Big Island

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Activities Found on Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii, known for its vast landscapes and diverse ecosystems, offers a
plethora of activities and tours that cater to various interests, from adventure seekers to cultural
enthusiasts. Here’s an overview of the key activities and tours available on the island:

Volcano and Lava Tours

Live Volcano Tours: These tours take you to the heart of Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park, where you can witness the power of Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in
the world. You may see glowing lava flows, steam vents, and the impressive
Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
Helicopter Tours: For a bird’s-eye view of the island's volcanic activity, helicopter tours
offer a unique perspective, showcasing flowing lava, volcanic vents, and the island’s
rugged terrain.
Hiking and Biking Tours: For a more immersive experience, guided hikes and bike
tours allow you to explore volcanic landscapes at your own pace, often leading to lesser-
known spots within the park.

Ocean and Water Activities

Snorkeling Tours: The Kona coast is renowned for its clear waters and abundant
marine life. Popular snorkeling sites include Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay, where
you can swim with dolphins and spot manta rays.
Sport Fishing Charters: Kona is a world-famous destination for big game fishing,
particularly for catching marlin. These charters offer a thrilling experience for anglers of
all skill levels.
Kayaking and Surfing: The island’s coastline is perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
You can take surfing lessons on gentle waves or explore the coastal waters by kayak,
often alongside dolphins.
Parasailing and Jet-Skiing: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, parasailing and jet-
skiing are popular activities along the Kona coast.
Sunset Sails and Dinner Cruises: Enjoy the serene beauty of the island’s coastline on
a sunset sail or dinner cruise, where you can relax and take in the stunning views as the
sun sets over the Pacific.

Land Adventures

Zipline Tours: The Hilo side of the island is home to some of Hawaii's most exciting
zipline courses, offering rides over lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
ATV Rides and Horseback Riding: Explore the Big Island’s diverse landscapes, from
ranchlands to rugged trails, on an ATV or horseback riding tour. These adventures
provide a different way to see the island’s natural beauty.
Stargazing and Bird Watching: The Big Island is also known for its excellent
stargazing opportunities, particularly at Mauna Kea. Bird watching tours highlight the
island's rich avian life, including several endemic species.

Cultural Experiences

Luaus: Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with a traditional luau, where you can
enjoy Polynesian food, music, and dance. Luaus are a festive way to learn about the
island’s history and traditions.
Historical Tours: The island’s history is deeply connected to King Kamehameha, and
there are several tours that explore significant historical sites, including temples and
ancient Hawaiian villages.

The Big Island offers a wide range of activities and tours that highlight its natural wonders,
cultural richness, and adventurous spirit, making it a must-visit destination in Hawaii.

Here are the categories of activities available to you on The Big Island:

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Facts about the Big Island

Hawaii's Big Island, the largest and most recent addition to the Hawaiian archipelago, continues to expand due to ongoing volcanic activity. This natural phenomenon is at the heart of many of the island's top attractions and adventures, including the mesmerizing Live Volcano Tours.

Among the most exhilarating experiences are helicopter tours and fixed-wing air tours, offering unparalleled views of active volcanoes, flowing lava, and volcanic vents—sights unique to the Hawaiian Islands.

Sightseeing tours are essential for visitors wanting to explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and its environs. For a more intimate encounter with nature, hiking and biking tours offer a slower-paced exploration of the volcanic landscape, allowing for ample viewing time.

The Big Island is characterized by its two

diverse climates: the wet Hilo side and the dry Kona side. The Hilo region, known for its active volcanoes, also boasts the highest concentration of zipline courses in Hawaii, offering breathtaking rides over lush jungles and expansive waterfalls. It's here that you'll find thrilling ATV rides—Hawaii's pioneer in such tours—as well as horseback riding adventures through the island's vast ranchlands.

The island also hosts a variety of unique tours, including stargazing and bird watching, showcasing the island's diverse environments.
On the Kona side, the focus shifts to the

ocean, home to world-class sport fishing charters. Known as a prime location for big game fishing, it's the ideal place for those aiming to catch a marlin. The coastline is also a hotspot for snorkeling, regarded as some of the best in Hawaii, with tours frequently encountering dolphins and manta rays.

For water sports enthusiasts, the Kona coastline offers everything from kayaking and surfing lessons to jet-skiing, parasailing, and even submarine or glass-bottom boat tours. Enjoy a sunset sail, dinner cruise, or a private boat charter for a memorable sea adventure.