Oahu] Enjoy Group Travel on Oahu! Travel attractions, recommended activities, and sightseeing spots!

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Many visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii visit not only the resorts, but also the volcanoes and sacred sites that are steeped in Hawaiian history.

Hawaii has so many volcanoes, some of which are still active and continue to grow larger on the Big Island.

Hawaii Island is the largest island in Hawaii in terms of area, but its population is smaller than that of Oahu, at about 20% of the total.

It can be said to be a magnificent island where volcanoes and nature stand out more than the bustle of people's lives.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

The island of Hawaii has the Kona district in the west and the Hilo district in the east, both of which have international airports.

Direct flights from Japan are available at Kona's international airport, which is convenient because there is no need to change planes.

A popular pattern is to stay on Oahu and then go to the Big Island of Hawaii, or to take advantage of the time spent waiting for transfers at the Honolulu airport to take a break.

In that case, you will land at the airport on Oahu and depart for the airport on the Big Island of Hawaii.

From either airport, a rental car or bus will get you to the city center and adjacent hotel areas in about 30 minutes.

You don't have to worry about travel time that much because it's a big island.

 

Hawaii Island is a great place for group travel

If you are planning to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, honeymoon is a good choice, but it is also recommended for group trips with friends, company trips, study tours, etc.

 

Why Group Travel?

The island of Hawaii is so vast that it is called the Big Island, and many of the tourist facilities are large and spacious.

This makes it easy for groups to move around and enter the facilities together, making it possible for everyone to enjoy a spot at once.

In addition, travel agencies sell many tours for groups and offer a wide variety of group discounts and other special offers.

If you are going abroad on a group trip, the Big Island of Hawaii should be on your list!

 

Wide variety of activities

The Big Island of Hawaii offers many activities for groups.

In the ocean, you can go snorkeling or diving, where you can look underwater, or rent a cruiser that can accommodate 10 or more people and enjoy the sunset at sea.

On land, golf is also very popular at the Golf Park, which has a large area of land.

Choose an activity that suits your group size and preferences to make your group trip to the Big Island of Hawaii more meaningful!

 

Enjoy the ultimate "healing" experience surrounded by nature.

Going to crowded beaches, crowded shopping centers and tourist attractions... It is a little unsatisfying to end a trip to Hawaii with just that, and it is also tiring to go to crowded places all the time.

The Big Island of Hawaii has the most exquisite natural environment that will blow away such fatigue.

Why not visit a healing spot?

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots

Here are some recommended spots where you can get soothing and inspiring views.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano, famous as an active volcano, is still erupting.

It was recently confirmed to have erupted in 2020, and nearby residents were instructed to stay indoors and evacuate to avoid damage from the lava.

To the Japanese, living near an active volcano may seem frightening, but living with a volcano is an everyday occurrence for the people of the Big Island, and volcanoes are such an irreplaceable part of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

Although it may sound scary to hear about flowing lava, the lava flowing from Kilauea Volcano is characterized by its stickiness and slow flow rather than its silky smoothness.

Therefore, as long as you do not enter the prohibited area, you will not be exposed to lava or be caught in a lava flow.

Kilauea Volcano is a popular tourist destination and has many attractions!

According to ancient Hawaiian mythology, Pele, the goddess of fire, lives on this volcano and has created the land of Hawaii through volcanic activity.

For this reason, it is revered by the locals as a sacred place that gives birth to the Hawaiian earth.

Because of frequent eruptions, powerful changes can be seen near the crater, and you can feel the power of the earth and the land from the sight of the crater.

There are also helicopter and Cessna tours to view the scene from above, which are highly recommended.

 

Access

Kilauea Volcano is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site.

To see the volcano, it is common to enter the park and drive there first, but trekking trails are also available.

It is closest to the center of Hilo by car, which takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Although accessible by bus, the grounds are vast, so a car or tour bus is recommended.

By car or tour bus, you can drive around and see the exterior of the volcano.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea, meaning "white mountain," is also an integral part of Hawaii Island's nature tourism.

Mauna Kea is famous for being the highest mountain in the Pacific Ocean, and its summit provides an ideal environment for stargazing, and observatories around the world, including those in Japan and the United Kingdom, are located there for constant observation.

