Hawaii Island] Let's enjoy the sky of the Big Island of Hawaii! Introducing activities to enjoy in the sky and recommended sunrise, sunset, and starry sky spots.

With a nickname of "Big Island.
Known Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island, also known as the "Big Island," is the largest island in the state of Hawaii.

With an area of approximately 10,432 square kilometers, it is about half the size of Japan's Shikoku Island, which gives you an idea of its vastness.

The population of the island as a whole is about 180,000, which is the second most populous island in the state of Hawaii, although it is not as large as Oahu's 950,000 residents.

In this issue, we would like to share with you the charms of the Big Island of Hawaii and also introduce you to the sky!

Please see to the end.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii Island is also famous as the birthplace of Hawaii's first great king, Kamehameha I. The island is home to ancient royalty including Kamehameha the Great and

It is also considered a sacred island because of its deep connection to Hawaiian mythology.

Overall, the climate of the Big Island of Hawaii is warm and mild, but the island is actually said to have 15 different climatic zones (cold, dry, temperate, etc.),

Different climates have been identified for different locations.

It is rare in the world to have such a wide range of climatic zones within a single island.

It is interesting to note that even in the major tourist areas, there is a large difference between the Hilo area, where it rains most of the time, and the Kona area, where it rarely rains, and the scenery is quite different in each area.

Hilo, located on the East Coast, has been developed by Japanese immigrants and is famous for its large population of Japanese and Asian residents.

The streets seem to be a nostalgic mix of retro Japanese and American scenery, and the restaurants offer a variety of local food unique to Hawaii.

There are many active volcanoes, and the famous Kilauea Volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are located in this area.

On the west coast, by contrast, is the region of Kona, known for its commercial city of Kailua-Kona, resort facilities, beautiful beaches, and the plantations where Kona coffee is grown.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two ways to get to the Big Island of Hawaii from Japan: direct flights and changing planes on Oahu.

The main gateways to the Big Island of Hawaii are Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport.

If you plan to spend most of your time on the Big Island of Hawaii, it is convenient to arrive at Kona International Airport, which has direct flights to the island.

Access to the town from either of the international airports is only a 10 to 15 minute drive.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Surprisingly, many people have traveled to Hawaii but have never visited the Big Island.

In many honeymoon destinations and travel agency package tours, it is the islands of Oahu and other popular resort destinations that have a presence.

However, the Big Island of Hawaii has many sights and attractions that are not found on the other islands, so it is no less attractive than the other islands.

We will introduce you to many of the undiscovered charms of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The Big Island of Hawaii is full of pristine natural beauty, including volcanoes, and you can enjoy the great outdoors wherever you go.

There are of course many resort facilities and hotels, but you can also enjoy a slightly different kind of resort, surrounded by lava fields and volcanic areas.

The wide blue sea and sky and the endless expanse of land are truly inspiring sights.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you will witness spectacular nature that will remind you of how small we are.

 

A powerful volcano

The volcanoes are representative of the spectacular nature of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site, is located in the park, and all of the volcanoes located in the park are very powerful.

In particular, Mount Kilauea, which is believed to have appeared more than 100,000 years ago, is still active and frequent eruptions have been confirmed.

Although entry is prohibited immediately after the eruption, tours are available to view the lava normally seen on the surface of the mountain, the bright red magma that also flows into the sea, and the crater.

You can even have the unexpected experience of walking on lava!

When you come to the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to enjoy the powerful spectacle of its volcanoes.

It will surely be the most memorable and amazing experience of your trip!

 

Beautiful Beaches

In addition to volcanoes, the beaches of the Big Island of Hawaii also have much to offer.

Both the East and West regions are dotted with beautiful beaches where you can swim and enjoy various marine activities.

It varies from beach parks to resort beaches to non-artificial, natural beaches,

We hope you will find a beach you like.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, there are many marketplaces and shopping malls where you can enjoy shopping, as well as many restaurants where you can enjoy Hawaiian delicacies.

