Hawaii Island】Hawaii Island Summer Fun & Recommended Activities

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

Hawaii is a popular tourist destination for people of all ages, with enough fun for adults and children alike.

The island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, is well known, but recently the island of Hawaii has been attracting more attention.

Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is affectionately known as the "Big Island" by the locals.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Also known as the Island of Volcanoes, the island is surrounded by as many as five volcanoes. You can feel the so-called "breath of the earth" on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii: Kona International Airport on the west coast and Hilo International Airport on the east coast.

It takes about three hours by car from Kona International Airport on the west coast to Hilo International Airport on the east coast, so it is best to choose the airport you will use depending on how you plan to spend your time on the Big Island of Hawaii.

There are direct flights from Japan, but the number is limited, so the most common route is via Honolulu on Oahu Island.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Here we will introduce some of the attractions of the island of Hawaii, which is attracting increasing attention.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

Although Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands in terms of area, it has a population of about 15 million, with Oahu having more residents.

As a result, some areas have not been developed, leaving behind a magnificent natural environment.

 

A powerful volcano

In Japan, there are probably few opportunities to see an active volcano up close.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the volcano, which is also a national park, is a popular tourist attraction, and many tours are offered for visitors.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii are less touristy than those on Oahu, and are therefore breathtakingly beautiful.

Many of the beaches are surrounded by unobstructed views of the ocean, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy their time here. The blue, clear waters are beautiful, and some beaches are frequented by sea turtles.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

In addition to beach activities, shopping and dining on the Big Island of Hawaii are not to be missed!

King's Shops is a shopping mall on the Big Island of Hawaii. The stores offer a wide range of products from high brand names to local Hawaiian gifts.

Also famous for its gourmet food is Big Island Candies.

The main store and factory is located in Hilo, where the rich-tasting shortbread cookies filled with butter and macadamia nuts are carefully handmade.

We recommend buying them as souvenirs or as travel snacks. Please note that you may find yourself buying too many!

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

Culture and history may seem a bit formal, but the reason why so many Japanese visit Hawaii is because of the history of the Nikkei, who have integrated into and contributed to Hawaiian society over a long period of time.

By tracing the history of such predecessors, we can learn the depth of the relationship between Japan and Hawaii and enjoy Hawaii more.

 

Summer on the Big Island of Hawaii

Summer in Hawaii is the high season. Many people may be considering a trip to Hawaii because of the time of year and the ease of taking long vacations.

We will tell you about the charms of the Big Island of Hawaii in summer.

 

Summer weather, temperature, water temperature, and precautions

The weather and climate on the Big Island of Hawaii varies remarkably from region to region.

The island of Hawaii, the most southerly of Hawaii's islands, feels warmer than Honolulu and more illuminating in areas with extensive lava belts.

Therefore, sun protection should be taken.

 

Advantages of Traveling in the Summer

Because it is high season, a wide variety of activities will be offered.

I want to spend time with my family! This will be a great summer memory for those who want to spend time with their family.

 

Summer Fun

The temperature rises to around 30 degrees Celsius, but unlike Japan, it is not humid, and if you go to the shade, you will feel cool and dry.

It will be easy to join any tour without getting too hot while enjoying activities. Of course, it is also recommended to relax and enjoy the tropical air in a pleasant climate.

 

Recommended summer activities

Here are some recommended activities to enjoy in the summer.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling, a typical marine activity, can also be experienced on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

While swimming, you can feel and enjoy the underwater creatures and waves. Since there is no need to dive deep or swim fast, it is also recommended for those who are not very good at exercise.

You can swim with beautiful underwater tropical fish while having fun, and if you are lucky, you can even meet sea turtles.

 

diving

Diving is a marine activity in which one can enjoy the underwater world while breathing underwater with a tank filled with air on one's back.

You can dive deeper than snorkeling, so you can observe underwater coral reefs and rocky areas.

 

Recommendations

In the crystal clear waters around the Big Island of Hawaii, you can encounter not only fish, but also dolphins, manta rays, sharks, turtles, and, between December and April, whales.

It is a mystical experience that you will never experience in everyday life.

 

riding horse

Horseback riding is a rare experience in Japan.
Visitors can experience the spectacular nature of Hawaii while moving at a leisurely pace on the back of a horse.

 

Recommendations

To ensure that even beginners can enjoy riding, many tours offer a horseback riding demonstration in Japanese at the beginning. Therefore, even inexperienced riders can feel at ease.

