Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Guide

the long version

Written by two island residents, here is the most extensive and up-to-date guide by far. A land of superlatives, the Big Island is home to Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that is one of the Earth's highest. Another volcano, Kilauea, is the most active on our planet. The lush tropical forests, the lava flow deserts, the sun-drenched beaches, the cuisine, the fiery sunsets and the idyllic weather are unforgettable. Try snorkeling in a coral garden, swimming with dolphins, night diving with manta rays, hiking to a waterfall, horseback riding through Paniolo Country, taking a helicopter ride over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, examining petroglyphs, skiing Mauna Kea, surfing, whale-watching, or learning the hula.Nearly twice the size of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island is both the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, who united all of the Hawaiian Islands under his rule, and the final resting place of the explorer Captain James Cook, who was killed here by native Hawaiians in 1779 (snorkeling near his monument is some of the best in the Islands).Color maps and photos. 500 pages.