Maui & Hawaii] What is Maui like? Can I go there from Hawaii Island? Thorough Comparison of Maui and Hawaii Island

Discover the attractions and sights of Maui and Hawaii Island.

The Hawaiian Islands consist of more than 130 islands, both large and small, with eight major islands.

The eight islands are Kauai, Niihau, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolave, and Hawaii.

Of these, six islands can be visited for sightseeing, excluding Niihau and Kahoolave.

The seven islands, excluding Oahu, where the state capital is located, are also referred to as "Neighbor Islands.

And of the Neighbor Islands, Maui is the second largest.

Nicknamed the "Valley Island," Maui is an island of abundant natural attractions, including rugged canyons, waterfalls, tropical rainforests, the world's largest dormant volcano, and beautiful beaches.

On the other hand, the Big Island of Hawaii, nicknamed "the Big Island," is, as its name suggests, the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago.

The island of Hawaii is large in scale in every way, with 4,000-meter-high sacred mountains and some of the most expansive ranches in the United States.

There are still active volcanoes and a number of luxury resorts and peaceful towns carved out of lava plateaus.

Visit Neighbor Island for a peek at another face of Hawaii.

 

Distance between Maui and Hawaii Island

The distance from Maui to Hawaii Island is 96.8 miles.

By getting a sense of the distance in advance, it will be easier to plan your trip.

 

Getting to Maui from the Big Island of Hawaii

Several airlines operate flights between the two islands, with Hawaiian Airlines having the largest number of flights.

Mokulele Airlines also operates other "inter-island" routes within the state of Hawaii.

Each of these tours takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes.

 

What is Maui like?

Maui is the center of Maui County, which consists of the four islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, and is known as the third most populous island in the state after Oahu and Hawaii.

Kahului, with its airport, is the political and economic center of the island, while the nostalgic port town of Lahaina in the midwestern part of the island is the ancient capital of the former Hawaiian dynasty.

Mount Haleakala (elevation 3055 m) on the east coast of the island is a sacred place honored by the ancient Hawaiians.

The Kihei, Wailea, and Makena areas on the southwest side of the island are upscale resort cities with a luxurious feel.

In addition, many humpback whales come to the Maui area in the winter to give birth and raise their young, making it one of the best places in the Hawaiian Islands for whale

The "watching" season is especially famous, and can be enjoyed from December to early April.

 

How to get to Maui

There are no direct flights from Japan to Maui, so the most common route is via Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Oahu.

Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines offer direct flights from Honolulu, and the flight from Honolulu to Kahului Airport, Maui's main terminal, takes about 35 minutes.

 

Maui Attractions

Maui has an area of 1,883.5 square kilometers, about the same size as Osaka Prefecture.

The island is shaped "like a gourd" or "the upper body of a woman facing sideways".

Compared to Oahu and other islands, there are fewer Japanese tourists, so we recommend this island for those who want to enjoy the American resort atmosphere.

 

Magnificent Nature

Maui, known as the "Valley Island," has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

It is a beautiful island full of natural attractions such as the resort area of Kaanapali and the spectacular view from the top of Mount Haleakala, which means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian.

 

Enjoy the resort atmosphere!

The Kaanapali Resort was the first master-planned resort in the world, attracting hotels and shopping centers around a beach and golf course.

Furthermore, with the exception of the hotel pool, the facilities at the Kaanapali resort are open to the public and can be used even by non-guests.

Enjoy the resort life in Kaanapali by playing on the 3-kilometer-long beach, playing on the world-class tournament golf course, or enjoying a romantic dinner at a beachside restaurant.

 

Nostalgic townscape is also attractive

Wailuku, a 10-minute drive from Kahului Airport, is the administrative center where the Maui County Government is located.

The city has a deep connection with Japanese immigrants, and the nostalgic streetscape is lined with retro buildings and has a unique atmosphere.

One such must-see spot in Wailuku is the Queen Kaahumanu Church, the oldest Christian church on Maui, located right in front of the Maui County Office.

