Hawaii's Big Island Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

Summary

Discover the Island of Hawai'i, the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian islands, with diverse climate zones and a rich volcanic landscape. Experience the warm beaches, red-hot lava flows, and lush green jungles. Immerse in the unique Polynesian culture and explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the Kīlauea volcano. Relax on the black lava beaches, enjoy watersports, and taste local specialties. Visit historic sites like Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and the legendary birthplace of Kamehameha the First. With a backdrop of earth, water, wind, and fire, the Big Island offers a spectacular journey through nature's splendid gifts.

Takeaways

• 🏝️ The Island of Hawai'i is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian islands, offering a variety of climate zones.
• 🌋 It is known for its volcanic activity, with nature's elements creating a dramatic landscape.
• 🌊 The island features warm, blue waters, ocean breezes, and red-hot lava flows.
• 🌴 A lush green jungle can be found on the island, complementing its subtropical coastline.
• 🏖️ The west side of the Big Island is resort-rich, offering black lava beaches and watersports.
• 🐢 Pacific green sea turtles can be seen at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.
• 🍺 Kailua-Kona is the main resort hub, offering exclusive brews and Hawaiian specialties like shave ice.
• 🛍️ Visitors can shop for 'Aloha' souvenirs, beachwear, and visit historical sites like Hulihe'e Palace.
• 🏞️ The interior of the Big Island is home to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with the Kīlauea volcano being a major attraction.
• 🌄 The island's windward coast is known for its tropical climate and is the birthplace of Kamehameha the First.
• 🌅 On the west coast, Hapuna Beach is a prime location to watch the sunset over the North Pacific Ocean.

Q & A

What is the Island of Hawai'i also known as?

The Island of Hawai'i is also known as the Big Island.

Why is the Island of Hawai'i considered the youngest among the Hawaiian islands?

The Island of Hawai'i is considered the youngest because it is still growing due to volcanic activity.

What can visitors expect in terms of climate zones on the Big Island?

Visitors can expect a range of climate zones on the Big Island due to its large size and varied topography.

What is the significance of Pele in Hawaiian culture?

Pele is the mythical goddess of fire, volcanoes, and passion in Hawaiian culture.

What type of beaches can be found on the west side of the Big Island?

The west side of the Big Island offers black lava beaches.

Where can visitors see Pacific green sea turtles on the Big Island?

Visitors can see Pacific green sea turtles in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

What is special about Kahalu'u Bay on the Big Island?

Kahalu'u Bay is a sheltered beach park where visitors can dive and greet the 'Honu' (Hawaiian green sea turtles) underwater.

What is the main resort hub of the Big Island?

Kailua-Kona is the island's main resort hub.

What historical event is associated with Captain Cook village on the Big Island?

Captain Cook village is associated with the death of the famous English explorer, Captain Cook, who was killed in Kealakekua Bay in 1779.

What is unique about the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park?

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park was a place of refuge in ancient times and features primitive canoes, huts, board games, and a sacred burial temple for Hawaiian chiefs.

How long has the Kīlauea volcano been erupting in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

The Kīlauea volcano has been steadily erupting for over 30 years.

What is the significance of the Pololū Valley on the Big Island?

The Pololū Valley is significant as it overlooks the sprawling forest reserves of the lush northern region of Hawai'i and is the birthplace of Kamehameha the First, who unified the Hawaiian islands.

Outlines

00:00

🏝️ Discovering the Big Island of Hawai'i

The largest and youngest of the Hawaiian islands, the Big Island of Hawai'i, is a land of diverse climate zones and volcanic wonders. It offers visitors a chance to experience the warm blue waters, ocean breezes, and the dramatic lava flows. The island is steeped in Polynesian culture and the legend of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the island's natural wonders, including the black lava beaches and the main resort hub of Kailua-Kona. The script also mentions the importance of being prepared for unexpected road closures.

🌊 Westside of the Big Island: Beaches and Culture

The westside of the Big Island is a resort-rich area known for its black lava beaches, historical significance, and water sports. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a highlight where green sea turtles can be observed. The area also includes the beach park of Kahalu'u Bay, part of the main resort hub, Kailua-Kona, which is ideal for relaxation and trying activities like stand-up paddle boarding. The local culture is celebrated with Kona's exclusive brews and Hawaiian specialties like shave ice.

🏞️ Exploring the Interior and Volcanic Wonders

The interior of the Big Island is home to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where visitors can witness the steaming craters of the Kīlauea volcano, which has been erupting for over 30 years. The script suggests a day trip to Captain Cook village, where the famous explorer met his end in 1779. The village now offers a relaxed atmosphere with sunbathing and people watching opportunities.

