Hawaii Island] What is the traditional culture of the Big Island of Hawaii? Travel Notes, Location of Hawaii Island, and Time Difference from Japan

Hawaii Island, known as the Big Island

Also known as the Big Island, Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

The spectacular sights, such as the world-famous Kilauea volcano and the sacred Mauna Kea, attract many visitors.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii is a paradise of everlasting summer, and its beaches with clear blue skies and beautiful emerald green waters offer a resort atmosphere to the fullest.

The Big Island of Hawaii also includes Hilo, the second largest city on Hawaii Island after Honolulu on Oahu, where visitors can enjoy a nostalgic stroll through the city.

In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as sunset and stargazing at Mauna Kea, and a powerful lava walk on Kilauea Volcano.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

Japan Airlines JAL and Hawaiian Airlines offer direct flights to the Big Island of Hawaii from Narita and Haneda Airports.

For direct flights, flight time is approximately 8 to 10 hours. In addition, from major cities in Japan, visitors can arrive by direct flights to Honolulu International Airport, from where connecting flights to airports on the Big Island of Hawaii are also available.

Flight time from Honolulu Airport on Oahu to Hilo International Airport or Kona International Airport on Hawaii Island is approximately one hour.

Beach resorts and diving enthusiasts can fly into Kona International Airport, while those wishing to visit sacred Mauna Kea or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can fly into Hilo International Airport.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you will be surrounded by extraordinary scenery and wonderful experiences.

The scenery is different from that of Waikiki on Oahu, offering a relaxing resort experience. Hawaii Island is also a favorite destination for divers, especially those who come to see manta rays.

In addition, you will be able to experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The abundance of unspoiled nature unique to the Big Island remains, and visitors can enjoy jungle trekking, touch subtropical plants, and soak up fresh negative ions.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many attractions, including a spectacular waterfall with a drop of 130 meters and the beautiful Rainbow Falls. Horseback riding is also popular, with views of spacious taro and pineapple fields.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The waters of the Big Island of Hawaii are amazingly clear, and you can see up to 40 to 50 meters deep. Large marine life such as manta rays, dolphins, and whales can be seen, and marine sports such as snorkeling and diving are very popular.

There are also diving spots that many divers are attracted to. Another attraction is the black sand beach with its volcanic island-like scenery, where visitors can enjoy the contrast of blue sky, blue sea, and black sand beach.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Queen's Marketplace, a popular shopping mall on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a place where you can enjoy gourmet food, shopping, and entertainment such as hula dancing.

Especially recommended for female travelers, "Big Island Candies" shortbread cookies are a very popular souvenir of Hawaii. Another fun part of a trip to Hawaii is a gourmet food tour.

From sumptuous Polynesian cuisine to American big-size steaks, seafood restaurants, B-class gourmet loco moco bowls, and Hilo's famous poke bowls, you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes.

There are also many delicious Hawaiian sweets and stylish cafes to enjoy.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

Hawaii has a diverse mix of history and culture, and you can get a glimpse of traditional culture and more during your trip.

 

Hula dance, one of the traditional cultures that originated in Hawaiian mythology, is popular to experience and learn on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Hawaii Island Culture

In addition to the Native Hawaiian culture, the island of Hawaii has a diverse mix of history and culture, including ancient Polynesian traditions and the cultures of immigrants from many countries.

Ancient Hawaiians did not have a written language, so they used physical expressions such as hula dance to convey Hawaiian mythology, history, and traditions. Fire dances and other forms of Polynesian culture can also be seen, offering visitors a chance to experience a variety of traditional cultures.

Hawaii Island is known as the beginning of Hawaiian history and the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, who unified and established the Kingdom of Hawaii.

The Kingdom of Hawaii, founded by King Kamehameha the Great, has a history spanning more than 100 years. In Hilo, there are many statues of King Kamehameha I and places to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii.

 

Differences from Japanese Culture

One of the cultural differences you may experience when traveling on the Big Island of Hawaii is the tipping system. Also, many restaurants require a dress code, so be sure to dress and behave appropriately for the situation while having an enjoyable trip.

