Hawaii - the Big Island

The island of Hawaii is about the size of Connecticut, yet contains a more diverse collection of climates and landscapes than you can imagine. While visiting Hawaii, you will encounter everything from fiery volcanoes to snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests and shimmering waterfalls, flower-filled meadows and white, black and green sand beaches. Hawaii is the youngest of the islands in the Hawaiian chain, and it is still being created today, with Mount Kilauea erupting and adding a football field of lava each week to the island.

The world’s tallest mountain (measured from the ocean floor) is Mauna Kea, and its snowy top has its own glacial lake. Its nearest neighbor - Mauna Loa - is the world’s largest volcano, and it rises over 30,000 feet from the ocean floor. Several ships include a night of scenic cruising past Mount Kilauea, and there is nothing quite like the spectacle of watching an erupting volcano spewing fiery red lava down its banks into the sea from the deck of your cruise ship.

Ships dock on the island of Hawaii at the ports of Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Hilo is an industrial port, without much to see in the immediate area, so plan to join a shore excursion or hail a cab. Kailua-Kona is a charming town, complete with local beaches, shops, and historical sights right near the pier. The beach at King Kamehameha is just off the pier and open to the public, and if snorkeling is your thing, Kahaluu Beach Park is located just 2 miles down Alii Drive, which runs for miles along the water from the pier at Kailua-Kona, with beautiful views and an endless stream of shops, galleries, and local artists. For a bit of history, right in town you can visit Hulihee Palace, which was built in 1838 as a summer home for Hawaii’s royalty, and Mokuaikaua Church, which is the oldest Christian church in Hawaii. If you would like to see ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, you will find a marked trail leading from the King’s Shops off Waikoloa Beach Drive. It is about 30 miles from the pier, but while you are there, be sure to take a stroll through the Hilton Waikoloa Village. This magnificent resort features amazing landscaping, including waterfalls, huge statues, beautiful native plants and millions of dollars worth of artwork.

Popular shore excursions on the island of Hawaii include trips to Volcanoes National Park, tours of amazing botanical gardens, sailing, snorkeling, horseback riding, and even helicopter tours over the island. With so much to do and see, you will want plenty of time to enjoy Hawaii’s Big Island. Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.Cruise-to-Hawaii.net, as well as http://www.NewYorkCruises.org and other cruise websites. She and her family are avid cruisers - her 3 children especially love the chocolates at night!