The Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is a land of contrasts. Its two tallest mountains pierce the sky almost 14,000 feet above sea level, and yet it is encircled by more than 260 miles of shoreline where the water is warm enough for swimming every day of the year.

The youngest and largest Hawaiian Island, the Big Island is still growing, with volcanic eruptions from Kilauea Crater adding to its acreage on a regular basis. It also is a place where the past is tangibly within reach.

Farther south on the shore of Kealakekua Bay is Puuhonua O Honaunau, a place of refuge in ancient times. Noncombatants and defeated warriors alike were safe within its walls during wartime, as were people who had violated a rule and sought absolution.

Displays include reproductions of traditional Hawaiian houses. One of the most impressive sights is a massive wall that separated the place of refuge from the grounds of the palace that used to exist nearby. The L-shaped wall was built by hand without the use of mortar and it has stood for four centuries.

At sea level, the waters off the Kona coast are renowned for their supply of gamefish. Every angler dreams of landing "the big one," and in Kona these fantasies come true for everyone from world-class competitors to weekend hobbyists. Charters are easily arranged, so have a great time and don't forget your camera and your sunscreen!

Each district of the Big Island offers a distinct experience of its own. Hilly North Kohala is home to placid herds of cattle. The seaward reaches of South Kohala are striped by relatively recent lava flows and beautifully clear water.

Explore the bountiful, beautiful Big Island -- it's bursting with great experiences for you to enjoy.

No other Hawaiian Island (and few other places on earth) can match the spectacularly beautiful diversity of he Big Island. Ski snow-capped Mauna Kea, or stroll along a palm-fringed beach - take your pick of white or black sand. Watch rivers of fiery lava flow to the sea, or stand under a cool tropical waterfall.

Battle a billfish, or laze by the pool. Visit historic churches and ancient Hawaiian shrines, or dance till dawn.

And of course there's championship golf, tennis, horseback riding, four wheeling, and every imaginable sport. Come discover the incredible wealth of natural wonders and leisure activities on the Big Island.

• Akaka Falls: Plunging over 400 feet in a sheer drop off a volcanic cliff.
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: A spectacular garden in a valley on the ocean; acclaimed to be the most beautiful area in Hawaii.
• Mauna Kea Observatory: One of the world's clearest views of space, home to 7 observatories from around the world.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: here is the worlds most active volcano, it has been erupting since 1983. A must see.
• World Under the Sea: Kona's crystal waters team with colorful fish and marine life. Highly recommend a snorkel cruise.
• World Underground: Explore the world below Hawaii by venturing into entwined miles of lava tube.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
It is located at the south of the island, which is just 45 minutes away from Hawaii Volcano National Park. Soft black sand and sunny weather, Black Sand Beach is a good place to experience southern Hawaii.

Kealekekua Bay
The bay is legally protected by the government and has retained its primitive underwater environment. This is the best spot for people to go snorkeling.

Leleiwi Beach Park
Hilo's beaches may be few, but Leleiwi is one of Hawaii's most beautiful. This unusual cove of palm-fringed black-lava tide pools fed by freshwater springs and rippled by gentle waves is a photographer's delight - and the perfect place to take a plunge.

Kahaluu Beach Park
This is the most popular beach on the Kona Coast; this reef-protected lagoon attracts people all day. Kahaluu is the best all-around beach on Alii Drive, with coconut trees lining a narrow salt-and-pepper-sand shore that gently slopes to turquoise pools.

Kekaha Kai State Park (Kona Coast State Park)
Located on the shoreline with a half-dozen long, curving beaches and a big cove on Mahaiula Bay, as well as archaeological and historical sites. The series of well-protected coves is excellent for swimming, and there's great snorkeling and diving offshore; the big winter waves attract surfers.

White Sands Beach
Don't blink as you cruise Alii Drive, or you'll miss White Sands Beach. This small, white-sand pocket beach located south of Kailua-Kona - very unusual on this lava-rock coast - is sometimes called Disappearing Beach because it does just that, especially at high tide or during storms.

Hapuna Beach Park
Hapuna Beach Park is one of the finest white-sand beaches in the world. As there is very little rain there, about 6" per year, this beach has practically guaranteed great weather.  My favorite.

WHERE TO SHOP:

Keauhou Shopping Center
An open air shopping center offering great shopping, dining, entertainment, and a seven-plex theater. In addition, there are FREE ukulele lessons, lei making, and a Polynesian Show in the evenings.

Kings' Shops
This charming first-class resort shopping center in the Waikoloa Beach Resort features a unique blend of trendy upscale designer boutiques with exciting shops rich in Hawaiiana and an array of dining options.  The Queen's Shops are new and have something for everyone.

Waimea Center
A cool, upcountry shopping center located in the heart of Waimea Town, offering a little of everything including gift shops and an array of food services.

Shopping Secrets
Farmers' Market (Hilo) - On two mornings a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, farmers bring exotic produce and tropical flowers to this multilingual open-air marketplace.

Alii Gardens Marketplace
Outdoor market located 2 miles south of Kailua Pier with over 50 local merchants offering hundreds of handmade products from fresh produce to exotic flowers to black pearls. Offering free ukulele and hula lessons; open Wednesdays through Sundays. www.aliigardens.com

Top 5 Things To Do on Your First Trip to Hawaii’s Big Island:

5. Take a scenic drive down the lush Hamaukua Coast.
4. Stargaze atop the tranquil summit of mount Mauna Kea.
3. Step back in time for a glimpse at ancient Hawaiian culture at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park on the Kona Coast.
2. Sunbathe on the white sand beaches of Hapuna Beach State Park.
1. Walk through the 400 foot Thurston Lava tube and view Kilauea at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.