Let's go to Hawaii Island during Golden Week (GW)! Recommended Activities and Tours
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Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island
Hawaii Island is one of the islands in the Pacific Ocean that form the Hawaiian Islands.
It is also known by the nickname "Big Island" because it is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.
With an area of 10432.5 square kilometers, it is about the same size as Gifu Prefecture in Japan.
Hawaii is the southernmost state in the U.S. and is known as one of the world's leading resort destinations, attracting numerous tourists from around the world.
What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?
The island of Hawaii is not only large, it is said to be still growing.
The island is also rich in nature, with Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes; Mauna Kea, the "world's highest peak" at over 10,000 meters measured from the ocean floor; Mauna Loa, the world's most massive mountain; and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the largest in the state.
The island is also home to 11 of the world's 13 different climate zones.
How to get to Hawaii Island
There are two major airports on the Big Island of Hawaii: Kona on the west coast and Hilo on the northeast.
Kona Airport has more flights and better access to resorts and hotels, but Hilo Airport is more convenient for volcano sightseeing.
The travel time from Japan is approximately 8.5 to 9 hours, depending on the airport of departure.
Hilo Airport does not have direct flights from Japan, so you must go through Honolulu Airport on Oahu Island.
It takes about 50 minutes from Honolulu Airport to Hilo Airport.
Keep in mind that using different types for different purposes will shorten the time required.
Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is filled with the power of nature.
Various climatic variations can be seen depending on the location of the island.
The northeastern part of the island receives the most rainfall in the United States, while the western coast is dry year-round.
And near the tops of the higher elevation mountains are snowfall areas.
Touring the entire island, one can enjoy the changing scenery as if one were touring a different country.
Spectacular, untouched wilderness
The greatest attraction is the overwhelming natural beauty of Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Mauna Kea Volcano, 4,000 meters above sea level, where visitors can enjoy the night sky.
Other natural attractions include Waipio Valley, the "Valley of the Kings," and the Purnau Black Sand Beach, where you can see Honu.
Recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing time at the resort.
A powerful volcano
When it comes to nature on the Big Island of Hawaii, the first thing to mention is the volcanoes, where you can feel the breath of the earth up close and personal.
There are five volcanoes on the island, each with its own diverse attractions.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea Volcano, one of the most famous tourist attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as Halemaumau Crater, where Pele, the goddess of fire, is said to live, and Mauna Kea, the closest place in the universe.
Beautiful Beaches
The Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its many breathtakingly beautiful beaches.
There are many beaches where you can enjoy the magnificent nature, such as Kahaluu Beach, where you can enjoy snorkeling and have a high chance of encountering sea turtles, and Hapuna Beach, one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the entire United States.
Other new attractions include Black Sand Beach, created by the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea volcano.
Shopping and dining are also recommended.
If you have come all the way to the Big Island of Hawaii, you will want to enjoy shopping and dining.
King's Shops is a collection of more than 50 stores, from luxury brands to Hawaiian gifts and more.
Other shopping and dining destinations are scattered throughout the Big Island of Hawaii, including the Queen's Marketplace, which has a hotel and golf course.
Shopping areas are especially common near the Kona Airport.
You can get around efficiently by checking not only sightseeing but also shopping information while deciding on a hotel.
Let's learn about culture and history.
Hawaiian music, Tahitian dance, and hula are unique to Hawaiian culture.
Hawaiian culture is said to be the result of the ancient customs of the native Hawaiians, the Christian-based culture brought by Westerners, and the influence of immigrants from many countries.
In addition to experiencing the sun, beautiful ocean, and other wonderful natural features, Hawaii's rich history and culture will make your trip even more enjoyable.
GW Hawaii Island
Hawaii is an everlasting summer island where the temperature does not vary much throughout the year.
Nevertheless, from May, we enter full-blown summer, which is as hot as midsummer in Japan.
The average maximum temperature is said to be around 29 degrees Celsius and the average minimum around 20 degrees Celsius.
It is the best season for travel because of its low precipitation and high percentage of sunny days.
How to enjoy GW
The Big Island of Hawaii is a place that offers many different ways to enjoy yourself.
Let's take a closer look.
Enjoy a wide variety of activities
The Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, stargazing, horseback riding, and volcano tours.
Hawaii is all about the ocean, isn't it?
Since summer will be in full swing in GW, you can spend time at the beach, swim in the ocean, and enjoy water activities to your heart's content.
You should have some idea of what you want to experience.
Enjoy a pleasant trip in a mild climate.
Hawaii is known as the island of everlasting summer and has a warm climate throughout the year.
Actually, there is summer and winter, but even in winter (November to April), the average temperature is said to range from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Hawaii is also a comfortable place to live regardless of the season.
You've got a trip to make! Let's enjoy it actively!
