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Hawaii Big Island, USA

Volcanoes National Park, Big Island, Hawaii -- Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]
Volcanoes National Park, Big Island, Hawaii — Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]
Hawaii, USA (map)
Hawaii, USA (map)
Hawaii, USA (map)
Hawaii, USA (map)
  • Hawaii’s Big Island is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands with 4,028 square miles and it’s still growing as long as lava continues to pour out of Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano.
  • It has 266 miles (428 km) of coastline.
  • Hawaii Big Island stretches from sea level to the volcanic peaks of Mauna Kea, 13,796 feet (4,205m), and Mauna Loa, 13,677 feet (4,169).
  • Hawaii’s big Island has the Islands’ highest lake, Lake Waiau, at 13,020 feet (3,969m) above sea level
  • the state’s longest sheer drop waterfall, Alaska Falls, 422 feet (135m)
  • the southernmost tip of the United States, Ka Lae (South Point)
  • and the tallest mountain measured from the ocean floor, Mauna Kea.

Of all the islands, Hawaiis Big island is the most ecologically diverse, with natural environments ranging from the desert plains of Ka’u to rain forests above Hilo, to snowcapped Mauna Kea. There are said to be 13 climatic regions on earth and the Big Island has all but two, the Arctic and the Saharan.

Top rated Attractions

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Mauna Kea Observatory
  • Akaka Falls
  • Rainbow Falls in Hilo
  • Koloko Honokohau Natl. Historical Park
  • Volcano Art Center
  • Lyman House Memorial Museum
  • Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
  • Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
  • Parker Ranch
  • Hulihee Palace
  • Waipio Valley

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Oahu (Hawaii, USA) (adapted as follows: translated, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1261110)
Oahu (Hawaii, USA) (adapted as follows: translated, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1261110)

Check the National Park Website, see below, for current conditions and to learn what is open and what is closed.

ENTRANCE FEES

$30.00 per private non-commercial vehicle (capacity 15 or less) – 7 days
$15.00 per pedestrian or bicycle – 7 days
$25.00 per motorcycle – 7 days

Official NPS Website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/

Kīlauea volcano

In 2018, a new eruption of Kīlauea volcano changed the island of Hawai‘i forever. From May through August, large lava flows covered land southeast of the park destroying over 700 homes and devastating residential areas in the Puna District. At the same time, the summit area of the park was dramatically changed by tens of thousands of earthquakes, towering ash plumes, and a massive collapse of Kīlauea caldera.
Watch this NPS Video:

[Video Creation Date: 2018-10-15; Credit: NPS/Daniel Hubner, Jon Hubner & Benjamin Hayes]

Mauna Kea Observatories

Mauna Kea Observatories: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visiting-mauna-kea/visiting-the-summit.html

Hilo, Rainbow Falls and more

Early mornings, check out Susian Fishmarkt. Hilo is also the door to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The bay of Hilo is a picturesque green stretch with beautiful parks.
Mmore to discover in Hilo: Banyan Drive, the gardens of Liliuokalani and Coconut Island.

Here’s what Tripadvisor users have to say about Rainbow Falls: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60583-d131290-Reviews-Rainbow_Falls-Hilo_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

Akaka Falls State Park, Hawaii

Akaka Falls State Park, ca. 11 miles north of Hilo [photo: Big Island Visitors Bureau]
Akaka Falls State Park, ca. 11 miles north of Hilo [photo: Big Island Visitors Bureau]

Located ca. 11 miles north of Hilo. From Highwau 19 (near Honomu) turn into Akaka Falls Rd.
Two water falls can be seen on a ca. 30 min walk: Kahūnā Falls (100 m / 300 ft) und den Akaka Falls (135 m / 440 ft).

Website: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/akaka-falls-state-park/

Hawaii, Big Island Interesting Facts

  • Ka Lae is the southernmost point in the United States.
  • Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano and has been regions continually erupting since 1983.
  • Nearly every one of the Big Island’s stunningly diverse regions – from the lava fields of Puna to Kohala’s lush valleys-boasts it’s own nationally recognized park.
  • Parker Ranch is one of the largest privately held ranches in the United States.
  • Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world ( measured from it’s base at the ocean floor) and is home to more than 13 world-class telescopes representing 11 countries.
  • Hawaiis Big Island has 12 spas, making it the perfect destination to renew the spirit.
  • Seven botanicals gardens, each unique in construction and specialty, showcase Hawaiis big Island’s rich natural and cultural significance.
  • Hawaiis Big Island is a worldwide leader in harvesting macadamia nuts and orchids.
  • Hawaiis Big Island is known as the Golf Capitol of Hawaii with 20 golf courses and several more scheduled for completion.

Map

Hawaii Travel Information

The islands of Hawaii stretch across ca. 1.500 mi (2.500 km) and only 6 are are developed for tourism.

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