Fewer than 200,000 people live on the Big Island of Hawaii, and they get more room for adventure every day due to the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, which created 491 acres of new land on the island from 1983 to 1994. The island claims 11 of the 13 world climate zones, creating an adventurer's playground surrounded by the history of kings. But the island's laid-back pace may keep you at the beach, sipping mai tais.
Unusual rock formations, a rainbow of brightly colored fish and an array of dive sites bring snorkelers and divers from around the world to Hawaii's shores. Don't miss the opportunity to take a night dive with the manta rays -- the utter peace of you, your bubbles and gliding manta rays beats yoga class any day.
Coffee lovers will enjoy a visit to one of the hundreds of coffee farms on the Big Island to get a farm-to-fresh brew view of their favorite drink. Or spend the day visiting several on a self-guided tour to find your favorite variety. The coffee plant, which is native to Ethiopia and the Congo River Basin, was transplanted to Hawaii in 1813 by a Spanish physician and flourished in the volcanic soil of the Hawaiian Islands.
Considering Hawaii's volcanic origin, it isn't a stretch to expect to see evidence of it in the form of a crater or lava tube. But to find five volcanoes in all phases of volcanic life -- active, dormant and extinct -- is a rare treat. Visitors can tour the park on foot with hikes ranging from easy to difficult, by bicycle or by car.
Hawaii's Big Island is filled with history from the birthplace of its greatest king to historical parks dedicated to early Hawaiian culture, but the greatest stories are told through the traditional dance, hula. Visitors won't want to miss Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Mookini Heiau, nor one of the many luaus that exhibit the dances of the islands.
Black sand? Green sand? Disappearing sand? Yes, Hawaii has them all. Hawaii's beaches run the gamut from wild, untamed beaches to crowded, resort beaches, but they all have something to offer. Choose a different beach each day of your trip and you are in for tide-pooling, petroglyph viewing, hiking, turtle watching and just plain lounging.
When Garth Brooks sang of boots and chaps and cowboy hats, spurs and latigo, he probably wasn't thinking of Hawaii. But the cowboy life began in 1832 when Mexican vaqueros were brought to Hawaii to contain the cattle and horse populations that had exploded on the island. The Parker Ranch Visitor Center provides a glimpse into the early cowboy life in Hawaii, as well as a chance to take horseback riding lessons or a wagon ride through the ranch.
In October of each year, Hawaii becomes the site of one of the greatest athletic contests in the world. More than 5,000 volunteers and 1,800 athletes descend on Kona for the Ford Ironman World Championship, which requires triathletes to complete a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run. Just mingling with these triathletes is inspiring.
