Where to Visit in Hawaii

Whilst Hawaii are these things (especially if you visit Maui and Oahu), it is also much more. Hawaii is the biggest and most varied of these (63% of the total land mass of the islands and only 13% of the state' s population). Hometown of 8 of the 13 climate zones of the globe, two of the biggest peaks of the globe, one of the most activity volcanoes of the globe, the humidest town of the USA and 266 mile coast with whitish, dark and verdant (yes, green) sandy Hawaiian islands is different than any other.

Hawaiian Iceland is described by most as the big Iceland - and for good reasons. But despite its name, most of the time the visitor is not prepared for the mere magnitude and variety of the Big Isle. Sailing through this labyrinth of possibilities can be depressing. So if you wonder where to begin, here are ten of the most unbelievable places on Hawaii'i Islands that you should not miss:

It is one of the most volcanoes in the worid and one of the few places where you can observe (from a questionable distance) volcanic eruptions on ground and sea as it expands the large isle ( (since its 1983 outbreak 570 acre of new ground has been added to Hawaii's large island).

With over 333,000 hectares, two volcanoes, unique flora and fauna, magnificent scenery and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Volcano National Park provides endless explore. The Pololu Valley, one of the most stunning vantage points on the island of Hawaii, is one and a half hours northern of Kona. When you head northerly on Highway 270, you will see the dark laval landscape turning into juicy meadows and rolling countryside.

The Pololu River is the only one of its kind in the world. If you take the street, you won't miss the Pololu River because it is situated where the motorway ends. Whilst the panoramic outlooks from the viewpoint are breathtaking, I strongly suggest walking down to the sandy and dark area. Enduring walkers are awarded with breathtaking vistas of the valleys, the sandy beaches, the nearby rocks and handmade driving wood swing.

The Kealakekua Bay is my favourite place on the Big Isl. But it would be a ministry for anyone who wants to see the best that Hawaii has to show. In my view, if you are as much in favour of and as respectful of the wonderful Hawaiian Isle as I am, a visit to Kealakekua Bay is an utterly divine (for want of a better word) one.

Its historic importance and stunning natural beauties make it a real Hawaii Island highpoint. The Kealakekua is the biggest deepwater cove in Hawaii and has a wonderful protected area. There are also a large number of white-spotted porpoises and tortoises, making snorkelling even more thrilling. Indeed, some would claim that Kealakekua is the best snorkelling in the state.

Therefore, if you want to visit, you would be best choice to join a snorkelling tour. Mauna Kea, the geographical and intellectual centre of the Great Island, is a landmark of Hawaii. Mauna Kea Peak is one of the holiest places of Hawaii' ancient religious traditions and houses the biggest telescope collections in the underworld.

The Mauna Kea is the second of five volcanoes that have survived and created the Isle. Reaching a height of almost 14,000 ft above sealevel and a 17,000 ft basis below sealevel, this 30,000 ft large volume is not only the highest top in Hawaii, but also the highest ocean mount in the underworld.

Every tourist can go to the Mauna Kea Visitors Centre, but to get to the top you have to have a four-wheel driven one. When you want to visit the top (which you, believe me, do), I suggest a trip like Hawaii Forest & Trail's Summit & Stargazing Tours (unless you have packed a parkas and rented a four-wheel drive).

The Waipi'o River and the Waipi'o River valleys are of cultural importance and breathtakingly spectacular. It is home to one of the most stunning vantage points on the island of Hawaii. Waipi'o Velley offers stunning vistas of steeply sloping rocks and spectacular coastlines, while dark sandy shores and jagged wildlife wait for the adventurer in the bottom of the valleys.

Although the view is a great place to enjoy the panorama, it only gives a foretaste of what the valleys have to offer. Here you can enjoy the view. From the bottom of the valleys the view is rewarding (especially if you like waterfalls). It is possible to reach the bottom of the valleys by bus, walking or walking (unless you have four-wheel drive and the self-confidence to master a single track downhill run with 25% gradient).

As you go beyond the beaches and down into the valleys, you will be awarded with waterfalls, fierce horses and taco fields. The Waipi'o offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, from walking to equestrianism. It is a must for every adventurous traveller. Hapuna is the perfect place if you are looking for a typical Hapuna sanded, clean and clean sandfront.

Called by Lonely Planet the best Big Island and one of the best resorts in the whole planet, Hapuna is worthy of its many "Best Beach" status. A half-miles long and 200 ft broad, the lovely Hapuna is the ideal place to romp in the waves or just chill out in the sundown.

Hapuna is a favourite with local people and tourists due to its finely grained sandy beaches, clear, unpolluted waters, excellent bathing opportunities (except when the waves are high) and beautiful countryside. This is Hapuna Beaches, 30 leagues north of Kona. There is generally a rescue swimmer on call and the site has all the amenities and an inconspicuous licensee from whom you can buy groceries and provisions for the beaches.

Snorkelling is a must when you visit Hawaii's Big Iceland, and the best place to snorkel (without a boat) is an area just down the road from Kona, known as Two Tap. Situated just to the South of Captain Cook, Two step offers some of the best snorkelling on the islands and - unlike other top snorkelling sites - good accessibility.

Snorkelling here on a good afternoon can be equated with the more challenging Captain Cook Monument / Kealakekua Bay (mentioned in this article). The tranquil water makes snorkelling simple and secure all year round. On Honaunau Bay (right next to Two-Step Beach ), Place of Refuge is a 180 hectare historical sanctuary where you can discover antique Honaunau remains and Heiau (temple) while you learn about Hawaii' local heritage and people.

Like the name says, these holy sites were a haven for old lawbreakers in Hawaii. As you can see, in old Hawaii (600 A.D. - 1810) an extended Kapu system (or holy law) ruled the isles. Legislation (prohibiting anyone from casting a royal footsteps or forbidding a woman from phalliclooking banana - for example) was of the utmost importance to Hawaiian civilization, and the breach of these apparently indiscriminate terms of office was punished with deaths.

" Situated on the eastern side of the peninsula near Hilo, this breathtaking 420-foot free-fall dive is accessible by an effortless trek along a cobbled rain forest trail. From the car park, the visitor can take a 3-5 minutes stroll or a half kilometre long trail through luxuriant, bamboo-covered forests.

South Point, or Ka Lae, is the southernmost part of the country, making it the southernmost point of the whole state. The Polynesians were thought to first land here when they found Hawaii around 750 AD. In spite of the call for powerful current, brave divers visit this area to make the 40-foot dive down from the rocks to the ocean (with an old rusted leader near by to go up again).

There is a curious phenomena eastwards of South Point known as Emerald Isle. With a nice mix of verdant and dark sands, this is the only (safe) place to go swimming in the area (not to speak of a photographer dreams). There is a 2 1/4 mile long street to the shore, and you will need 4wds to get there.

When you don't have four-wheel drive, you can walk or hitchhike to the shore, but it's best to take the tow.