🏰 Historical and Cultural Experiences

The script describes a visit to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a place of refuge in ancient times, where visitors can see primitive canoes, huts, board games, and the sacred burial temple for Hawaiian chiefs. The park is a testament to the island's rich history and the importance of its cultural heritage.

🌋 Volcanoes and the Legacy of the Polynesians

The script highlights the bravery of the Polynesian seafarers who settled on the Big Island despite its mighty volcanoes. The fertile soil from the molten lava was perfect for new beginnings, and the island's windward coast is a testament to the flourishing nature and people of the region.

🌧️ Hilo: The Wettest City and Indoor Attractions

Tropical Hilo, one of the wettest cities in the US, offers numerous indoor attractions to keep visitors entertained during the rainy season. The script suggests exploring the east coast's attractions when the weather is less favorable.

👑 The Legacy of Kamehameha the First

The northern tip of the island, Pololū Valley, is noted for its sprawling forest reserves and as the birthplace of Kamehameha the First, who unified the Hawaiian islands. The script encourages visitors to explore the historic towns of Kapaau and Hawi, which offer boutique shops and galleries.

🌅 West Coast Sunsets and Toasts

The script concludes with a suggestion to watch the sunset on Hapuna Beach on the west coast, a perfect end to a day exploring the island. It recommends raising a toast with a Mai Tai or a Lava Flow-inspired cocktail to celebrate the island's natural elements of earth, water, wind, and fire.

Keywords

💡Hawai'i (Big Island)

Hawai'i, also known as the Big Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It's a landmass that is still growing and features a range of climate zones. The island is central to the video's theme as it showcases the natural wonders and cultural richness of the region. The script describes the island's subtropical coastline, volcanoes, and lush green jungles, emphasizing its unique environment and attractions.

💡Polynesian culture

Polynesian culture refers to the shared traditions and beliefs of the indigenous peoples of Polynesia, a region including Hawaii. In the video, this culture is highlighted by mentioning the special connection Hawaiians have with nature and their unique traditions. The script alludes to this culture through references to the mythical goddess Pele, who embodies the fiery spirit of the islands' volcanoes.

💡Pele

Pele is the mythical goddess of fire, volcanoes, and passion in Hawaiian mythology. She is a central figure in the island's folklore and is associated with the volcanic activity that shapes the landscape. The script mentions Pele to illustrate the cultural significance of the island's natural features and to connect the viewer with the spiritual aspect of the Hawaiian landscape.

💡Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona is the island's main resort hub, known for its relaxed atmosphere and range of water sports. The script mentions it as a place to enjoy sunshine and try activities like stand-up paddle boarding. It represents the leisure and recreational aspect of the island, which is an important part of the video's exploration of the Big Island.

💡Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a key destination on the island, famous for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park is highlighted in the script for its steaming craters and the opportunity to witness lava flowing into the ocean. It exemplifies the video's focus on the island's geological wonders and the raw power of nature.

💡Kīlauea volcano

Kīlauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes and a major draw for visitors to the Big Island. The script notes that it has been erupting steadily for over 30 years, which underscores the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the island's landscape. This keyword ties into the video's theme of natural spectacles and the enduring power of the earth.

💡Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and a significant landmark mentioned in the script. It provides a backdrop for the Mauna Kea Beach, where visitors can relax. The mountain is also a site for astronomical observation, which is not directly mentioned but adds to the island's scientific and cultural significance.

💡Captain Cook

Captain Cook was a famous English explorer who was killed in Kealakekua Bay in 1779. The script references the historical significance of this event and the village named in his honor. This keyword connects the viewer with the island's history and the legacy of European exploration in the region.

💡Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is mentioned as a place of refuge in ancient times. The script describes it as having primitive canoes, huts, and board games, and being home to a sacred burial temple. This keyword highlights the cultural heritage and historical depth of the island, emphasizing the video's exploration of the island's past.

💡Hilo

Hilo is described as one of the wettest cities in the US, located on the Big Island's windward coast. The script mentions its indoor attractions, which are important for visitors during the rainy season. Hilo represents the video's theme of the island's diverse climate zones and the thriving communities that have adapted to them.

💡Kapaau and Hawi

Kapaau and Hawi are historic, rustic towns on the island's northern tip. The script suggests browsing their boutique shops and galleries, indicating the cultural and artistic richness of these areas. These towns exemplify the video's theme of exploring the island's unique communities and their contributions to the local culture.

Highlights

The Island of Hawai'i is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian islands with a range of climate zones.

