Hawaii Island】Let's go to Hawaii Island for the New Year's Holidays! Recommended Activities and Tours

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island

Many people dream of visiting Hawaii at least once in their lives. The word "Hawaii" in a nutshell, but the atmosphere differs greatly from island to island.

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the "Big Island," is characterized by its large scale, as its name suggests.

Although Oahu is very famous when it comes to Hawaii, the Big Island of Hawaii also has many attractions.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or have been to Oahu, you will discover many new things to love about Hawaii on the Big Island!

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the state of Hawaii. It is approximately twice the size of all of the Hawaiian Islands except for the Big Island of Hawaii combined.

There are very few high-rise buildings or condominiums, and the island is rich in nature. With few people for the size of the island, you will feel the time pass leisurely on the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is also unique in that it is possible to experience a variety of weather conditions within one island at the same time of year: summer heat, mountain-top snow, and rainy areas.

In addition, the Big Island of Hawaii has a rich history. It is the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, who unified the Hawaiian Islands!

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two major airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, one on the east and one on the west.

The Kona Airport in the west is best suited for enjoying beach resorts with a large number of flights, while the Hilo Airport in the east is best suited for sightseeing of volcanoes.

The most common method of access from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii is to make a connection at Honolulu Airport on the island of Oahu. However, both Japan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offer direct flights from major airports in Tokyo to Kona Airport.

Japan Airlines flights can be taken directly to Kona Airport on the Big Island of Hawaii from either Narita or Haneda Airports.

It is not a dream to go to the Big Island of Hawaii from Tokyo on your way home from work without any connections. The direct flight takes about 7 hours for the outbound flight and about 10 hours for the inbound flight.

The flight time is never too long, so you will be able to travel to the tropical island of Hawaii in comfort.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

So here are five of the many attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to many truly pristine natural wonders, such as Mauna Kea and Kilauea Volcano. But it's not just the mountains.

The spectacular nature of the ocean, waterfalls, caves, and starry skies is truly the scenery of the Big Island itself, and it is blessed with natural wonders that cannot be seen in any other Hawaiian Islands.

A stay on the Big Island of Hawaii will allow you to enjoy nature to your heart's content and sharpen your senses.

 

A powerful volcano

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to several powerful volcanoes that are still active today.

Although the effects of volcanic activity are localized on the Big Island of Hawaii as a whole, the effects of this activity can be very varied.

Some of the positive influences that have made the island a tourist attraction include beautiful black sand beaches created by volcanic activity, lava tunnels created by lava, and lava plateaus. These formed by volcanic activity are attractions that can only be found on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The beautiful blue ocean is the backdrop for the many beaches with a variety of characteristics that make the Big Island of Hawaii so appealing.

It is recommended that you choose where to visit depending on your purpose of spending time at the beach. Be careful where you step, as beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii are generally not only sandy but also rocky.

Here are two of the most representative beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii.

First of all, Kahaluu Beach is a famous beach for snorkeling.

Although not a large beach, the area around Kahaluu Beach is highly popular among snorkelers because of the high probability of encountering sea turtles. It is also said that there is a high probability of encountering manta rays in the wild on the Big Island of Hawaii.

You can also look for and join a snorkeling tour where you can swim with manta rays.

Next is Hapuna Beach, with its vast sandy beach and blue ocean stretching out before you.

With no buildings blocking your view, Hapuna Beach is the perfect place to spend some quality time just relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery. Hapuna Beach is the very definition of a resort destination, the perfect place to relax and refresh your mind.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

What kind of food and goods do you imagine when you hear the word "Hawaii"?

If you want to enjoy both dining and shopping at once on the Big Island of Hawaii, Waikoloa Beach Resort is the place to go.

This large facility, which includes a hotel, restaurants, and a shopping center, will keep you busy all day long. The Queen's Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort offers a wide variety of boutiques, fine restaurants, and a food court, as well as Hawaiian culture lessons, making it a great place to enjoy Hawaiian culture and history at the same time.

And speaking of gourmet food in Hawaii, did you know that there is a wide variety of "To Go (take-out)" restaurants where you can enjoy a meal easily and freely?

You can take out not only steaks and burgers, but also fried foods such as garlic shrimp, loco moco, seafood, authentic dishes, and sweets such as acai balls, and many other Hawaiian specialties. It is just like bento in Japan.

Eating inside a restaurant is fine, but if you are so inclined, why not take out and enjoy gourmet food while experiencing the rich nature and climate of the Big Island of Hawaii?