The island of Hawaii is home to the world's largest active volcano, as well as the blue ocean as far as the eye can see, and other natural wonders.
If you are going to the Big Island of Hawaii, there is no reason not to visit a spot where you can experience the charm of the great outdoors.
Visit all the sights and feel the grandeur of nature.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots
Some people may be concerned that there are too many sights to see, that they do not know where to go, or that they will not feel safe.
Here are some of the recommended sights to see.
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach State Park is located on the Kohala Coast about 51 km (32 miles) north of Kailua-Kona.
The park is approximately 25 hectares in size and is home to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, a sister hotel to the famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Recommendations
Hapuna Beach, located within the park, has a long white sand beach and has been voted the most beautiful beach in the United States.
In Hawaiian, Hapuna means a spring of life from which water gushes.
Ha is life and Puna is spring water.
The beach really lives up to its name and is truly lovely.
It is a popular beach with excellent conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Because the waves are often high in the winter, some visitors come for surfing.
Access
From Kona Airport, take Highway 19 north.
It is 25 miles from the airport and will take 30-40 minutes depending on road conditions.
Signs will appear along the highway, so turn onto Hapuna Beach Road and follow it to the shoreline.
There is plenty of parking in the park, and access by car is recommended.
Mauna Kea
It is one of the five volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii.
In Hawaiian, Mauna Kea means "white mountain," named for the snow that covers the summit in winter.
Recommendations
The weather is stable and the air is clear near the summit.
As a result, a total of 13 observatories have been established by research institutes in 11 countries around the world.
The best place to go would be for astronomical observation.
Numerous tours are available, and viewing the sunrise and sunset as well as the stars is recommended.
Access
It is difficult to reach by rental car or private vehicle because the elevation is 4205 meters and the road is unpaved and without guardrails.
It is best to sign up for a tour and participate.
Some tours may not allow participation due to age restrictions or physical condition, so please check in advance.
Rainbow Falls
This waterfall is located on the Wailuku River on the east side of Hawaii Island.
As the name suggests, this spot is popular for the rainbow that forms over the basin of the waterfall.
The Hawaiian name for the waterfall is Waianuenue, which means "rainbow seen in the water.
It is said that the name comes from the rainbow formed by the reflection of water droplets dancing from the waterfall in the morning sunlight.
Recommendations
Water falling from a height of 24 meters splashes down into the lava cave below, and on a clear day, if you are lucky, you can see a rainbow.
It is said that the best chance of seeing a rainbow is in the morning.
It is also the site of the myth of the goddess Hina, mother of the demigod Maui, and it would be interesting to trace the world of mythology.
Access
From downtown Hilo, head west on Wai'anue Avenue for about 5 minutes.
There is a viewing platform with a view of the falls at the end of the parking lot and also from the stairs on the left.
South Point
South Point refers to Cape Calae.
It is said that Polynesians first landed here between 400 and 800 A.D. It is the southernmost point of not only the state of Hawaii but also the United States of America.
It is a popular destination for large numbers of travelers.
Recommendations
Highlights include the Kalae Lighthouse, further south of the parking lot, and Kalalea Heiau, the ruins of a temple on its side.
You can also see mooring rocks that were made by Polynesians in the past by drilling holes in lava rock to keep their canoes from being swept away by the current.
The 15-meter-high cliff is a perfect jumping off point.
Travelers may jump into the sea and come up on a steel ladder, so there may be travelers jumping in in their swimsuits.
Access
It takes less than two hours by car from Hilo Airport to the south.
From Route 11, turn left at the South Point Road entrance and follow the narrow road from there for about 30 minutes to the dead end.
It takes about 3 minutes to walk from the parking lot.
The road to South Point may not be covered by insurance by the rental car company.
Check in advance if you are going.
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The largest city on the east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Downtown, with its many hot spots, is a must-visit place.
The city is also a base for visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Recommendations
Hilo also has the aspect of being the cultural center of Hawaii.
The nostalgic wooden building, which has a history of more than 100 years since its construction, is used as a store and office building.
Artistic street corners with murals and other paintings are lined with supermarkets and cafes that sell organic foods.
Other spots that stimulate the senses, such as boutiques selling items arranged with traditional crafts, are popping up one after another.
It is also the site of the world's largest hula festival, the Merry Monarch Festival.
Access
The city of Hilo is about a 10-minute drive from Hilo Airport.
From Kona Airport, which has direct flights, it takes about 2 hours.
Hilo and Kona are quite a distance apart, so be careful when making plans.
Recommended Activities
There are a variety of activities that allow you to experience the great nature of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Here are some of the standard activities that you can't go wrong if you keep this in mind.
Please refer to this page, especially if you are visiting for the first time.
snorkeling
Hawaii's crystal clear waters are ideal for snorkeling.
This popular activity is a great way to spend a relaxing time at sea or to experience the grandeur of nature.
