When my mom suggested the Big Island of Hawaii to add to my itinerary, I brushed her off. “Mom, I know what I’m doing, there’s nothing to see there!” But boy oh boy, was I wrong. Thank goodness I eventually decided to go because if I hadn’t I would’ve missed so much. Although the Big Island of Hawaii is the least hyped in the tourist industry, with intense, otherworldly landscapes, gorgeous resorts and rugged terrain, there is something here for every type of traveler.
Here are five reasons why you should visit Hawaii’s Big Island NOW.
1. There is a beach for everyone
No matter what type of traveler you are – active or luxury – Hawaii has a beach for you. And what is even better, since this island is so under-hyped the beaches are far less crowded on the Big Island than any of the other islands, so you get the place all to yourself! Snorkeling and kayaking here are such a treat; in Kealakekua Bay, which is commonly said to be the best snorkeling spot in the state, you will be knee-deep in technicolor fish or if you are lucky even surrounded by dolphins. For an even more thrilling experience go for a night dive with manta rays! Yes, that is a thing anyone can do and it’s incredible. For just swimming or tanning try Hapuna Beach or Kahaluu Beach Park, where the water is crystal clear and the endless expanse of sand mostly tourist free. And if you are up for an adventure head to South Point where you will find one of only four green sand beaches in the entire world!
2. The volcanoes are breathtaking
There is something about seeing volcanoes that makes most people revert to a five-year-old exclaiming “That’s so cool!” and ooh-ing and ahh-ing. No matter how dangerous, deadly and scary volcanoes are, they are captivating like nothing else. Hawaii’s Big Island offers plenty of ways to see active volcanoes and lava flow up close without breaking the bank. Visit Volcano National Park (at night for the best views) to see a massive active volcano crater or drive down Chain of Craters Road which ends abruptly due to lava actually flowing over the road that you can see up close. You won’t be able to get this close to lava on the other islands, that’s for sure.
3. You can see the stars (and they’re enchanting)
In a world where the stars are not visible in most places, the fact that the vast array of stars is visible anywhere on the Big Island is quite special. Due to the nature of the island, the isolation from the mainland, the lack of light pollution that you might otherwise have from bustling cities such as Honolulu, and its place among the air currents, stargazing on the Big Island is the best out of the Hawaiian islands and possibly the world. For the very best view of the stars, drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea, where the views of the cosmos are so good that 12 different countries have telescopes here. Wait until nightfall for a dazzling show of stars and a free astronomy lesson to go with it. You won’t soon forget what you see up there.
4. The landscape is gorgeous
There are cliffs, volcanoes, waterfalls, valleys and most likely anything else you can think of. One second you are hiking up a steep cliff face, the next you are lounging on a soft beach or swimming beneath a waterfall. The landscape of Hawaii is so diverse, it is like a one size fits all island. If you like hiking, head to Waipio Valley for a steep hike with a rewarding black sand beach and waterfalls at the bottom. For those of you less athletically inclined (like myself), opt for a horseback riding tour through the valley or try Polulu Valley or Akaka Falls for gorgeous views without as much effort.
5. The sunsets are magical
Now I’ve been all over the world and I bet you ladies have too, but I have to say Hawaii has some of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever seen. They were so gorgeous to the point that we almost crashed our car because we couldn’t take our eyes of the sunset. No matter where you are on the island – on top of a mountain or by the shore, I can guarantee that the sunset will be absolutely magical. It’ll be better on the Kona (west) side of the island because that’s the direction the sun sets, but if you want the very best, try the summit of Mauna Kea where a carpet of clouds reflects the sunset hues perfectly – enabling you to get the picture perfect shot.
Don’t make the same mistake thousands of other tourists have and add the Big Island of Hawaii to your itinerary! Have you ever been to Hawaii’s Big Island? How was your experience?
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Guest post by Claire Wang.
Claire is an American travel blogger and photographer from New England. Having spent 2015 traveling around the world (literally) to Britain, France, Italy, China, Japan, and Hawaii, she’s now settled in Boston to study. You can follow her adventures on her blog Adventure at Work or at her instagram @adventureatwork.
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