Hawaii’s Big Island
Hawaii’s largest island, almost twice as large as all the other Hawaiian Islands together, has the same name as the state—Hawaii. Usually people refer to it as the Big Island to distinguish it from referring to the state. There are two main towns on the Big Island, Hilo and Kailua-Kona, and you will want to visit both of them.
Hilo
Hilo is a town for the locals where you will find lots of shops selling everything you might need. Mostly, it is famous for being the location of the original Hilo Hattie’s. Nowadays there is a Hilo Hattie’s shop located on the all the major islands, where you will find a large line of Hawaiian mumus for women and floral sports shirts for men, as well as various candies and foods.
Their prices are reasonable and feature fabrics designed and made in Hawaii. Hawaiian fabrics are beautiful, give you years of wear, and launder without needing to be ironed. Come here with your suitcases empty, and fill them with clothing from Hilo Hattie’s. You will be happy you did. Their garments never seem to wear out.
Accommodations
Much of the towns of Kailua-Kona and Hilo are just a few feet above sea level. This contributes to the fact that many people have been killed by tsunamis when they have inundated the island. As you travel around the island, you will notice sirens placed high up on poles. They are there to alert people of an approaching tsunami.
In the advent of a tsunami, it is necessary to go to higher ground. That is easy to do because there are hills near the towns where one can flee. It would be a good idea to rent accommodations on higher ground for your stay on the Big Island.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona has 57 hotels ranging from the 5-star Four Seasons at over a thousand dollars a night to more modest places to stay for as little as $65.00 a night. There are a few hotels in Hilo, although most people prefer the Kona coast. It is also possible to find accommodations throughout the island.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
The best scuba diving and snorkeling are on the Big Island at Kealakekua Bay. Here you can charter a boat to take you to the favorite places for these sports. You will need advanced reservations to go on one of the morning trips that lasts four and a half hours long. The Fair Wind Snorkel II Tour includes breakfast, a barbeque lunch, and all the gear you will need.
Deep sea sport fishing
The Kona coast is known as the Marlin capital of the world. Here you can reel in a large Blue Marlin, a swordfish, mahi-mahi or ahi. Head for the pier in Kailua-Kona where you will find your choice of fishing charters. There are about one hundred of them.
You can book your fishing excursion at your hotel, and you can include swimming with the dolphins as part of your day’s activities. The fishing charters are either for half a day or a whole day. They usually set out about seven in the morning.
Whale Watching
Charter a boat to go out to sea to get a good look at the humpback whales that make their home off the Kona coast every winter. Watch them breach with over half of their massive bodies suddenly visible as they splash and cavort in the sea. These creatures reach 80,000 pounds and are 40 to 50 feet long. In May they begin their two-month trip back to Alaska every year.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Be sure to save some time on the Big Isle to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage site, where you will see live volcanoes in action. It is an exciting place to visit.
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