The island of Hawaii comprises over half of the area of the state of Hawaii in the United States of America.

It is almost universally called the Big Island partly to avoid confusion.

It is home to the most active volcano in the world, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

As well as the largest mountain in the world in volume (Mauna Loa) and the tallest mountain in the world as measured from its base on the sea floor to its peak (Mauna Kea).

There are two major airports if you are flying into the Big Island, Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport. There are some direct flights from the mainland, mostly from California, but it is more common to arrive via Honolulu or Kahului. You should try to get a flight direct from the mainland to Kona to save time waiting (and walking) around the Honolulu airport.

Although several cruise ship lines operate in Hawaii, there is currently no dedicated inter-island boat service. Hawaii Superferry, a private company supported by the Hawaii state government, proposes to implement high-capacity catamaran ferry services.

Renting a car is really the only way to see the island. Getting around by local bus, bikes, or on foot work well if you’re staying in one area. Many budget travelers are unpleasantly surprised by the lack of public transport on the Big Island. Although there are limited bus services from Hilo to destinations like Volcano or the Kona side, they require reservations, and travel on a minimal set schedule.

There are a lot of places to visit in Hawaii on your trip, but the main attractions are: Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, 30 miles (48.2 km) SW of Hilo on Hawaii 11, (808) 985-6000 (fax (808) 985-6004). Every day, 24 hours. Kilauea Visitor Center open every day 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to both the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa (13,677 feet high), and the world’s most active, Kilauea (continuously erupting since 1983). $10.00 per vehicle, $5.00 per pedestrian or bicycle, both prices for a 7 day permit. National Park Service passes accepted.

Mauna Kea, 28 miles (45.1 km) W of Hilo on Hawaii 20, then N on the access road to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, (808) 961-2180. OCIA, named in memory of U.S. astronaut Ellison Onizuka, open daily 9AM - 10PM. Mauna Kea (13,796 feet), the largest mountain in the world (measured from its base) is a dormant volcano which has become an international center for astronomy. Several astronomical observatories are located on its summit.

The austere Mars-like landscape dotted with technological marvels is worth a look; if it is clear you might also get a look out to Maui. The elevation is high, and there are few tourist support facilities so hiking and exploring are discouraged. Also keep an eye out for the nene, also known as the Hawaiian goose. The nene is the state bird and an endangered species.
Four wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended above the OCIA. Several tour companies offer tours to the summit and observatories of Mauna Kea for a fee. Observatory facilities are normally closed to the public. Most rental car companies prohibit travel on Hawaii 20 (Saddle Road). No admission charge.
- Black sand beaches formed by volcanic sand. There are currently two well-known and many less known black sand beaches. The former are Kehena Beach in the Puna district, and Punalu`u Beach in Ka`u district.
- Green sand beach at South Point. There is a parking lot and a shack which has been designated as a “visitor’s center”. If you park in this lot, there is a chance that someone will emerge with a clipboard and ask you to pay for parking. Several guide books make the point that this is public land and that you are allowed to park without paying any fee. While this may be true, this traveller’s experience (March 2005) was that after refusing to pay the parking fee, the person asking for the fee became enraged and threatened physical violence unless our party departed immediately. A more promising alternative is to park at the boat launch, adding half a mile to your hike.

Lava flows. NEVER WALK OUT ON THE BEACH WHERE LAVA IS FLOWING INTO THE SEA. Read and obey all warnings given by the park. That said, the park rangers are very helpful in telling you where the lava is currently flowing (it changes all the time). Usually they’ll let you walk right up to it as long as it’s considered safe (no threat of methane explosions or lava bench collapse). The fact that the lava is 2000 degrees F naturally keeps people from getting too close!

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, S of Kailua-Kona on Hawaii 11, then W on Hawaii 160 at Honaunau Post Office. (808) 328-2326. Open MTWTh 6AM - 8PM, FSaSu 6AM-11PM. Visitor center open daily 8AM - 5:30PM. Puuhonua o Honaunau is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about Hawaiian heritage. Breakers of kapu (taboos) who could make it to this place and performed a series of rituals were granted sanctuary. Tours, traditional craft demos, simulations of the Hukilau (fishing with ti leaf ropes) and other activities can be seen here (schedules vary). Honu (turtles) can frequently be observed swimming in the royal fishpond. May be crowded with other tourists. $5.00 per vehicle or motorcycle with 2 people, $3.00 per pedestrian or bicycle, for 7 days.