Hawaii Island] What is Waikoloa Village like? What to see and how to get there! Recommended tours on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Hawaii Island, known as the Big Island

Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is affectionately known as the "Big Island. It is about half the size of Shikoku, but the climate varies greatly from place to place, making it a fascinating island with different landscapes in different areas.

In this issue, we will tell you about the charms of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

In the center of Hawaii Island are two 4,000-meter-high mountains, Mauna Kea (4207 m) and Mauna Loa (4169 m), which are higher than Mount Fuji, and their gentle ridges lead to the ocean. To the east of Hawaii Island is Kilauea Volcano, which is still very active and its volcanic fumes can still be seen today. In the past, the volcano has erupted several times, even obliterating a village.

Hilo, located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, is the second largest city in the state of Hawaii and was home to many Japanese immigrants.

The nostalgic townscape is still intact, and time seems to have slowed down there. The western part of Hawaii Island is home to the luxury resort area of Kailua-Kona, with many high-class hotels and condominiums, and is always crowded with tourists.

And Mauna Kea, at 4200 meters above sea level, is famous for having the most beautiful starry sky in the world. The summit is accessible by car, and there are observatories in various countries, including Japan's National Astronomical Observatory Subaru.

Sunrises and sunsets viewed from the top of the mountain are extremely beautiful, and the starry sky is one of the best places in the world to view the stars because of the dry air and almost no rainfall. Unlike the island of Oahu, the island of Hawaii has very few white beaches due to volcanic eruptions, and most of the beaches are jet black.

The tourist attraction of Black Sand Beach is especially famous, where sea turtles can sometimes be seen coming up to the shore to sunbathe in the marine blue waters.

The unspoiled wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii continues to attract visitors in search of healing. The legends and nature of the Big Island promise peace and tranquility to visitors.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport. Kona International Airport is served from Narita Airport by JAL and from Haneda Airport by Hawaiian Airlines.

However, since there are few flights and it is inconvenient to go to Hawaii Island from rural areas, most people go to Honolulu International Airport on Oahu Island and connect to a domestic flight to Kona International Airport or Hilo International Airport. Honolulu International Airport can be reached from Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, New Chitose Airport, Chubu International Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Fukuoka Airport, and it takes about 7 to 8 hours from Japan.

If you are connecting in Honolulu, book your flight with two hours to spare, taking into account the possible delay in arrival from Japan. It takes about 45 minutes from Honolulu to Kona International Airport on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Kona is located in an arid region with many beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Hilo International Airport is located on the east coast, so choose the airport you will use depending on where you will be staying or sightseeing.

Kona International Airport is convenient if you want to go to Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, or any of Hawaii Island's other major luxury resort destinations. If you want to go to Kilauea Volcano, Hilo International Airport is recommended. The distance between Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport takes about 3 hours by car.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Island is home to the World Heritage Site of Kilauea Volcano, which according to legend is believed to be inhabited by the goddess Pele and was an object of worship for the indigenous people. Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii has also attracted the attention of astronomers from around the world.

The summit of Mauna Kea, which is higher than Mt. Fuji, is the best place for astronomical observation because of its dry climate, clear skies throughout the year, and the lack of artificial light due to its high altitude. The summit of Mauna Kea is sometimes covered with snow even in summer, creating a world far removed from the everlasting summer of Hawaii.

Many tourists are fascinated by the fantastic and mysterious view from here. Astronomical observation tours are also available, and you can see one of the most beautiful starry skies in the world.

Japanese astronomical observatories offer guided tours of their facilities by appointment, and the telescope facilities at the summit of Mauna Kea, home to 13 observatories from 11 countries, offer spectacular views.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, blessed with nature, you can enjoy activities and visit power spots to refresh yourself and release your daily stress. Although 1 million Japanese visit Hawaii each year, most of them stay on Oahu, and fewer Japanese stay on Hawaii Island to enjoy the resort than Westerners.

However, once you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, you will be hooked and want to return.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The island of Hawaii, with its rugged natural environment, has spectacular, untouched nature here and there.

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii's most active volcano; the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Onomea Bay, which is home to approximately 2,000 tropical plants, including some native to Hawaii; Mauna Lani, one of the world's three most powerful places; Mauna Kea, where the silversword, a plant native to Hawaii, can be found; and South Point, the southernmost point of the island. The green sands of Green Sand Beach at South Point and the contrasting black sands of Black Sand Beach are located at the southernmost point of the island.

 

A powerful volcano

The island of Hawaii is home to Kilauea Volcano National Park (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), where everyone goes to be impressed by the Kilauea Volcano. It is the only World Heritage Site in Hawaii where you can witness the heartbeat of the earth.

Kilauea Volcano is the sacred site of the Hawaiian legend of the goddess Pele, whose crater is called "Halemaumau Crater.

Known as one of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea's tremendous power is evidenced by the way the lava from its massive eruption has covered and hardened the land. The tourist route is now free to come and go.

Currently, there is a hiking trail that goes to the crater to see the majestic sight, and you can also see desert, rainforest, and petroglyphs. Inside the park is the Kilauea Visitor Center, which has park information and a store where you can buy goods that can only be found here.

