Hawaii Island】Let's go to the Big Island of Hawaii for your summer vacation! About Recommended Activities and Tours

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

Hawaii, a popular tourist destination, has a variety of islands.

The most famous island is Oahu, but Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island, is also a great destination.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands in terms of area. With its rich natural environment, Hawaii Island is truly worthy of the name "Big Island.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii Island is the newest of the Hawaiian Islands, created by undersea uplift from volcanic activity.

Polynesians settled here 1,500 years ago, and the famous King Kamehameha the Great was born on the Big Island of Hawaii.

There are two airports, Kona Airport and Hilo Airport. The western district of Hawaii Island is called the Kona District and the eastern district is called the Hilo District.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two ways to get to the Big Island of Hawaii: take a direct flight out of Haneda or Narita Airports, or head to Oahu once and fly from Honolulu Airport.

Direct flights from Japan take about 8 hours. Direct flights are recommended for those who wish to explore Hawaii Island at a leisurely pace.

When traveling via, it takes about 7-8 hours from Japan to Oahu, and about 45 minutes from Oahu to Hawaii Island.

If you want to enjoy both Oahu and Hawaii Island, you may want to go via.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has much to offer. From the world's most active volcanoes to massive mountains, there is a world that can only be seen here.

Let us introduce you to the ever-evolving attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii, one by one.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The Big Island of Hawaii is characterized by its many pristine natural features.

There are many places of interest, including Kilauea Volcano, where Pele, the volcano goddess, is said to reside, Punaluu Black Sand Beach, made of rare black sand, and Papakolea Green Sand Beach, known as the "Phantom Beach.

Here, you will experience a different kind of wilderness than on Oahu.

 

A powerful volcano

There are five volcanoes on Hawaii Island: Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea.
These are still active and are increasing the size of the island of Hawaii every day.

Among them, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Mauna Loa and Kilauea Volcanoes, is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii, as it is the only World Heritage Site in the state of Hawaii.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The Big Island of Hawaii has not only volcanoes, but also beautiful beaches. Among them, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is famous for its black sand and is crowded with tourists every day.

Sea turtles may come ashore, but be aware that approaching within 4 to 5 meters is prohibited.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

The Big Island of Hawaii also has large shopping centers, the most famous of which is Queen's Marketplace, located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort in the Kona resort area.

Prince Kuhio Plaza is another large and popular shopping center, but this one is located in the Hilo district, not the Kona district.

Although there are not as many as on Oahu, the island of Hawaii is unique in that each shopping center is large.
There are also many delicious gourmet restaurants.

There are many restaurants scattered throughout the area, such as Big Island Candy and Kona Brewing Company, where you can enjoy Hawaiian gourmet food to the fullest, so visit various restaurants during your stay to find your favorite.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

There are many museums and history museums on the Big Island of Hawaii. The variety varies from a volcano museum called the Jaguar Museum to a railroad museum called the Laupahoehoehoe Railroad Museum.

You will definitely learn more about the history of the Big Island of Hawaii by visiting the many museums.

 

Let's go to Hawaii Island for summer vacation!

Summer vacation is the top season for tourism on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is hot, but not as humid as in Japan, so it is relatively comfortable.

Take advantage of the consecutive holidays to fully enjoy the beautiful ocean and delicious food.

 

Summer Vacation Fun

Take advantage of the summer holiday weekend and spend a few days enjoying the Big Island of Hawaii. You can plan a day for playing in the ocean, a day for shopping, a day to visit the volcano, and so on.

Also, Hawaii is a place where you can enjoy just being there without having to cram in a lot of plans.

You may have a day to take a walk near the hotel or relax on the beach without going into the ocean.

 

Summer is in full swing! Let's enjoy the waters of the Big Island of Hawaii!

Although Hawaii Island is warm all year round, swimming in the ocean in the summer is especially recommended. This is the most popular time of year for tourists, and is crowded with many people.

 

Enjoy a wide variety of activities

The waters of the Big Island of Hawaii offer many activities.

The types of activities range from classic ones such as snorkeling and diving to the newest activities such as SUP.

 

Best Season for Marine Activities

Hawaii is warm all year round, so you can go in the ocean at any time of year, but the best season for marine activities is the dry season from May to October.

During the rainy season from November to April, squalls are more likely to occur, making it unsuitable for marine activities.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots

There are several tourist spots on the Big Island of Hawaii. Let us introduce one recommended spot at a time.

 

Kilauea Volcano

It is one of the most famous tourist attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is no exaggeration to say that most visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii come here to see it.

Located in the southeastern part of the island, it is designated as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is the only place in the state of Hawaii designated as a World Heritage Site.

 

Recommendations

This volcano was formed 600,000 to 300,000 years ago and is still active today. We invite you to experience the excitement of seeing the earth's movement up close.

There are well-maintained trail trails in the national park, which are very suitable for sightseeing.

 

Access

It is recommended to rent a car to get to Kilauea Volcano. It takes two hours by car from the Kona area and about one hour from the Hilo area.

Incidentally, a $25 entrance fee is required to drive into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

 

Mauna Kea

Like Kilauea, it is one of the volcanoes that form the Big Island of Hawaii. Mauna Kea, which means "white mountain," is covered with snow in winter.

