THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII is almost twice as large as all of the other Hawaiian islands put together. Created by 5 volcanoes, the Big Island is also the most diverse of the islands, containing everything from tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls to snow-capped mountains, deserts, and fiery volcanos. The highlight of the island is clearly Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. Kilauea has been spewing lava into the ocean since 1983, creating over 500 acres of new land in the process. Don't neglect the northeast coast though. You don't want to miss the spectacular tall green mountains, jagged cliffs, and majestic waterfalls. There is plenty of sun on the Big Island too. The Kona coast is a popular spot for tourists due to its sunny climate and many beaches.

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Points of Interest

Volcanoes National Park - Most tourists come to the Big Island to see one thing--the erupting Kilauea volcano. Easily the number one attraction on the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park offers several worthwhile stops. From Volcano House, you get a great view of Kilauea Caldera, a 2-mile wide crater that used to hold boiling lava. Further along the road you can see the Steam Vents, where hot steam seeps through the ground from deep below the earth. The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is another worthwhile stop. From there, you have a great view of Halemaumau Crater, a 1/2-mile wide, 1,000-ft. deep crater. The museum contains a number of exhibits about Kilauea. Lastly, stop by the lookout at Kilauea Iki Crater, which was last full of boiling lava in 1959.

Rainbow Falls - This 80-foot high waterfall near Hilo is best seen in mid-morning, especially after a rainfall when rainbows often form above the mist.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - This cultural site on the Kona Coast served as a refuge for defeated warriors and kapu (taboo) breakers in the 16th century. The site has been carefully restored to its 16th century state, including reconstructed buildings, canoes, and tikis.

Helicopter Tours - As is the case in Kauai, the only way to see the true beauty of the island is by helicopter. Tours give you a bird's eye view of the erupting Kilauea, as well as a trip through the tropical valleys of the Kohala Mountains and the Hamakua coast where you will see beautiful green cliffs and cascading waterfalls that are only accessible by air.

Sample Independent Itinerary

Day One - Arrive on the Big Island
Arrive in Kona. Accessible transfer to hotel for check-in.

Day Two - Independent Day
Spend your first day on the Big Island exploring the local area, doing a little shopping, and relaxing at the beach.

Day Three - Island Tour
Board a wheelchair accessible bus for a full day trip around the Big Island. Experience everything from lush tropical rain forests to the rim of Kilauea caldera. You'll make many photo stops along the way. Sights you will see include Kailua Town, Kealakekua Bay, Coffee Plantations, Black Sand Beach, Volcanoes National Park, Volcano House, Steam Bluffs & Crater Drive, Jagger Museum, Volcano Observatory, Fern Tree Jungle, Orchid & Anthurium Nursery, City of Hilo (drive through), Water Falls, Hamakua Coast, Parker Ranch Lands, and Waimea District. Return to hotel by 6:30 P.M. Balance of evening free.

Day Four - Independent Day/Whale Watch (Dec-Mar)
Morning free. In the afternoon, enjoy a 3-hour whale watch cruise. Each year, Humpback whales swim from Alaska to Hawaii where they spend their winter. See 40-foot humpback whales in their natural habitat! (Wheelchair users must be lifted aboard the vessel in your manual wheelchair; unfortunately, the vessel can not accommodate electric wheelchairs). Balance of the day free.

Day Five - Helicopter Ride
Breakfast at the hotel. Then take a wheelchair accessible shuttle to the heliport where you will experience a 2-hour helicopter ride you won't soon forget! Wheel to the door of the helicopter where you will have assistance being lifted out of your wheelchair into the helicopter seat. Then take off for a deluxe tour of the Big Island. Journey to one of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea, where you can often see streaks of lava on the side of the volcano and streaming into the ocean. Also fly through the tropical valleys of the Kohala Mountains and the rainforest of the Hamakua coast. You will see beautiful green cliffs and cascading waterfalls that are only accessible by air. Next, return to the heliport where you will be transported back to the hotel. Balance of the day free.

Day Six - Depart