Big Island Family Vacations
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A Big Island of Hawaii vacation can expose you to many sights of nature that you cannot see any other place in the world. There are eleven of the world's thirteen different climatic zones on this one island, so you are able to visit everything from the tropical rain forests to an arid desert. On the same day you can visit black sand beaches and mountains covered in snow. Big Island family vacations are quite popular as there is something here for everyone. In Hawaii, you can visit active volcanoes in safety. These gentle giant volcanoes are not like the cone shaped volcanoes with which we are more familiar, but are shield volcanoes (a shield volcano is a very large volcano with shallow-sloping sides). There are three volcanoes in the Big Island. Two, Mauna Loa (last erupted in 1984) and Kilauea (currently active) are found within the Big Island's Volcanoes National Park. The third is located underwater off the southern coast of the island, which may someday form the ninth island to Hawaii. The Valley of the Kings, or the Waipio Valley, was the home to King Kamehameha when he was a boy. This valley is important to the history of Hawaii and is also very beautiful. The valley was once home to many native Hawaiians, but today, there are less than one hundred people living there. In the valley, you can visit several significant waterfalls, including Hiilawe Falls that cascades 1,300 feet. Puukohola Heiau is a temple that was built for worship by the ancient Hawaiians. This temple, constructed around 1790, was dedicated by the king in an effort to politically unite the islands. The islands were finally united in 1810. The temple is made of stone and is well preserved. It was one of the last temples constructed in the islands prior to the influence of western missionaries. Hilo is located at the feet of the Big Island's three volcanoes. Mauna Kea is the tallest volcano in the world. Mauna Loa is the largest volcano in the world by volume, and Kilauea is the world's most active volcano. It is easy to understand why Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the largest visitor attraction in the State of Hawaii. Hilo is home to wooden storefronts, some of which date back to the 1800's. Yet these storefronts are filled with modern galleries, restaurants and shops. Hilo town overlooks Hilo bay which provides a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. The Kona coastline can take over 45 minutes just for a drive through. In the area, you will find Kona Coffee farms as well as many ancient and historic Hawaiian landmarks. King Kamehameha spent his last years in Kailua-Kona. In south Kona, you will find calm clear waters that make a ideal place for snorkeling and diving. Watch for dolphins as well as 'Honu' or green sea turtles. If you are adventurous, you can take a swim with the manta rays or go deep-sea fishing for Blue Marlin. On shore take time to visit the coffee plantations and be sure to sample Kona coffee. The bean is unique and aromatic. Big Island Vacation DealsAny time of the year is a great time to find Big Island vacation deals. Summers tend to be warmer and drier and winters are cooler and have more rain. However, there is never a bad month to plan a Big Island trip. When traveling to the Big Island, you will find that there are two airports, one in Hilo and one in Kona. There are direct flights out of the mainland to each of these airports, however most flights arrive from Honolulu on Oahu. Follow the links below for specific information to Big Island family vacations and package discounts and specials: |
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