It is also confirmed to be higher than Mount Everest, which is considered the highest mountain in the world, when measured including the part of the mountain buried in the strata.

Some even call it "the closest mountain to space.

 

Recommendations

We can also climb to the top of Mauna Kea.

As it is called the White Mountain, the temperature is so low that snow accumulates on the summit during the cold season, so it is recommended that you bring warm clothes and dress appropriately for climbing, even in the summer season.

From the top, not only can you see the star-filled sky, but the views of the morning sunrise and sunset are also breathtaking.

You can enjoy the spectacular view that only a high altitude mountain can offer.

 

Access

Since the mountain is very high, it is recommended to join a guided climbing tour or a stargazing tour if possible.

If you are planning to rent a car, take the Mauna Kea Road from Hilo. The mountain road is narrow and has elevation differences, so please use a vehicle suitable for mountain roads, such as a 4WD.

 

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls, located in Wailuku State Park, is another attractive tourist destination.

On good weather days, a rainbow sometimes forms over the cascade as it splashes over the falls, hence the name Rainbow Falls.

 

Recommendations

Rainbows are not always visible, but are most likely to appear in the morning on days with good weather.

The waterfall is also a sacred place, as the goddess of the moon is said to reside there.

Surrounded by clean air and nature, it is a mysterious and beautiful place that makes you feel happy just by visiting.

 

Access

It is located very close to Hilo town center and can be reached by car or bus in about 5 to 10 minutes.

You can see the falls from the observation deck, but for a closer view, climb the park's footpath.

 

hero

Hilo, essential for lodging and access to tourist attractions on the Big Island, is the largest town on the east coast of Hawaii Island.

Like the rest of the region, the climate is mild, but it is also famous for its rainy weather.

With a large Japanese American population, Hilo is also a town with more Japanese Americans and Asians than Caucasians or Native Americans.

It is also an advanced town in terms of education, with many educational institutions and famous Hawaiian schools concentrated in the area, making it an educational hub of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

Hilo has an international airport and an international port, making it a convenient town to visit various spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hilo is also home to Liliuokalani Park, which has a Japanese garden and is very friendly to Japanese tourists.

Hilo International Airport is about 40 minutes away from Volcanoes National Park, and other famous tourist attractions such as Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls are within a 10-minute drive.

This makes it a good place to stay, especially for volcano and nature-based tourism.

There is also a farmer's market where fresh produce can be purchased, making it suitable for shopping as well as sightseeing.

It is vast and every part of it is scenic, so many people rent cars to drive around.

 

Access

There are no direct flights from Japan to Oahu, and the most common way to get there from Japan is to change planes on Oahu.

It is recommended to rent a car or take a tour bus from the airport to the city center and various famous spots.

The time required is anywhere from 40 minutes to less than one hour each way if sightseeing of the volcano is the main activity.

Note that if you are staying in western Kona, you can often schedule a day trip to see the volcano.

When planning your trip, it is a good idea to set a schedule so that you can spend a whole day in Hilo.

 

South Point

South Point in Hilo, considered the southernmost point of Hawaii Island, has a beautiful coastline.

The area is full of natural attractions, including crystal clear waters, powerful cliffs, rocky beaches, and unusual black and green sand beaches made of lava and volcanic ash.

 

Recommendations

As we have already told you, South Point is an attractive spot with its ocean and beaches.

In particular, Mahana Bay, at the junction of South Point Road where the bright white propeller is installed, is home to Greensand Beach, a beach of sand made of olivine (a mineral of iron and magnesium) contained in volcanic ash, where you can see the rarest green sand in the world.

Some people are tempted to take them home with them because of their rarity, but please do not take them home with you in order to protect the precious nature of the Big Island of Hawaii.

From the rocky cliffs on the cape, many people dive into the sea to play in the ocean.

Enjoy playing in the ocean at South Point with its spectacular view while paying attention to safety!

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, drive south on Highway 11 for about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Just turn onto South Point Road and you will arrive.

There is also the Kau Forest Reserve and Volcanoes National Park on the way, so it is recommended that you stop at other spots as you head out.