There are places on the Big Island of Hawaii, like Japanese shrines, where you should show respect and be mindful of your behavior. Show special respect at sacred places, as they are important to the locals.

 

Time difference from Japan

There is a 19-hour time difference between Japan and Hawaii. Because Hawaii straddles the date line, it is 19 hours behind Japan.

For example, 12:00 noon in Japan is 17:00 at night in Hawaii. Since there is no daylight saving time in Hawaii, the time difference from Japan is 19 hours throughout the year.

 

Hawaii Island Location

The Hawaiian Islands consist of eight major islands (Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe) and over 100 smaller islands.

Of these, Hawaii Island is the southernmost and largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is known as the Big Island.

 

Weather on the Big Island of Hawaii

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the weather varies from region to region. With two high mountains over 4,000 meters in elevation and the influence of trade winds throughout the year, the island is characterized by 11 distinct climatic zones.

Hilo, the second largest city in the state of Hawaii, is located on the eastern side of the island and receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, while the resort area of Kona on the other side of the island receives less rainfall and offers a variety of marine sports.

Although Hawaii is a tropical state, the average year-round temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is approximately 23 degrees Celsius.

However, in the city of Hilo, snowy landscapes can be seen in the mountains during the winter months.

Therefore, visitors to Hilo in the fall or winter are advised to bring warmer clothing.

 

Manners and precautions to enjoy your trip

When traveling to Hawaii, it is easy to get caught up in the unique tropical atmosphere and become complacent, but once you are out of Japan, you must protect yourself.

Please take care of your valuables, passport, and personal safety, and have an enjoyable trip.

This section introduces manners, security, and other important information to be aware of on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Public Safety

The Big Island of Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise and is visited by many tourists throughout the year. Therefore, while the island is generally safe, it is important to be vigilant at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Especially in Hilo's Old Town, it is relatively safe during the day, but it is best to avoid walking the streets alone late at night.

Robberies and snatch-and-grabs for money are relatively common in Hawaii. In places where there are many tourists, the possibility of being pickpocketed while taking pictures is also increased.

Also, because of the high incidence of theft by litter, always keep valuables on your person and keep an eye on them.

 

Manners in Public Places

On the Big Island of Hawaii, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited in public places. This includes beaches, parks, streets, hotels, and restaurants.

Also, please keep in mind that, unlike in Japan, the minimum age for drinking alcohol in Hawaii is 21 years old. It is also important to avoid shouting in public places and not to use smartphones while walking.

Please note that crossing the street in areas where there are no crosswalks or at non-intersections is prohibited by law.

 

Manners in Restaurants

Unlike in Japan, tipping is common in Hawaii, which may be confusing at first. Tipping is given to others as a gratuity for good service, and for service people it is part of their salary, so please be respectful.

In restaurants, the standard tip is 15-20% of the price of the meal, with 20%-25% in upscale restaurants. Also, each table in a restaurant has its own person in charge, so do not call out loudly for other staff members. High

When going to a class restaurant, it is advisable to pay attention to the dress code, as there is often a dress code, and to bring clothing appropriate for the occasion.

 

Activity Experiences are Popular on the Big Island of Hawaii

There are many activities unique to the volcanic island of Hawaii, where you can feel the energy of the earth.

You will be able to experience the ocean, the mountains, and the great outdoors for a memorable trip.

 

Recommended Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are some of the best activities on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The beautiful ocean and the large scale of nature will satisfy both your body and mind.

 

snorkeling

Speaking of everlasting summer in Hawaii, snorkeling is a very popular marine sport.

Both children and the elderly can enjoy the world under the sea.

 

Recommendations

One of the activities that can be enjoyed in the crystal clear waters of the Big Island of Hawaii is snorkeling.

You can see colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even manta rays can sometimes be observed. Enjoy the luxury of swimming with fish of all colors and shapes in the beautiful emerald green ocean.

