Big Island & Kona-Kohala Coast, Hawaii

The adventures along Kona's coast are as big as the island itself.

Hawaii's Big Island is bigger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. In fact, 11 of the world's 13 climactic zones are within the Big Island's shores. The Big Island is also the landing spot for the first European missionaries.

In addition to their stunning beauty and pristine beaches, Kona and Hilo offer world-class entertainment, culture, and cuisine. In Hilo, visitors can observe Mauna Kea, the world's tallest volcano.* Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Hawaii's most popular visitor attraction. Kilauea, located on the Big Island, is one of the few places in the world where visitors can come face to face with an active volcano.

Hilo's centuries-old wooden storefronts house sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. This sleepy town looks out toward beautiful Hilo Bay. Hilo is filled with a genuine aloha spirit.

Kona was once the home of Hawaiian royalty. King Kamehameha spent his later years in Kailua-Kona. Historic points such as Puuhonua o Honaunau, Hulihee Palace, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park allow you to explore Hawaii's regal past up close.

Along the Kona coastline that stretches from Kailua-Kona to beyond Kealakekua Bay, you will find everything from Kona Coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. South Kona's serene and clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, diving, and for spotting dolphins and honu (green sea turtles). Adventure-seeking travelers can take boat tours and swim with manta rays or go deep-sea fishing for giant Pacific blue marlin. The uplands are home to hundreds of coffee plantations that offer samples of Kona's unique aromatic bean.