Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1970s, resorts and real-estate barons have jockeyed for position and profit along the lee-
ward coast, turning West Hawai'i into the de facto seat of power.
Today, despite escalating home prices, the Big Island is considered the most affordable
island to live on (and travel around), attracting young people from across the state; and it
is diversifying its economy with small farm-based agriculture and renewable energy.
National, State & County Parks
The Big Island's main attraction, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park ( Click here ) , is one of
the USA's most interesting and varied national parks. More than a million visitors come
annually to drive and hike this lava and rain-forest wonderland.
The Big Island is also notable for its wealth of ancient Hawaiian sights, which are pre-
served in several national and state historical parks. The most famous is Puʻuhonua o
Honaunau ( Click here ), an ancient place of refuge in South Kona. But Native Hawaiian
history and moody landscapes can also be found at remote Moʻokini Luakini Heiau
( Click here ) in North Kohala; snorkeling mecca Kealakekua Bay ( Click here ), where
Captain Cook met his demise; the restored fishponds of Kaloko-Honokohau ( Click here )
near Kailua-Kona; and the imposing, majestic Puʻukohola Heiau ( Click here ) just south
of Kawaihae.
Many of the Big Island's finest beaches lie within parkland, such as the world-
renowned Hapuna Beach ( Click here ) . The beaches within Kekaha Kai State Park ( Click
here ) are also idyllic, though only Maniniʻowali is accessible by paved road.
Other parks worth seeking out on the Windward Coast are Kalopa State Recreation
Area ( Click here ), preserving a native forest; Laupahoehoe ( Click here ) , site of a tsunami
disaster; and Akaka Falls ( Click here ) , the prettiest ʻdrive-up' waterfalls in Hawaiʻi.
Though not a designated park, Waipiʻo Valley shouldn't be missed.
Camping
Hawaiʻi has enough good campgrounds that you can enjoyably circumnavigate the island
in a tent, plus there are several highly memorable backcountry camping opportunities.
Some parks also offer simple cabins and DIYers can rent camper vans.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has two drive-up campgrounds (one fee-paying with
cabins, the other free) and several great backcountry sites. Only backcountry sites require
permits (available at Visitor Emergency Operations Center).
State parks require camping permits for tent sites ($12/18 residents/non-residents) and
cabins. The easiest way to make a reservation and obtain a permit for state park cabins
and campgrounds (plus those in Waimanu Valley) is via the online reservation system for
the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Resources ( https://camping.ehawaii.gov ) ;
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