This Western-style church with beautiful chalk walls and green roofs is a historic structure built by Queen Kaahumanu, wife of King Kamehameha the Great.

It is sure to be Instagram-worthy, along with the nostalgic old streets.

 

Recommended Tourist Attractions on Maui

Here are some of the must-visit attractions on Maui.

 

Haleakala National Park

A visit to Haleakala Crater is an absolute must for any Maui tour.

Haleakala means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian, as mentioned above.

Legend has it that a local demigod and half-human called Maui once trapped the sun to lengthen the day, and the mountain was named after this legend.

Haleakala National Park is one of America's national parks and is managed by the National Park Service.

 

Recommendations

Located at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters, the Haleakala crater is 33.8 km in circumference, 910 m deep, and 49.2 square kilometers in area, so big that Manhattan in New York City is completely contained.

The view of the Haleakala crater from the top is beyond any words of praise.

Although the summit of Haleakala is very high, it is easily accessible by car to the "Haleakala Visitor Center" located near the top.

The temperature near the summit is so low that you need warm clothes, but the clean air makes it a famous place for sunrises and stargazing.

However, Haleakala has recently become more strictly regulated in terms of access to the park, and individuals wishing to view the sunrise must make reservations in advance through the Haleakala National Park website.

For this reason, it is recommended to join a tour to view the sunrise.

 

Access

It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Kahului Airport by car on Routes 37, 377, and 378.

On the way to the summit of Haleakala, we climbed from the bottom to the Leleiwi Lookout and Kalahaku Lookout.

The best view of Haleakala Crater is from the observation deck at the Visitor Center, where the view is nothing short of spectacular.

 

Maui Tropical Plantation

Maui Tropical Plantation is an agricultural museum located along Route 30 from Wailuku to Maalaea.

 

Recommendations

The vast park is home to a collection of Maui's fruits, nuts, and flowers, including pineapples, mangoes, and papayas, which can be viewed on the Tropical Express, a 40-minute ride in an electric car.

Other activities, such as zip-lining, which allows visitors to enjoy flying in the air, can also be enjoyed.

The park also has commercial facilities, including restaurants, cafes, an ice cream stand, and a store where visitors can find souvenirs, making it a fun place for both young children and adults.

Spend a memorable time on a beautiful plantation (large plantation) where you can feel close to the nature of Maui.

 

Access

It is approximately 30 minutes drive from Kahului Airport, 40 minutes drive from Kaanapali, and 20 minutes drive from Kihei.

 

Iao Valley State Park

Located on the west side of Maui, Iao Valley State Park is a canyon with towering rock walls, beautifully clear streams, and subtropical trees, making it a popular tourist attraction on Maui with its mysterious scenery.

The beauty of the canyon, acclaimed by writer Mark Twain as "the Yosemite of the Pacific," is well worth seeing.

 

Recommendations

Maui's most famous landmark, the 370-meter-high Iao Needle, which presents a needle-like, pointed atypical shape, is also located here.

Iao Needle can be viewed from the observation deck at the far end of the boardwalk.

Soaring in a majestic atmosphere, it is a mysterious and picturesque sight that must be seen.

Iao Valley is also a place of great historical importance, not only for its natural beauty
This is because it was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha the Great defeated Maui's army and unified Hawaii in 1790.

The battle was won by the forces of King Kamehameha the Great, but both sides suffered heavy casualties, and it is said that the water of the Iao River, which runs through the valley floor, was stained red with blood, and the corpses choked the stream that flows through the valley.

This is why the war was called Kepaniwai, meaning "crippled water.

In addition, Iao Valley is known as a place of magical energy.

Ancient Hawaiians believed that mana (sacred power) resided in the bones of the deceased, especially those of kings, chiefs, and others of high status.

Iao Valley, which means "supreme light" in Hawaiian, is still a sacred place for Maui's people, a spot where one can feel strong mana and at the same time find peace and tranquility.

