The Big Island

Twice the size of the other major islands combined, the Big Island offers extraordinary diversity of landscape and climate. Encompassing 11 of the earth's 13 different climatic zones, the island boasts everything from mulit-hued beaches to tropical rainforest, snow-capped mountains and an active volcano.

Fiery lava streams down Kilauea's peak some 1200 metres to the sea, creating a spectacle of steam and adding to the island's land mass every day.

The West Coast of the Big Island, also known as the ‘Kona Side', is dry and sunny with a variety of landscapes including old growth rainforest, black lava rock moonscapes and one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches, fishing villages and calm waters ideal for snorkeling.

The East Coast or ‘Hilo Side' of the Big Island attracts more rain, although it tends to conveniently fall overnight and during the morning hours. To the north are an abundance of tropical valleys and waterfalls, with the eight kilometre deep Waipi'o Valley and 396 metre Hi'ilawe Falls a definite highlight.

The south-eastern coastline lies in stark contrast. Recently scarred by the lava flows of Kilauea, the dramatic landscape left in its wake should not be missed. The scenic drive along Pohoiki Road in the south-east leads to many coastal parks with tidal pools for wading and volcano-heated ponds for dipping.

Naturally, a visit to the Big Island would not be complete without a stop at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (spanning 88,000 hectres across the island's centre to the south-east). Pass through, or stay overnight, in the village of Volcano. The park features the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting since 1983, adding more than 202 hectares to the Big Island.

Thing to do:

• The active Kilauea Volcano creates new land mass every day as lava enters the ocean. To see the lava flows glowing at night is an experience not to be missed. Volcanoes National Park is best accessed from Hilo on the East Coast.
• In Kona you can experience one of the best night dives in the world - a dive with manta rays. Most dive shops in Kona offer this dive.
• For some of the best star gazing in the world, make your way to the top of Mauna Kea. Visitors enjoy clear skies and bright shining stars all year round and in the winter months skiing is on offer. You'll need to join an organised tour to the top.
• South of Kona is Kealakekua Bay where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island in 1778 and where he later was killed in 1779. Ideal for snorkelling.
• In Waimea discover the island's paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage. The town grew p around the headquarters of the Parker Ranch, today one of the world's largest privately owned cattle ranches. The ranch is open to visitors.