Our Destination

The Big Island of Hawaii is a destination without limits - there is so much to see, and just as much to do! Twice the size of the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island offers wide-open spaces bordered by hundreds of miles of magnificent coastline.

One of the most notable features, the active volcano Kilauea, adds to the island's land mass every single day as its fiery lava pours into the ocean in a spectacle of steam and drama that attracts people from all over the world!

Hawaii offers eleven distinct climate zones! Rain forests ... snow-capped mountains ... tropical waterfalls ... and beaches of many colors are just some of the features that contribute to the island's incredible scenery.

The Big Island is the cradle of the state of Hawaii's fascinating history! The story begins with the first Polynesian settlers and continues to this day as the cultures of many immigrant groups have blended into the island's rich tapestry.

You'll find it easy to get around and there's plenty to see and do! The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea, one of the world's more active volcanoes. Its molten lava flows, curling steam clouds, vast lava fields and prehistoric lava tubes are an unforgettable experience. The 11-mile Crater Rim Drive circles the caldera, traveling through a fern-filled rain forest past overlooks, hiking trails, earlier lava flows and petroglyph fields. Along with the island's three other national parks, you'll have plenty to see and do should you choose to embark on your own adventures!

The Big Island is also home to one of the most spectacular observatories in the world, atop Mauna Kea. Remember when you were young and there seemed to be so many more stars? Well now it seems they are all in the sky over the Big Island! That's why astronomers from all over the world work in the observatory's 13 giant telescopes at the summit!

The west coast of the island is known universally as the Kona Side. Here the climate is dry and sunny, and you'll find numerous white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. Of course, if shopping is what you have in mind, the island offers a variety of resort-wear boutiques, jewelry, art galleries, island antique and handicraft stores. Hawaiian quilts and quilted pillows are popular and there are many made-in-Hawaii products including fruit jams, Kona coffee, and of course ... macadamia nuts. Be sure to pack light so you'll have room to bring home the start of your "aloha wear" collection!

Then there's the golf! The Big Island is known as the Golf Capital of Hawaii, and some of the biggest names in course design have crafted championship courses that will leave you wanting to meet the challenge again and again. Two of the better known courses are located at your resort destination ... visit the Trip Highlights section for more information.