Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island (Island of Hawai’i) , also known as the Big Island, is the largest island in the US state of Hawaii and forms the southeasternmost point of the Hawaiian Island chain in the Pacific Ocean. The island is known for its variety of landscapes, climate zones and natural attractions.

Facts Hawaii Island

• Hawaii Island, also known as the “Big Island”, is the largest and southeasternmost island of the Hawaiian archipelago in the Central Pacific.
• The island is characterized by active volcanoes such as Kilauea (Kīlauea) , one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Mauna Loa , the largest volcano in the world by volume.
• Throughout history, these volcanoes have shaped the landscape and constantly produced new lava flows, making Big Island a fascinating place for volcanology and geological research.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which includes Kilauea and parts of Mauna Loa, offers hiking trails, viewpoints and opportunities to explore the fascinating volcanic landscape.
• Hawaii Island has an enormous variety of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to dry coastal landscapes and alpine deserts.
• The island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including the white sandy beach of Hapuna Beach (Hāpuna Beach) and the green sandy bay of Papakōlea (Papakōlea) .
• The clear waters around the Big Island offer fantastic opportunities for snorkeling and diving, especially in areas such as Kealakekua Bay and the Kona Coast, where you can often spot dolphins and manta rays.
• Visitors can experience the rich Hawaiian culture and history by visiting historic sites such as Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park) in Kealakekua Bay and Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site (Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site) .
• On Hawaii Island is the southernmost point of the USA . Right next to it, the South Point Cliff Dive is a good place for cliff jumping.
• The Waipio Valley (Waipi’o Valley), also known as the “Valley of Kings”, is a breathtaking gorge on the north coast (Hāmākua Coast) of the island. The lush green landscape is criss-crossed by waterfalls. From Waipio Valley Lookout (Waipiʻo Valley Lookout) you have a wonderful view over the Sacred Valley and the cliffs, which are up to 600 meters high.

Travel time Hawaii Island

Events Hawaii Island

December – April: Whale season

Kona International Airport at Keahole (IATA code: KOA) is the main airport serving the west side of Hawaii Island. Its full name is “Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole”. It is located about 11 kilometers northwest of the city center of Kailua-Kona.

Sights & Facts

• The airport mainly offers domestic flights within Hawaii, but also some international flights, mainly to Canada and Japan.
• It was named after the Hawaiian-born NASA astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who died in the Challenger disaster in 1986.
• Kona Airport has two runways and a single terminal building with open walkways in traditional Hawaiian architecture.
• It serves as a hub for inter-island traffic within Hawaii and connects Kona with other important airports in the state, such as the “Daniel K. Inouye International Airport” on Oahu.
• The special feature of the airport is its open structure, as much of the work takes place outdoors. This also applies to the gates and waiting areas.

Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a lively town on the west coast of Hawaii. It is known for its sunny beaches, historical sights and relaxed atmosphere.

Sights & Facts

• Alii Drive (Ali’i Drive) is an iconic road along the coast of Kailua-Kona. It is lined with stores, restaurants, galleries and historical sites. Die Straße ist auch ein beliebter Ort für Spaziergänge und Radtouren am Meer.
• Kailua-Kona is rich in history and is home to historic sites such as the Hulihe’e Palace , a former royal residence, and the Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii.
• The region around Kailua-Kona is famous for its Kona coffee, which is grown on the surrounding plantations. Visitors can tour the plantations, take part in tastings and buy freshly roasted coffee.
• The waters off Kailua-Kona offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, surfing and sport fishing. There are also boat tours on offer where you can watch whales or swim with dolphins.
• The restaurants in Kailua-Kona offer a wide selection of dishes, including fresh seafood, Hawaiian specialties and international cuisine. Visitors can also visit the local markets to buy fresh produce and handicrafts.
• Every year in October, the Ironman , officially the “IRONMAN World Championship”, takes place in Kailua-Kona. One of the most famous and challenging long-distance triathlons in the world.
• The Ironman course consists of a 3.86 km swim in the open sea off the start and finish point , followed by a 180.2 km bike ride along the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and a final 42.2 km marathon along Ali’i Drive and through the surrounding area.

The Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company is a company that specializes in the production and sale of macadamia nuts. The company is located on Big Island, more precisely in the Hamakua (Hāmākua) region on the east coast of the island.

Sights & Facts

• The company was founded in the early 1990s and has since developed into a leading supplier of high-quality macadamia nuts. It was founded with the aim of utilizing the natural resources of the Big Island while offering high-quality products.
• The Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company owns and operates macadamia nut plantations on the Big Island. The nuts are carefully harvested and processed in modern production facilities to ensure freshness and top quality.
• The company offers a variety of macadamia nut products, including roasted and salted nuts, sweet nuts in different flavors such as honey and chocolate, as well as macadamia nut oil and other delicacies.
• The Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company attaches great importance to sustainability and environmental protection. It strives to make its plantations and production processes environmentally friendly and supports local initiatives to conserve natural resources.
• Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company products are sold in stores on the Big Island and online.

Sights & Facts

• Parker Ranch was founded in 1847 by John Palmer Parker, an American pioneer and businessman who became known as the “Cattle King of Hawaii”. The ranch grew over the years and played a crucial role in the development of the cattle industry in Hawaii.
• It covers an area of approx. 101,000 hectares (approx. 250,000 acres) and includes extensive meadows, forests and farmland. This makes it one of the largest private ranches in the USA.
• The main activity of Parker Ranch is cattle breeding. The ranch has a long tradition of breeding Angus cattle and is known for its high-quality beef, which is sold at local markets and beyond.
• Parker Ranch is also a popular tourist destination on the Big Island. The ranch offers guided tours, horseback riding, historical sites and cultural events.
• Parker Ranch is also involved in charitable activities and supports educational, environmental and cultural initiatives on the Big Island. The ranch works with local schools and organizations to strengthen the community and improve the quality of life on the island.

Rainbow Falls is an impressive waterfall in Wailuku River State Park, about 3 km south of Hilo, the largest city on Hawaii Island.

Sights & Facts

• The waterfall is known for its impressive sight, especially on sunny days when a rainbow appears in the spray of the waterfall. This phenomenon gave the waterfall its name.
• The Rainbow Falls plunge from a height of approx. 24 m over a basalt cliff into a natural pool. The waterfall is fed by the Wailuku River , which meanders through dense tropical vegetation.
• The Rainbow Falls are within easy walking distance of the parking lot. Viewing platforms offer a breathtaking view of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
• The waterfall also has cultural significance for the indigenous people of Hawaii. According to Hawaiian mythology, the waterfall is said to be the residence of the Hawaiian rain goddess Hina and the pool below the waterfall is called “Waiānuenue”, which means “rainbow water”.

The Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nahuku, is an impressive volcanic cave on Hawaii Island.

Sights & Facts

• The Thurston Lava Tube is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the most famous national parks on the Big Island. It is surrounded by lush rainforests and can be easily reached via the Crater Rim Drive Road.
• The Lava Tube was formed hundreds of years ago when hot lava streams flowed through the rainforest during an eruption of Kilauea. The outer surface of the lava solidified, while the hot lava inside continued to flow, forming a cave as it cooled and solidified.
• The Thurston Lava Tube is around 500 meters long and takes visitors through a dark and fascinating environment of volcanic rock. The entrance is surrounded by lush vegetation and as soon as you enter the cave, you can feel the cool and dark atmosphere inside.
• The Lava Tube is illuminated to make it easier for visitors to explore, and there are well-maintained paths through the cave. However, visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be careful on uneven ground.
• The Thurston Lava Tube is surrounded by lush rainforest, which is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Along the trails, visitors can experience the unique flora and fauna of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• The Lava Tube also has a cultural significance for the Hawaiians, who regard it as a sacred place. It is part of the rich volcanic history and myths of Hawaiian culture.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park) is an impressive national park on the Big Island of Hawaii. The park is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

