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Hawaii, lovingly known as the "Big Island", is the place where gods, myths, and legends reside - an island still being created before your very eyes as volcanoes bubble and spew forth red-hot lava into the sea. The largest island in the United States, Hawaii also boasts the world's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, from its base on the sea floor and rising 13,796 feet above the surface of the ocean. The scenery here changes here every few miles from snow-capped to peaks to lush rainforests to the arid volcanic fields, one can find eleven of the thirteen climates of the world!

Hawaii was created from five distinct volcanoes, three of which are still active, Hua la lai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea. Kilauea, which makes up the majority of Volcanoes National Park, has been erupting since 1983. Over 550 acres have been added to the island due to these recent eruptions. This is one of the few places in the world where you can watch land being created and walk on black sand beaches.

The Big Island is abounds with unparalled beauty due to its varied climates. Beautiful waterfalls such as Akaka, Rainbow and Uma uma, and botanical gardens are just a few of the "must see" sites for visitors to this special island. From the sea cliffs of Ka Lea, the southernmost point in the United States, to the lush tropical valley of Waipio, the wonders of nature can be enjoyed everywhere!

The Big Island also has some of the most interesting and historical sites dating back to the early Polynesians all the way to modern day observatories and NASA research! The Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park recreates how ancient Hawaiians lived, worked and play. Kealakekua Bay, a gorgeous area to sun, kayak, snorkel and swim, is also the site where Captain James Cook, the first European explorer to visit the islands, sailed and eventually met his untimely end. Several sites around the island tell the history of King Kamehameha the Great, the monarch who united and ruled all of the Hawaiian island. From his birthplace to his famous statue to the royal palace, King Kamehameha and all the monarchs are revered and honored by the Hawaiian people. The Lyman Museum in Hilo has a fantastic natural history display and the Pacific Tsunami Museum, overlooking Hilo Bay. is a stark reminder to the awesome power of Mother Nature.

From Hilo to Kona and all points in between, the Big Island has something to offer for every visitor. Black, green and white sand beaches, gardens, mountains and waterfalls, battlefields, birthstones and cattle ranching make this island the most unique tourist destination.