| Upon arrival on the Big Island of Hawaii, visitors may | | | | surrounded by a lush green landscape that is perfect |
| be surprised by the rich geographical diversity that | | | | for catching some sun or springing into the clear |
| can be overwhelming upon first glance. With a | | | | water that is great for swimming. Kaunaoa Bay or |
| stunning coastline, sharp volcanic slopes, and | | | | Mauna Kea Beach is one of the more popular |
| breathtaking canyons, anyone with an affection for | | | | beaches on the island due to the long crescent of |
| the great outdoors will be unable to resist the urge | | | | white sand and the pleasant water conditions that |
| to explore all this spectacular island has to offer. Head | | | | allow for swimming and snorkeling. Don't be surprised, |
| to the Big Island for your next vacation and | | | | however, if a green turtle or two comes across your |
| experience the majestic nature of this jewel in the | | | | path while strolling these soft sands. |
| Pacific Ocean. | | | | When you want to explore the Big Island's stunning |
| With its prime position in the middle of the Pacific, | | | | terrain, there are a few places to head to see some |
| there are bound to be a number of activities you | | | | of the best aspects of the island. Hawaii Volcanoes |
| simply cannot wait to participate in after arriving on | | | | National Park rests upon two of the most active |
| the Big Island. Whether you are staying on the coast | | | | volcanoes in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and |
| or further inland, you should consider heading out into | | | | visitors can view lava from the hiking trails or take |
| the depths of the ocean to some of the most | | | | one of the scenic drives around the park. The Hawaii |
| secluded and spectacular spots in Hawaii. You can | | | | Tropical Botanical Garden allows visitors to traverse |
| swim with exotic fish, circle gorgeous reefs, and view | | | | trails that will take them through the rainforest and |
| ancient lava flows on a diving or snorkeling excursion | | | | past flowing waterfalls and streams. This tropical |
| or stay inside the boat for a cruise in search of | | | | oasis offers an exceptional and protected look at a |
| dolphins, whales, and manta rays. | | | | myriad of plants from all over the world, including |
| If you are looking for a more thrilling, heart-pumping | | | | palms, bromeliads, gingers, and heliconias, so |
| adventure, hop aboard a deep sea fishing charter for | | | | generations to come can revel in their beauty. |
| a try at some of the big fish off of the Kona coast. | | | | Another popular tourist destination is the Mauna Loa |
| There are numerous fishing boats that will take you | | | | Macadamia Visitor Center located along the slope of |
| in search of marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, | | | | the Mauna Loa volcano in Hilo. Here, you can drive |
| and spearfish so you can come back from your trip | | | | through the plantation, walk through the nut and |
| with a story about the catch of a lifetime. If you | | | | chocolate processing plant to see how the end |
| enjoy seeking out your own thrills, grab a kayak and | | | | product is created, and receive chocolate |
| explore coral gardens, sea caves, lava tubes, and the | | | | demonstrations and free samples near the gift shop |
| different nooks and crannies that line the coast of | | | | Also, during your time in Hilo, be sure to stop by the |
| the island. | | | | Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo to see the only tropical |
| For those times when all you want to do is sit back | | | | rainforest zoo in the United States. With more than |
| and relax, head to one of the many beautiful | | | | 80 animal species including the white Bengal Tiger, this |
| beaches the Big Island has in store for you. Kua Bay | | | | free zoo is certainly worth a stroll. |
| at Kona Coast State Park has beautiful white sand | | | | |