Hawaii is the name to cure all your anxiety, pain and hunger. The Big Island, with miles of highways and - better yet - byways to explore will leave you tired and fresh at the same time. From age-old fishing villages to modern mega resorts, from snow-capped peaks to sandy beaches, you'll experience tropical splendor backed by an epic history. Hawaiiis twice as big as the other Hawaiian islands combined, and its dramatic terrain will surprise you and take you to extremes.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is one of the most geologically interesting national parks in all of the United States. It is home to two active volcanoes that allow visitors to see the wonder of nature in action.
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Waipio Valley and Overlook
This incredibly beautiful valley on the northeastern coast of Big Island, about 50 miles north of Hilo, has often been described as a sort of "Shangri La", almost cut off from the outside world.About 1 mile wide valley, dissects the Kohala Mountains and is difficult to reach because of the steep cliffs on the three landward sides. Strong waves make it equally unapproachable from the sea.
Bananas, papayas, mangoes, avocados and grapefruit grow on the fertile valley floor and colorful ginger trees, orchids, and hibiscus decorate the landscape. Where the valley meets the ocean is a long black sand beach. As many of the local people will tell you, it was in this area that the movie "Waterworld" was filmed.
There is a steep and twisting road into the valley which allows access by car or by foot. Most car rental companies do not allow their vehicles to be driven down into the valley so some people choose to walk down the road.
Waipio is fed by the Hiilawe Falls, which drops over 1200 ft. This double waterfall is one of the highest in the world but in the dry season has very little water nowadays because it is used to irrigate the land above the valley.
3 Mauna Kea
Hawaii's highest mountain and home to the Mauna Kea Observatory, Mauna Kea is a splendid site to visit.People love to go for downhill skiing during certain months. A road, best suited for 4WD vehicles, offers access to the summit which stands at a majestic 13,796 ft.
4. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park (Kona Coast)
The park is a awesome place to learn about island traditions. and cultures of Hawaii. The present temple site was restored by the national park authorities and is a replica of the original which dates from the end of the 18th century. The palace was a place of refuge, protected by a huge wall measuring 10 ft high and 16 ft wide. The most fascinating places about this island include the landing place of the royal canoes ("keone'ele"), the stones on which the royal family played a type of Hawaiian game known as "konane", and the Kuuhumanu Stone, behind which the Queen hid from Kamehameha's henchmen but was discovered when her dog began to bark.The royal fishpond known as "he-lei-palalu", the Keoua Stone, supposedly the favorite place of Keoua, King of Kona,burial vaults, rock carvings and models of houses belonging to the priests and inhabitants of the City of Refuge.
5. Parker Ranch (Kona Coast)
The largest cattle ranch in The United States, covering staggering amount of land, Parker Ranch is a stunning vista in Hawaii.. Visitors can take a tour to learn about the history and business, and see the beautiful landscape.
6. Waikoloa Beach Resort and Petroglyph Park
Located on the Kona Coast, Waikoloa Beach is home to a lovely area with a number of petroglyphs. Most visitors come to this area for the Hilton Waikoloa Village. There are few resorts in the world which compare to the care which has gone into creating a magical environment for guests at Hilton Waikoloa Village.While the resort is large, guests can move around the grounds using a sleek transit system or beautifully appointed wood paneled boats which cruise the canals on the grounds.
Art galleries here contain millions of dollars of Hawaiian, Oriental and other art. On the grounds are tropical gardens set with sculptures grouped by theme. A variety of species are found throughout the gardens which surround a saltwater lagoon. One highlight of the resort is a dolphin area where guests, especially children, can wade in and interact with the dolphins
7. Ahu'ena Heiau
This fully restored temple, directly behind the Kamehameha Hotel in Kailua Kona, is possibly the best example of a Hawaiian place of sacrifice. Ahuena Heiau was built by Kamehameha I on Kamakahonu Beach and dedicated to the god Lona.
This area became central to the abolition of the tabus and the destruction of heathen idols and temples.
8. Akaka Falls State Park and Kahuna Falls
Akaka Falls State Park near Hilo is home to both Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. The Akaka Falls are the tallest on the island, free falling 442 feet. The setting here is quite stunning with lush surroundings of tropical ferns and palms. A short circular hiking trail, with some elevation changes, leads from the parking lot past both Akaka and the equally scenic Kahuna Falls. The trail is paved, but has many steps.
9. Kailua Kona and Magic Sands Beach
Kailua Kona is the main town on the Kona Coast and a good base for visitors who want to explore this stretch of the Big Island. This is the main shopping center and where many of the snorkeling and boating trips depart from. Magic Sands Beach, sometimes a good snorkeling or swimming area, is located just south of Kailua Kona. The beach is sometimes sand covered and at other times it is void of sand, leaving a rocky shore.
10. Kaneohe, Hawaii
Kāneʻohe resides in the city and county of Honolulu on the island of O'ahu in Hawai'i. If we have to listen to the ancient Hawaiian stories, once a lady compared her husband's cruelty to the shape of the sharp cutting edge of the bamboo, which christens the place as Kāneʻohe or "bamboo man".