There is also a duty-free store in the resort park where you can buy brand-name goods, as well as numerous markets where you can buy local specialties and souvenirs.

Kailua-Kona also has restaurants and cafes serving Hawaii Island's famous Big Island beef steaks and hamburgers.

In Hilo, you will also be able to taste a variety of gourmet foods such as Japanese food served by Japanese restaurants, Hawaiian soul food, poki-don (a bowl of rice topped with fish fillets), malasada (fried bread), and pancakes.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

Do you know about Hawaii's history and culture, with which the islands are deeply involved?

In fact, it is said that the first inhabited place in Hawaii was on the island of Hawaii.

Polynesian peoples arrived from other islands in the Pacific more than 1,500 years ago, and they developed much of their Hawaiian culture on the island of Hawaii.

It is one of the reasons why the Big Island of Hawaii is called the Sacred Island.

Polynesians, in their unique beliefs and customs, have valued the power and teachings from the gods.

You may be able to sense its mystical power, also known as mana, from the pristine wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Hawaii Island from the sky

The island of Hawaii is a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature even from the ground, but the view from the sky is even more unimaginable and breathtaking.

For example, looking down at Kilauea Volcano from above, one can clearly see how the volcano is still creating the earth through its volcanic activities.

You will also undoubtedly enjoy the beautiful spectacle of the vivid green land of the non-volcanic mountains, the bright blue sea and sky seen between them, and the valley where you can see the flowing waterfalls, all of which look more prominent when viewed from the sky.

There are also helicopter and Cessna tours that allow you to see the Big Island of Hawaii from the sky, so be sure to experience them.

 

I would love to see it.
Spectacular views of the Big Island of Hawaii

There are numerous spots on the Big Island of Hawaii that offer breathtaking views, and you can't leave without seeing them.

Here are some popular spots where you can see such a spectacular view.

 

pink sunset

The Kohala Coast in western Kona is famous for its pink sunsets.

Sunsets are usually orange, but pink sunsets look like pink or light crimson, and the scene is very magical.

The pink sunset at Waialea Beach is especially beautiful with its gradation, and is recommended for honeymoons or a romantic moment with your sweetheart.

 

moonbow

 

Have you ever seen a moonbow, a rainbow visible in the night sky?

Rainbows are so common on the Big Island of Hawaii that it is often referred to as a rainbow sanctuary, and moonlight also produces rainbows at night.

Moonbows are often called "white rainbows" because they are paler and whiter than daytime rainbows.

It is often seen at spots with waterfalls or on moonlit nights when rain clouds are out, but it does not always appear.

We recommend that you spend an evening on the Big Island of Hawaii and try to observe moonbows at the right time.

 

On the Big Island of Hawaii
Sunrise, Sunset, Starry sky
Let's appreciate the

How about stargazing or sunrise/sunset viewing on a mountaintop or beach during your stay on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Hawaii Island's high mountains and numerous beaches with horizons stretching straight out to sea provide spectacularly beautiful night views and mystical sunrises and sunsets.

 

Recommendation
Sunrise Spot

First, let me introduce some recommended sunrise spots!

 

Mauna Kea

The summit of Mauna Kea, the highest mountain in Hawaii and the Pacific, is a popular spot for viewing the impressive sunrise.

There are even many tours offered that start early in the morning to reach the summit.

 

Recommendations

It is recommended to leave the hotel between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. to be in time for sunrise.

The color of the sky above the summit changes from dark blue to orange gradient, providing a mystical and spectacular view.

 

Access

Mauna Kea is about 2.5 to 3.5 hours from both Kona and Hilo international airports.

We will drive toward the Mauna Kea Observation Deck.

Because the trail is steep and requires the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle (hereafter referred to as 4WD) to climb to the summit, it is recommended that you join a tour to reach the summit.

