Things to do on the Big Island

On the Big Island of Hawaii you can:
swim, snorkel, sunbathe, snow ski, parasail, hike in rainforests, kayak, paddle a Hawaiian canoe, watch whales, surf, go boogie boarding, scuba diving, fine dining, sail, go big game fishing, hunting, bird watching, take pictures, go in a submarine to see coral reefs, visit historical Hawaiian sites, take bus tours, boat tours, helicopter tours, hiking tours, sailboat tours, and mountain bike tours, go to a luau, learn how to hula and weave lauhala, get a tan and relax!

On the Big Island of Hawaii you can see:
volcanoes, lava, geothermal vents, Hawaiian rainforest, black sand, white sand, and green sand beaches, whales and dolphins, incredible tropical fish, rainbows, snow, rushing rivers, majestic towering waterfalls, Hawaiian heiaus (temples), Hawaiian historical sites, huge ancient lava flows (and some more modern ones), geckos, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, hula dancing, deserts, mountains, jungles, tropical downpours, and an island community of friendly people.

Here are just a few of the attractions on the Big Island:

• Some specific attractions to visit: ·
  Wai`anuenue ("Rainbow") Falls.  Just above town on Waianuenue Avenue. Morning sun creates a rainbow in the spray. Thunderously powerful after heavy rains.
• Boiling Pots. About 2 miles above Rainbow Falls on the same road. Spectacular after heavy rains.
• Richardson Ocean Park.  Swim and relax at Hilo's best beach park.
• Naha Stone in front of the library.  Whoever could lift it would unite and rule the islands. King Kamehameha did both.
• Lyman House and Museum? Missionary house from 1830's; one of the finest mineral collections in the U.S.; clothing and furnishings from Hawai`i's waves of immigrants.
• Wailoa Center and East Hawai`i Cultural Center-both have displays of local artwork. The Cultural Center also has a community theater. Enjoy Shakespeare in the park during the summer.
• Suisan Fish market.  One of Hawai`i's last open-air fish auctions; auctioneer combines several Pacific and Asian languages. Beautiful fish are sold early in the mornings to the local groceries.
• Keaukaha.  This community of Hawaiian homes and churches, also has protected ocean swimming, breathtaking scenery, spinner dolphins, and whales in the winter.
• Parades.  Hilo loves a parade, and they happen throughout the year. Several are part of annual festivals, such as the beautiful Merrie Monarch hula festival in the week following Easter, Mardi Gras, the spectacular Lantern parade of the International Festival, and the Aloha Festival.
• Akaka Falls.  11 miles north of Hilo, a one-mile path through tropical foliage loops past two spectacular waterfalls. Turn off the highway at Honomu, and follow the signs. The town is a quaint plantation village, revived with nice gift shops and galleries.
• Onomea Scenic Route.  A four-mile drive on the "old road," with beautiful views of Onomea Bay. Consider visiting the Hawaiian Tropical Gardens along the way.
• Nani Mau Gardens.  Just out of Hilo going toward the Volcano.
• Panaewa Zoo.  In a rainforest, with tropical and rainforest animals. Listen to the parrot imitate its owl neighbor.
• Onizuka Visitors' Center on Mauna Kea.  Astronomy exhibits, sometimes telescope views at night. Very cold at 9,000-foot elevation. Phone (808) 961-2180 for information and advance reservations.
• Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation.  See macadamia nuts being processed, and taste Hawai`i's wonderful treat.
• Mountain Biking.  Big Island Mountain Biking Association has maps and other information at: http://www.interpac.net/~mtbike/