| Hawaii is the youngest and largest of all the islands | | | | challenge, it is well worth the trip from your |
| in the Hawaiian Chain. The island is commonly | | | | Hawaii condo. |
| known as "The Big Island", to eliminate confusion | | | | The island has three other National Parks which |
| with Hawaii, the state. The interesting thing about | | | | include Pu'uhonua Honaunau, a sacred burial ground |
| Hawaii is that the island continues to grow thanks | | | | and home to the Royal Chiefs of Hawaii. A Hawaii |
| to Mount Kilauea. Mount Kilauea is an active | | | | rental onthe Big Island is also a great place to go |
| volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which | | | | whale watching when the migrating season pushes |
| continues to spew lava into the ocean creating | | | | them from up north to the warmer waters of |
| more land. The Big Island is not known for its | | | | Hawaii. Quick Tips/Suggestions: Highway 200, |
| beaches as the other islands are, but Hawaii | | | | otherwise known as Saddle Road, crosses |
| condo rentals offer a lot more than others. The | | | | between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. If you are |
| Volcanoes National Park is the centerpiece of the | | | | looking at the map and you want to cross from |
| island and attracts many visitors every year to | | | | one side of the island to another, it may appear |
| admire the wonder of an active volcano that has | | | | that Highway 200 is the quickest route. However, |
| been continually erupting since 1983. | | | | Highway 200 has so many curves and dips that it |
| In the center of the island you will find Mauna Kea | | | | nearly impossible to go faster than 30 miles an |
| and Mauna Loa, two dormant volcanoes and the | | | | hour. It is more advisable to take the longer route |
| also the highest point in Hawaii. Mauna Loa has | | | | and go a lot faster. |
| been classified as the largest volcano on earth. | | | | If you plan to visit the Green Sand Beach, be |
| Mauna Kea, its neighbor, is the tallest point in | | | | advised that due to the conditions of the road |
| Hawaii at 13, 796 feet and when measured from | | | | leading to the beach, that many car rental |
| the base to the summit, the tallest mountain in | | | | companies forbid you to take their cars on the |
| the world. While Mount Everest is the tallest | | | | road. If you do in violation of the agreement, they |
| mountain in the world, Mauna Kea has another | | | | can void your contract. Clear it with the car rental |
| 20,000 feet which is buried underneath the ocean | | | | company before proceeding. The Big Island has |
| bringing its height to 33,000 feet. This is a | | | | two major airports, Hilo and Kona, the two major |
| wonderful place to stargaze at night or admire | | | | cities on the island. The only way to get around |
| the island from above. With the island's location in | | | | the island is by car. There is limited transportation |
| the Pacific, it contains the southernmost point of | | | | in the two major cities. The roads on the Big |
| the United States. Known as Ka Lae or | | | | Island follow the coastline. The only road that cuts |
| Southpoint, it also the site of an unusual beach. | | | | across the island, Highway 200, should not be |
| Papakolea is a green sand beach and only two are | | | | used except for visiting Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea. |
| known to exist anywhere in the world, the other | | | | The drive from Kona to Hilo is about a 100 miles |
| being in Guam. The journey to the Green Sand | | | | and takes about two hours. |
| Beach is difficult, but if you are up to the | | | | |