HAWAII
Area: Hawaii
Country: United States of America


Location:
An island in the central Pacific Ocean, almost on the Tropic of Cancer, a 35-min jet flight from Honolulu (Oahu) to Kona International Airport at Keahole or Hilo International Airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 808

Website:
http://www.bigisland.org or www.gohawaii.com

Position:
The southernmost Hawaiian island, about 1,200 mls N of the equator.

Description:
Hawaii, the namesake of the Hawaiian Islands, is also their largest member; roughly triangular, it is about 95 mls long and 75 mls at its widest point. This is a place of remarkable contrasts: the island has no fewer than 12 climate zones, ranging from barren deserts to rainforest, and is home to the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa, soaring 13,677 ft above sea level. The world's most active volcano, Kilauea, is also here. Hawaii claims the islands' tallest mountain, 13,796-ft Mauna Kea, which is the site of 10 astronomical observatories. This is a quiet destination, brimming with natural splendour and remote scenic spots, but agriculture is big business; there are abundant fruit groves as well the biggest privately owned ranch in the US, 225,000-acre Parker Ranch. Hawaii's high-quality Kona coffee is world famous. Despite the jagged cliffs that form most of the island's coastline, a fair share of good (albeit small) beaches can be found. The island's capital (and largest city) is laid-back Hilo, a convenient tourist base that also boasts picturesque gardens.

Suitability:
Nature lovers, active travellers and sports people; luxury resort lovers, honeymooners and others in need of escape. The "Big Island" is bigger and gets fewer visitors, so it's easier to find nature.

Accommodation:
Approximately 30 hotels and 40 condominiums. Wide range, from opulent luxury, secluded retreats to Waipio Valley tree houses with water piped from waterfall.

Shopping:
Souvenirs in profusion in carnival-like Kailua-Kona; Hilo has old, restored plantation shops selling handicrafts and exotic fresh flowers. Waikoloa has a shopping village. Locally grown macadamia nuts, fruits and coffee. Various gift and speciality shops.

Beach:
Beaches are scattered, natural, often in coves and have various colours of sand _ black, green and golden. Kailua-Kona is popular with sightseers and boaters. Swimmers, scuba divers, snorkellers and (in winter) surfers will find most in the vicinity of Kawaihae and Mahukona in the Kohala area and at Kahaluu and Napoopoo in the Kona area. All beaches on Hawaii's coasts, including those next to hotels, are open to the public.

Entertainments:
Daytime: outdoor adventures, water sports. Downhill skiing (in season); 18-hole golf course. Big-game fishing tournaments. Traditional culture festivals. Nightlife: Polynesian/Hawaiian music and entertainment. A few music bars, hotel clubs and entertainment programmes.

Eating:
From European and local top chefs to hole-in-the-wall snack bars and ethnic eateries. Home of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, which highlights fresh local ingredients, including macadamia nuts, papayas, Kona coffee, mahi-mahi and other fish. Also Pacific Rim cuisine, Chinese, Italian, Korean, French, Japanese and Vietnamese. If none of these appeal, there's always a McDonald's in Hilo.

Public-transport:
None.

Local-excursions:
Main attraction is Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with daily helicopter tours. Tourists can visit park by car and on foot. Other excursions include star-gazing at summit of Mauna Kea; marlin hunting; discovering ancient history in parks and petroglyph fields; exploring Ola'a Rainforest; snorkelling Kealakekua Bay; bicycling around the island; exploring the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens near Hilo; horse riding on the Parker Ranch. Several churches of architectural and historical note. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Winery and coffee-estate tours.