Unique Sights To See On
the Big Island Of Hawaii
There are many unique things to see on the Big Island of Hawaii
and probably the most important and famous would be Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park, which is home to not only the world's largest volcano,
Mauna Loa at a height of 13,677 feet, but also the world's most
active volcano, Kilauea which has been continuously erupting since
1983.
Driving around Crater Rim you will see the large two mile diameter
Kilauea crater and many steam vents. Driving down the Chain of Craters
road you will witness the fresh lava flow covering the highway and
the active lava flowing all the way to the ocean. Do not miss a
tour the Thurston lava tube. The total trip takes about nine hours
so be prepared for a long but exciting day.
Mauna Kea is 13,796 ft high and is a dormant volcano. It has become
the center for international astronomy and there are several observatories
on its summit. There are tour companies that organize tours to the
summit and the Mauna Kea Observatory.
Other interesting and unique places to visit include Akaka Falls
where waterfalls over 440 feet from the top to the base. It is a
20-minute walk from the parking lot to the viewing area but is easy
and is suitable even to young children who can navigate steps.
Formed by volcanic sand, black beaches usually attract some interest
from tourists. These beaches are at Kehena Beach at Puna and Punalu'u
beach at Ka'u. The Big Island is also famous for Coffee plantations
in the highlands with many coffee plants growing right down to the
roads.
In the right season Whale and dolphin watching is very popular
and tour groups and charter boats run trips to get you closer to
these magnificent creatures. For a fee of between $150 -$200 the
Hilton Resort at Waikoloa offers you the chance to swim with the
dolphins in their lagoon for about 30 minutes. This can be done
whilst the trainers have the dolphins jumping and dancing. But unlike
the many TV shows, you are not permitted to hold onto the dolphin
fins whilst they swim.
If you are interested in learning about Hawaiian heritage and culture
then a visit to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is
a must. There are talks on culture, craft demos, simulations of
traditional fishing methods and many other activities.
Horseback tours to the Waipi'o Valley are often organized. This
valley was once inhabited but after a tsunami devastated it the
local's inhabitants left and never returned. Today it is a beautiful
green paradise.
Other unique places include the Hawaii Tropical Botanical gardens,
the Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Botanical Garden which is an early-stage,
nonprofit facility in Kawaihae, on the dry slopes of the Kohala
Mountain Range, the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens at Kona Outdoor
Circle Educational Center and the World Botanical Gardens, commercial
gardens in Umauma, north of Hilo.
The island is rich in history and culture and there is a wealth
of information just waiting to be learned by the local and tourist
alike.
Sherif Osman
Business Software, Inc.
98-402 Koauka Loop
Aiea, HI 96701
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