 

Recommended Activities for Group Travel

Here are some activities that are especially recommended for group tours.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is an activity in which visitors swim while observing underwater life and coral reefs, wearing equipment called a snorkel.

It can be experienced in both shallow and deep water.

Hawaii Island's crystal clear waters and numerous beaches with coral reefs and tropical fish provide the perfect environment for snorkeling to observe underwater life.

Marine life sanctuaries are popular because of the rare fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins that can be seen, making them a valuable experience.

Since fish can be seen even in shallow water, snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii is recommended for beginners.

 

SUP

SUP is stand-up paddle surfing, an activity that uses a surfboard.

It is less difficult than surfing, and people who cannot surf can easily start because they paddle while standing on a board, and go on the surface of the sea where there are few waves.

When SUPing for the first time, it may be difficult at first, but as you get used to it, you will be able to paddle smoothly on the surface of the ocean.

The waters of the Big Island of Hawaii are vast, with many shallow areas where the waves are calm, so you can enjoy the beautiful emerald blue ocean surface and the spectacular surrounding scenery.

This is a recommended activity that everyone can do while sharing the fun.

 

riding horse

On land, you can even experience horseback riding!

The pastures of the Big Island of Hawaii are vast and can accommodate large groups.

Hawaii Island is not only home to volcanoes, but also to mountains with beautiful meadows.

There is also a popular horseback riding tour at a ranch overlooking the ocean.

It is recommended to relax and enjoy the fresh breeze of the meadow.

 

Segway (motorized personal vehicle)

Segways are motorized standing bicycles, but their use on public roads is prohibited in Japan.

However, on the Big Island of Hawaii, you are allowed to ride on public roads, so this is one activity you should definitely try.

Everyone who has experienced it says it is just so nice to feel the wind.

In the beautiful air and scenery of the Big Island of Hawaii, the feeling of freedom and exhilaration is outstanding.

If you take a tour, a guide will take you sightseeing, so if you are a beginner or want to experience it as a group, please take advantage of this service.

 

starry sky viewing

The Big Island of Hawaii is also famous for its starry skies and beautiful night views.

You need to reach the summit to see the beautiful starry sky, but it is reassuring to climb the mountain when you are in a group.

The starry sky seen from the top of Mauna Kea, where observatories from around the world are located, is unimaginably beautiful, and some people even visit the Big Island of Hawaii to view the stars.

Although there is some difficulty in climbing the mountain, the inevitable starry sky is so impressive that it is worth overcoming the difficulty.

 

Offers tours for group travel!

Mauna Kea Sunrise & Stargazing Tour

This tour aims at the summit of Mauna Kea, a mountain close to space, famous for its stargazing.

This is a full-scale tour from late night to early morning, and astronomical telescopes are available for rent.

In addition to stargazing, you will also be able to see the sunrise, which will surely be an unforgettable experience.

I feel uneasy about climbing mountains alone, but with tours, I feel at ease!

In addition to the telescope, a Japanese-speaking guide, meals, drinking water, and warm clothes are included in the package, making it a complete package.

This is a very popular tour, so early reservations are recommended.

 

Hawaii Island Horseback Riding Tours Relaxing horseback riding on a ranch on the Kohala Coast!

This is an elegant tour where you can experience horseback riding while overlooking the blue waters of the Kohala Coast.

Although instructions are given in English, even beginners can take on the challenge as there is careful guidance.

Children 8 years old and up are welcome to participate in the experience, so it's a great way to bring the whole family.

The contrast between the lush green pastureland and the bright blue ocean is beautiful and relaxing.

 

Hawaii Island Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour

Snorkel in beautiful Kealakekua Bay, renowned for its clarity.

On this tour, you will be taken by boat to a snorkeling spot where you can enjoy snorkeling in the shallows.

The ship is well-equipped with food, beverages, and restroom facilities, and is highly rated by group and family participants.

If you are lucky, you may even see dolphins.

 

summary

Now that you know that the Big Island of Hawaii is a great place for group travel, why not take a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii?

The activities in the vast ocean and grounds, which can be experienced only on the Big Island, are also a highlight.

If you are planning a group trip to Hawaii, we encourage you to plan a trip to spend time on the Big Island.

It will be a wonderful trip that will surely satisfy everyone.