Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise

Article Published: October 14th, 2004

Aloha and welcome to Hawaii’s Big Island. Here you will find 266 miles of Pacific coast line. The Big Island is twice the size of the other major Hawaiian Islands combined. The island of Hawaii was formed by five volcanoes , two of which remain active: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Lava has been flowing from Kilauea since 1983 and spilling into the sea. The lava has added an estimated 500 acres of land to the island in the last 21 years. The top visitors attraction on the island is of course Volcano National Park where you can enjoy a self guided hike or climb aboard a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of the Volcano. On the west side of the island you will find the seaside village of Kailua-Kona where the majority of visitors stay. The Kailua-Kona area is dry and sunny with contrasting landscapes of lava rock and tropical trees. A short drive away you will find the town Waimea, which is home to The Parker Ranch. In 1847 John Parker from Massachusetts married King Kamehameha’s granddaughter and inherited 640 acres. Today at 225,000 acres the property is now one of the largest cattle ranches under single-ownership in the US. On the east side of the island you will find the capital city of Hilo, full of historic buildings, unique restaurants, quaint boutiques and museums. While Hawaii’s Big Island has more than enough coastline for lounging in the sun, it is better known for it activities. The choices are endless, you can spend your time up in the air touring the island by helicopter, kayaking, snorkelling, whale watching, fishing, scuba driving, surfing, bicycling, horseback riding, hiking or golfing on one of the 18 championship courses

Entry Filed under: Hawaii