When visiting the islands of Hawaii, many people default to saying, “I’m going to Hawaii.” But did you know that there is an actual island called Hawaii? Sometimes called, “The Big Island” the actual name is Hawaii Island. While many have Oahu and Maui on their bucket list for travel, Hawaii has some amazing opportunities for culture, beach, snow, and nature. Hawaii Island features ten of the world’s 14 different climate zones on Hawaii ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. When you think of a diverse travel experience, Hawaii Island offers it all!
We specialize in Family Travel and Hawaii Island is the complete family destination for your family. We have put together a top 10 list of activities you must have on your itinerary when you visit Hawaii Island. Don’t forget to contact a Guru Travel Professional to set up your trip, our Hawaii Destination Experts are ready to help you plan.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
No theme park can match what nature has in store for families to enjoy in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. While families can explore the park on their own, there are also guided tours available that cover such highlights as Kilauea Caldera, the Thomas A. Jagger Museum and the Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku). For something extra special, book clients on a night tour of the park where they can see the fiery glow of Kilauea at its most dazzling.
Imiloa Astronomy Center
The many inter-active interactive exhibits in this Hilo attraction unlock the secrets of the stars above Hawaii Island as well as their significance in Hawaiian history and culture. Families can also enjoy daily planetarium shows.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Through historic photographs, docent tours and interactive exhibits, this Hilo museum explains the science and impact of tsunami waves, including the two that washed over Hilo shores in 1946 and 1960.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
The largest of Hawaii Island’s white sand beaches is located on the Kohala Coast adjacent to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Safe for swimming, snorkeling and other water sports, it offers ample picnic areas and other family-friendly facilities.
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
This aqua farm in Kailua-Kona is dedicated to preserving the endangered seahorse and is now captive breeding 15 species of the enchanting little creatures. Your clients can tour the farm and learn about its efforts, view seahorses in its aquarium room and even get to hold and feed them.
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
A restored compound of temple ruins, fish ponds, sacred burial grounds, petroglyphs and other illustrations of life on the island before Western contact.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
On a hill above the North Kohala Coast, this is a partially restored fishing village dating back 600 years. On a self-guided one-mile walk, visitors can explore restored hale (houses) and lava stone walls and even try their hand at traditional Hawaiian games.
Stargazing
Hawaii Island is a major astronomical destination, with its famed observatories atop Maunakea and the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Guided stargazing tours are a great way for clients to see what the heavens reveal.
Paniolo Culture
The uplands of Waimea, where ranchers are happy to share their stories of paniolo culture, are ideal for trail rides through rolling meadows. On the east side of the island, couples can enjoy a lush landscape of streams and waterfalls on a ride through Waipio Valley.
Are you ready for a Hawaii adventure? Contact our team of Hawaii Experts toady by calling 877-825-6146 or email us at letstravel@thewdwguru.com. We look forward to making your vacation extra special.
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