When You Go      Hawaii, the Big Island

Getting There: A wide variety of commercial and charter airlines fly to the Hawaiian Islands, including direct flights to the island of Hawaii, often called the "Big Island." Some of the major carriers include Aloha, Hawaiian and United Airllines, while charter companies include Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays, Suntrips and Creative Leisure. Inter-island flights to and from Hawaii are available through Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines. Web site links and telephone numbers can be found at this site's Airlines page. Major car companies can also be found at this site's Autos page.

Staying There: A variety of hotel, condo, resort, and B & B accommodations are available. Several useful web sites are provided below. A guidebook that we especially rely upon is Hawaii, The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook, by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman. Other good books, some with specialty suggestions, include, Hawaii, the Big Island: Making the Most of Your Family Vacation, by John Penisten, Snorkel Hawaii: the Big Island, by Judy and Mel Malinowski, Frommer's Portable the Big Island of Hawaii, and Hawaii Trails: Walks, Strolls and Treks on the Big Island, by Kathy Morey. If you are planning visits to additional islands, Frommer’s Hawaii is strongly recommended for its practical coverage of lodging, restaurants, shopping, transportation, and adventure activities on Hawaii and all the islands.

Fast Facts: The island of Hawaii is often called the Big Island to help distinguish it from the state of Hawaii and to reflect its size, which is larger than all the other islands combined. The island is famed for its variety of climates and environments, including the sunny Kona side with its beaches, condos and scuba diving, and the Hilo side, a rainy zone known for its plants and rain.

Useful Web Links:

Hawaii Cyberworld: Overall information on the island's offerings
Big Island: lodging, restaurant, tourist activities and more
Hawaii Island B&B Association: listings of B&BS
Sea Quest: rafting and snorkeling trips
Big Islands Hotel Directory: lodgings guide
Hawaii Volcano National Park: information of the island's best known national park

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