 

Recommendation
Sunset Spot

Then, here are some of the best spots for sunset.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea, also famous as a sacred site, offers beautiful sunsets that are said to be divine.

Sunset & Starry sky set tours that stay from evening to night and return to see the stars are also popular.

 

Recommendations

Because of the high altitude, the sky, with its very close proximity to clouds, gradually turns a deep blue at dusk.

You will be able to see a fantastic sunset, where you will feel as if you are sinking under the clouds into the sea.

 

Access

It takes 2.5 hours from Hilo International Airport and 3 to 3.5 hours by car from Kona International Airport.

There is a visitor center on the way and from there you need to change to a 4WD.

It is convenient to take a tour here as well.

 

Quabay (breed of fish)

 

Cua Bay, also known as Maniniowali Beach, is a well-known beach used by many locals.

It is also a hole in the ground where relatively few foreign tourists, including Japanese, visit.

During the day, you may even see adorable seals lying on the beach.

 

Recommendations

 

Since most of the beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii are colored beaches made of lava, white sand beaches are rare, and Kua Bay is one of those rare white sand beaches.

Kua Bay is also famous for its spectacular sunsets, said to be the most beautiful on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The sun setting on the horizon of the wide ocean and the colorful sky are beautiful, and you will be able to see a moving sunset that will move you to your heart's content.

 

Access

 

Kua Bay is conveniently located 15 to 20 minutes north of the Kona International Airport.

Parking is available, but since this is a popular local beach with many people, be aware that it is often full.

 

Waikoloa

Waikoloa is a beach located in a famous resort park on the west coast of Hawaii Island.

The beach is as beautiful as a resort, and the sunsets are also well received as spectacular.

 

Recommendations

Waikoloa Beach is a resort beach that truly lives up to its name of tropical paradise, with its abundance of palm trees and tropical plants and adjacent green areas.

The sunset, in particular, is characterized by a deep orange gradation, and you are sure to be captivated by the spectacular view.

 

Access

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is located a 30-minute drive from Kona International Airport in the direction of Kailua-Kona.

The beach is located in the Village and is easy to find with the parking lot and Hilton Hotel adjacent to it.

 

Recommendation
Stargazing Spots

The pristine nature of the Big Island of Hawaii allows for very beautiful star gazing once you get away from the city.

The following spots are recommended for such stargazing!

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is also an indispensable place for stargazing.

It is also famous as a place where observatories from around the world are located, and it is no exaggeration to say that this is the best place to see the stars on the Big Island of Hawaii! It is no exaggeration to say that this is the place to go if you want to see the starry sky on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

Mauna Kea's high elevation and the clean air at the summit provide a wonderful starry sky at night.

The beauty of the stars is like looking at them in a planetarium, and many people have been moved to tears.

Please enjoy the starry sky at the summit of Mauna Kea, where you can experience the mystery of the night sky.

 

Access

From Kona International Airport, it is about 1.5 hours away via the 190 Road.

It is possible to reach the summit on one's own as long as one has a 4WD vehicle.

However, due to the danger of altitude sickness, etc., those who are not accustomed to mountain climbing are encouraged to take a summit tour.

 

Chain of Craters Road

A road called Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a popular tourist attraction.

It is paved for easy driving and its length is 30 km.

 

Recommendations

You can drive through the surrounding volcanoes and steamy lava fields.

You can observe the volcano without getting out of your car, making it a perfect place for volcano sightseeing and driving.

 

Access

It is a 40-50 minute drive from Hilo International Airport.

It is easily recognizable and accessible with landmarks near the entrance.

The park is also equipped with a parking lot.

 

saddle load

 

Its official name is the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, but it is also called Saddle Road,

The road is a long stretch of highway like a Japanese expressway.

This road leads to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, and is slowly becoming a popular tourist attraction due to its scenic beauty.

 

Recommendations

 

There are also points from which the mountains of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa can be seen.

On a good weather day, you may be able to see a rainbow over the road.