Many tours allow you to visit tourist attractions, so you can enjoy activities both when you are on the move and when you are not!

 

helicopter tour

It is an experience not many people get to have, touring the sights by helicopter.

You can enjoy the majestic nature of the Big Island of Hawaii from a different angle.

 

Recommendations

You can visit major tourist attractions such as the crater of Kilauea Volcano, lava flows, and Waipio Valley, and enjoy the powerful nature from the sky.

You will be able to taste the dynamic nature and create memories that will be more special.

 

Segway (motorized personal vehicle)

How about an easy stroll along the seaside paths of the southern islands on a Segway? You will never get bored no matter how far you go along the road, where the scenery and climate are both excellent.

 

Recommendations

The company provides training before the rental, making it easy for first-time riders to operate the machine.

I'm a little tired, but I don't want to sit still in a hotel! If so, please give it a try!

 

Recommended summer attractions

Here are some of the sights you should visit in the summer.

 

Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay is located on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii and is a designated marine reserve. It is also known as a marine paradise and is an ideal area for marine activities.

 

Recommendations

The clarity of the ocean is what makes it so special! It is said to be the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island of Hawaii.

In addition to colorful tropical fish swarming on coral reefs and sea caves, visitors can also encounter dolphins and other marine animals if they are lucky.

Enjoy the untouched, untouched underwater world.

 

Access

It is located about a 45-minute drive from the Kona International Airport on the west side, but is a little hard to find.

If you are not confident about driving abroad, you may want to join a local tour.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano National Park, which was temporarily closed in September 2018 after a historic eruption, is the only World Heritage Site in Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

Kilauea volcano is an active volcano, and you may have heard about it since it was in the world news for its historic eruption in 2018.

Visitors can feel the heartbeat of the earth by seeing a powerful active volcano up close.

 

Access

The distance from Hilo International Airport to Kilauea Volcano National Park is about 45 km, which takes about 45 minutes by car.

There is a local bus service, but it makes only one round trip per day.

In Hawaii, you can drive with only a Japanese driver's license if you have been in the country for less than a year, so we recommend renting a car for easy access to other tourist attractions.

 

Waipio Valley

It is also a power spot, with dynamic scenery including powerful waterfalls and canyons. Depending on the place you visit, you will be moved in various ways.

 

Recommendations

The Waipio Valley Lookout, a popular photo spot, is located along the ocean and offers a panoramic view of the beautiful blue ocean.

There are also twin waterfalls, Hiirave Falls and Hakarave Falls, located deep within the valley. Local legends have been told about the waterfalls, and they are popular among locals as sacred places.

 

Access

Rental cars are not allowed in the canyon. There are many local tours available, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of the canyon with a guide.

 

3 recommended tours for summer

Here are some of the best tours for your summer vacation.

 

Wild Dolphins & Kealakekua Bay
Snorkeling Tour

This is a recommended half-day tour to two snorkeling spots.

Kealakekua Bay, the clearest bay on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers dolphin watching and snorkeling at the same time. If you are lucky, you may even see sea turtles and manta rays!

In addition to fruits and snacks, warm tea is available on board, so you can take a break and enjoy yourself even if you get tired or cold on the way.

 

Mauna Kea Stargazing & Island Sightseeing Tour: Circle Hawaii Island Sightseeing Spots & Kilauea Volcano Tour

This tour is designed for those who want to visit various sightseeing spots on the Big Island of Hawaii efficiently! This is a plan for those who want to see a variety of sights!

You can enjoy stargazing on Mauna Kea, the World Heritage Site of Kilauea Volcano, Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, and other sightseeing spots on the island, as well as the city of Hilo from the train window.

You can enjoy all the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii in one day.

 

Hawaii Island Segway Kailua-Kona Walking Tour

This tour allows you to take a leisurely stroll on a Segway along the seaside path while feeling the pleasant tropical breeze.

You can choose a course that offers a sense of history or one that coincides with the sunset.

Some first-time Segway riders may be concerned about whether they will be able to ride a Segway properly. This tour provides advance training, so those who are unsure about how to operate a Segway can participate with confidence.

 

summary

We hope you enjoyed our introduction to summer on the Big Island of Hawaii. Summer is the high season for travel, and is recommended because of the many activities that can be enjoyed.

Summer is all about blue ocean and white sandy beaches! Please visit Hawaii Island where you can feel the royal summer.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.