Luci Yamamoto - Lonely Planet Discover Hawaii the Big Island

This Is Hawaii the Big Island

Wherever you go, theres a sense of freedom and frontier

We doubt its possible to get island fever on Hawaii. The aptly named Big Island is fantastically diverse, with miles of highways and better yet byways to explore. From age-old fishing villages to modern mega resorts, from snowcapped peaks to sandy beaches, youll experience tropical splendor backed by an epic history. Hawaii is twice as big as the other Hawaiian Islands combined, and its dramatic terrain will surprise you and take you to extremes.

At 800,000 years old, Hawaii is a baby in geologic terms. Its here youll find the Hawaiian Islands highest and largest volcanic mountains and the worlds most active volcano, spewing molten lava since 1983. Circumnavigate the island and watch stark lava desert morph into rolling pastureland and misty valleys, weathered by rain, waves and time.

Ancient history looms large on Hawaii, a place of powerful mana (spiritual essence). The first Polynesians landed at Ka Lae, where the windswept coast remains pristine and undeveloped, and Kamehameha the Great was born in North Kohala. Hula and oli (chant) are powerful forms of living history, and the Big Island has spawned legendary hula masters and the celebrated Merrie Monarch Festival.

Plantation days are long past, but not the colorful legacy. The waves of immigrants who labored in the cane fields added their languages, foods and cultures to the mix. Today, theres no ethnic majority and common bonds are intangible: the pidgin vernacular, easygoing manner and deep love of the aina (land).

Hawaii is surprisingly untouristy. And thanks to its sheer size, theres lots of legroom. While the South Kohala Gold Coast caters to travelers en masse, most island towns are rural and cater to residents. Even the capital seat, Hilo, is a former plantation town thats still slow-paced and populated by kamaaina (born-and-raised Hawaiians). Wherever you go, theres a sense of freedom and frontier. The Big Island is a guaranteed big experience.

Waipio Valley ()
PHOTOGRAPHER: KARL LEHMANN / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Hawaii the Big Islands Top Experiences

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The eerie glow of a lava lake, secluded palm-fringed beaches, ancient petroglyphs pecked into hardened lava, and miles of hiking trails through smoking craters, rainforest and desert whats not to love about Hawaiis number one site? For a singular experience, try and snag one of the 12 coveted spots on the weekly Secret Lava Tube Tour ( ) is one of the islands top spots to experience Hawaiian culture including hula on the crater rim, annual festivals and lecture series.

G. BRAD LEWIS/SCIENCE FACTION/CORBIS