HAWAII ISLANDS

    

The spectacular environment of Hawaii Island inspires its many artists. Whether it’s through paintings, sculptures, glassware, jewelry or hand-carved koa wood bowls, you’ll see the distinct styles that make the art found on Hawaii Island truly unique. Browse the art galleries of Holualoa, the Kona coffee town that’s become art central for Hawaii Island. You can also find art galleries in charming neighborhoods like Hawi in North Kohala, Downtown Hilo and in special spots like the Volcano Art Center near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

    Next, Hawaii Island features some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the islands. Here you’ll find not just white sand beaches but black sand and green sand beaches with olivine crystals. And along with beautiful resort beaches, Hawaii Island also has rugged, off-the-beaten-path sands that are wild, remote and rewarding. Onekahakaha Beach Park is a favorite with locals, this small, shallow sand-bottomed ocean pool just east of the Hilo Airport is one the safest swimming areas along the Hilo coast, with tide pools and inlets. Perfect for family snorkeling, it also offers lovely views of Hilo Bay.

     Furthermore, Hawaii Island spans 4,028 square miles (and still growing) and features Kilauea (one of the world’s most active volcanoes), Maunakea (the world’s tallest sea mountain), Maunaloa (the world’s most massive mountain) and is home to all but two of the world’s climatic zones. Needless to say, natural wonders abound on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is most popular visitor attraction, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the largest park in the state, covering 333,086 acres and most of the southeastern district of Kau and some of the Puna. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

     Hawaii Island has a reputation for inspiring visitors and nowhere is this attribute more visible than at a Hawaii Island festival. Visitors can experience a wide range of music and art events, including the Big Island Film Festival (May), The Big Island Hawaiiana Music Festival (July) – which focuses on ukulele, slack key, steel guitar, and traditional falsetto singing – and the Merrie Monarch Festival (follows Easter Sunday in March - April) – Hawaii’s premier hula competition held annually in Hilo.

    If you’re a foodie, you can satisfy your appetite at Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range (October), a deliciously diverse festival that features over 30 of Hawaii’s best chefs and tastings of everything from grass-fed beef to fresh island vegetables. And if you want a quick jolt of energy, don’t miss the annual Kau Coffee Festival held every May or the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival held in November in venues throughout Kona.