 

Access

Approximately 1 hour drive from the entrance to Haleakala National Park.

From Kahului Airport, it takes about 20 minutes by car.

From the parking lot, a hiking trail is set up, and it takes about 8 minutes to reach the observation deck on foot.

There is also a riverside walkway down a fork in the road across the suspension bridge, where you can see Iao Needle and the suspension bridge at the same time from directly below.

It is recommended to visit this canyon in the morning, as fog and clouds tend to increase in the afternoon.

 

Lahaina

Lahaina, a major tourist attraction in West Maui, is a seaside port town located about 40 minutes by car from Kahului Airport.

As the Hawaiian word "lele" (meaning "shining sun") suggests, the sun is strong and it gets very hot, especially around 2 to 3 in the afternoon.

However, by evening, the temperature drops and a refreshing breeze blows through, making for a pleasant stroll through the city.

A port town steeped in history, Lahaina was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii after King Kamehameha the Great established the Kingdom in 1795, and flourished as the capital of the Kingdom from 1820 until 1845, when King Kamehameha III moved the capital to Honolulu.

During the dynastic capital period, it was also a busy base for a whaling fleet of some 400 ships and 1,500 whale catchers.

 

Recommendations

The town of Lahaina itself is designated as a National Historic Preserve, as it preserves many historic sites that tell the history of the town that was once the bustling capital of the kingdom.

The centerpiece of the park is the "banyan tree," a large banyan tree approximately 18 meters high.

It is located right in the center of Front Street, and on the seaward side of this banyan tree is the old courthouse "court house" that serves as a museum.

Other historical sites such as the "Ruins of Waterfront Fort" and the "Lahaina Pure Land Temple" can be found throughout Lahaina.

The Pioneer Inn is also a landmark hotel and restaurant in Lahaina.

Until the 1950s, the facility was the only hotel in West Maui, a wooden structure full of Old Hawaiian mood that has welcomed and accommodated countless guests.

 

Access

Approximately 40 minutes drive from Kahului Airport.

If you are staying in the western part of the island, use Kapalua Airport as your starting point.

By car, it is about 15 minutes from Kapalua Airport.

 

Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach, located in West Maui and also known as Maui's "Golden Coast," is considered one of the best beaches on Maui and among the best in the entire United States.

The dreamlike beauty of the white sandy beach, which stretches for about 3 km, offers many activities such as snorkeling, diving, cruising, and parasailing.

Especially when snorkeling or diving, you can see many tropical fish and sometimes even encounter sea turtles.

During the winter months (December through April), humpback whales come to the vicinity of Kaanapali Beach to breed, and whale-watching tours are available in abundance.

 

Recommendations

The most famous tourist attraction on Kaanapali Beach is the "Black Rock," a rock that juts out toward the ocean.

It is also known as a power spot where, according to legend, a brave Maui chief once jumped into the sea from this rock to boost the morale of his soldiers.

And the diving show associated with this legend, the Cliff Diving Ceremony, is held every day at dusk to show a spectacular dive from the rocks.

The wonderful sunset and this ceremony were nothing short of inspiring.

Black Rock is also a highly recommended snorkeling spot.

You can easily observe tropical fish as you would see them in an aquarium.

 

Access

Approximately 50 minutes drive from Kahului Airport.

Another slightly geeky form of transportation is the Sugar Cane Train.

It is a modern reproduction of a steam locomotive that used to transport sugarcane on Maui, where sugarcane was once the main industry, and connects Lahaina and Kaanapali Resort.

The trip from the Lahaina station to the terminal station at Puukolii takes approximately 30 minutes.

 

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands, covering an area of 14,432.5 square kilometers.

It is about half the size of Japan's Shikoku Island and is known by the nickname "Big Island.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The Big Island of Hawaii is the "Island of Volcanoes.

There are five mountain ranges on the island: Mauna Kea (4205 m above sea level), Mauna Loa (4169 m), Hualalai (2521 m), Kohala (1670 m), and Kilauea (1248 m).