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

Another attraction of the Big Island of Hawaii is that there are many places where visitors can experience history and culture and feel connected to the present.

Visitors can tour archaeological sites at Honaunau National Historical Park and learn about volcanic structures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

If you want to learn about history efficiently, we recommend that you take a tour of historical sites. Since this is the island where King Kamehameha the Great, the first king of Hawaii and unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, was born, there are two statues of King Kamehameha the Great on the island.

The Big Island of Hawaii is also a center of the cultural revival of the Hawaiian language and hula. If you are interested in Hawaiian culture, you should definitely see a Polynesian show at least once.

Through passionate shows, you can learn about Polynesian culture and traditions, and enjoy the show with everyone from young children to the elderly. We also recommend the dinner show, where you can enjoy a unique Hawaiian meal while watching the show.

 

Spend the New Year's Holidays on the Big Island of Hawaii!

I am sure that all of you have at one time or another longed to spend the year-end and New Year holidays abroad.

Why not spend your next year-end and New Year's holiday on the Hawaiian Islands, which are brimming with charm?

You may choose to stay on the Kohala Coast, with its elegant resort hotels and golf courses, or for a more local experience, in Kailua-Kona, the center of shopping and dining, or in Hilo, with its unique stores.

 

Advantages of traveling during the year-end and New Year's holidays

The year-end and New Year's holidays are a special time for everyone to relax from the fatigue of the past year and renew their spirit for the New Year. It is also a precious time for family gatherings.

Here are three advantages of traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii during such a special New Year's holiday.

 

Enjoy traveling without crowds

Hawaii is always one of the most popular places to spend New Year's holidays abroad, but the island of Hawaii tends to attract fewer international visitors than the islands of Oahu and Maui.

Furthermore, since Hawaii Island is a Big Island, the area of the island is large, and even during the year-end and New Year's holidays, it has the advantage of being a comfortable place to spend time without large crowds.

Some people may be concerned that there may be many Japanese tourists in Hawaii during the year-end and New Year's holidays, but rest assured that Japanese people do not account for a large percentage of international visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Many events will be held

Many New Year's Eve events will be held, including fireworks displays on the beach, countdowns, dinner parties, and dinner cruises.

At the beginning of the year, shopping centers sell goody bags, and the atmosphere may be somewhat similar to that of Japan.

A goody bag purchased in Hawaii is sure to be a special memory.

 

Spend the year-end and New Year's holidays relaxing at a resort!

As a reward for a year of hard work, the year-end and New Year's holidays are a time to refresh body and soul.

By relaxing at the resort and reflecting on the past year or thinking about the new year, you will be filled with renewed energy and have a wonderful new year.

Spending the New Year's holiday on the Big Island of Hawaii has a different charm from that of summer Hawaii. Hawaii Island is famous for its beautiful starry sky, and the stars in the clear winter sky are breathtaking.

Hawaii is a warm place, but please stay warm in the winter.

 

Year-end and New Year's Fun

Let me tell you about some of the places and events you can enjoy during the New Year's holiday on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

About the Event

On New Year's Eve, a variety of New Year's Eve events are held at hotels and restaurants. Here are some New Year's Eve events to enjoy at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

This is a luxurious event where you can enjoy a buffet of dishes featuring tropical fruits and seafood unique to Hawaii, and dance music.

Attending a Hawaiian-inspired event held by the hotel poolside is sure to put you in the best mood for the New Year's Eve moment. In addition, Hawaii Island is home to Hilo Shrine, the oldest existing shrine outside of Japan.

At the beginning of the year, many people may wish for peace and tranquility for the year by making a Hatsumode (New Year's visit to a shrine).

It is great to know that there are places on the Big Island of Hawaii where you can pay your first visit to the shrine. The red seal at Hilo Shrine will also be a wonderful keepsake.

 

About Fireworks

Fireworks displays are held in various locations throughout Hawaii on New Year's Eve, beginning in the evening and culminating at the moment of New Year's Eve.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, in addition to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel mentioned earlier, the Fairmont Orchid and Sheraton Kona Resort are famous for the fireworks they shoot off as part of their New Year's parties.

On New Year's Eve, it is customary for each local household to enjoy fireworks, and locals purchase a fireworks set. Fireworks are an indispensable item to make New Year's Eve in Hawaii more exciting.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots for the Year-End and New Year's Holidays

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

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the only one in Hawaii on the World Heritage List.

