaii
3. Historic Hilo Town
Hilo Town is the largest town on the Big Island of Hawaii, it overlooks the Hilo Bay and is situated between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea Volcanoes. Hilo is also know for its great farmer’s market and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation.
Hilo Bay at Hilo Town
4. Wailuku River State Park and Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls, at the Wailuku River State Park, is one of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii at 80 feet. The stream and pool are surrounded by lush, dense tropical foliage. To reach Rainbow Falls you must hike down a slippery path made of stone which ends at the lookout.
Rainbow Falls
5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916, it includes over 500 square miles of land. The area climate ranges from lush tropical rain forests to arid and barren Desert. Active eruptive sites include the main caldera of KÄ«lauea, which last erupted on March 19, 2008. The small explosion, the first since 1924, sent debris from the over an area of 74 acres.
Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides amazing hiking and picture taking opportunities. The park encompasses diverse environments – ranging from sea level to the summit of the earth’s most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet.
Big Island of Hawaii: lava at night
6. Thurston Lava Tube
The entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube, pictured below, is the largest Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You will be able to walk into long caves that lava has carved out of the rock. Be sure to bring a flashlight and some sturdy sneakers.
Thurston Lava Tube Hawaii
7. Halemaumau Crater
The Halemaumau Crater is actually located on the larger Kilauea Crater, check out the amazing video of lava and smoke flowing during the March 2008 eruption:
8. Kilauea Crater
Kilauea Crater is the most stunning volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii:
Kilauea Crater Big Island Hawaii
9. Punalu’u Black Sand Beaches
As the volcanoes erupt down to the ocean, the lava rocks (pictured below) actually get pounded into sand over time:
Hawaii black volcanic rock
10. Tropical Rain Forests
The Big Island of Hawaii has such a diverse amount of climates and environments. In addition to the volcanoes you will be able to experience lush tropical rain forests – where Kona coffee grows wild:
Big Island tropical rain forest Kona Coffee
That is the end of our Big Island Tour!
If you are looking for more
Check out more Big Island Attractions in our Hawaii Travel Guide!
4 Comments
Pua on May 30, 2009 at 1:44 pm.
I loved your 10 places to see on Oahu vacation. Well, the Big Island 10 best places to see lacks a bit the insider knlowledge but definitely lists nice places too whether they are the top best places that’s the question.
I would definitely include when touring the Big Island:
Mauna Kea summit for stargazing all year-round or skiing in winter.
Visiting Waipio Valley Lookout on the Hamakua Coast. Drive into the Valley with 4×4 and meet old Hawaii. Watch the locals surf or take a horseback ride.
Drive to the northern tip of the Big island through Hawi, where the Ironman bikers turn around and go all the way to the end of the road, where you find Pololu Valley Lookout. Walk into the valley gets visitors to the most serene black sand beach.
Don’t forget our world famous white sand beaches: Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beach. Great for snorkeling + boogie boarding.
Hope this helps. aloha, Pua
Best Hawaii Vacation Blog
hawaii tours on August 26, 2009 at 5:54 am.
Nice shots….. Great view too! I love that place. I’ve been there with wife and we really enjoyed every minute of it……
youtube Marketing on June 19, 2010 at 1:35 am.
Great Blog! Very informative, I appreciate all the information that you just shared with me very much and I also bookmarked this on dig too. Take care and I’ll be back to read more in the future.
Top10Places.com on December 9, 2010 at 1:57 am.
good Blog!I love Hawaii