These were fused together by volcanic activity to form the giant island of Hawaii.

Of these, only the Kilauea Mountains are still active.

And Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where Kilauea Volcano is located, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hawaii Island has a subtropical climate, but it is much cooler in the alpine areas.

Frost can occur in the Volcano area and the Kohala Mountains, and Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa have snow in the winter (October to March).

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

The two main airports on the Big Island of Hawaii are Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the west shore and Hilo International Airport on the northeast.

Generally, when traveling from Japan to Neighbor Island, passengers transfer at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Oahu.

Flight time from major cities in Japan to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.

Conversely, the return journey will take approximately 7.5 to 9 hours due to the prevailing westerly winds.

There are direct flights from Haneda and Narita to Ellison Onizuka-Kona International Airport on the Big Island of Hawaii.

For flights between Neighbor Islands, use Hawaiian Airlines or Mokulele Airlines.

Domestic flights from Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport take approximately 50 minutes.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Island is the most accessible of the neighbor islands, with direct flights from Japan to Ellison Onizuka-Kona International Airport in the western part of the island.

The World Heritage Site of Kilauea Volcano, where you can feel the pulse of the earth, and the star-filled sky from Mauna Kea are unparalleled sights that will change your view of the world.

In addition to nature, there are many attractive tourist spots such as museums and botanical gardens, the town of Hilo with its famous Hawaiian stores, Kailua-Kona & Coast for visiting historical sites, snorkeling and diving, and the Kohala Coast, a luxury resort area.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

When we think of Hawaii, we often think of Waikiki on Oahu Island, but if you want to feel the real Hawaii, the neighbor islands of Hawaii and Maui are the best places to go.

The Big Island of Hawaii, in particular, offers a spectacular, untouched wilderness with mysterious cobalt blue waters, jet-black lava plateaus, endless grasslands, breathtaking sunsets, and star-filled skies.

 

A powerful volcano

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which includes the Kilauea Volcano area, is the only World Heritage Site in the state of Hawaii.

Halemaumau Crater, one of Kilauea's famous craters, is said in Hawaiian mythology to be the home of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, who explodes when angry.

In the park, visitors can experience the spectacular nature of Hawaii and the energy of the earth while viewing the pitch-black lava ground and the crater, which is a powerful experience.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii is well known for its many scenic and beautiful beaches.

Kahaluu Beach is also famous for its snorkeling.

In addition, there is a high probability of encountering sea turtles in the waters around Kahaluu Beach.

Hapuna Beach, located right in front of the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Hotel, is one of the 10 most beautiful beaches not only on the Big Island of Hawaii but also in the United States.

While most of the beaches on the island are more rocky than sandy, this one has a wide sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing.

Like Hapuna Beach, Kua Bay Maniniowali Beach is one of the few beautiful white sand beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The contrast between the white sandy beach and the emerald green sea here is beautiful, and the locals love this beach.

Kauna'oa Beach is one of the most beautiful crescent-shaped beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii.

In front of the beach is the world-famous Mauna Kea Resort Hotel.

The sea is relatively calm, and snorkeling and the popular stand-up paddle can be enjoyed.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many breathtakingly beautiful beaches that have not been turned into tourist destinations.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

There are many shopping destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii, including many outlet malls where you can enjoy restaurants, supermarkets, sports stores, and gourmet food all day long.

The Queen's Marketplace is a shopping center located at the Waikoloa Beach Resort in Kona on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii, featuring a variety of unique stores, a large supermarket, and a food court.

We are also looking forward to seeing the hula dance shows and other events that will be held.

The Kona Inn Shopping Village is a two-story wooden house originally built as a hotel in the 1920s.

Since it is considered the closest supermarket to the center of Kona, it is visited not only by tourists but also by locals.

The shopping mall has a local atmosphere, and you will find familiar Japanese stores such as Starbucks Coffee and Wendy's. It is a place where you can casually visit.