The highlight of the Kilauea Volcano tour is a walk down the Chain of Craters Road, a lava plateau that extends to the ocean. Admission is $30 per car, $15 per person on foot or bicycle, and $25 per bike, all valid for seven days. A National Park Annual Passport is available for $55.

 

Beautiful Beaches

There are few white sand beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, but "Hapuna Beach" is one of the most beautiful and highly recommended beaches in the country, and has been ranked number one in the United States.

Located near the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, this beach is the largest beach on the Big Island of Hawaii, where you can enjoy activities such as snorkeling and body boarding. Parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and showers are available.

In the summer, the waves are calm and the beach is popular with children, but in the winter, the place is known for its high waves, so please be careful, although lifeguards are always on duty. This spot is conveniently located near Waikoloa and Mauna Lani.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

The Queen's Marketplace, which opened in 2008, is located at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii, and offers Hawaiian jewelry, general merchandise, daily necessities, sporting goods such as swimsuits, and musical instrument stores.

In Kona, the "Kona Inn Shopping Village" is popular with locals who also come to shop, and it is conveniently located with Wendy's and Starbucks, which are well-known to the Japanese. The Kona Commons Shopping Center, located in the northwestern part of the city, is a shopping center with sporting goods, outlets, and general merchandise stores.

Hilo is home to "Prince Kuhio Plaza," which houses about 70 stores, including general merchandise stores, gourmet restaurants, movie theaters, and brand-name stores. In contrast to the resort-like atmosphere of Kona, Hilo is a charming town with a nostalgic atmosphere, a spot that reminds one of the good old days in Hawaii.

For gourmet food, we recommend Big Island Grill in Kailua-Kona. This popular family restaurant is always full of customers from morning on, and many locals spend their time reading the newspaper, chatting with friends, and having a good time in their own way.

If you want to enjoy a gourmet meal while feeling the Kona breeze, how about the open-air Annie's Island Fresh Burgers? This hamburger store is located in Kealakekua, a town along Mamalahoa Highway, about 12 km south of Kailua-Kona.

We use fresh local vegetables and grow tomatoes and lettuce on the farm behind the restaurant.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The diverse cultures of Hawaii include the ancient customs and culture of the native Hawaiians, Christianity brought by Westerners, and the culture of immigrants, all of which have blended to create a unique culture.

Myths and legends still remain in the lives of the native Hawaiians, who found the existence of the gods in the nature of the Big Island and lived their lives worshipping the gods and nature, and the settings of myths and legends are scattered throughout the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

What is Waikoloa Village like?

Waikoloa Village is a town in the South Kohala area of the Big Island of Hawaii, known as an upscale resort district with numerous lodging facilities.

The beautiful beach is crystal clear, and many people enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Many petroglyphs have been preserved on the surrounding rocky shoreline, which allows visitors to experience the culture of the indigenous people.

There are both high-end golf courses and reasonably priced golf courses, and the golf courses frequented by local residents are crowded with many people.

 

Directions to Waikoloa Village

About 35 minutes drive from the Kona International Airport, take Highway 19 to Waikoloa Road and drive 8 kilometers across the arid land until you come to Waikoloa Village.

Waikoloa Village, which is also a quiet, upscale residential area, has a completely different atmosphere than the cities of Kona and Hilo.

 

Waikoloa Village Highlights

Waikoloa Village is a green, beautifully landscaped town. In order to protect the townscape, there are restrictions on building houses, and no two-story buildings can be built. There are also strict rules to protect the landscape, such as planting greenery on the property and keeping a certain amount of space between buildings.

It is designed not to be too bright so as not to interfere with astronomical observations on Mauna Kea, so you can see the beautiful starry sky from the city.

 

Waikoloa Beach

The beach is located at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, a sprawling property with a full range of facilities including hotels, condominiums, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping centers.

The coastline, made of solidified lava, is very beautiful, with palm trees and colorful vegetation, and the sea is crystal clear, so you can clearly see the lava and coral.

 

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach, considered the most beautiful beach in the U.S., is located in Hapuna Beach State Park on the Kohala Coast, with beautiful white sand beaches and emerald green waters.

The beach is less crowded, and the waves are calm in summer, so families can enjoy the beach, but be careful in winter because the waves are higher.

Hapuna Beach State Park is also equipped with facilities for picnics, a snack store, parking, restrooms, and showers.

 

Anaeho'omalu Beach

Naeho'omalu Beach, which stretches in front of the Marriott Resort & Spa at Waikoloa Beach Resort, is a beautiful beach lined with palm trees and has a fishpond inside. This beach has a stretch of sandy beach between the ocean and the fishpond.

The sunset from here is reputed to be beautiful, and people gather to watch the sunset. The waves are calm, so children can play safely.

 

Activity Experiences are Popular on the Big Island of Hawaii

The island of Hawaii is popular for its abundant and varied natural environment, which offers a wide range of ocean and mountain activities.

Horseback riding is available at Kahua Ranch on Mt. Kohala, and even beginners will enjoy the slow walk through the endless grasslands. The tours are accompanied by a Japanese-speaking guide, so families can join with ease.

 

summary

Hawaii Island offers a rich and varied natural environment. Why not stop by Waikoloa Village for a little luxury and a resort experience?

Unlike Waikiki, the mystical island of Hawaii is surrounded by nature and time slows down, making it the perfect place to enjoy a unique resort trip.