Sights & Facts

• The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the south-eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii and covers an area of around 1,300 square kilometers.
• Kilauea (Kīlauea) is one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the world and is known for its regular eruptions. At times, the lava flows more than 10 kilometers from the crater into the sea and offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. The last eruption took place from January to March 2023.
• Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on earth and reaches an impressive height of 4,169 meters above sea level. The most recent outbreak began on November 27, 2022.
• On Mauna Loa, the Hawai‘i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) is used to train for space missions to the moon and Mars.
• The park offers a varied landscape with active volcanoes, extensive lava fields, lush rainforests, alpine deserts and picturesque coastlines.
• The main attractions of the park are the Kilauea Crater, the Halema’uma’u Caldera , the Thurston Lava Tube, the active lava fields, the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum and the Kīlauea Visitor Center .
• The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, volcano tours, viewing lava flows, bird watching, stargazing, camping and much more.
• The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has great cultural significance for the indigenous people of Hawaii. It is rich in Hawaiian history, culture and mythology and is home to sacred sites, petroglyphs and historic settlements.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach (Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach) is located on the south coast of Big Island and is one of the most famous and most visited beaches on Hawaii Island.

Sights & Facts

• Punaluu Black Sand Beach is known for its black sand, which is created by the rapid cooling of the lava on contact with the cold seawater. This black color gives the beach a unique and dramatic look.
• In addition to its black sand, Punaluu Beach offers breathtaking natural beauty with clear blue water, palm groves and lava rocks surrounding the beach.
• The beach is also known for its rich fauna, including the green sea turtles (Honu), which often rest and sunbathe on the beach.
• There are picnic areas and pavilions on the beach where visitors can relax, picnic and enjoy the view. Toilets and showers are also available.
• Punaluu Black Sand Beach also has cultural significance for the indigenous people of Hawaii. It is part of the rich Hawaiian history and mythology and is considered a sacred place by the locals.

Mauna Kea (Maunakea) is one of the most striking mountains on Hawaii Island and one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It is known for its impressive height, its volcanic landscape and its importance as a location for astronomical observatories.

Sights & Facts

• Mauna Kea is the highest mountain on Hawaii Island at around 4,207 meters (13,803 feet) above sea level and the highest mountain in the island chain.
• It has an estimated total volume of more than 75,000 cubic kilometers (over 18,000 cubic miles), making it the largest volcano on earth.
• The name “Mauna Kea” means “white mountain” in Hawaiian and probably stems from the fact that it is sometimes covered in snow in the winter months due to its height and even small glaciers can form on its peaks.
• Mauna Kea is located in the center of Big Island and is surrounded by several other volcanoes, including Mauna Loa in the south and Hualalai (Hualālai) in the west.
• Although Mauna Kea has been inactive for more than 4,500 years, it remains geologically active and is considered potentially active.
• Mauna Kea is home to some of the world’s best astronomical observatories due to its clear air, altitude and low light pollution.
• There are several telescopes and observatories on the summit plateau, which are operated by various scientific institutions.
• Due to its special features, Mauna Kea is also used by aerospace companies and research institutes for various aspects of space travel in addition to Mauna Loa.
• Mauna Kea is a sacred place in Hawaiian culture and mythology and plays an important role in the traditions and lore of the Native Hawaiians.
• Efforts are underway to build the largest optical telescope in the northern hemisphere on Mauna Kea. It will have a 30-meter mirror and will operate under the name “Thirty Meter Telescope” (TMT) of the US Extremely Large Telescope Program (US-ELTP) .

Sights & Facts

• Kealakekua Bay stretches out in a crescent shape, surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation.
• The turquoise waters are often calm and offer ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.
• The underwater world of Kealakekua Bay is particularly remarkable, with an abundance of coral reefs, colorful fish and sometimes even dolphins and sea turtles.
• Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park) at the southern end of the bay was once a place of refuge and a sacred site for the Hawaiians.
• Another important historical site in the bay is the Captain James Cook Monument , which stands on a rock on the north side of the bay. It commemorates the British explorer Captain James Cook, who landed in Hawaii in 1779 during his third voyage of discovery and died here in a dispute with the locals.