{"id":3336,"date":"2010-01-05T09:41:56","date_gmt":"2010-01-05T15:41:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=3336"},"modified":"2016-12-16T22:47:20","modified_gmt":"2016-12-17T04:47:20","slug":"big-island-offers-big-fun-for-hawaii-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2010\/01\/big-island-offers-big-fun-for-hawaii-vacation\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Island offers big fun for Hawaii vacation"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Hawaii<\/em><\/em>

(Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority\/Tor Johnson)<\/p><\/div>\n

By Lena Katz<\/em><\/p>\n

The Big Island of Hawaii has only approximately one-fifth as many permanent residents as Oahu (the most populated island in Hawaii, and site of the capital cityHonolulu), but it\u2019s twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined. Not only is the island comparatively massive, but its terrain is incredibly varied, with an active volcano, a rainforest, thousands of acres of working ranch land,\u00a0 sea cliffs, and black and white sand beaches. Of the world\u2019s known climate zones, the Big Island has all but two (Arctic and Saharan, and locals say they don\u2019t miss either a bit). Unique adventures and unforgettable experiences await on a Hawaii vacation<\/a><\/strong> on this vast, diverse, largely undeveloped island.<\/p>\n

\"Hawaii

(Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority\/Tor Johnson)<\/p><\/div>\n

Visitors know that for sheer spectacle, the active volcano Kilauea<\/strong> outdoes every other sight on the island. The question is, how do you get a safe but satisfying view of the volcano in action during your Hawaii vacation? Though some fly over in a helicopter and others drive in to dedicated viewing spots around sunset, some in-the-know locals swear the best viewing is by sea. Lava Ocean Adventures<\/strong> <\/a>takes a boat out from Pohoiki Boat Ramp in coastal Puna, to see the lava come down from Kilauea and pour into the ocean. One particularly lyrical passenger remembers, \u201cThe heat of the steam is like Pele\u2019s breath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Hawaii

Ahalanui hot pond (Photo: Big Island Visitors Bureau\/Bob Coello)<\/p><\/div>\n

Coastal Puna has more to recommend it than easy access to lava flow, though. Though the Puna district is still \u201cthe wild east,\u201d with parts that remain completely off the grid, the sunny coastal region is developing into quite the offbeat-but-upscale travel haven for Hawaii vacations. In particular, the gated community of Kapoho attracts visitors looking for seclusion, dramatic natural beauty<\/strong> and luxurious digs (usually vacation homes and small inns; never big brand-name hotels). It\u2019s known for its hot ponds filled with fish; in fact, some vacationers get their very own private mini-lagoon for snorkeling, right out in front of their rental.<\/p>\n

\"Hawaii

(Photo: Joh Haut\/Kona Honu Divers)<\/p><\/div>\n

An underwater phenom that\u2019s somewhat well known but not, in my opinion, nearly as famous as it should be, is the manta ray nighttime viewing<\/strong> off the Kona Coast. Many companies offer a manta ray night-time SCUBA dive , but the lesser-known fact is that snorkelers can do it too, floating face-down and shining their flashlights over the graceful, mysterious mantas who come out en\u00a0 masse to feed on plankton. I think Kona Honu Divers<\/a><\/strong> is a reliable and experienced tour provider.<\/p>\n

However sometimes you don\u2019t even have to get your toes wet to see the manta rays.\u00a0 The Sheraton Keauhou<\/strong><\/a> offers VIP ocean views from its Crystal Blue Lounge. The property\u2019s \u201cgrandfathered in\u201d as one of the only resorts that can shine lights into the ocean. This attracts plankton, which in turn attract hungry manta rays (year ’round, not seasonally like whales).\u00a0 And if you\u2019re interested in more ocean viewing during your Hawaii vacation, travel just south of Keauhou\u00a0 during the day to visit Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District (also the site of the Captain Cook Memorial).<\/p>\n

\"Hawaii

Pololu Valley (Photo: Big Island Visitors Bureau\/Bob Coello)<\/p><\/div>\n

A peninsula juts out on the very northern tip of the Big Island, a 45-minute drive away from the major Kohala Coast resort area. This is North Kohala, a unique Hawaii vacation destination just coming into its own. Cultural attractions include Pu\u2019ukohola Heiau National Historic Park<\/strong> and Mo\u2019okini Heiau State Monument<\/strong>. The Pololu Valley offers great hiking trails. There are also ATV riding tours and a new zip line.<\/p>\n

The Hawaii Island Retreat<\/strong> in North Kohala is the newest property of its caliber to open since the Four Seasons. This eight-room eco-retreat is located on 50 oceanfront acres. The Lokahi Garden Sanctuary<\/strong> has been around longer, and is more of a vacation rental than a resort, but it\u2019s also very eco-friendly and grows lots of produce on the grounds — great for guests who enjoy having a garden at their fingertips.<\/p>\n

Related Orbitz resources:<\/strong><\/h3>\n