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