My Tips for Visiting the Big Island

1. The best guidebook for descriptions, pictures and great ideas on what to do and where to stay is the Hawaii: Big Island Revealed blue guidebook – can be found at any bookstores and libraries. Check out their website also at wizardpub.com.

2. This is a big island (as big as the all the other main islands put together), thus more driving is required between places. Plan on it.

3. Volcanoes National Park is worth a drive and a day visit. You may get lucky and see some flowing lava.

4. There is a nice bird refuge, Kipuka Puaulu Bird Park, on the west side of Volcanoes National park that offers a pretty mile loop walk.

4. Check out the nice Black Sand and Green Sand Beaches near Hawaii’s southern tip.

5. See the interesting, historic, and ancient Hawaiian Place of Refuge ,“Pu`uhonua o Honaunau”.

6. Great beaches include Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach.

7. Parker Ranch has beautiful countryside and horseback riding.

8. Great opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving and sport fishing are in the Kona area.

9. The eastern shore is greener (and wetter), and has some great coastal views and waterfalls.  Great waterfalls to not miss include, Akaka, Rainbow, Pe'epe'e and Umauma.

10. Waipio Valley on the northeast (Hamakua Coast) is a beautiful spot of earth, with tours down into the valley, beach and the grand Hi'ilawe waterfall.