Hawaii is one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world, particularly by travelers from the continental United States. It's not hard to understand why. The idyllic natural beauty combined with seemingly endless options to take it all in makes it an easy place to visit.
The state of Hawaii is made up of multiple islands with Oahu and Maui generally being the most popular with tourists. Both of them have a great deal of infrastructure devoted to the tourism industry. Kauai is another popular island thanks to its dedication to maintaining ecological wonders.
Somehow, the Big Island of Hawaii doesn't ever quite seem to get the respect it deserves. It's a beautiful place with diverse landscapes and incredible natural wonders. If you're planning a trip to paradise, then you need to set a course for the Big Island.
Choosing the Big Island
As far as the Hawaiian Islands go, this is the big one. It's almost double the size of all the other islands combined. Hence, it's referred to as the Big Island for good reason. It's large enough that it has a wide range of biomes, including rainforests, deserts, snowy mountains, and so much more.
The Big Island is so diverse that you can hit the slopes in the morning and go surfing in the afternoon. You cannot miss Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a key destination that lets you experience the majesty and power of two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
There are several state parks and recreation areas that should be experienced. If you really want to get up close and personal with a volcano, then head for Nahuku, aka the Thurston Lava Tube. It is a fragile environment, so be respectful of the experience of being there.
Life in paradise
Most communities can be found on the coast around the island. Hilo is the biggest city in Hawaii, offering stellar views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. While it has several great resorts, restaurants, and things to do, Hilo is on the side of the island that gets more rain. A lot more rain.
The west side of the island is warmer and has more temperate weather. There are several big resorts and resort towns along the coast, such as Kailua-Kona. It's located near two forest reserves, a major bird sanctuary, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and some incredible beaches.
And if you're into science, the Big Island is also a great place to visit. Given the nature and location of Hawaii, its volcanoes make excellent places for observatories and scientific research. This is yet another reason to check out the Big Island, and that doesn't even get into the snorkeling.