Because of the clean air, 13 observatories have been established here, including Japan's Subaru Observatory.

 

Recommendations

Because the air is said to be the purest on the Big Island of Hawaii, many stars can be observed at night.

It is a popular spot where many tourists visit every day for stargazing tours. Japanese-speaking guides are available, but reservations are sometimes difficult to obtain due to its popularity.

If you are planning to attend, make reservations as soon as possible.

 

Access

Mauna Kea can be reached by car, but depending on the time of year, it can be dangerous due to snow. Therefore, it is recommended to join a tour to get there.

In many cases, transportation to and from the hotel where you are staying is included, so you will not get lost and will be safe.

 

Hapuna Beach State Park

It is one of the 10 best beaches in the world and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is popular for its sunny days and calm waves, making it easy to play on, and is crowded with many people.

 

Recommendations

There is a large parking lot, so even if you are heading there with a rental car, you will have no trouble parking. Picnic areas, restrooms, and showers are also available.

Lifeguards are also on hand to help in case of emergency.

 

Access

There is a parking lot available, so rent a car and head there. It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Kona Airport.

 

Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay, known as the clearest waters on the Big Island of Hawaii, is the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island.

It is also famous as the place where Captain Cook once made a port call and was murdered, and a monument to him has been erected near the bay.

It is only a bay, so there is no white sand beach, but the place is crowded with many snorkeling fans.

 

Recommendations

The best thing to do in Kealakekua Bay is snorkeling. Enjoy the contact with coral and fish in the clearest water on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Access

Since the roads are narrow and parking is scarce, it is best to take a tour instead of renting a car.

 

South Point

South Point, also called Ka Lae in Hawaiian, refers to the southernmost point in the United States.

There is nothing more beyond this point, just an endless expanse of blue ocean.

 

Recommendations

Many fish live near South Point, so fishing for big game is also recommended.

There is a rope ladder hanging from the cliff, but diving is prohibited. It is dangerous and must not be done.

 

Access

It is best to head there by rental car, but rental cars may not be allowed where the roads are not paved.

If you rent a car, make sure you check it carefully before you go.

 

Recommended Activities

 

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a wide variety of activities.

There are many tours that offer a variety of activities, so it is recommended that you decide what you want to do to some extent before your trip so that you will not have any doubts.

 

snorkeling

This is an underwater swimming experience with a snorkel in one's mouth. The fish come very close to you, so you can enjoy it as a natural aquarium.

This activity can be done by small children, so it is recommended for families.

 

Recommendations

Kealakekua Bay is the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island of Hawaii. Enjoy the clear waters and the colorful fish that are unique to the tropics.

 

diving

Unlike snorkeling, diving is an activity in which one wears a wetsuit and carries an oxygen cylinder on one's back while underwater to enjoy swimming.

A license is required for deep diving, so it is recommended to get certified beforehand to enjoy the waters of the Big Island of Hawaii more fully.

 

Recommendations

Several dive sites exist on the Big Island of Hawaii, but night diving at Manta Cove is recommended.

Many manta rays come here for the plankton, and it has become popular to swim with them.

If you are lucky, you may even see sea turtles.

 

SUP

SUP is a new marine activity where you stand on a board and paddle across the ocean.

 

Recommendations

Various SUP tours are planned, as it is a popular marine activity nowadays.

There are many types of SUP tours, such as Sunrise SUP in the early morning, Sunset SUP at sunset, and SUP Yoga. Try to find the SUP tour you want to do the most.

 

parasailing

Parasailing is a great way to soar through the sky in a large parachute and take a walk in the blue sky.

It can be enjoyed by small children, so the whole family can try it together.

 

Recommendations

The beautiful ocean of the Big Island of Hawaii can be seen from a height of about 40 stories above the ground. The view is spectacular and irreplaceable.

This is a recommended activity to experience at least once in your lifetime.

 

Segway (motorized personal vehicle)

Visitors can tour the various sights of the Big Island of Hawaii on a Segway, a futuristic vehicle.

There are many tours available, so please choose where you would like to go and join us.

 

Recommendations

Segways can be ridden by anyone with a little practice, and are recommended for easy progress over long distances where walking would be tiring.

Children can also experience this tour if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, so the whole family can participate in the Segway tour.

 

Recommended tours to join during summer vacation

Here are some of the tours we recommend for your summer vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Wild Dolphins & Kealakekua Bay
Snorkeling Tour

You can enjoy snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay and dolphin watching at the same time.

The maximum number of participants is six, and the small group size allows the staff to provide extensive support. This plan is recommended for snorkeling beginners.

 

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

This tour is a great way to enjoy SUP to the fullest. Everyone from beginners to experienced surfers is welcome to join.

If you do not need staff instruction, you can choose a plan that includes only board and paddle rentals.

 

Hawaii Island Segway Kailua-Kona Walking Tour

This tour is a Segway tour of the Big Island of Hawaii. Beginners can experience a 30-minute course, while experienced riders can enjoy a long-distance course.

 

summary

We hope you enjoyed this article on recommended ways to spend your summer vacation. The Big Island of Hawaii is an island rich in nature.

You will feel refreshed in body and soul if you experience the great nature of the earth. Why not visit during your summer vacation?