Big Island

  Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of the Big Island. It is an awe‑inspiring, ever‑changing landscape where fire, earth, and sky meet in dramatic harmony. Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, this park offers a front‑row seat to the powerful geological forces that continue to…

  Dreaming of a trip to Hawaiʻi but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. With multiple islands, countless tours, and a seemingly endless list of must-see attractions, planning your first Hawaiian vacation can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with the right guidance—and a few insider tips—you can craft a trip that…

  Hawaiʻi may be famous for its sunny beaches and daytime adventures, but the islands truly come alive after dark. Whether it’s feasting at a traditional luau, cruising into the sunset, or gazing into the infinite night sky, evening activities in Hawaiʻi transform an already magical trip into something unforgettable. This guide highlights the best…

For travelers who crave volcanoes, waterfalls, and cosmic views, Hawaiʻi’s Big Island delivers a rare chance to see both Earth and sky in unforgettable ways. Larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island is a land of contrasts: fiery volcanoes, lush rainforests, coffee-covered hillsides, and the clearest night skies you’ll ever witness….

  Eco-Conscious Travel Tips + Companies Making a Difference Hawaii is a paradise unlike any other: towering waterfalls, lush jungles, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. But this beauty is fragile. As travelers, we have the power to help preserve Hawaii’s environment through the choices we make. Thankfully, many tour operators across the islands…

Experience hidden waterfalls, steep sea cliffs, and volcanic landscapes only accessible by air. When you think of a trip to Hawaii, you probably picture beaches, surf, and volcanoes. But some of the most unforgettable sights in the islands aren’t visible from the ground at all. They’re tucked deep in valleys, behind mountain ridges, or within…

Aloha, My name is Toshi, and I’m a staff member with LeaLea on the Big Island of Hawaii. I had the pleasure of participating in the Kona Hop-On Hop-Off tour in November 2024, which departs from Kailua Pier. I’d like to share my experience and insights from the tour. This Hop-On Hop-Off tour takes you…

  Every year between December and March over 8,500 humpback whales come to Hawaii to give birth to calves, breed, nurse their young and to generally congregate. Consequently, during this window of opportunity, why not come on a whale watching adventure with an experienced crew who know how to let you get up close and…

  The Kona coastline running north to south of the western edge of Big Island (The Island of Hawaii) is steeped in history. So, what better way to discover everything than from the sea during a three-hour historical dinner cruise. Set out from Kailua-Kona for Kealakekua Bay Your cruise begins at 4.00 p.m. as you…

  Snorkeling off any of the Hawaiian islands is a treat and memorable beyond words, while dolphin watching is one of those lifetime experiences that leave you mesmerized by the beauty and agility of these wonderful marine mammals. Set out on board your 60’ catamaran from Kailua-Kona You will set out from Kailua-Kona, located on…

  For the first time in 38 years, the Big Island’s largest volcano erupted at around 11.30 a.m. local time on Sunday November 27 and as of today, Friday December 2, the Mauna Loa volcano is still erupting. Lava flows threaten to reach the highway, also known as Saddle road which bisects the island, connecting…

  When you’re visiting the Big Island of Hawaii on a cruise ship, there is only one slight problem, and that is you can be almost too far to the fabulous and beautiful countryside and dominant volcanoes. You just can’t get a full appreciation of the stunning surroundings. However, from the shore, everything changes, and…

  When you begin your vacation on the biggest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, commonly known as “Big Island”, it is all too easy to be distracted by the two predominant eye-catching features. First, there is the sparkling blue waters of the far-reaching Pacific Ocean which surround the Big Island. There is so much to…

  In traditional Hawaiian, the correct spelling for a luau is lūʻau, and for centuries it has been a traditional party or feast, usually accompanied by entertainment. The lūʻau can specifically be dated back to 1819 and is not, as many assume, a part of (very) ancient Polynesian culture.   You can thank King Kamehameha…

Who can resist a bit of culture when there’s entertainment included in a stunning outdoor setting? The history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands are unique, and it is perhaps for this reason that the Islands are such a popular vacation destination whether you are coming from the U.S., Europe, or Japan. So, if you…

  It’s hard to hide the fact that Hawai’i’s origins are volcanic. Everywhere you look there’s a volcano. And that’s the problem. You tend to be looking up at the results of volcanic activity, not at it. This is not helped by the fact the island is covered in rich, tropical vegetation and an abundance…

According to the Travel Channel, going on a night-time swim with manta rays is “one of the top-ten things to do in your lifetime”. That is a pretty weighty comment to make when you consider everything that is on offer. But you know what, we think you’ll find that the Travel Channel is absolutely right,…

  There are so many stunning views of the Hawaiian islands, but other than those which involve the sea, there is a problem. Because the islands are volcanic and volcanoes resemble mountains with their peaks chopped off, the views on the islands only reach so far. In addition, if you are driving round the islands,…

  The island of Hawai’i, also known as Big Island, is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and is both stunning to explore, while having a fascinating historical backdrop – the perfect ingredients for a holiday tour of Hawai’i.   A great way to spend a day on Big Island The Historic Kona and…

  What sort of holiday experience ticks all your boxes? Do you like to challenge yourself to do something new and something which takes you out of your comfort zone? Do you like a bit of an adrenaline rush, something to really make you feel alive? For many of you, we bet that the thought…

  We all take what’s up in the sky for granted. In the daytime there’s the sun and at night, there’s the moon and the stars, with the occasional combination of the two and a rare eclipse thrown into the mix just for something a bit different. Of course, while we can all usually see…

  It can be very easy to take things for granted in life. Not everyone is lucky enough to live in a state that has a unique history, both geologically as well as literally, so it is also easy to accept what is around you, yet without knowing what, exactly, that is. When we are…

  Okay, let’s face it, when you come to Hawai’i it’s hard to avoid the fact that these are volcanic islands. Each island comprises one or more volcanoes which, millennia ago, erupted on the floor of the Pacific Ocean and eventually reached sea level and above only after countless eruptions. Today, not everything is dormant…

  The good news is that the rules and regulations concerning COVID-19 requirements for traveling to Hawai’i, as well as general rules relating to COVID-19 on the islands themselves have been relaxed, as of Saturday March 26,2022. However, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority are keen to point out that while the rules are being relaxed, it…

Halemaumau Crater will bring some genuine excitement to your social media pages! Of the five principal volcanoes which make up the main island of Hawai’i, only two remain active – Mauna Loa which is partly within the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Kīlauea which is entirely within the Park. On Wednesday September 29, Kīlauea’s Helemaumau…

  Love eco-tours? Then you need to see the exciting eco-tours offered on the Big Island. These eco-tours are designed to exhilarate the mind and soul. It will be an adventure you’ll remember for years to come. What is an Eco-Tour? But first – what exactly is an eco-tour? Simply put, an eco-tour is essentially…

  Kona is one of the most popular towns located on the Big Island’s west side, also known as the Kona side. And although its official name is Kailua-Kona, it’s known simply as “Kona” to locals – not to be confused with Kailua, another popular town on the island of Oahu.   Kona started as…

  If you’re heading out on a Hawaiian vacation, you don’t want to miss the Big Island. Also known as the Island of Hawaii, this area is home to two active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The Big Island is by far the biggest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago, hence the name.   But…