Island of Hawaii
Island of Inspiration
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Welcome to the Island of Hawaii
The island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined (hence, its nickname, “Big Island”), its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world's different climate zones here, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. From the many geological features at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach, the island of Hawaii is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature. However you decide to experience the island, it is sure to leave you humbled! Check out the island of Hawaii's regions to explore this vast island.
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Regions of Island of Hawaii
Island of Hawaii
Take a memorable drive from Hilo to the Waipio Valley Lookout to see scenic overlooks, waterfalls, botanical gardens and small towns.
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This friendly, small town is the gateway to the Waipio Valley, and home to cute local shops and restaurants.
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Located on the northern Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii.
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The Hilo Farmers Market is one of the best open markets in Hawaii, featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and local crafts.
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Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 30-acre Japanese garden featuring fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens.
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Akaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet).
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Downtown Hilo is the island of Hawaii's biggest small town, featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts—many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places—housing a variety of sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants and cultural sites.
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If you’re looking for a waterfall near Downtown Hilo, take a short drive west on Waianuene Avenue to Wailuku River State Park.
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This famous black sand beach is a great photo opportunity and is almost as popular with honu (green sea turtles) as it is with visitors.
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The southern-most point in the Hawaiian Islands (and the United States) offers beautiful ocean views.
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One of the state’s most famous attractions is a testament to the power of nature and a rare opportunity to see an active volcano.
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Part of the National Park System, this historic site is home to one of the largest and last heiau (temple) built in Hawaii.
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The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaii.
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Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast is one of the largest white sand beaches on the island of Hawaii.
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The Pololu Valley Lookout offers a breathtaking view overlooking Pololu Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline.
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Visit Puuhonua o Honaunau and learn about early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge and former royal grounds.
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The Keauhou resort area, just south of Historic Kailua Village in Kona, is where you can often spot manta rays and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
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Historic Kailua Village is a lively seaside town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic sites.
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Travel back to the days of the Hawaiian monarchy at Hulihee Palace, located right on Alii Drive in the heart of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona).
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Just south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Explore this coastal park and discover how an early Hawaiian settlement survived on the rugged Kona coast.
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This seven-acre State Monument is home to unusual lava tree structures that rise up out of the ground.
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Visit this charming artist community located five minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Once a historic town partially destroyed by lava, now a lava viewing area on the southeastern coast of the island of Hawaii.
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If you’re driving along the Hamakua Coast be sure to stop to explore some of its hidden gems, including taro farms, black sand beaches, splendid waterfalls and more.
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The perfect place to explore local shops, a famous farmers market, beautiful beaches and dramatic waterfalls.
