| Upon arrival on the Big Island of Hawaii, visitors | | | | sand surrounded by a lush green landscape that is |
| may be surprised by the rich geographical | | | | perfect for catching some sun or springing into |
| diversity that can be overwhelming upon first | | | | the clear water that is great for swimming. |
| glance. With a stunning coastline, sharp volcanic | | | | Kaunaoa Bay or Mauna Kea Beach is one of the |
| slopes, and breathtaking canyons, anyone with an | | | | more popular beaches on the island due to the |
| affection for the great outdoors will be unable to | | | | long crescent of white sand and the pleasant |
| resist the urge to explore all this spectacular island | | | | water conditions that allow for swimming and |
| has to offer. Head to the Big Island for your next | | | | snorkeling. Don't be surprised, however, if a green |
| vacation and experience the majestic nature of | | | | turtle or two comes across your path while |
| this jewel in the Pacific Ocean. | | | | strolling these soft sands. |
| With its prime position in the middle of the Pacific, | | | | When you want to explore the Big Island's |
| there are bound to be a number of activities you | | | | stunning terrain, there are a few places to head |
| simply cannot wait to participate in after arriving | | | | to see some of the best aspects of the island. |
| on the Big Island. Whether you are staying on the | | | | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park rests upon two of |
| coast or further inland, you should consider | | | | the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea |
| heading out into the depths of the ocean to some | | | | and Mauna Loa, and visitors can view lava from |
| of the most secluded and spectacular spots in | | | | the hiking trails or take one of the scenic drives |
| Hawaii. You can swim with exotic fish, circle | | | | around the park. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical |
| gorgeous reefs, and view ancient lava flows on a | | | | Garden allows visitors to traverse trails that will |
| diving or snorkeling excursion or stay inside the | | | | take them through the rainforest and past flowing |
| boat for a cruise in search of dolphins, whales, and | | | | waterfalls and streams. This tropical oasis offers |
| manta rays. | | | | an exceptional and protected look at a myriad of |
| If you are looking for a more thrilling, | | | | plants from all over the world, including palms, |
| heart-pumping adventure, hop aboard a deep sea | | | | bromeliads, gingers, and heliconias, so generations |
| fishing charter for a try at some of the big fish | | | | to come can revel in their beauty. |
| off of the Kona coast. There are numerous | | | | Another popular tourist destination is the Mauna |
| fishing boats that will take you in search of marlin, | | | | Loa Macadamia Visitor Center located along the |
| yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, and spearfish so | | | | slope of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hilo. Here, you |
| you can come back from your trip with a story | | | | can drive through the plantation, walk through the |
| about the catch of a lifetime. If you enjoy | | | | nut and chocolate processing plant to see how |
| seeking out your own thrills, grab a kayak and | | | | the end product is created, and receive chocolate |
| explore coral gardens, sea caves, lava tubes, and | | | | demonstrations and free samples near the gift |
| the different nooks and crannies that line the | | | | shop Also, during your time in Hilo, be sure to |
| coast of the island. | | | | stop by the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo to see the |
| For those times when all you want to do is sit | | | | only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. |
| back and relax, head to one of the many beautiful | | | | With more than 80 animal species including the |
| beaches the Big Island has in store for you. Kua | | | | white Bengal Tiger, this free zoo is certainly worth |
| Bay at Kona Coast State Park has beautiful white | | | | a stroll. |