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The most popular and well known attraction on the Big Island is Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park. The park is
located on the south side of the island and is home to Kilauea crater, which is over 2 miles long and 2 miles wide. The active volcano provides
a continuous flow of lava, which destroyed the homes and towns of Kapaahu and Kalapana.
Traveling
further south will take you to southernmost point in the United States. Ka Lae or
"South Point" as it is referred to, features rugged coastlines and remnants of
some of Hawaii's oldest settlements. Located on the south west side
of the island is the town of Captain Cook. The area was named after
Captain James Cook, who was killed at Kealakekua Bay and is now home to many
coffee growers.
As you travel
north from Captain Cook you will reach the
scenic and historic Kona Coast. The town
of Kona offers a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of shopping and dining. There are
many historical sights in Kona, as this was home to King Kamehameha the Great. The
restored royal compound is located adjacent to the King Kamehameha Hotel, which offers
free guided tours.
Traveling north
will bring you to the Kohala district. The area is vast with ranches covering the
northern district and resorts draping the South Kohala coast. As you travel east
from the town of Waimea you will notice the lush and tropical Waipi'o valley. The
Waipi'o Valley lookout has a pavilion where you can relax and gaze into the valley, or you
can hike down into the valley along the jeep road.
Arriving in Hilo you will notice
a long stretch of coastline with the majestic Mauna Kea Volcano in
the background. The town offers may attractions which include Liliuokalani Gardens,
historic churches and Wailoa River State Park. Located outside of Hilo is one of the
islands spectacular waterfalls, Akaka Falls. |