There’s a reason Hawaii is renowned as the “Paradise of the Pacific.” The beautiful volcanoes, sublime beaches, and national parks are some of the primary characteristics that draw many visitors. Furthermore, Hawaii is home to some of the top snorkeling and surfing spots in the world. The Hawaiian archipelago is made up of 137 volcanic islands, the youngest and largest of which is Big Island. The Big Island is the place to go if you want to see magnificent beaches, such as green and jet-black beaches, misty valleys, and, of course, emerald cliffs—all of which are simply breathtaking.
Visit Big Island’s Stunning Beaches
Begin your relaxed vacation by lounging on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. There are beaches ranging from white to black and even green. Makalawena’s white sandy beach is a great area to relax on the sand and enjoy the sun’s calming warmth. Kekaha Kai State Park is located near the beach. Take a 20-minute walk through the old lava field and snorkel to explore the colorful marine life.
If you want to visit a unique beach, try Papakolea Beach (Pu’u o Mahana), which is one of the world’s green beaches. The olive-colored sand is quite bizarre. The beach is located near the South Point in the Ka District and may be reached through a four-mile roundtrip hike. Those looking for a jet-black beach should select Punaluu, which is bordered with coconut palm palms. Visitors will also get the opportunity to encounter the huge honu here. These are green turtles from Hawaii.
Stargaze At The Mauna Kea Volcano
The majestic Mauna Kea, located in the north-central region of the Big Island, is a dormant volcano and the world’s second-highest volcano peak. Its highest point is 14,000 feet, although the volcano really measures 33, 484 feet, compared to Mount Everest’s 29,029 feet. However, because the majority of the volcano’s height is below sea level, it is 4000 feet taller than Mount Everest.
Mauna Kea last erupted roughly 4500 years ago, and it holds a unique place in the hearts of the Hawaiian people. Visitors can also tour the visitor center to learn more about the volcano and the Mauna Kea Observatory, which boasts one of the best telescopes in the world. It’s an excellent location for seeing the meteor shower.
Visit the Akaka Waterfalls.
If waterfalls are what you’re looking for on the Big Island, consider visiting Akaka Falls, which drops 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. This famous waterfall is located 11 miles north of Hilo in a state park. The park also has another waterfall, the 100-foot Kahuna Falls. The 0.4-mile uphill climb leads to a lush oasis filled with rainforest, wild orchids, and bamboo groves. The hike, which can last up to an hour, is fairly accessible.
Visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
Nature lovers who want to explore the plant kingdom on Big Island can go to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, which has over 2000 tropical plant varieties. This green attraction is located near the Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive between Hilo and the Waipio Valley. The garden covers over 40 acres of land and is comprised of beautiful gardens, meandering walkways, steep ravines, and hidden valleys. It’s just the best area to shoot stunning photographs. There is also an observation walkway with a stunning view of the surroundings.
On the Big Island, savor the local cuisine.
The Big Island’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity has undoubtedly affected local food. Visitors are treated to a wide variety of cuisines produced primarily using locally farmed ingredients. Kona coffee, for example, is commercially produced and widely consumed on the island. Cacao and Macadamia nuts are two other crops grown locally. The island also features traditional foods like the ‘Poke Bowl,’ which is made of rice, tuna, or salmon. Wasabi mayo, dragon aioli, and eel sauce are the main ingredients.
Merriman’s Big Island, run by renowned chef Peter Merriman, is one of the recommended eateries. Many people prefer the lamb with Waimea veggies.
10 Things that every new person who moves to Hawaii should know