Kona Commons Shopping Center, located in the northwestern part of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a large shopping center with a wide range of sporting goods stores, outlets, and general merchandise stores.

There are also notable gourmet spots such as the Ultimate Burger, made with beef from the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Kings Shops shopping center at the Waikoloa Beach Resort is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy shopping and dining while enjoying the spectacular view.

The beautifully designed facilities, including Hawaii's popular Macy's, offer a wide range of shopping, dining, Hawaiian cultural experiences, and entertainment.

Tiffany, Rolex, and L'Occitane are also reputed to be cheaper than in Japan.

Located in Hilo in the eastern part of the island, Prince Kuhio Plaza is the largest and most famous shopping complex on the Big Island of Hawaii.

With over 70 stores in total, including brand-name stores, grocery stores, gourmet restaurants, and a movie theater with nine screens, couples and families alike can enjoy themselves here.

Enjoy shopping, dining, and other fun activities at selected shopping spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

Hawaii is the only state in the United States with a palace.

Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Queen Emma's Summer Palace (Hānaiakamalama) in Nuuanu Valley, also in Honolulu, and Hulihee Palace on Kailua Bay in Kona, Hawaii Island.

Hulihee Palace was built in 1838 and served as the summer home of King Kalakaua.

King Kalakaua was the seventh king of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the first foreign head of state to visit Japan in history.

The villa is now a museum, displaying furniture and collections such as koa wood tableware, antique glasses, and other items that show the lifestyle of the royal family.

Other must-sees include the Lyman Museum, a natural history museum in the eastern Hilo area.

Originally the mission house (family residence) of the Lyman Missionaries, built in 1838, it became a museum building in 1931.

Incidentally, the Lyman House is the oldest surviving wooden structure on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Lyman Museum offers visitors an insight into the natural history, history, and culture of Hawaii.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are some of the best places to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano, located in the southeastern part of the Big Island of Hawaii, is the most active volcano in the world and is part of the World Heritage Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Kilauea Caldera and the Halemaumau Crater within it are the highlight of Hawaii Island tourism for many visitors.

 

Recommendations

Kilauea Volcano is said to be the home of Pele, the fire god of Hawaiian mythology.

Today, they are said to live in the Halemaumau crater and are revered by the people.

Kilauea Iki Crater and Halema'uma'u Crater, which continues to emit volcanic smoke, are located inside the Kilauea Caldera, and trail paths have been established.

We walked on the still hot lava and crater field to the crater where the smoke was rising.

In addition, the 18-km road that circles the caldera is recommended as a driving course.

Feel the overwhelming pulse of the earth with your whole body at Kilauea Volcano, also known as a healing spot.

 

Access

It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from the Kona area and about 1 hour from the Hilo area.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea, meaning "white mountain" in Hawaiian, is the highest mountain in Hawaii at 4205 meters above sea level.

The view from the top of the mountain, with the sea of clouds stretching far into the sky, and the beautiful sunsets and sunrises are well worth seeing.

Because of the stable weather and clean air near the summit of Mauna Kea, research institutes from 11 countries have established a total of 13 observatories (Mauna Kea Observatories) to discover various cosmic phenomena.

The Subaru Telescope, installed by Japan's National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, is also located here.

 

Recommendations

Mauna Kea, as its name suggests, is the tallest mountain on the Big Island of Hawaii, and every year in January and February it is covered with snow. It is not unusual for the summit to be covered with snow in January and February, and on a clear day, it can be seen from many places on Hawaii Island.

Climbing requires at least 24 hours of rest after scuba diving.

It is easily accessible by car, but we recommend using a four-wheel drive vehicle and tours are safe.

Be careful when driving on mountain roads at night, especially when stargazing.

Temperatures vary widely, so bring warm clothing and sunscreen.

By the way, when approaching the summit of Mauna Kea, you must stop at the Onizuka Visitor Center at 2775 meters above sea level.

