Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
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Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Wondering what the Big Island is and where it is located? This tropical paradise is the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands, known as the Island of Hawaii. Being the largest island in Hawaii means that there are tons of incredible things to do, sights to see, and places to relax. The Big Island is also the third-largest island in all of Polynesia, after the islands of New Zealand. Unlike the other islands of Honolulu, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui, the population density is much lower. This makes it a potentially less crowded escape to paradise. Whether you like to lounge at the beach, explore history and culture, or adventure in nature sites, there is something for everyone. Continue reading to learn more about what the Big Island has to offer to tourists and locals alike.
The South Point Complex is located at the southern tip of the Hawaii Island. Although many people recognize Key West as the southernmost point, it actually marks the southernmost point of only the continental United States. Hawaii is home to the southernmost point of the U.S. overall. The Big Island’s southernmost point offers breathtaking views of the Pacific and provides opportunities for thrilling experiences. The cliff of the Southernmost point is known to be a spot where thrill seekers jump into the water below. But be careful, as this is only safe when the conditions are right. Strong winds and rough waters can make this jump very dangerous, so always be cautious and proceed at your own risk.
The area to the west of the point can have much more suitable conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping, as it is protected from the wind. Whether you are looking to tick off a bucket list item or simply take in breathtaking sights, the South Point is an iconic spot on the Big Island.
The Kohala Coast is located on the northwest peninsula of the Big Island. It is a historically significant area that is the birthplace of King Kamahamaha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands into the Kingdom of Hawaii. Kohala is separated into North and South sections, which are home to many different ancient Hawaiian settlements. In North Kohala, you will find stunning mountain valleys formed from erosion caused by rainwater. These valleys are found on the windward side of Kohala Volcano. One of the most iconic is the Pololū Valley, which is also the northernmost one. From the lookout point atop its trail, you can see part of all seven valleys of the Kohala Volcano. At Pololū Valley, you can also take a steep hike down the Pololū Trail to access the black sand beach.
While discovering all that the Big Island has to offer, among the most notable attractions is the famous Rainbow Falls. These falls are located in Hilo, which is a historic city known for its lively downtown area, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Hilo is located on the east side of the Big Island, which is known for a laid-back pace with an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere. Rainbow Falls is easy to visit since it is conveniently located within the town, with no hiking required. The walk is only 100 feet to the first scenic overlook. Rainbow Falls cascades 80 feet over a lava cave, earning its name from the rainbows that are caused by light in the water droplets in the mist of the falling water.
It is important to note that for the best chance at seeing rainbows, you should try to visit early in the day. For even better viewing, you can take a short climb up along the left shoulder of the falls. From here, you can get a whole new perspective of the falls. After your Rainbow Falls adventure, stop by Hilo Bay and enjoy the calm bay waters.
About 11 miles from Hilo, you will find another waterfall that’s well worth a visit. With an easy-to-spot trailhead visible from the parking lot, you can take a .4 mile hike to the legendary ‘Akaka Falls. A majority of the walk to the falls is past a lush rainforest environment. Over the course of your walk, you will find that the scenery is an attraction in itself. Once you reach the end of the hike, you can take in views of the picturesque 422 ft falls.
Whether you are a frequent visitor or it is your first time on the Big Island, you should never skip a chance to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Most people even consider this to be the highlight of their Big Island vacation. This National Park is home to two incredible volcanoes. One of these is the most active, and the other covers the most land area. These are Kīlauea, the most active, and Mauna Loa, which covers the highest percentage of land on the island, accounting for about 51% of the island’s land mass.
Updates for active eruptions will always be shared on the Hawaii National Park’s website. Always check there for the most up-to-date information about volcanic activity. Another must-do adventure while visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is walking through the Thurston Lava Tube. After a 20-minute walk through the forest, you can discover what the inside of a 500-year-old lava tube is like. Over the course of your journey, you may hear native birds, and if you are lucky, you may even spot some.
After exploring Mauna Loa in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, another commonly visited volcano is Mauna Kea, the tallest volcano on the island. Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are divided by the famous saddle road. You can add another extraordinary experience to your trip by viewing unique landscapes as you travel between these volcanoes. Along this route, you will also find access to the summits of Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano and rises an astonishing 13,796 feet above sea level and 33,500 feet above the ocean floor. With its high altitude and clear atmosphere, it is the perfect place for astronomical research and stargazing. If you know where to look, you can see constellations and planets light up the sky. The best times of the day to visit are at sunrise and sunset.
Kailua Kona is the second-largest settlement on the island of Hawaii and is famous for Kona coffee plantations and white sand beaches. In this city, the perfect temperatures throughout the year make it ideal for beach vacations and other outdoor activities. Within Kailua Kona, there are several places to learn about the history and modern coffee production. Many of the farms even offer free guided tours. Some examples of great farms to visit include: Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm, and Rooster Farms.
In addition to the world-famous coffee, you will find endless places to eat, farmers’ markets, and gorgeous beaches. This makes it the perfect home base for west coast and island-wide explorations. Kona is known to have excellent and versatile local food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Magics Beach Grill is a dinner favorite for waterfront dining and incredible sunset views. If you are looking for an authentic poke bowl made with locally sourced ingredients, be sure to check out Umekes.
With Kona being the best place for a Hawaiʻi Island home base, Pacific 19 is the perfect place to spend your future stay. We highly recommend staying at this gorgeous boutique resort on the Kona Coast that boasts style, luxury, and comfort. Within the 150 thoughtfully designed rooms, you will find amenities like private balconies, premium towels and linens, a mini fridge, and several size and configuration options to meet your party’s needs. There is also an outdoor pool, daily yoga, bike rentals, and a lounge in the lobby. The resort even offers its own menu of local activities. The front desk is glad to help you plan and book activities, for example, nighttime snorkeling with stingrays.
The Big Island is just one of the many incredible places where you can treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure. Nook Outdoors is home to many one-of-a-kind resort options that may even inspire your next getaway. Want even more ideas for places to visit on nature-focused adventures? Explore our collection of boutique hotels, luxury glamping destinations, cabin rentals, and more below!
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