Snorkeling, however, differs from spot to spot in terms of the types of fish that can be seen and the marine environment, so find a spot that suits your preferences.
Recommendations
Snorkeling in shallow water is a great way to see coral reefs and tropical fish as well as sea turtles.
There are also activity tours available that allow visitors to enjoy cruising on a boat and swimming with schools of dolphins and manta rays.
Designated as a marine life sanctuary, there are many spots where you can enjoy the beauty of the ocean and enjoy rare encounters with Hawaii's endemic species.
Experience the beauty of Hawaii's ocean with your own eyes and skin.
riding horse
There is a ranch where you can enjoy horseback riding while enjoying the great power of nature.
In Japan, there are not many opportunities for beginners to experience horseback riding.
It is also a great activity for families, as even children can enjoy it safely.
Recommendations
There are two main types of areas on the Big Island of Hawaii where horseback riding is available and how to enjoy it.
Waipio Valley offers a horseback walk through the canyon, and Mt. Kohala offers a galloping ride through the prairie.
Both plans are accompanied by an instructor, so beginners can enjoy themselves with ease.
Lava Tour
Kilauea Volcano is still active today.
Tours that allow visitors to see up close the red lava that is flowing in a droll manner are very popular.
You can experience the magnificent natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii to your heart's content.
Recommendations
There are different types of lava tours.
There are hikes where you can see red flowing lava, helicopter tours that take you close to the crater while viewing the natural beauty of Hawaii Island, and boat tours where you can watch the lava flow into the ocean from the top of a boat.
Each has different highlights, so join the plan that best suits your preferences.
parasailing
Marine activities are an essential part of a trip to Hawaii.
Among the many activities, parasailing is very popular, as you can feel the comfortable breeze against the wide blue sky and ocean.
Recommendations
Parasailing is a form of parasailing in which a parachute is attached to the body, and the body floats in the sky while being pulled by a motorboat running on the sea.
Like flying a kite, your body floats in the air, and you can enjoy flying in the air as if you were a bird.
No special knowledge or preparation is required.
This activity can be easily enjoyed by adults and children alike.
helicopter tour
Helicopter tours are a great way to enjoy the mind-boggling and spectacular views to your heart's content.
This is a greedy activity that allows you to see the great nature of the Big Island of Hawaii all at once.
Recommendations
Kilauea volcanoes, rainforests, cityscapes, deep canyons, endless coastlines, and waterfalls with rainbows.
It's a great way to easily view the city from above.
This activity is recommended for those who are interested in this or that.
Recommended tours to join during Golden Week
GW is the best season to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, and the weather is also the best.
Therefore, many tourists visit the Big Island of Hawaii.
To avoid having to say, "I can't join the tour because it's all booked up," it is important to know in advance what kind of tours are available.
So here are some tours we recommend for GW.
Wild Dolphins & Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour
This snorkeling tour is limited to 6 people.
The small group size and attentive staff are available for beginners and those with children.
Dolphin watching and snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, one of the clearest bays on the Big Island of Hawaii, can be enjoyed at the same time.
This half-day tour also includes a stop at two snorkeling spots.
Fruits and hot drinks are also available for your comfort on board.
Hawaii Island Helicopter Cruises
This tour allows you to see Kilauea Volcano and other sights on the Big Island of Hawaii from the air in a relaxed atmosphere.
This is a great opportunity for families and even those who have visited the Big Island of Hawaii many times to enjoy the spectacular natural environment from a different perspective.
Boarding is available from Kona or Hilo airports.
Departing from Kona Airport, the tour takes in the Kona area, Mt. Hualalai, Mauna Loa, Kilauea Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, East Hawaii Rainforest and Kohala Valley.
Departing from Hilo Airport, the course includes a scenic tour of Kilauea Volcano National Park, Puna District Rainforest, and Rainbow Falls.
The aircraft's unshakable structure allows you to fully appreciate the spectacular natural scenery.
Hawaii Island Parasailing
Activities in the sky may seem difficult for beginners.
However, parasailing is a popular activity that anyone can participate in, especially in resort areas.
The tour offers a 10-minute aerial experience from a height of 365 meters or 243 meters above the ground, which is higher than a skyscraper.
You will feel like a bird as you look down on the beautiful coral reefs and the city of Kona below during your flight.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Big Island of Hawaii from a different angle.
summary
How was it?
When people think of Hawaii, they think of Oahu, but the Big Island of Hawaii also has a variety of attractions.
The island of Hawaii is attracting more and more attention each year because of its spectacular natural beauty.
Why not take this opportunity to visit the Big Island of Hawaii for your overseas trip this year?
The spectacular natural scenery, which cannot be seen in everyday life, will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.
However, flights and hotels are crowded during GW, and travel costs are high.
It is a good idea to plan ahead.