This facility is named after Colonel Ellison Onizuka, the astronaut who died in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger accident, which also gave the airport its name, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, he is the first astronaut in the state of Hawaii, and the first Japanese American.

The information station at the Onizuka Visitor Center has a store, restrooms, and telescopes.

It is best to arrive 1 to 2 hours before sunset, as it gets very crowded later in the evening when cars begin to arrive for the sunset climb to the summit.

It is about a 30-minute drive from the Onizuka Visitor Center to the summit.

 

Access

It is approximately 3 hours drive from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from Hilo International Airport.

 

Rainbow Falls

The Wailuku River runs through the city of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, and is crossed by a number of waterfalls, the most popular of which is Rainbow Falls.

The waterfall is about 15 meters high, but as its name suggests, this waterfall is known for the beautiful rainbow that forms over the waterfall basin.

 

Recommendations

Although it depends on the season, the recommended happy hour to see rainbows here is around 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

 

Access

It is a 15-minute drive from Hilo International Airport and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley, which stretches across the northern Hamakua Coast in the northeast of the Big Island of Hawaii, is also known as the "Valley of the Kings," where King Kamehameha the Great spent his childhood, and is not only an important part of Hawaii's history and culture but also a celebration of dramatic tropical beauty.

Located by the ocean, the Waipio Valley Lookout offers views not only of the majestic mountains, but also of the endless and beautiful ocean.

 

Recommendations

Waipio" means "winding water" in Hawaiian, and is derived from the Waipio River that flows through the valley floor.

The sheer mountains and numerous waterfalls flowing from the cliffs provide some of the most dynamic scenery on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The land, which is surrounded by precipitous cliffs that refuse to be penetrated from the outside, is also considered a sacred place where royalty are buried and where mana (sacred power) still resides.

Waipio Valley also allows visitors to descend to the valley floor where the Waipio River flows.

However, the canyon is privately owned and access by rental cars or other vehicles is prohibited.

If you are heading into the canyon, join a local optional tour.

If you wish to go down further into the canyon, bring rain gear and wear clothes that can get dirty.

Long pants are also recommended to prevent injury and insect bites.

 

Access

It is approximately an 80-minute drive from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and 75 minutes from Hilo International Airport.

 

hero

Hilo is the second largest city in the state of Hawaii, after Honolulu, and is the political, educational, and industrial center of the Big Island.

It is relatively rainy, in contrast to Kona on the west coast of Hawaii Island.

Since the town was built mainly by Japanese Americans, there are many stores with Japanese names when you walk around the town, giving it an atmosphere as if you had arrived in a Japanese country town.

 

Recommendations

Hilo is said to have been founded by Japanese Americans who came to Hilo as sugar cane farmers in the olden days, and the area around Kamehameha Avenue facing Hilo Bay still retains its traditional streetscape.

Many of the buildings along Kamehameha Avenue, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are more than 100 years old, giving a sense of nostalgia.

The main street of downtown Hilo is Keawe Street, an old-fashioned street that looks as if the entire town were tinted in sepia.

Also in Hilo's Wailoa River State Park, Hawaii's third statue of King Kamehameha the Great was erected in 1997.

This statue is the newest statue of the Great King in the state of Hawaii.

The Hilo Grand Shrine, located near the University of Hawaii at Hilo, was built in 1898 and enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, making it the oldest existing Shinto shrine outside of Japan.

 

Access

It takes about 50 minutes to fly from Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Hilo International Airport.

About 2 hours drive from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

 

Recommended Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are some of the recommended activities you can enjoy on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Activities in the great outdoors will surely provide you with memories that will last a lifetime!

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is an activity in which visitors enjoy the beautiful colors of the ocean while swimming on the surface or in relatively shallow water using a breathing pipe called a snorkel.

 

How to enjoy

Kealakekua Bay in the South Kona area is known as the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is designated as a marine life sanctuary, boasting the highest transparency among the Hawaiian Islands, and snorkeling surrounded by colorful tropical fish and coral reefs is exceptional.

