| The third in our four-part series of Hawaii vacations | | | | Big game fish, including giant blue marlin and other |
| covers the "Big Island", as the island of Hawaii is | | | | Pacific billfish, tuna and swordfish are abundant in the |
| most often referred to. | | | | waters off the coast. Hundreds of charter fishing |
| As the natives (and longtime residents) like to say, | | | | boats operate out of the Kailua-Kona area where |
| there are only two seasons on the Big Island Hawaii: | | | | you can charter a boat with friends or join one of |
| "summer," between May and October, and "winter," | | | | the daily shared charters. |
| from October to April. The weather varies | | | | The highest point on the isand is Mauna Kea, at |
| dramatically, though,--in terms of precipitation--from | | | | 13,796 feet above sea level. Both the neighboring |
| west to east. Hilo, on the east, or "wet" side of Big | | | | Maunu Loa and Mauau Kea and have some of the |
| Island, is the wettest city in the United States. | | | | clearest air in the world. As a result, more than two |
| Big Island Hawaii's "Kona" coast, (the dry west side), | | | | dozen of the world's finest telescopes are located |
| is the most popular destination. It offers | | | | there. Tours of the University of Hawaii Telescope |
| accommodations and activities catering to the pure | | | | are available every weekend. |
| pursuit of FUN! Snorkeling, diving, kayaking and | | | | There are many beaches on the Big Island. Pauoa |
| deep-sea fishing being the most popular. | | | | Beach, at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel in the Mauna Lani |
| The island is also famous for its volcanoes. Kilauea is | | | | Resort, is infused by natural freshwater springs that |
| the most active volcano in the world. At times you | | | | move beneath the ocean's surface. It's located on |
| can Watch lava flowing across the landscape at | | | | Hawaii's Kohala Coast, on the northwest side of the |
| Volcanoes National Park. On the days when the | | | | island. |
| volcano is not erupting, you can explore its unique | | | | One of Hawaii's best beaches, Hapuna Beach, is a |
| "lavascape", with its vents spewing steam, its giant | | | | landscaped 62-acre beach park. Swimming and other |
| chasms and lava craters. Standing at just over 5,000 | | | | water sports are best enjoyed in summer months |
| feet, Kilauea is not Big Island's tallest volcano, but it is | | | | during calm seas. Winter surf can be rough. The |
| certainly the most active. | | | | beach is located on the Kohala Coast on the |
| For an aerial view of the Big Island, be sure to check | | | | northwest side. The Hapuna Golf Course, part of the |
| out Blue Hawaiian or Tropical Helicopters in Hilo. | | | | Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, extneds from the |
| Dedicated pilots will whisk you away and provide | | | | shoreline to 700 feet above sea level, offering both |
| loads of nformation during the flight, including a literal | | | | challenge and beauty. |
| "over-the-top" view of Kilauea Volcano! | | | | Honaunau Beach, part of the historic Pu'uhonua o |
| And, for those wanting a water experience, trek | | | | Honaunao National Park, offers a full range of family |
| over to Kona Boy Kayaks, past the 113 mile marker | | | | activities. The sanctuary name means a "place of |
| on Highway 11, and get the thrill of Big Island | | | | refuge." |
| Hawaii--in a big way! There you can rent a kayak or | | | | A snorkeler's delight, Kahaluu Beach Park, is located |
| go on a guided trip. Paddle atop the waves, skirting | | | | on the Big Island's west coast. Visitors can explore a |
| awesome cliffs and waterfalls, or snorkel and swim in | | | | colorful variety of more than 100 types of tropical |
| a calm, protected cove -- your choice. Perhaps you'll | | | | fish and marine life including sea turtles. A large coral |
| see a few spinner dolphins as you paddle across | | | | reef both protects the lagoon and is home to these |
| Captain Cook monument. | | | | animals. A fresh water spring feeds up to 10 million |
| Speaking of dolphins, the Hilton Waikola Village on the | | | | gallons per day into the lagoon. |
| Big Island, has a program called Dolphin Quest. There, | | | | Kaunaoa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea, is |
| in the lagoon, kids and teenagers, and a few adults, | | | | bordered by a coconut grove and protected by two |
| can have the opportunity to swim with the several | | | | black-lava points. This beach sit directly in front of |
| Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins. This program is nearly | | | | the Mauna Kea Hotel. The rugged surf makes |
| always full. Reservations must be made at least 60 | | | | Kaunaoa a bodysurfer's and boogie boarder's delight. |
| days in advance. | | | | Close by, the Mauna Kea Golf Course is carved out |
| You can go even further by discovering the undersea | | | | of the volcano's black lava, and is considered one of |
| world's creatures and their habitat by visiting Atlantis | | | | the top courses in the United States. The dramatic |
| Submarines, also in Kona. And there is also world class | | | | views of the Pacific Ocean and its shoreline cliffs |
| sports fishing off the Kona coast. | | | | seem to add to the challenge of the course. |
| This area is known as the marlin capital of the world. | | | | |