Hawaii
Four Seasons Resort
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Orchid at Mauna Lani
"The Big Island" as it is known is an island filled with adventure. Nearly twice the size of the other islands, equal to the size of Connecticut, it has a varied climate from the black sandy beaches to the mountain meadows. The most diverse of all the islands, it offers skiing in the winter and year-round sunshine with warm temperatures on the western & southern shores. Boasting a 9 mile stretch of sunny coast, it is one of those rare places on earth where reality surpasses expectation. Hawaii has the world's most powerful telescope at Keck Observatory, which searches the universe from Mauna Loa, the clearest place on earth for peering into the heavens. The Big Island has 266 miles of coastline made up of white-coral, black-lava and a dusting of olive-green beaches, which are highlighted by its cliffs of lava and gorges that slash into the mountains. Five volcanoes formed the Big Island some half-million years ago. One of them, Kilauea, is still active.
Kona, on Hawaii's west coast, is the gateway to the "Big Island", this where you will find the island's best honeymoon resorts. On the east coast is Hilo, a modern town with rustic buildings. Hilo is the center of business, shipping and government for the island and is primarily a residential town. The Kona coffee bean, sought by connoisseurs, grows on the lower slopes of the mountains. Kona coffee is the only coffee produced commercially in the United States.
Hawaii could give Texas a run for its money - particularly since the Parker Ranch claims to be the largest privately owned ranch in the USA. It is here where you'll meet your first Hawaiian cowboy. Driving north of Kona along the coast is Kohala. This is where you'll find growth. The Kona-Kohala coast is generally dry, uninhabited, with long stretches of lava. For Golf lovers, The Big Island has many championship courses and is currently building more. The key to Hawaii is having a car rental...this allows you freedom to go anywhere at anytime...your package will include a compact car (upgrades are optional)...a car is a must.
It can be said that the white sand beaches are hard to find on "The Big Island of Hawaii" and the nightlife is low-key. The fact remains that the Big Island is exciting and is sure to bring out the adventurous side of you. You can hike into a crater, catch marlin weighing hundreds of pounds, discover another universe from the top of Mauna Kea. Hawaii, "The Big Island" is a place for big dreams to become reality.
