Travel

Finding Adventure in Hawaii

The Big Island is packed with sights to see and adventures to go on; it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream!

By 

Hawaii, or the “Big Island” as it’s called, is the largest island in the Hawaii chain. You could fit the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai in it and still have room to spare. It takes about 8 hours of nonstop driving to cover the island’s perimeter, though it’s a drive worth taking – new and beautiful vistas open up at every turn. Hawaii’s got a startlingly diverse geography, with a desert-like western half known as the “Kona side,” and a much more tropical eastern “Hilo side.”

The Big Island is packed with sights to see and adventures to go on; it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream!

Finding Adventure in Hawaii

Come with me on my Hawaiian journey…

Aloha, Hawaii

I landed on the Kona side of Hawaii. The airstrip is built right on top of a lava flow, carved into the igneous rock. It’s quite unique and beautiful, and a reminder of what you actually just landed on: a group of five volcanoes. Hard to imagine that a few hundred thousand years ago, this beautiful and abundant island was just a desolate black rock.

Finding Adventure in Hawaii

The Four Seasons

Immediately after arrival, I hurried to the rental lot. I suggest that you rent a car, as it’s one of the best ways to experience the island. GPS in hand, I set out for the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kona. The resort is located on the historic site of Kaupulehu, about a 10-minute drive from the airport, laid out along half a mile of white Kohala coastline. It’s an incredible piece of land, and the resort takes great care in keeping with the nature and solitude.

Finding Adventure in Hawaii

Kon Spa at the Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hualalai is a quiet, serene place where you can take yourself or your family for a relaxing time. It’s got five pools, three wonderful restaurants, and a top notch fitness club. It also offers tons of recreational activities, including tennis, canoeing, surfing and, for those who want to relax while they’re relaxing, a full service spa where you can have an outdoor massage or body scrub.

Pages: 1 2 3 4

Avatar of Stefanie Michaels

Stefanie is a professional travel writer and self described “Adventure Girl”. Based in LA, and charged by the smell of jet fuel, our travel expert continues to travel the world seeking out unique and interesting adventures to share with viewers for such shows as CNN, UPN, ABC and NBC. Her writings have appeared in newspapers and magazines such as Razor, FW, and The New York Times. Her quote to live by comes from Amelia Earhart, “If someone asks you on an adventure, don’t refuse it!”

    Reader Discussion: 134 Comments

    1. Avatar of Beverly Walton

      Beverly Walton

      If someone wanted to surprise me with a trip to Hawaii, that would be awesome. I will marry the man who will be with me in Hawaii. I AM NOT KIDDING HERE.

    2. Avatar of Sandra Santiago

      Sandra Santiago

      Do people not realize the library is where you will be quiet not to discuss your whole trip to Hawaii with your boyfriend who cheated on you.

    3. Avatar of Silvia Grant

      Silvia Grant

      I and my family are planning to take a trip to Hawaii ON MY BIRTHDAY, AND I NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITED BECAUSE THIS WOULD BE OUR FIRST FAMILY VACATION EVERRRRR !!!!!

    4. Avatar of Ashley Abbott

      Ashley Abbott

      rip to Hawaii after graduation is on the move woof*ckinghoo!!! I can’t wait to see Hawaii with my naked eyes!!!

    5. Avatar of Abraham Watson

      Abraham Watson

      I had to cancel my Hawaii trip a couple years back, but it was my goal for the trip to stay away from the overly tourist spots! Hawaii is crowded during the peak season. You will not enjoy the place.

      • Avatar of Matt Harper

        Matt Harper

        It’s true! I went there last year, and I did not know that there’s an event ongoing. My whole vacation was ruined.

    6. Avatar of Juana Fox

      Juana Fox

      My friends from college planned a trip to Hawaii. I still don’t know if I will come, or not. It’s too much expensive, and I have no boyfriend with me.

    7. Avatar of Jean Perry

      Jean Perry

      Man, some people in my office are leaving to go to Hawaii for three weeks for a work trip. I got the best company, but still hoping that I belong to that group of people.

      • Avatar of Darrel Lynch

        Darrel Lynch

        For real?! That’s your company’s expenses! Oh, boy. Those are very lucky people.

    8. Avatar of Kara Mccormick

      Kara Mccormick

      I think I’m going to plan a trip to Hawaii. why not? I deserve a vacation like that. I work too much, and a little pleasure is not bad.

    9. Avatar of David Ramirez

      David Ramirez

      There’s a night dive? Then how can you see the creatures underwater during the night? Isn’t it too dark under the water?

      • Avatar of Antonio Day

        Antonio Day

        I thought I’m the only one who thinks that way. Besides, I think they are also sleeping during that time? Animals sleep too, right?

    10. Avatar of Angela Sharp

      Angela Sharp

      I can imagine myself stargazing at Hawaii with my special someone. That would be a great way to celebrate an anniversary.

    Load 10 more comments

    Join in the Conversation! Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Urbanette moderates and edits comments for grammar and to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Please use your full name. Moderators can only approve comments written in English.

    All content is strictly copyright. Contact us for permission.