A Guide to Tourist Attractions in Hawaii Big Island

Hawaii Big Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a popular tourist destination. It offers stunning scenery, friendly locals, and plenty of activities and attractions to explore. The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and has something for everyone, from lazy days on the beach to exciting adventures in the wilderness. With its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and abundance of activities and attractions, Hawaii Big Island is sure to be a memorable vacation destination for all who visit.

History of Hawaii Big Island

Hawaii Big Island has an ancient and fascinating history. It was settled by the Polynesians sometime between 300 and 600 AD, who brought with them their culture, language, and way of life. Over the centuries, a unique culture developed on the island as various groups of Polynesians and other immigrants settled there. In 1778, Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii Big Island and named it the Sandwich Islands, after his patron the Earl of Sandwich. In 1820, the first missionaries from America arrived on Hawaii Big Island, bringing with them Christianity and Western culture. In 1893, a group of American businessmen overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy and established the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States. Today, Hawaii Big Island has a vibrant culture that is a mix of Native Hawaiian, American, and other influences.

Facts about Hawaii Big Island

Hawaii Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and covers 4,028 square miles. It is home to over 200,000 people and is the most ecologically diverse island in Hawaii. The island is home to five distinct climate zones and 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones can be found on the island. The highest point on the island is Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet. Hawaii Big Island is known for its stunning natural beauty with lush tropical forests, volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches. It is also home to a variety of wildlife including sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and many different species of birds.

What to do in Hawaii Big Island

Hawaii Big Island is full of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include snorkeling, diving, golfing, surfing, hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. There are also plenty of cultural attractions to explore such as museums, galleries, historic sites, and cultural centers. Shopping is also a popular activity on Hawaii Big Island with plenty of boutiques and markets selling souvenirs and local crafts.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Hawaii Big Island

Hawaii Big Island is home to many popular attractions that are sure to delight visitors. From gorgeous beaches to stunning natural wonders, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. Here are some of the most popular attractions:

Kona Coffee Farms

Kona coffee farms are one of the most popular attractions on Hawaii Big Island. Visitors can explore these farms and learn about the history of coffee production in this region. Many coffee farms offer tours where visitors can participate in harvesting coffee beans, learn about how coffee is grown, roasted and brewed. Visitors can also sample some of the delicious coffee grown on these farms.

Mauna Kea Observatory

Mauna Kea Observatory is one of the world’s premier observatories for astronomy and astrophysics research. Visitors can take guided tours of this facility and learn about the various telescopes that are located here as well as the research that takes place here. The observatory also offers stargazing experiences where visitors can experience breathtaking views of the night sky.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a unique national park that showcases two active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can take guided hikes through this park and explore its stunning scenery including lava tubes, steam vents, lush rainforest, and hot springs. The park also offers numerous educational programs about volcanoes and their effects on nature.

Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay located on the south side of Big Island and is home to an abundance of marine life including dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish. The bay is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving as it offers excellent visibility and crystal clear waters. Visitors can also explore historical sites such as Captain Cook’s Monument which commemorates his visit to Hawaii in 1778.

Kona Brewing Company

The Kona Brewing Company is a popular destination in Kona Town where visitors can sample some of Hawaii’s finest brews. The brewery offers tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process as well as sample some delicious beer. The brewery also has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy tasty food while enjoying some cold beer.

Book a Kona Coffee Farm Tour

Kona Coffee Farm tours are a great way to learn about coffee production in this region as well as sample some delicious coffee from local farms. On these tours, visitors will get to explore coffee farms where they will be able to observe the process of harvesting coffee beans and learn more about how it is grown, roasted and brewed. They will also have an opportunity to sample different varieties of Kona Coffee before making a purchase if they wish. Book a Kona Coffee Farm Tour here.

Book a Stargazing Tour at Mauna Kea Observatory

Mauna Kea Observatory offers stargazing tours which are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the night sky from one of the world’s premier observatories for astronomy and astrophysics research. On these tours visitors will get to explore the facility as well as view breathtaking views of stars, planets, galaxies and more through powerful telescopes. They will also learn about the various telescopes that are located here as well as participate in educational programs about astronomy.Book a Stargazing Tour at Mauna Kea Observatory here.

Book a Hiking Tour in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers guided hikes through its stunning scenery including lava tubes, steam vents, lush rainforest, and hot springs. On these tours visitors will get to explore some of the most unique scenery in all of Hawaii while learning about the history and geology of this park as well as observe some incredible wildlife such as sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales. Book a Hiking Tour in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park here.

Conclusion

Hawaii Big Island is full of activities and attractions that make it one of the top tourist destinations in the world. From stunning beaches to incredible natural wonders such as volcanoes and lush tropical forests there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. There are many popular tours that visitors can book such as Kona Coffee Farm tours, Stargazing tours at Mauna Kea Observatory and Hiking tours in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which will make their trip even more memorable. With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, diverse culture and abundance of activities to explore the Big Island of Hawaii will be sure to delight visitors with its beauty and charm.