On the way, Mauna Kea State Park is a good place to stop for sightseeing or a restroom break.

However, the distances are very long, so the drive may be difficult for novice drivers.

Helicopter tours around Mauna Kea and nearby Mauna Loa, with views of the saddle road from above.

It is also recommended to enjoy the long, endless highway and the beauty of the surrounding landscape from the sky.

 

Access

 

By car, it takes about an hour to get there from Kona International Airport and 50 minutes from Kailua-Kona.

Take the 190 road. If you are coming from Waikoloa, you can go directly on Waikoloa Road.

Saddle Road is recommended for driving, but as we have told you, it is prohibited for rental cars.

 

Fun in the sky on the Big Island of Hawaii
Recommended Activity Experiences

We will introduce you to a variety of activity experiences that will allow you to enjoy sightseeing over the Big Island of Hawaii to the fullest.

 

helicopter tour

For a leisurely tour of the vast skies of the Big Island of Hawaii, a helicopter cruise is recommended.

Although the ride may be affected by weather conditions, it is basically known for its low swaying and comfortable ride.

 

How to enjoy

There are scenic courses over volcanoes, canyons, waterfalls, and of course, the ocean, so you can see all the famous spots on the Big Island of Hawaii as well as the natural beauty of the island from above.

Especially for volcano sightseeing, visitors can enjoy a powerful sight as they get closer to the crater.

Guided tours are also recommended and will give you the opportunity to learn about the sights and history at each spot, making it more enjoyable!

 

parasailing

Parasailing is an activity in which participants float on the sea wearing a parachute.

When floating, the boat is pulled by a motorboat to accelerate and gain altitude.

It is especially recommended to enjoy both the ocean and sky of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

How to enjoy

This is an exhilarating activity that allows you to have the vast sky and ocean of the Big Island of Hawaii all to yourself.

It is a more active and enjoyable way to feel more at one with the sky than a helicopter.

 

Recommended Tours

We recommend that you join a tour so that you can make the most of your time and visit many spots.

We hope you will make the most of your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Below are some of the tours we particularly recommend!

 

Kilauea Volcano
helicopter tour

The helicopter tours are operated by Hawaii State certified pilots with a guide to take you to Kilauea Volcano, sacred valleys, and the Kohala Coast, which offers spectacular views.

The 100-minute sky cruise is also extremely satisfying.

Enjoy an elegant tour in the sky while overlooking the powerful volcanic crater and spectacular views.

 

Kilauea Volcano helicopter tour 50 min.
Hawaii Island Sightseeing Driving Tour

We also recommend a helicopter tour that combines a ground driving tour with a helicopter tour where you can enjoy the magnificent nature of the west coast of Hawaii Island from above, with a focus on the World Heritage Site of Kilauea Volcano.

You will be able to spend a full day on the Big Island of Hawaii, enjoying the differences between sightseeing by both air and land.

 

Hawaii Island Parasailing

If you want to go parasailing, this is the tour to take!

This parasailing tour, which has many repeat customers, allows you to choose the altitude at which you want to float.

The highest altitude is over 40 stories above the building!

It overlooks not only the ocean, but also the city of Kona.

Enjoy a thrilling and exhilarating walk in the air!

 

summary

From the powerful volcanoes, to the magnificent ocean and nature, to the vast skies where rainbows can be seen, the Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to enjoy a tour of the sky!

However, many people may be unfamiliar with helicopters and a little apprehensive.

From the skies of the Big Island of Hawaii, you will be able to see amazing and spectacular views that will blow away your fears.

It is also very attractive to go to places that were too far away to visit on the ground.

The crater, where the volcano goddess is said to reside, and the caldera, a depression created by volcanic activity, can be seen from the sky, which is one of the best parts of a tour that differs from a land tour.

We invite you to take a cruise in the sky and enjoy all the powerful volcanoes and vast landscapes of the Big Island of Hawaii!

Thank you for reading to the end.