Entry to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park allows visitors to visit Kilauea Volcano.

Trekking through a lava tunnel created by flowing lava and through a fern forest is recommended.

This mysterious trekking course is rarely experienced, but it can be enjoyed easily, requiring only 15 to 30 minutes.

You can also encounter the red apapane, a wild bird endemic to Hawaii.

Another recommended point of interest is the Halemaumau crater in the center of Kilauea Volcano.

The crater, which burns red not only during the daytime but also in the darkness of night, is extremely powerful, and one cannot help but feel the powerful energy of the earth.

 

Access

The driving time is about 2 hours from the Kona area and about 1 hour from Hilo. You can rent a car from the airport and visit the park on your own, but you can also sign up for a tour for a more comfortable and efficient way to visit the park.

It is safer to visit by tour, especially if the return trip is at night, as the surrounding area will be pitch black.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is another of the volcanoes that form the Big Island of Hawaii. With an elevation of approximately 4,200 meters, it is higher than Mt.

Mauna Kea means "white mountain" in Hawaiian, and as the name implies, the summit is covered with snow.

Several observatories of various countries are located on the summit, including Japan's Subaru Telescope.

The sunset and starry sky viewed from the top of the mountain in the clear air is the best part.

The Milky Way can also be observed from the beautiful starry sky, offering spectacular views.

Also, on the way to the summit, stop by the Onizuka Visitor Center, located at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters.

In addition to using the Onizuka Visitor Center as a rest stop, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the space and astronomy-related products sold at the Onizuka Visitor Center, as well as the space food ice cream that has been adopted by NASA.

 

Access

Access to the summit takes about 2.5 hours by car from the Hilo area and about 4 hours from the Kona area.

It is said that it is possible to drive to the summit, but be sure to check information on vehicle types and road conditions before accessing the site, as access is limited to certain types of vehicles and the road may be closed due to construction work.

It might be a good idea to take a safe and convenient tour to access the area.

 

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a waterfall on the Wailuku River in eastern Hawaii Island.

Water falling from a height of 24 meters splashes around a cave made of lava, and if you are lucky, a rainbow will appear over the waterfall.

The volume of water in the falls varies considerably between the dry and rainy seasons.

Since the end of the year and the beginning of the new year fall during the rainy season, the volume of water is high and the basin of the falls becomes a torrent, making it very spectacular. Another great thing about the rainy season is that there are many chances to see beautiful rainbows.

The best thing to see here is the mysterious rainbow over the waterfall.

Rainbows are not always visible, but going early in the morning on a clear day increases the chance of seeing them.

The best time to see a beautiful rainbow is when the sun is shining toward the waterfall.

But don't worry if you don't see a rainbow! The 24-meter-high waterfall and the surrounding tropical vegetation alone make a visit to Rainbow Falls well worth it.

 

Access

Rainbow Falls is located in Wailuku River State Park.

It is close to downtown Hilo, about 10 minutes by car. It is also close to the parking lot and the waterfall, making it easy to visit.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley, considered a power spot in the northern part of Hawaii Island, is a cliff with a mysterious atmosphere.

It is also the place where King Kamehameha the Great spent his childhood and is an important part of Hawaiian history.

In addition to its historical significance, the view from the Waipio Valley Lookout is a testament to the spectacular natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii. Waipio means "winding water" in Hawaiian.

The view from the observation deck is spectacular, but if you have come all the way to Waipio Valley, be sure to visit the valley floor and experience the fantastic atmosphere.

Horseback riding tours that allow visitors to explore the valley floor are especially recommended. The Waipio Valley has a different look and feel depending on where you visit, so you will experience new impressions at every turn.

 

Access

It is about a 2-hour drive from the Kona area and about 1.5 hours from the Hilo area.

It takes only a few minutes to reach the observation deck from the parking lot.

However, it is recommended to access the canyon through guided tours, horseback riding, and hiking.

 

Kona Pool

Kona Pool is a large facility with a strong presence within the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

The Kona Pool has waterfalls and bridges, creating a truly tropical atmosphere on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The ocean and beaches are nice, but the Kona Pool, with its water slides, is very popular with children.

Kona Pool is a great place for children and adults to enjoy themselves.

For children, we recommend the kiddie pool, and for adults, the luxurious Jacuzzi.

While enjoying the tropical atmosphere, you can also enjoy lunch and drinks at the poolside Orchid Marketplace or the Kona Pool Bar.