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See dramatic features such as lava trees and molds at Lava Trees State Park and swim in volcanically heated tide pools.
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See an active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National park and learn how the Hawaiian Islands were formed.
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Bright blue water, abundant resorts, coffee tastings, and unique historical and cultural landmarks — your options are plentiful.
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The island of Hawaii is often called the “Golf Capital of Hawaii” because of the renowned courses found along the Kohala Coast.
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Plan Your Trip to the Island of Hawaii
Mele Kaapuni no Keawe Kū i ka Moku
The Hawaiian Islands Weather
Kauai
Poipu, Kauai
TodayPartly Cloudy73°F23°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy79°F26°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Thunderstorms78°F26°C
Sat 12/05Partly Cloudy79°F26°C
Sun 12/06Sunny78°F26°C
Mon 12/07Mostly Sunny78°F26°C
Lihue
TodayPartly Cloudy72°F22°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy78°F26°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Thunderstorms77°F25°C
Sat 12/05Scattered Thunderstorms77°F25°C
Sun 12/06Sunny80°F27°C
Mon 12/07Mostly Sunny78°F26°C
Kapaa
TodayPartly Cloudy73°F23°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy77°F25°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Thunderstorms77°F25°C
Sat 12/05Partly Cloudy78°F26°C
Sun 12/06Mostly Sunny77°F25°C
Mon 12/07Mostly Sunny77°F25°C
Oahu
Honolulu, Oahu
TodayPartly Cloudy70°F21°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy80°F27°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Thunderstorms78°F26°C
Sat 12/05Partly Cloudy80°F27°C
Sun 12/06Partly Cloudy81°F27°C
Mon 12/07Partly Cloudy81°F27°C
West Side
TodayPartly Cloudy70°F21°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy82°F28°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Thunderstorms79°F26°C
Sat 12/05Partly Cloudy81°F27°C
Sun 12/06Mostly Sunny80°F27°C
Mon 12/07Partly Cloudy81°F27°C
North Shore (Turtle Bay)
TodayPartly Cloudy73°F23°CThu 12/03Rain78°F26°C
Fri 12/04Thunderstorms76°F24°C
Sat 12/05Partly Cloudy78°F26°C
Sun 12/06Partly Cloudy79°F26°C
Mon 12/07Mostly Sunny78°F26°C
Molokai
Hoolehua, Molokai
TodayMostly Clear70°F21°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy83°F28°C
Fri 12/04Mostly Sunny82°F28°C
Sat 12/05Sunny82°F28°C
Sun 12/06Partly Cloudy82°F28°C
Mon 12/07Partly Cloudy82°F28°C
Molokai Airport
TodayMostly Clear70°F21°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy83°F28°C
Fri 12/04Mostly Sunny82°F28°C
Sat 12/05Sunny82°F28°C
Sun 12/06Partly Cloudy82°F28°C
Mon 12/07Partly Cloudy82°F28°C
Kaunakakai City
TodayMostly Clear71°F22°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy81°F27°C
Fri 12/04Partly Cloudy80°F27°C
Sat 12/05Mostly Sunny80°F27°C
Sun 12/06Scattered Thunderstorms80°F27°C
Mon 12/07Partly Cloudy80°F27°C
Lanai
Lanai City, Lanai
TodayPartly Cloudy73°F23°CThu 12/03Rain78°F26°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Showers77°F25°C
Sat 12/05Scattered Thunderstorms79°F26°C
Sun 12/06Scattered Thunderstorms78°F26°C
Mon 12/07Scattered Thunderstorms78°F26°C
Manele Bay Beach
TodayPartly Cloudy73°F23°CThu 12/03Rain78°F26°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Showers77°F25°C
Sat 12/05Scattered Thunderstorms79°F26°C
Sun 12/06Scattered Thunderstorms78°F26°C
Mon 12/07Scattered Thunderstorms78°F26°C
Lanai Airport
TodayPartly Cloudy73°F23°CThu 12/03Rain78°F26°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Showers77°F25°C
Sat 12/05Scattered Thunderstorms79°F26°C
Sun 12/06Scattered Thunderstorms78°F26°C
Mon 12/07Scattered Thunderstorms78°F26°C
Maui
Kahului Airport, Maui
TodayMostly Clear69°F21°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy79°F26°C
Fri 12/04Rain80°F27°C
Sat 12/05Sunny79°F26°C
Sun 12/06Partly Cloudy78°F26°C
Mon 12/07Scattered Showers77°F25°C
Whalers Village in Kaanapali
TodayMostly Clear66°F19°CThu 12/03Partly Cloudy76°F24°C
Fri 12/04Rain75°F24°C
Sat 12/05Mostly Sunny77°F25°C
Sun 12/06Scattered Thunderstorms75°F24°C
Mon 12/07Rain75°F24°C
The Shops at Wailea in Wailea
TodayMostly Clear66°F19°CThu 12/03Scattered Showers78°F26°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Thunderstorms79°F26°C
Sat 12/05Sunny78°F26°C
Sun 12/06Partly Cloudy77°F25°C
Mon 12/07Partly Cloudy77°F25°C
Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii
TodayClear66°F19°CThu 12/03Scattered Showers76°F24°C
Fri 12/04Scattered Thunderstorms75°F24°C
Sat 12/05Scattered Thunderstorms75°F24°C
Sun 12/06Partly Cloudy75°F24°C
Mon 12/07Scattered Showers73°F23°C
Kailua/Kona
TodayMostly Clear60°F16°CThu 12/03Rain73°F23°C
Fri 12/04Partly Cloudy73°F23°C
Sat 12/05Scattered Thunderstorms71°F22°C
Sun 12/06Mostly Sunny71°F22°C
Mon 12/07Scattered Showers71°F22°C
Puako
TodayMostly Clear60°F16°CThu 12/03Rain73°F23°C
Fri 12/04Partly Cloudy73°F23°C
Sat 12/05Scattered Thunderstorms71°F22°C
Sun 12/06Mostly Sunny71°F22°C
Mon 12/07Scattered Showers71°F22°C
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Travel Pono Pledge
One’s love for the planet is an inseverable relationship. Please take the island of Hawaii Pono Pledge and ask your friends and family to do the same.
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