Big Island of Hawaii Attractions

1. The entire Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Nature lovers rejoice! This park offers trails, trails, and more trails to walk, bike or ride. You can also eat lunch right at the edge of Kilauea Caldera in the Volcano House or see the hot lava from the worlds most active volcano first hand. If your time is limited go to the Visitors center, the Jagger museum (observatory), Thurston lava tube, and the lava flow.

2.Akaka falls On the Hilo side, Akaka falls is a 420 foot high waterfall. It is amazing to look at, especially in the winter when it is really wet and the water is roaring over the drop.

3.Waipio Valley On the north coast above Hilo this valley is huge. It has a river running through it emptying into the ocean over a black sand beach. Wild horses and mules will steal your food if you are not carefull. You cannot get into the valley unless you have a 4 wheel drive so your options are 1. walk down 2. take a tour down 3.rent a 4 wheel drive.

4.Punalu'u Black sand beach This beach park has black sand, decent snorkeling and the large green sea turtles. They live and nest here and will occasionally come right up to visitors in the water. Don't touch them though! They are endangered and human touch can cause ulcers on their shells.

5.Captain Cook's monument This monument is located at the north end of Kealekekua Bay. The monument itself is not as great as the cove that is right next to it. This is called Kealekekua Underwater state park and the snorkeling here rivals that of the famous Hanauma Bay on Oahu - without the masses of people. You must go by water - either rent a kayak at Kealekekua Bay or take a boat from Keauhou Bay. My suggestion is the Fairwinds boat tour.

6. The Hilton Waikoloan Hotel Not many can afford to stay here (it is a luxury hotel) but you can go visit for a few hours. The reason to go is for the dolphin quest program.