Enjoy the warm, blue water, ocean breezes, red-hot lava flow, and lush green jungle.

The unique Polynesian culture of the Hawaiians and their special connection to nature is ever present.

Explore the island's natural wonders and take a few days to drive around the Big Island.

The westside of the Big Island offers black lava beaches, history, and watersports.

Pacific green sea turtles can be seen in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

Kahalu'u bay is a great place for diving to greet the 'Honu' underwater.

Kailua-Kona is the island's main resort hub and a relaxing place to enjoy the sunshine.

Try stand-up paddle boarding and taste Kona's exclusive brews or Hawaiian shave ice.

Shop for 'Aloha' souvenirs, beachwear, and admire Hulihe'e Palace.

Relax on Mauna Kea Beach with the summit of the Mauna Kea volcano in the backdrop.

Captain Cook village is a historical site where the famous English explorer was killed.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park was a place of refuge in ancient times.

Explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and see the Kīlauea volcano's steaming craters.

Join a cruise to see lava pour into the ocean from the Kīlauea volcano.

Tropical Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the US with many indoor attractions.

The Pololū Valley offers a view of the sprawling forest reserves of Hawai'i's lush northern region.

Kapaau and Hawi are historic and rustic towns with boutique shops and galleries.

Watch the sun set on Hapuna Beach on the west coast.

Salute the Island of Hawai'i with a Mai Tai or Lava Flow-inspired cocktail.

Transcripts

In the North Pacific Ocean lies the Island of Hawai'i,

also known as the Big Island.

This is the largest, and youngest, of the Hawaiian islands

and its still-growing landmass has a range of climate zones.

On this volcano-rich island, with subtropical coastline,

nature's elements collide spectacularly.

Enjoy the warm, blue water and the ocean breezes,

see the red-hot lava flow and delve into a lush green jungle.

On this remote American island,

the unique Polynesian culture of the Hawaiians,

and their special connection to nature, is ever present.

This is the domain of Pele,

the mythical goddess of fire, volcanoes and passion.

Set out exploring to see the island's natural wonders.

Take a few days to drive around the Big Island...

Remember, nobody is in a hurry here,

so take your time and expect some unusual road closures!

The resort-rich westside of the Big Island offers black lava beaches,

history and watersports.

Pacific green sea turtles crawl ashore

in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

To greet the "Honu" underwater, dive in the sheltered Kahalu'u bay.

This beach park is part of Kailua-Kona,

the island's main resort hub.

It is a relaxing place to enjoy the sunshine

and try stand-up paddle boarding.

When you are ready for a break, taste one of Kona's exclusive brews

or treat the children to shave ice, another Hawaiian specialty.

Shop for "Aloha" souvenirs or beachwear and admire Hulihe'e Palace.

Relax a few days on Mauna Kea Beach,

with Hawaii's highest point, the summit of the Mauna Kea volcano,

in the backdrop.

Set aside a day for nearby Captain Cook village.

In 1779, the famous English explorer was killed right here in Kealakekua Bay.

These days the the old jetty built in his honor

is used for sunbathing and people watching.

It is worth stopping by at this painted church

when driving south to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

Pu'uhonua was a place of refuge in ancient times.

See primitive canoes, huts and board games

and walk around the sacred burial temple for Hawaiian chiefs,

guarded by carved Kii gods.

Spend some time in the Big Island's interior

and explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The steaming craters of the Kīlauea volcano

bring in visitors from all over the world.

This relatively young volcano

has been steadily erupting for over 30 years now.

You can even join a cruise to see the lava pour into the ocean.

Hawai'i's mighty volcanoes did not scare off the brave Polynesian seafarers

some thousand years ago when they first set foot on the Big Island.

After all, fertile molten soil is perfect for new beginnings

and on the Big Island's windward coast nature AND people flourish.

Tropical Hilo is one of the wettest city in the US,

but the many indoor attractions on this part of the east coast

will keep you entertained when the heavens open.

On the island's northern tip, in the Pololū Valley,

overlook the sprawling forest reserves

of Hawai'i''s lush northern region,

the birthplace of Kamehameha the First.

The legendary king unified the Hawaiian islands.

Browse the boutique shops and galleries

in the historic, and rustic, towns of Kapaau and Hawi.

Back on the west coast,

watch the sun sink into the North Pacific Ocean

like a glowing ball of fire on Hapuna Beach.

Salute the Island of Hawai'i'

with a Mai Tai or Lava Flow-inspired cocktail:

Here's to earth, water, wind, and fire,

nature's splendid gifts to human kind.