Shopping in The Big Island

Capture the spirit and imagination of Hawaii Island's unique beauty and culture as you explore shops and markets. Take home the savory flavor of Island-grown coffee, the crunch of macadamia nuts or the lustrous beauty of a koa wood bowl. Imagine the surprise of loved ones back home when they open that box and it's holding a fragrant lei.

Art Galleries
The works of local artists can be viewed, as well as purchased, at the Island's many art galleries. Home to artists creating paintings, sculptures, hand-blown glass, jewelry and hand-carved bowls and furniture, the Island is an eclectic paradise of fine art.

Farmers Market and More
Hawaii Island is home to dozens of farmers' market. Explore them to fully experience the Island's local flavors. Try homemade jams and jellies on fresh artisan breads. Buy Island-grown coffee in various roast and exotic flavorings and soothing teas from the ma uka (upland) slopes. One of the nicknames of Hawaii Island is "the Orchid Isle," and it's a well-earned moniker, with lots of nurseries growing what seem like infinite varieties of orchids. You'll also find anthuriums, protea and ginger at the Island's farmers' markets.

The festive Hilo Farmers Market is known as one of the best open markets in Hawaii. Open year-round every Wednesday and Saturday, shop for fresh produce, tropical flowers, aloha wear and handcrafted items. Arrive early to get the best choices from the market's 200+ vendors.

Shopping Centers
Kealakekua Ranch Center
Kings' Shops
Parker Ranch Center
Queen's MarketPlace
The Shops at Mauna Lani

Ali'i Drive Kailua Village
Serious shoppers will find everything from one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques to charming art galleries and jewelry stores on Ali'i Drive. The outdoor markets along the southern part of Ali'i Drive are local and tourist favorites.

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Dining in The Big Island

If you thought that hike was challenging, what about choosing among the Island's many dozens of dining choices at every meal? The ingredients are fresh, the flavors delightful and the settings beyond compate. From your first cup of Island coffee to your last chocolate-covered macadamia nut, your days on Hawaii Island are sure to be delicious.

Lu'au
Go outside the dining room to experience a lu'au, a traditional Hawaiian feast. Exoect a grand celebration of food, entertainment and learning about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. The feast is a magnificent spread of traditional Hawaiian food, including kalua pig (pork cooked in an underground oven), laulau (pork and fish steamed in taro and ti leaves) and poi (Hawaiian staple made of taro). Hear Hawaiian music and chants while watching hula dancers tell beautiful stories of Hawaii with their elegant and graceful movements. If you're brave enough, you may even get a chance to dance the hula in front of your entire lau'au (dont forget the camera)!

Hawaii's Favorite Foods
"Local grinds" is a phrase used to describe Hawaii's unique mix of Island-style comfort foods. Be sure to sample some!

haupia: coconut pudding
ice shave: crushed ice flavored with sweet, brightly colored syrup
kalua pig: pork covered with ti plant and banana leaves and cooked in an imu (underground oven).
laulau: steamed fish and pork wrapped in taro and ti leaves
loco moco: hamburger patty, served over rice and topped with eggs and gravy
lomi salmon: raw, salted salmon combined with diced tomatoes and onions
malasada: Portuguese hole-less donut, golden brown on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside and rolled in sugar.
manapua: meat-filled bun steamed or baked
mochi: Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice
plate lunch: two scoops of white rice, one scoop of macaroni salad and a main entree
poi: mashed taro root
poke: seasoned raw fish salad
pupu: appetizer

Local Ingredients
It's the locally grown ingredients that make Hawaii Island's food taste so fresh. Fertile fields and gardens offer fresh produce and grass-fed beef from the upcountry ranches of Waimea create delectable dishes used in restauranta throughout the Island. You can follow the farm-to-table process by taking a farm tour. Hawaii Island chefs are committed to using the Island's fresh fare and importing only when necessary. An ideal climate helps produce local vegetables such as mushrooms, cabbages, ginger, greens, sweet corn, taro and tomatoes, all grown from the volcanic soil and bursting with flavor. Orchards produce delicious bananas, guava, lychee, mango and papaya.

