Hawaii is the island that has bestowed its name on the rest of the island chain. It is called the ´The Big Island´as it is larger than all the other islands together. Its natural features are the most diverse and spectacular of the islands -- beaches of black sand, verdant rain forests, moonscape lava deserts, active volcanoes, and molten rivers of lava flowing into the steaming sea.

The Big Island´s diversity is in large part due to the fact that all of the islands in the chain have a wet side, the windward side, and a dry side. On Hawaii the main town on the wet side is charming Hilo. With its lovely bay and verdant greenery, Hilo was formerly the commercial center for the large sugar plantations that dominated the area. Today, however, the region is struggling economically because of the demise of the sugar industry. Because of the constant heavy rains, Hilo has never become a favorite of tourists. The exception is in May during the Merrie Monach Festival -- the largest and grandest hula event in the world.

 Near Hilo is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with the reknown Kilauea Volcano which has been active since 1983.

 A two hour drive from Hilo takes the visitor to the Kohala Coast situated on the dry side of the island. Here, instead of lush tropical greenery, the landscape takes on a moon-like aspect with its fields of lava. It is here that the island is experiencing its economic boom. Amid the desolate black lava are new verdant luxury resorts nestled along golden beaches. Snaking through the black lava fields are emerald green golf courses, truly one of the most unique vistas in the world. 

 A trip away from the resort area will give the visitor an opportunity to experience the herds of grazing cattle, the upland coffee plantations, and fertile valleys with their fields of macadamia nuts and citrus groves.  Scattered throughout the area are Hawaiian temples from ages past.

 The Big Island has three airports -- Hilo International Airport serving the mainland as well as interisland travel, the Kona International Airport at Keahole, and Waime-Kohala Airport used by small aircraft and helicopters. For transportation from the airport, you have the choice of rental car, taxi, or hotel limosine. For those who want to explore the island on their own, a rental car is advisable. All of the major rental companies have agencies on the island. If you plan to explore the rugged terrain or mountain/volcano summits, you will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Be aware that a car rented at Hilo Airport and left at Kona Airport and vice versa is charged a drop-off fee of $40 to $80.

 The island has a public bus system covering the island. A trip from Hilo to Kailua-Kona is $5.25. Numerous taxis offer their services. They are metered and the rate is an initial $2 and an additional $.20 for each additional eighth of a mile.

 In addition to viewing the spectaculr sights of the island, there is a host of activities including golf, tennis, horseback riding, as well as diving and snorkeling. Hotels and resorts offer a variety of accommadations and fine restaurants.

 The Big Island -- land of contrasts -- of fire and ice, of enchantment.