Why visit the Big Island? Welcome to the first blog in our four-part series exploring the unique essence of each of Hawaii’s main islands. In this series, we’ll uncover what makes Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island special, highlighting the kind of Hawaii experience you’ll find on each island. First up, we’re diving into the Big Island – the island of adventure, history and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re an explorer, dreamer, or someone captivated by Hawaii’s rich heritage, the Big Island might just be your dream destination.

What’s in a Name?

The Big Island, officially called Hawaii Island, earns its nickname by being the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands. At over 4,000 square miles , it’s larger than all the other islands combined. With a population of roughly 200,000, this island offers plenty of space to roam. It’s the home of Hawaii’s most dramatic natural wonders, from towering volcanoes to pristine waterfalls, and it’s where you’ll find the southernmost point in the United States.

Why Visit the Big Island: Check Out These Highlights

• Volcanoes National Park: Witness the raw power of nature at Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most famous volcanoes in the world.
• Waipio Valley: Known as “Valley of the Kings,” this lush, secluded area is perfect for adventurous hikes and jaw-dropping views.
• Akaka Falls State Park: A short, easy trail through a modern-day Garden of Eden leads you to a stunning 442-ft waterfall.
• Kailua-Kona: The heart of the island’s west coast, filled with charming shops and oceanfront dining. Additionally, the Royal Kona Resort is located here – an excellent base for exploring.
• Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: This iconic beach is famous for its jet-black sand and frequent visits from Hawaiian green sea turtles.
• South Point Complex: Located near Na’alehu, this is the southernmost point in the United States. (Many confuse this with the southernmost point in the continental US, located in Key West.) Don’t miss nearby Papakolea, an exotic green sand beach!
• Kona Coffee Belt: Tour coffee farms and savor world-famous Kona coffee, grown on the island’s fertile volcanic slopes.
• Kealakekua Bay: A haven for snorkeling and kayaking, this bay is also home to the Captain Cook Monument and vibrant marine life.
• Hilo: A sleepy, rain-soaked town brimming with local culture and proximity to breathtaking natural wonders.
• Mauna Kea Stargazing: Saddle Road offers some of the clearest night skies for stargazing in the world.
• Waimea: Experience the country charm of Waimea, home to Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys), rolling green hills and working cattle farms.
• World-Class Golfing: Golfers will love the courses along the Kohala Coast, such as the Mauna Kea Golf Course, which offers stunning views and challenging play.
• Deep-Sea Fishing: Kailua-Kona is a hub for deep-sea fishing, famous for its tournaments and the chance to reel in marlin, mahi-mahi and more.

Who Should Visit the Big Island?

The Big Island exudes a rugged, untamed energy that attracts adventurers and dreamers alike. If you’ve ever wondered why you should visit the Big Island, it’s because this island speaks to something familiar in your soul. There’s a magic in the air here, where deep roots and spirituality combine with jaw-dropping natural beauty to create something unlike anywhere else in the world.

• For the History Buff: The Big Island is steeped in Hawaiian history, from he ancient petroglyphs scattered across the island to Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau, a place of refuge that’s now a National Historical Park.
• For the Adventurer: Think volcano trekking, night-snorkeling with manta rays, and exploring black sand beaches. The island’s sheer diversity of landscapes means you can hike a lava field in the morning, and swim under a waterfall in the afternoon.
• For the Dreamer: The Big Island’s natural beauty feels otherworldly, making it a haven for those who seek inspiration and a connection to the land. Sacred sites like Waipio Valley and Mauna Kea, as well as Christian roots, add to the island’s spiritual allure.
• For the Coffee Lover: Coffee farms dot the slopes of Kona, offering tours, tastings and the chance to learn about the world-renowned Kona coffee.

Getting Around

The Big Island is, well, big. To truly experience its magic and understand why you should visit the Big Island, you’ll need to hit the road. The landscape shifts dramatically as you drive. Lush mountains of the Kona coffee belt. Tiny, green-soaked towns. Arid lava fields. Winding roads like the breath-taking Onomea Bay scenic drive near Hilo. The expansive sky on Saddle Road. The remoteness of Hawi. The sunlit, rolling green hills of Waimea. Although amazingly worth it, you will be in your car quite a bit. If that’s a dealbreaker – the Big Island may not be the right island for you. The good news is: our all-inclusive Big Island vacation packages not only include a rental car, but they also include several guided excursions. These guided tours and activities allow you to sit back and enjoy the view – while someone else does the driving.

Our Big Island All-Inclusive Vacation

If the Big Island is calling your name, we’ve got you covered with our six-day, all-inclusive Big Island vacation package. Based at the Royal Kona Resort in Kailua-Kona, this package includes daily breakfasts, dinners at your resort, a Hawaiian luau and a sunset dinner cruise. Additionally, you’ll enjoy excursions such as a volcanoes and stargazing tour, zip lining and snorkeling. With a rental car included, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. We’ll help you plan the perfect itinerary, from included activities to suggested drives, so that your trip covers it all.

So why visit the Big Island? We say, “why not?!” The Big Island offers a one-of-a-kind blend of adventure, history and natural wonders. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Hawaiian getaway!