Especially popular on the Big Island of Hawaii is night snorkeling, where you can observe the powerful manta rays.

 

Lava Tour

Experience the unique lava tours of the volcanic island of Hawaii and view the caldera and crater up close.

Visitors can walk on the cooled and hardened lava and experience the dynamic landscape firsthand.

 

Recommendations

Lava hiking is recommended at Kilauea Volcano, a World Heritage site in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Halemaumau Crater, the legendary home of Pele, and the Chain of Craters Road, a walk along a lava plateau that extends to the sea, are just a few of the highlights. Feel the energy of the earth and fully enjoy the power from nature.

 

helicopter tour

Helicopter rides are a popular activity, offering an elegant view of the Big Island landscape from the sky.

Helicopters are a rare treat on the spectacular Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

Helicopter tours offer aerial views of famous tourist attractions such as Mauna Kea, which rises over 4200 meters above sea level, the powerful Kilauea Volcano, and Waipio Valley, where Hawaiian royalty once lived.

The spectacular Big Island scenery will give you goosebumps.

 

luau show

Luau" means banquet in Hawaiian.

Attend a luau show on the Big Island of Hawaii and enjoy a grand party, entertainment, and sumptuous local cuisine.

 

Recommendations

At a luau show, a traditional Hawaiian cultural event, you can watch hula dancers up close and enjoy Hawaiian music.

Not only can visitors enjoy elegant performances of Hawaiian mythological stories by hula dancers and Polynesian fire dancers, but they can also enjoy sumptuous local cuisine and experience Polynesian culture.

The luau show has become an integral part of Hawaii's nightlife.

 

starry sky viewing

Stargazing from the famous Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii offers not only the starry sky but also its sacred atmosphere.

Gazing at the stars in the sky will be a wonderful and memorable experience.

 

Recommendations

At "Mauna Kea," the sacred mountain for the Hawaiian people, you can feel the spiritual atmosphere.

From the top of the mountain, you can watch breathtaking sunsets. As the sun sets, the sky is filled with shooting stars, the Milky Way, and a glittering sky full of stars, making for a truly spectacular view.

You will be able to feel the expanse of the universe and be intoxicated by the grandeur of its scale.

Mauna Kea is also home to Subaru Observatory, a Japanese astronomical observatory, which you can visit inside.

 

Recommended Tours

Here are some of the tours we recommend for the Big Island of Hawaii.

Since most of Hawaii Island is traveled by car, we encourage you to join a tour and visit the sights in a comfortable manner. There are also many tours with Japanese staff, so those who are not comfortable speaking English can join with ease.

 

Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tour

A popular helicopter tour to view the majestic Hawaii Island from the sky.

This is a 100-minute helicopter tour that offers spectacular views of Kilauea Volcano, Mauna Kea, and the Waipio Valley, a power spot.

In the fall and winter months, enjoy the snowy landscape of Mauna Kea and the emerald green ocean.

 

Mauna Kea Stargazing & Island Sightseeing Tour

This popular tour takes you to the highlights of the Big Island of Hawaii with a certified guide.

Mauna Kea is home to the Japanese Subaru Observatory, which offers stargazing and the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen.

You can spend a very satisfying day hiking the lava rocks at the World Heritage Kilauea Volcano and touring the Richardson Black Sand Beach or Rainbow Falls.

 

Traditional Luau & Hula Hawaiian Show
Legends of Hawaii

A traditional luau show on the Big Island of Hawaii is a "grand feast" in Hawaii.

Enjoy beautiful hula dances, Hawaiian shows, and traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

With Instagram-worthy Hawaiian food, dynamic fire dancing and hula dancing, it's sure to be a fun night!

Drinks while listening to beautiful Hawaiian music are also delicious.

 

summary

How did you like our detailed introduction to the history, etiquette, and attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii?

Hawaii Island, the Big Island, offers beautiful ocean and volcanic island scenery.

There are many manners and rules that are different from those in Japan, but please be respectful to the people of Hawaii and follow the local manners and rules.

Please be very careful about security and have a wonderful trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.