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Tour One: Explore Hawaii
The Island of Hawaii is a land of contrasts. It is so large and so full of micro climates that visitors to one part of it may never even experience—-or even hear about—-other parts. With more than a dozen national and state parks, thousands of acres of untamed land and countless beaches, Hawaii offers a myriad of adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. However, unlike Molokai and Lanai, this island also has plenty of places to shop, dine and drink. Locals are quick to point out the island’s inferiority to Maui in this regard, but visitors may be pleasantly surprised by what the Big Island has to offer.
Tour Two: Kilauea/Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The first-—and often the only-—formal tour that many visitors "do" when visiting the Big Island is "the volcano." The questions of which volcano should be "done" and what the doing entails seem self-explanatory to most tourists, but in fact, it is not quite that simple. There are actually four volcanoes on the island, two of them still active. Of the two volcanoes contained within Volcanoes National Park, the one that most people go to see is mighty Kilauea, one of the most volatile volcanoes in the world.
As to the question of what one should actually do in the park, well, that’s entirely dependent on personal taste. Many people choose to take a guided or self-guided tour up to one of the viewing areas. Call the park at +1 808 985 6000 to find out about conditions beforehand. It’s often possible to view lava spewing from the volcano. Sundown is the best time to view this; bring a flashlight and binoculars. People who want to see more of the lava action usually choose to book a heli-tour, which allows for a birds-eye view. There are several respected helicopter companies, including Blue Hawaiian, Mauna Loa Helicopters and Safari Helicopters.
Hikers and mountain bikers will want to spend a bit more time in the park, exploring the many trails that are on site. Budding geologists and naturalists will want to visit the Jaggar Museum or the Kilauea Visitor Center to study the many exhibits and informational displays relating to the park.
The works of local artists can always be seen at the art center and its gallery, located in Kilauea Lodge. Volcano Village is a great place to wander and browse. Take a quick side trip to nearby Volcano Winery, where local vintages are available to taste.
Tour Three: Kohala Coast
This tour is best started in Kona, although it’s possible to drive from Hilo to Waimea and down the coast.
Starting from Kailua-Kona, take the main highway north. It’s a quick, 15-minute drive up the highway to the Kona Coast State Park just past the airport. The terrain is fascinating; an endless expanse of black lava rock, oddly tattooed with cryptic messages formed of white stones. The ocean is visible in the distance, although there are only a few points that have beach access. A few minutes past the main park entrance is the Ka’upulehu area, where the Kona Village Resort and the Four Seasons are located. Chances are, by the time you see it, you’ll already have passed it. Keep going.
The spot to really keep an eye out for is 20 minutes farther down the road. It’s the lovely Waikoloa Beach Resort, home to an upscale shopping mall, a couple of beaches, world-class golf courses, a half-dozen fine hotels and a dolphin habitat. Perhaps the best place to stop is the Hilton Waikoloa because it is here that the dolphin habitat is located. Kings' Shops, Waikoloa’s best shopping mall, is nearby.
Many people find the journey from Kailua to Waikoloa to be interesting enough to fill an entire day. If you want to push onward, however, you’ll reach the two most exclusive resort districts on the island. The first is Mauna Loa. The second is Mauna Kea. Upon glimpsing either resort, you’ll immediately understand why this area is named the Gold Coast. The resorts are like magical oases, seemingly created by fairies or genies in the middle of a vast expanse of unforgiving black lava rock. After ambling through the Mauna Lani Bay Resort, the Orchid at Mauna Lani or the Westin Hotels at Mauna Kea, enjoy award-winning cuisine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Tour Four: Hamakua Coast
Scenic and secluded, the North-eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i is a great place to explore by car. Starting from Hilo Town, the first attraction you’ll reach is Wailuku River State Park, home of Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls. These picturesque falls, famed for the mist that gathers prisms around the base, are only a short distance from the main road. Further along the highway is the turnoff for Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The drive to the garden is four miles, but it’s a twisty, slow road that not everyone chooses to follow.
Just a few more miles down this famed scenic highway, you’ll find the turn-off that leads to ‘Akaka Falls State Park. This is a path to follow. The stunning 420-foot cascade is among the best (and most easily accessible) major waterfalls in the state. If you missed the botanical gardens, there is another chance to see blooms en masse at the World Gardens, located a few miles north of ‘Akaka Falls.
There are dozens of other enjoyable ways to spend a day on this island. Shop Kailua, snorkel in the marine preserve at Kealakekua, take a historic tour of Hilo Town or ride the trails at one of the many ranches. Don’t forget the most popular nighttime attraction: stargazing atop Mauna Kea.
If you want to get a complete picture of the activities available on the Big Island, stock up on pamphlets at the airport tourism desk, talk to the Big Island Visitor’s Bureau. For private tours around the Big Island, try Native Guide Hawaii (+1 808 982 7575 / http://www.nativeguidehawaii.com/).
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