Hawaii Island] Enjoy SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding), a rapidly popular activity on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

With an area of 10,432.5 square kilometers, Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

For this reason, it is also nicknamed "The Big Island.

Because of its vast size, one might think that it is an island with a long history, but in fact it is the newest of the islands.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Approximately 200,000 people live on the Big Island of Hawaii, second only to Oahu.

The Big Island of Hawaii is still home to many historically significant sites, including the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, a restored heiau (temple), and the site of Captain Cook's death.

Therefore, visiting historical sites is one of the best parts of touring the Big Island of Hawaii.

The average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius in summer and 26 degrees Celsius in winter, which is typical of the tropics, but the climate varies considerably from area to area due to the size of Hawaii Island.

The east coast has a tropical climate with lots of rainfall and tropical rainforests.

Conversely, the west coast of the resort area has a high percentage of sunny days, so consider what to wear and bring depending on the area you are going to.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

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

The Kona airport has the largest number of flights and is close to many resorts, with direct flights from Haneda and Narita airports.

If you are coming from cities other than Tokyo, such as Osaka or Fukuoka, you can take a direct flight to Honolulu Airport on Oahu Island and connect to Kona or Hilo Airports on Hawaii Island.

When making connections, it is recommended to allow at least two hours for transferring from the international arrival terminal to the domestic terminal and for baggage collection.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Island has a different charm from Oahu and is a popular destination for tourists.

Here is a closer look at the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The most attractive feature of the Big Island of Hawaii is its spectacular wilderness!

For example, Waipio Valley, a power spot in the north, is associated with royalty and is known as a place of sacred power.

Mauna Kea, meaning "white mountain" in Hawaiian, is also named after its summit, which is white because it is covered with snow.

An observatory is located at the summit of Mauna Kea, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

There are many other untouched natural wonders on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

A powerful volcano

Kilauea Volcano, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a designated World Heritage Site, is a powerful sight!

Since 2018, when there was volcanic activity, there are restrictions on where you can visit, but you can still experience the spectacular nature firsthand.

Feel the breath of the earth through the crater enlarged by the eruption and the lava that has flowed and solidified.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The Big Island of Hawaii has as many beautiful beaches as Oahu.

Among them is Hapuna Beach, one of the 10 best beaches in the United States, with wide sandy beaches and blue waters.

There are no buildings in the surrounding area, so you can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings spread out before you!

Kahaluu Beach, where you have a high probability of seeing sea turtles, is also recommended.

It is also a famous snorkeling spot, so rent what you need at the equipment store on the beach and enjoy snorkeling in Hawaii's waters to the fullest!

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

There are also many shopping malls on the Big Island of Hawaii, so you can fully enjoy shopping.

King's Shops, located on the northwest side of Hawaii Island, is a shopping mall in the 3,000-square-meter Waikoloa Resort that houses more than 50 stores.

There are famous stores such as L'Occitane and Tiffany & Co. and it is possible to shop at lower prices than in Japan.

It is also highly recommended, as it has souvenir items unique to Hawaii, such as aloha shirts, to reward yourself, family, and friends with all the souvenirs you need!

Hilo Farmer's Market, located on the east side of Hawaii Island, is a famous farmer's market where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables unique to Hawaii.

In addition to fruit, you can also buy Hawaiian leis and Kona coffee, so you can feel like a local.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

There are many places on the Big Island of Hawaii where you can learn about its history and culture.

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in South Kona is a beautiful park that includes a heiau, the remains of a huge ancient Hawaiian temple, and many historical sites throughout the area.

This location is also said to be "a place of strong mana".

Mana is a Hawaiian word that encompasses the meanings of "spirit," "root," and "power," and is considered important in Hawaiian culture.

It is said that the land is very powerful and that people who have committed crimes or have problems have fled to this spot, which has a long history of being used as a healing place where people can reset their minds and bodies by spending a certain amount of time here.

There are many other places scattered throughout the island where you can learn about its history and culture, so why not visit to learn more about Hawaii?

 

What is SUP, which is rapidly gaining popularity?

SUP is a marine activity that uses a special board, larger and thicker than a surfboard, to paddle through the water.

The special board is very stable and buoyant, making it easier than it looks to get up on the board.
In Hawaii and Australia, where surfing is popular, SUP is already popular and there are many people enjoying SUP on the beach.

 

SUP on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has many beautiful beaches that are perfect for SUP.

You will be able to relax as you proceed on the water, looking at the magnificent nature of the mountains from above the sea.

SUP on the Big Island of Hawaii is sure to heal you.

 

SUP Attraction

We would like to introduce three things that make SUP so appealing.

 

Easy for beginners to enjoy

SUP is a surprisingly easy marine activity for beginners.

When standing on the board for the first time, it may seem difficult, but it is easier to stabilize yourself if you look at the board as if you are looking into the distance, rather than at your feet.

After standing on the board, do not try to paddle with arm strength alone, but be conscious of using your torso to paddle, which will help you move forward better.

Even beginners can get used to it once they get the hang of it, so if you are interested, give it a try.

 

Enjoyment is free

SUP is popular not only for standing on the board, but also for SUP yoga, in which yoga is practiced on the SUP.

Because SUP yoga is done on a board on the ocean, you can be more aware of your core and strengthen your inner muscles.

SUP yoga is a popular activity, especially among women, because it allows them to focus on their own bodies.

Enjoy SUP at your leisure, as there are many other ways to enjoy it.

 

Take a walk on the sea surrounded by spectacular scenery!

Since the activity is on the sea, one of the attractions of this activity is that you can relax and experience nature.

The entire area is ocean, so feel the fresh breeze and take a relaxing walk on the sea.

 

Sunset SUP is also recommended

How about sunset SUP in the evening when the ocean turns golden?

You can enjoy a different view of the sea than during the daytime.

Watching the sunset over the ocean will be a luxurious experience.

 

What to wear and what to do when SUPing

When SUPing, bring clothes that you don't mind getting wet.

If the experience is during the warm season, just a swimsuit is sufficient, but the sun is strong above the water, so those who are concerned about sunburn should wear a rash guard or a quick-drying long-sleeved shirt.

Also, if you are not a confident swimmer, you may need to wear a life jacket or you may be in danger.

As long as you play in nature, there is no danger, so please follow the rules and enjoy yourself to the extent that you can.

 

Recommended SUP Tours

We would like to recommend two SUP tours.

 

Hawaii Island Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
Board Rental & Lesson

This tour allows you to experience SUP on the Kohala Coast, one of the most luxurious resort areas on the Big Island of Hawaii.

After a solid one-hour lesson, we will depart on our tour.

Therefore, even beginners will feel comfortable with the experience.

 

SUP Lessons on the Big Island of Hawaii

This tour offers 2 hours of stand-up paddleboard lessons in Kona, a warm area with many sunny days.

The lessons are conducted with four people, so you can learn the basics of SUP at your own pace without being rushed.

A knowledgeable local instructor will help you learn to paddle efficiently, for example.

 

summary

We introduced SUP, which can be experienced on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a charming island that soothes visitors with its magnificent nature and beautiful beaches.

SUP on the natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii is a unique and precious experience in Hawaii, where you can feel the fresh breeze and the ocean on your skin.

Please join the tour and enjoy SUP.