A Playground In Paradise – The Big Island

Hawaii, the magical “Big Island” as the Hawaiians call it, is the perfect playground for people of all ages. Arguably the most majestic, diverse and exciting island in the Hawaiian Island chain, the Big Island showcases the aspects, amenities and “Aloha Spirit” of all of the islands in one “perfect” place. Extreme Outdoor Adventure The dramatic size scope of the largest Hawaiian Island creates an impressive microcosm of environments and activities. Across the Big Island’s vast tableau, you’ll discover everything from extravagant resorts and incredible golf courses to charming bed and breakfasts, local town shops, art galleries, museums, churches, local music venues, and welcoming sidewalk cafes. Pedal a charming coastal section of the island on a country road that winds through fragrant eucalyptus groves and ancient banyan groves. Swim in a soothing thermal hot spring at the ocean’s edge. The Big Island features a full spectrum of fun recreational opportunities for young and old: biking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, and memory-making. From the always warm and sun-blessed Kona coast, to the dense rainy jungle areas of Puna, to the live volcano, to the spectacular cliffs and beaches along the Hakamua Coast, and finally to the magnificent snow-capped mountains of Manna Loa (the highest mountain in the world), the “Big Island” is an intriguing composite of the best of everything the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. Visit treasured Hawaiian historical sites, from the sacred birthplace of King Kamehameha I to Hawaii’s first missionary church in historic Kailua Village located in Kailua-Kona. With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small portions. Larger than all of the 146 islands in the Hawaiian Island chain put together, “there’s plenty room” on Big Island for your return. Aloha! Not To Miss - Ahalanui Park - Ahalanui Beach Visitors exploring the eastern portion of Big Island can take a break from volcano viewing to have a soothing soak in the volcanically-heated hot springs of Ahalanui Park. Ahalanui Beach on the Big Island is not one of the typical beaches one might imagine when you think of Hawaii, with its many miles of white sugar sand beaches and gentle surf lapping at your feet. Ahalanui Park and Beach features a man-made thermal lagoon that was constructed with help from federal funds after lava flows from Kilauea destroyed the famous Kalapana black sand beaches on this stellar section of the coastline in the 1990s. Although there are other natural hot ponds in the Puna District, Alalanui is the most accessible. Located on the eastern coast of the Big Island, the brackish-water thermal lagoon, known locally as “Warm Ponds”, is volcanically heated to approximately 90 degrees. A small inlet connecting the pond to the ocean accommodates a diverse array of brilliantly colored tropical fish and other marine life that dart in and out of the corals and swim through the opening to the sea. Safety First When bathing in Warm Ponds or any other natural ponds, use caution and don’t soak with open wounds or cuts. Runoff from heavy rains causes the freshwater overflow to carry bacteria into the ponds, flooding the thermal lagoons with rainwater cascading down from the hills above. In all of your adventures, put your safety first. The reward is worth it.