Hawaii Island】Hawaii Island Winter Fun & Recommended Activities

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The island of Hawaii is not only large, it is said to be still growing.

It is nearly twice the size of all the other islands of Hawaii combined.

It is characterized by its large scale, which is exactly what the nickname "Big Island" means.

The island is home to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes; Mauna Kea, the "world's highest peak" at over 10,000 meters measured from the ocean floor; Mauna Loa, the world's most massive mountain; and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the state's largest.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are direct flights from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Since there are no transfers, it is easily accessible for those unfamiliar with international travel and families.

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

Kona Airport has the best access to major resorts and hotels, but Hilo Airport is more convenient for volcano sightseeing.

The travel time is approximately 8.5 to 9 hours, depending on the airport of departure.

Please note that there are no direct flights to Hilo Airport.

It is necessary to go through Honolulu Airport on Oahu, and it takes about 50 minutes to get to Hilo Airport.

This route is recommended for those who want to enjoy both Oahu and Hawaii Island.

Ease of access is another reason why the Big Island of Hawaii is so popular.

 

What is winter like on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Although Hawaii is known as the island of everlasting summer, it has two seasons: summer and winter.

The dry season (May-October), which has little rainfall, falls in summer, while the rainy season (November-April), which is relatively wet, falls in winter.

Even though it is the rainy season, it does not rain all day long, but mainly in the mornings and evenings, called showers.

 

Winter weather, temperature, water temperature, and precautions

The average temperature is about 25 degrees Celsius, and the average sea water temperature is about 23.3 degrees Celsius.

During the day, temperatures are warm and swimming at the beach is possible, but be aware that the waves tend to be high.

After sunset and early in the morning, temperatures are cooler, sometimes falling below 15°C (59°F).

Also, you will feel chilly near the beach because of the sea breeze.

In addition to T-shirts and shorts, it is advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts, parkas, windbreakers, and other "outerwear" that is easy to put on and take off.

 

Advantages of traveling in winter

In winter, temperatures in Hawaii are cooler than in summer.

In fact, this low temperature can be a benefit in the opposite direction.

The temperature will be comfortable and not too hot, making sightseeing easier.

It is also a good place to escape the cold.

 

Winter Fun

Winter in Hawaii is not just about pleasant weather.

Did you know that there are activities and events that are only available in winter?

It has a different look from the summer season.

If you visit twice, once in summer and once in winter, you will see the difference.

 

Recommended winter activities

Popular activities such as lava tours and helicopter rides can be enjoyed well into the winter.

In addition, there are activities that are only available in winter, such as whale watching.

Here are some recommended activities for winter.

 

Lava Tour

Hawaii is home to volcanoes, including Kilauea, which has been selected as a World Heritage Site.

The volcanic activity seen here is impressive.

Lava tours are a great way to enjoy the attractions of volcanoes, even in winter.

 

Recommendations

If the timing is right, you can see sloshing lava and walk through a lava wilderness.

There are two types of lava, the Hawaiian word for pahoehoe lava and aa lava.

Pahoehoe lava is relatively smooth and contains a glassy component that makes a sound like glass breaking when walked on.

Aa lava, on the other hand, is craggy and contains high iron content.

The lava tours are dynamic and allow visitors to experience the wilderness that is typical of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

helicopter tour

Helicopter tours are a great way to enjoy the mind-boggling and spectacular scenery to the fullest.

It can be said that this is a greedy activity that allows you to see the great nature of Hawaii all at once.

Just a helicopter ride is a unique opportunity.

And with such a spectacular view, there's no way you can miss it!

 

Recommendations

The dynamic views of volcanic craters, lava, rainbows over cliff-top waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and cityscapes from above the Big Island of Hawaii can only be seen on a helicopter cruise.

Enjoy a thrilling walk in the air.

 

whale watching

Whale watching tours are available only in winter.

During the summer months, they live near the Arctic feeding on krill and small fish, but in the winter they raise their young in the warm waters of Hawaii.

Whale watching can be enjoyed by taking advantage of these whales' habits.

This is a tour you don't want to miss on your winter trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

You can see huge whales splashing and jumping (breaching) on the surface of the ocean, just like on TV.

The whale seen is a humpback whale about 10 meters long.

These dynamic whales can be seen from December to mid-April.

 

riding horse

While marine sports are the most famous activities in Hawaii, horseback riding is another popular activity that allows visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.

Horseback riding to experience the grandeur of nature.

You can experience a dreamy ride along the beach or in the forest with the Hawaiian winds blowing.

 

Recommendations

Horseback riding may seem difficult, but there are also tours that allow people with no experience to experience it casually.

Ranches are located throughout the Big Island of Hawaii, and you can enjoy horseback riding in a variety of locations, including popular movie locations, valleys, seaside areas, and forests.

The view of Hawaii while riding a horse will be different.

 

stargazing

From the summit of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that rises over 4,200 meters above sea level, visitors can view sunrises, sunsets, and the night sky full of stars.

 

Recommendations

The clear, dry air near the summit is said to be one of the best places in the world for stargazing because of its stable atmosphere.

The Subaru Telescope in Japan and other observatories around the world are located here.

 

Winter Sightseeing Spots

Temperatures are lower on the Big Island of Hawaii than in the summer.

