The Big Island of Hawai‘i is unlike any other place on Earth. Nowhere else can you visit the snow-clad summit of an active volcano, explore lush native forests and exotic jungles, snorkel with diverse marine life on coral reefs, and frolic on beaches with sands of yellow, white, green, and black – all in the same day. From the eerily beautiful moonscapes of the rugged Kona coast to the lush valleys of Kohola, Hamakua, and Hilo, truly, this is paradise. While we obviously love this place, we know you will too. Read on and get to know the unique districts our wonderful island has to share with you.
The Garden of Eden
Hawai‘i is the largest – and newest – of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, and like the others, its climate is driven by the trade winds that make our islands such an idyllic place to visit. The cooling breezes from the northeast reach our shores and turn the windward, northeastern island regions into lush, tropical forests. Here on Big Island, the best way to explore these verdant valleys and enchanting jungles is with one of our rental homes on that stretch of the Hamakua coast from Hilo to Waipi`o. This fertile coast winds around the rocky coast and is home to vibrant orchid farms, delicious chocolate and coffee plantations, and some of the best secluded beaches. Waipi`o Valley is the end of the road in the north, and offers incredible scenery and panoramic views of the mountains dripping in greenery and the beautiful sapphire waters of the Pacific.
Pele’s Fire
Moving east and south from Hilo, you reach the charming community of Puna, the fastest growing district on island. This quaint town is convenient to the many attractions and other districts of the island, and is a popular location for our guests. Just past Puna lies Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Here you can peer into an active caldera, learn the natural history of the islands, watch lava flow into the ocean, and stroll through long dormant lava tubes in the middle of exotic rainforests protected in the volcanic crater.
Rugged and Wild
Across the mountains from Hilo, the leeward side of the island is home to barren, yet beautiful lava fields, the bustling town of Kona, and some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscapes you have ever seen. If you choose one of our fabulous rental properties here, you will have access to world-class golf, resorts with fine dining and shopping, exciting ocean adventures with whales and manta rays, and beautiful hikes to secluded beaches. Snorkel the tranquil waters of Kealakekua Bay, a marine preserve home to dolphins and the site of Captain Cook’s arrival to Hawai‘i in 1779, or take a day and visit the summit and observatories on Mauna Kea. A scenic drive north along the coast is always worthwhile, capped with a visit to the ranching town of Waimea or the beautiful valleys and black sand beaches of the Kohola Coast.
No matter where you choose to stay on Big Island, you will find the vacation of a lifetime. ILoveHawaii is happy to have you, and we invite you to browse our wonderful selection of Big Island vacation home rentals and to contact us with any questions you might have.