 

Access

It is about a 30-minute drive from Kona Airport and about a 2-hour drive from Hilo Airport.

A service called Speedy Shuttle is available from the Kona airport, and airport shuttle bus and private car services are also available. Groups can also charter the service.

 

Recommended activities to enjoy during the year-end and New Year's holidays

So here are five activities that are perfect for the holiday season.

 

cruising

The pleasant breeze and spectacular ocean views felt while cruising will soothe away the fatigue of the year.

The year-end and New Year cruising season is also the perfect time to see dolphins and whales.

There are cruises available for dinner and lunch, which is good for New Year's celebrations.

Cruising during sunset hours is especially recommended.

The sunset on the boat is exceptionally beautiful and will surely be a wonderful memory of the year-end and New Year holidays.

 

parasailing

Parasailing is a thrilling marine sport that involves flying over the ocean while wearing a parachute and being pulled by a motorboat.

The beautiful scenery of the sky and the sea can be enjoyed at the same time, and it is full of a sense of attraction.

Relaxing on the beach is great, but why not take the opportunity to view the ocean from above the Big Island of Hawaii?

We recommend that you enjoy your parasailing time while singing songs in the air and feeling like a bird.

Parasailing generally takes only a few minutes to a few dozen minutes, but what little time you have will be your best memory!

You will be energized for the New Year. If you look down at the ocean, you may even see beautiful coral reefs.

 

whale watching

Generally, whale watching tours on the Big Island of Hawaii are available only during the winter season, from December to April.

Although the time of year when humpback whales are most likely to appear varies each year, they swim thousands of kilometers from Alaska to the Big Island of Hawaii each year to give birth and raise their young.

If you are going to visit Hawaii Island during the New Year's holiday, you definitely want to catch a glimpse of the whales.

The moment the whales make their big jump and appear out to sea is a must-see for everyone. Don't miss the dynamic sight of the whales splashing in the water!

 

helicopter tour

Since you are spending the year-end and New Year's holidays at a resort, you want to create special memories.

Take a helicopter cruise for a bird's-eye view of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Each person in the helicopter has an individual seat, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the magnificent view.

Please enjoy the luxury of having the magnificent view all to yourself.

From the air, visitors can observe the crater and lava of Kilauea Volcano, Waipio Valley, the Kohala Coast, and many other sights of the Big Island of Hawaii.

After visiting each of the sights, a helicopter ride at the end of your trip will give you a different perspective.

It is also a great way to get a final aerial view of the places you could not actually visit. We recommend taking a helicopter cruise as the climax of your trip.

 

Lava Tour

Kilauea Volcano is still active, and there are tours that allow visitors to walk up close to the lava.

This type of tour is rare in Hawaii and unique to the Big Island.

The red lava flowing into the sea is a good place to start.

It is a rare opportunity to see flowing lava with the naked eye. Please take the time to observe it.

This tour is limited to only when lava is flowing within walking distance, so you will be very lucky if you can join us during your New Year's Eve and New Year's trip!

 

3 recommended tours for the year-end and New Year's holidays

Finally, here are three tours we recommend. If you are not sure which tour to join, please consider these tours.

 

Whale Watching Cruise

This 90-minute tour sails along the beautiful Kohala Coast and visits the best spots where whales are most likely to appear.

You can choose between an early morning and a late morning plan, making it easy to adjust your travel schedule.

Drinks and snacks are also provided for a comfortable cruising experience. In the unlikely event that you do not encounter a whale, you can board the ship again free of charge, which is highly appreciated by participants.

 

Mauna Kea Sunrise & Stargazing Tour

This very popular tour includes stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea, followed by a sunrise.

You can participate safely with the support of experienced guides.

In addition to commentary using an astronomical telescope, the museum offers a full range of services, including warm clothing and hot drinks.

Another popular feature is that guides who know the best spots will take photos against the backdrop of the starry sky and sunrise.

 

Sunset Dinner Cruise

This is a 3-hour cruise where you can enjoy a buffet-style Hawaiian dinner and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

If you are lucky, you may even see dolphins or whales! Depending on the weather and sea conditions, the boat may be bumpy, so it is best to take anti-sickness measures to make your time more comfortable.

 

summary

Why don't you spend a wonderful New Year's holiday on the Big Island of Hawaii in winter, full of charm?

The new year will surely be a wonderful and glorious one, filled with energy in body and mind as you experience the magnificent nature and history of the area.

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