You will also find unique products like vanilla, chocolate, honey and goat cheese, Macadamia nuts are another popular local product. You can tour an orchard as well as a processing plant to see how they crack open the shells of the world's hardest nut.

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Rejuvenation [The Big Island]

Let the mana (spiritual power) of the Island restore you with fabulous food, pampering body treatments, healthful fitness classes and fragrant lei made specially for you and your sweetheart. The Island of Hawaii will reward all of your senses.

Spa Treatment on Hawaii
Hawaii Island's unique spa services offer Hawaiian and Asian influenced therapies, some using natural healing ingredients found only in Hawaii. Here are some ways to get pampered during your visit.

Lomilomi (Massage)
A traditional Hawaiian healing art that incorporates massage using broad, rhythmic strokes.

Seaweed Body Wrap
Mineral-rich seaweed is applied to detoxify and stimulate circulation.

Swedish Massage
Long, kneading, circular massage strokes are used to reduce tension.

Lomi (Massage) Pohaku (Stone)
The Hawaiian practice of using heated rocks to relieve sore muscles.

Shiatsu
Traditional Japanese massage using finger pressure to loosen tight muscles.

Reiki
Ancient Japanese method of healing by touch

Facials and Masques
Local ingredients like seaweed, papaya, ti leaf, rose petals, honey ginger, coffee, and poi are used to renew, rejuvenated and stimulate circulation.

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Romantic Adventures [The Big Island]

Together you'll learn the language of flowers and the subtle messages of hula. You'll lean side by side on the ships's rail to watch dolphins leap toward the sunset. You'll trace the outlines of constellations from the summit of Maunakea. You'll sway to the mellow sounds of a slack-key guitar. From first love to renewed vows, Hawaii' is truly an Island of romance.

Romantic Adventures
The possibilities are endless. Every romantic idea can come true on Hawaii, the Big Island. It's big enough to enjoy several honeymoons by staying in different parts of the Island. Honeymooners can enjoy the intimacy of the charming cottages and bed and breakfast scattered all over the Island. From secluded hikes and quiet beach strolls to air tours and sunset cruises, many of the Island's activities can be opportunities for romantic fun. If you missed your Hawaii Island honeymoon, it's not too late to celebrate a vow renewal or anniversary. With one romantic spot after another, the memories of your special occassion will make you fall in love all over again.

If you're thinking of getting married here, there are a number of wedding planners who will assist you with the long distance details and find the perfect venue for you, whether it's a historic church, a beach at sunset or a cascading waterfall. And after the ceremony you will already be in Hawaii, the number one honeymoon destination in the world. What could be more romantic?

10 Romantic Escapes
While weddings in Hawaii are especially unique, romance neither begins nor ends with a couple's vows. Hawaii Island offers lovers adventures both sensous and sublime. Count the ways.

1) Watch the sun rise above the sea and dig your toes into the cool sand.
2) Get side-by-side massages at a resort spa
3) Hold hands and blow bubbles while diving underwater together
4) Stand together in a volcanic crater that once spewed a fiery fountain
5) Watch the manta ballet off teh Kona Coast
6) Sip a sweet, frothy umbrella drink as you're serenaded
7) Nibble local food from each other's fingertips
8) Take a sunset horseback ride
9) Kiss beneath a tree fern
10) Take a moonlight dinner cruise

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Golf Courses [The Big Island]

With its dramatic contours, wide-open spaces and fantastic elevation changes, the Island of Hawaii is the golf capital of Hawaii. Small wonder that the Island's greens have attracted designers such as Perry Dye, Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay, William Bell, Jay Morrish and Robert Trent Jones.

Francis H. I'i Brown
North and South Courses at Mauna Lani Resort
The Mauna Lani Resort area is home to two 18-hole courses, the Francis H. I'i Brown North and South Courses

Makalei Golf Club
This course layout is a cool, scenic, lush forest alternative to the Island's coastal golf course experiences.

