The island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined (hence, its nickname, “Big Island”), its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world's different climate zones here, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. From the many geological features at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach, the island of Hawaii is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature. However you decide to experience the island, it is sure to leave you humbled! Check out the island of Hawaii's regions to explore this vast island.
There is no better way to view the sheer scope and striking environmental contrasts of the island of Hawaii than from above. Get lost in the sprawling size of hidden tropical valleys, cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches, mountain summits and of course, an unprecedented view of Kilauea's lava flows over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The stars play an outsize role in the history of Hawaii, both as navigational wayfinders for our early explorers and as a realm of the gods in Hawaiian culture. Today, Maunakea is home to the largest astronomical observatory on the planet, where massive telescopes are watching the heavens and making discoveries beyond our imagination.
Whether you’re soaring over waterfalls, lush treetops or 200-foot river gorges, ziplines are an exhilarating, eco-friendly way to see the island of Hawaii’s most majestic sights. From Hilo to the Kohala Coast, zipline tours showcase the amazing diversity of the island's landscapes.
Have you ever seen a beach with black sand? Because of constant volcanic activity, you'll find white sands and black sands on the island of Hawaii. Located on the southeastern Kau coast, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii.
Travel down the volcanic western coastline of the Kohala Coast and follow the signs to find a spectacular oasis that has earned a reputation as one of the island of Hawaii's finest beaches. The largest of the island's white sand beaches, Hapuna also offers consistently good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing and snorkeling.
The Pacific Ocean waters just offshore from the island of the Hawaii are a vibrant habitat for a wide range of beautiful and coveted big game fish. Here, you can catch everything from mahimahi to wahoo to skipjack and yellowfin tuna. But these majestic depths are also home to a variety of billfish, including striped marlin, spearfish and the most sought-after trophy of all, blue marlin.
Surfing was literally the "Sport of Kings" in Hawaii, reserved only for the alii (royalty). Today on the island of Hawaii, you can either watch this exciting sport from the safety of the shore or experience the rush of catching a wave yourself by taking a surfing lesson.