The Big Island embodies the natural beauty, sense of adventure and feelings of utter relaxation so often associated with the state of Hawaii. It is the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands and offers an array of Big Island vacation rentals to choose from for the ultimate stay in paradise. From sparkling, warm waters to untainted beaches and towering volcanoes to thunderous waterfalls, a visit to this island will truly be a dream vacation.
Climate
The Big Island is the only Hawaiian Island where visitors can walk through snow and swim in the ocean all on the same day. Eleven out of thirteen of the world’s climatic zones can be found here, so it’s necessary to put on layers when hiking one of the five volcanoes. The temperature drops as you go up in elevation, but the Big Island typically sees steady temperatures in the 70s to 80s year-round along the coast. When choosing from the variety of Big Island vacation rentals, keep in mind that the east side of the island usually sees over 100 inches of rain each year, with Hilo being the wettest city in the United States. The west side, including the picturesque Kailua-Kona coast, is much drier.
Things to Do
Whether on land or out to sea, vacationers have lots of sightseeing opportunities to enjoy during a stay in Hawaii. Big Island vacation rentals help keep visitors rested and ready for exploring the island’s many beautiful locales. A trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Kau should be at the top of your list. Here, tourists can hike through a volcanic crater, view steam vents at the Halemaumau Crater, or see active volcanoes. The Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park marks the area where Captain Cook arrived on the island in Kona. See black sand beaches at Punalu’u Beach Park, rare green sands at Mahana Beach and turquoise waters at Mauna Kea Beach. Pana-ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens and the Puako Petroglyph Preserve are other outdoor attractions that visitors won’t want to miss. Venture into the Pacific Ocean for incredible scuba diving and snorkeling. Kona Ocean Adventures offers a variety of ocean experiences to choose from, including swimming with dolphins, night-diving with Manta Rays and whale watching.
Food
Bring your appetite with you on your trip to Hawaii. From locally raised beef and poultry to vegetables and fruits grown in volcanic-enriched soil, Big Island chefs use only the freshest island ingredients in their foods. The local cuisine is an eclectic mix of Hawaiian culture and flavors from immigrants around the world, which can be tasted in a traditional plate lunch of luau feast. Some highlights include laulau, which is pork wrapped in a taro leaf, and loco moco, which consists of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy. Pineapple, poi and poke also frequently appear on Big Island menus.
Events
While the gorgeous setting alone is reason enough to celebrate, there are many fun events throughout the year on the Big Island. In April, Hawaii’s biggest and most prestigious hula festival is held. The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival pays tribute to the dance with competitions and celebrations. In June, check out the Kamehameha Festival that is part of the Kamehameha Day celebration. The event honors Kamehameha the Great, who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, and serves to keep Hawaiian culture alive.
Big Island vacation rentals can put you right on the beach or tucked amidst waterfalls, and are the perfect place to come home to after a day of exploration. Whether you’re looking to spend days lazing on the beach with a tropical drink in hand or hoping to explore lush landscapes and see lava oozing into the ocean, the Big Island makes for a memorable trip.
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