This is the best season to visit tourist spots as it is warmer and more comfortable.

Visit many tourist spots and feel the charm of Hawaii to the fullest.

Here are three of the best spots to visit.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea means "white mountain" in Hawaiian because the summit is covered with white snow in winter.

The highest point of the mountain, called Puu Vekiu, is also the highest point of the Hawaiian Islands.

Moreover, it is said to be the highest in the world from the seafloor, surpassing Mount Everest.

 

Recommendations

The highlight of Mauna Kea is stargazing.

The winds near the summit are strong and dispel atmospheric pollution, making it possible to catch the light of the stars themselves with the naked eye.

Not only is it the most star-viewing location on earth, but it also allows us to see both the North Star and the Southern Cross at the same time.

The stars that fill the night sky to the point where it is difficult to distinguish which constellation is which will impress you far beyond the fun of astronomical observation.

 

Access

Mauna Kea is 4,205 meters high, and the road is unpaved and hard without guardrails.

Since it is difficult and dangerous to go there by rental car or private car, it is safer to sign up for a tour.

Some tours are not available depending on age restrictions or physical condition, so please check in advance.

In the winter, even Hawaii can get cold to below freezing.

Be sure to come prepared with warm clothing.

 

Rainbow Falls

The Wailuku River runs through the city of Hilo and is crossed by a number of waterfalls.

One of the most popular is Rainbow Falls.

The Hawaiian name for the waterfall is Waianuenue, which means "rainbow seen in the water.

 

Recommendations

It is said that the name comes from the fact that when the morning sun shines, the water droplets that rise from the waterfall reflect the sunlight and form a rainbow, and the English name also comes from the same source.

It is said that a rainbow appears when the sun is around 42 degrees behind you with the waterfall in front of you.

However, please note that the rainbow appears only in the morning.

Rainbow Falls has many stories to tell and is perhaps best known for the myth of the goddess Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.

This is an important spot in the history of Hawaii.

 

Access

It is located in Wailuku River State Park, a 10-minute drive from the town of Hilo.

It is close to the parking lot, making it one of the most popular and accessible waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii.

There is a viewing platform for viewing the falls at the end of the parking lot, and a bird's eye view of the falls can also be had from the stairs on the left.

It is a must visit when touring the Hilo area.

 

hero

Hilo is located on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii and is the largest city on the island.

In fact, it rains a lot, with precipitation sometimes amounting to more than 3,000 millimeters per year.

Hilo is also known as the Old Town of the Big Island of Hawaii, and the local atmosphere is very appealing.

The area around Kamehameha Avenue, facing Hilo Bay, still retains its traditional streetscape.

 

Recommendations

Many of the buildings are more than 100 years old and have been designated on the National Register of Historic Places, offering a glimpse into the history of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The colorful pink, blue, and red cityscape against the blue sky is impressive.

The area is also a cultural destination, with many galleries, stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Hilo is a great place to experience the culture of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Hilo Farmers Market is also popular with tourists, where they can buy fresh local fruits and vegetables, honey, and handmade crafts.

 

Access

Located approximately 10 minutes by car after exiting Hilo Airport, the hotel is easily accessible.

From Kona Airport, which has direct flights, it takes about 2 hours.

It is quite a distance from Kona, so be careful when planning your trip.

 

3 recommended tours in winter

If you visit the Big Island of Hawaii in the winter, here are three tours that you should definitely take.

 

Whale Watching Cruise

Whale watching cruises are popular in Hawaii in the winter. Humpback whales can be seen swimming majestically.

The guide is a veteran guide who has been taking this cruise since 1981.

They will take you to the best spots where you can encounter whales.

There are cases where you may not see whales, but don't worry, you can board the ship again for free.

Sailing the beautiful Kohala Coast, this cruise is available in the early morning or late afternoon.

Mauna Kea Sunrise & Stargazing Tour

Sunrise and stargazing tour at the summit of Mauna Kea, said to be the closest place to the universe.

After stargazing at the base of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, enjoy the sunrise at the summit.

Guides with a wealth of knowledge and experience will guide you while also using an astronomical telescope.

The Milky Way, shooting stars, and the sun rising over the horizon before your eyes will surely be a series of moving experiences.

Experience the mystery of the universe on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tour

This tour allows you to enjoy the dynamic nature seen from above the Big Island of Hawaii, including the crater and lava of Kilauea Volcano, rainbows over cliff-top waterfalls, Waipio Valley, and the Kohala Coast.

Pilots, who are certified tour guides by the State of Hawaii, will carefully introduce the highlights of each area.

The cabin has individual seats and is as stable as if you were riding in a limousine, so even those who are concerned about shaking can enjoy the ride in the air with peace of mind.

 

summary

We have tried to introduce all the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii in winter.

I think most people had the image of an island of everlasting summer, but in fact it is divided into summer and winter.

It is a popular destination for many travelers overseas because of its mild and comfortable climate even in winter.

Many celebrities in Japan have chosen Hawaii as their winter getaway.

Moreover, there are many activities and events that can only be experienced in winter, including whale watching.

Why not include the Big Island of Hawaii in your travel plans this year, where you can enjoy Hawaii all year round?