 

diving

Scuba diving is an activity to enjoy the underwater world while breathing underwater with a tank filled with air on your back.

The typical maximum dive depth is up to 40 meters, and the average dive depth is around 20 meters.

The average duration of each dive is 40 to 50 minutes.

 

How to enjoy

Diving on the Big Island of Hawaii is mainly boat diving.

Large cruisers are often used for comfortable diving.

Most dives depart from the resort town of Kailua-Kona and take less than 30 minutes to reach the dive sites.

The pattern will be to dive two dives in the morning, return to port, and re-start in the afternoon.

In addition, night diving to see manta rays is also popular.

Diving safaris are also popular from Kona, where large cruisers take passengers on multi-day dives in Hawaii's waters.

Dolphins and even humpback whales in winter are often seen, giving even advanced divers a sense of satisfaction.

 

helicopter tour

Helicopter rides, also known as helicopter rides, allow visitors to fully enjoy the dynamic scenery of Hawaii from the sky.

 

How to enjoy

Helicopter rides on the Big Island of Hawaii offer views of the crater of Kilauea Volcano, the white highway that runs over the black lava plateau, and an exclusive resort with a golf course.

 

Lava Tour

On a lava tour unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, you can experience the living earth at Kilauea Volcano.

This is a limited-time-only tour to get a close-up look at the scorching hot lava flow.

 

How to enjoy

As of February 2021, the lava flow seen during the tour itinerary has weakened, making it impossible to see the lava flow.

Be sure to check with a ranger at the Kilauea Visitor Center or elsewhere who knows the latest information about the volcano.

 

stargazing

Stargazing on the Big Island of Hawaii can be enjoyed at Mauna Kea, Hawaii's highest peak.

Astronomical observations enjoyed on the Big Island of Hawaii, where the air is clean and the world is breathtakingly beautiful!

 

How to enjoy

At 4205 meters above sea level, Mauna Kea has stable weather, low humidity, and a clear night sky.

Let us contemplate the far reaches of the universe.

 

riding horse

On the Big Island of Hawaii, which boasts a great natural environment, there are two main types of areas where horseback riding is available and how to enjoy it.

One is a horseback walk through the Waipio Valley in northeastern Hawaii Island.

The other is a run on the prairie of Mount Kohala in the northwestern part of the island of Hawaii.

 

How to enjoy

Horseback Riding in Waipio Valley is a horseback tour through the Waipio Valley, known as the "Valley of the Kings.

The valley floor is a world of tranquility surrounded by dense greenery, and you can enjoy a sense of adventure as you cross rivers and pass through taro fields, feeling the gentle air flowing through Waipio Valley with all your body.

Other popular activities include horse-drawn carriage tours for children and adults of all ages.

On the other hand, at the foot of Mt. Kohala, there is a ranch that boasts an expansive area of about 44 km2 and offers horseback riding tours for beginners and advanced riders.

You can gallop through the rolling pastures or take it easy with the horses and feel the pleasant breeze of Hawaii.

 

Segway (motorized personal vehicle)

Segway is an electric standing two-wheeled vehicle developed and sold in the United States.

It is a type of "parallel two-wheeled vehicle" that rides standing up, has two wheels in a row, and is powered electrically by a battery.

It is characterized by the fact that it is not equipped with a gas pedal handle, and is controlled by the rider's weight shift.

 

How to enjoy

Segwaying on the Big Island of Hawaii is a great way to take a leisurely stroll on a Segway along the ocean.

Segway tours on public roads that cannot be experienced in Japan, such as courses that coincide with the sunset and courses that allow visitors to feel the history of the area, are also possible in Hawaii.

Enjoy the popular Segway while feeling the breeze of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

summary

Hawaii has many other fascinating islands besides Oahu.

Both islands are rich in nature and offer a relaxing resort stay!

Come to Neighbor Island to find a different Hawaii of your own!

Thank you for reading to the end.