Mauna Kea Golf Course
Repeatedly named to "Best Course" lists, this 18-hole resort course is demanding but rewarding if for nothing else than its breathtaking beauty.

Waikoloa Beach Golf Course
The Beach Course features narrow fairways cut into rugged lava fields. If your ball hits the lava and doesn't bounce out, leave it and drop a new one.

Waikola Kings' Golf Course
A great links-style layout that reflects the Island's coastline and towering Maunakea in the distance.

Hualalai Golf Club
This Jack Nicklaus course is the newes on the Gold Coast and the home of the PGA Mitsubishi Electric Championship. However, only guests of teh Four Seasons Resort Hualalai can reserve a tee time.

More Hawaii Golf Courses

Big Island Country Club
Hamakua Country Club
Hapuna Golf Course
Hilo Minicipal Golf Course
Kona COuntry Club Ocean and Mountain Courses
Naniloa Country Club
Sea Mountain at Punalu'u Golf Course
Volcano Golf & Country Club
Waikoloa Village Golf Club

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Circling the Island

The old adage, "It's the journey, not the destination" certainly applies when exploring Hawaii Island by car. The drive around Hawaii previously earned the Island one of National Geographic's 50 Ultimate Road Trips in the World, and Rand McNally's Best of the Road, the only trip awarded in the state.

On the road
Rent a car for flexibility and ease, and book before you arrive. There are also guided tours of every type from bus tours and taxis to private limos. Circling the Island will reveal the eight Heritage Sites of Hawaii, special "must see" places that provide significant historical, cultural and environmental contributions to the state.

Heritage Sites of Hawaii

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Hawaii's most popular attractions.

2. Akaka Falls State Park
A self-guided walk features two amazing waterfalls, 'Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet).

3. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Learn about life in early Hawaii by viewing fishponds, ki'i pohaku (petroglyphs and heiau (temples).

4. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
This is where the first westerner, Captain James Cook first set foot on the Island of Hawaii in 1779. He died here just a year later. A monument stands here in his name.

5. Lapakahi State Historical Park
Take a self-guided and explore traditional Hawaiian lifestyles.

6.Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
A 180-acre park that was once the site of royal grounds and was a place of refuge for Hawaiian lawbrakers.

7. Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historical Site
This site features one of the largest heiau (temple) built in Hawaii.

8. Hulihee Palace
A favorite retreat of Hawaiian royalty. Exquisite koa furniture, Hawaiian artifacts and personal memorabilia of the royal family offer touching glimpses of Hawaii's yesteryear.

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Family Adventures [The Big Island]

Hawaii Island's vast undeveloped spaces, calm waters and fascinating adventures are ideal for family members of every age. From lively lu'au to paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) stories, from zoo to planetarium, from snorkeling to picniking, there's always a lot to do. Top it off-literally-with a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and you have the making of memories to last a lifetime.

Kahua Ranch
Unique, educational, cultural, personal, enriching and lots of fun! Visit Kahua Ranch and learn about the 8,500-acre working cattle ranch and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) lifestyle. Pitch horseshoes, try branding, learn to lasso, cook more around the campfire and gaze at the stars.

Kilauea Visitor Center
Begin your visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at the Kilauea Visitor Center where families can watch an hourly film as an introduction to the park. Ranger talks are offered and ranger-guided activities can be scheduled. Pick up maps and learn about the park's hikes here.

Beach Park
Onekahaka Beach Park is a favorite for keiki (children). This small, shallow, sand-bottomed ocean pool is one of the safest swimming areas along the Hilo coast, with tide pools and inlets. Although there's no actual beach, this park is a perfect place to play and picnic, with pavilions, restrooms and lovely views of Hilo Bay.

Voyage Through Space
Stop by the Imoloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii for a unique experience. Located on a nine-acre campus above the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the center explores the connections between Hawaiian cultural traditions and the science of astronomy. Imoloa features interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, group tours, a gift shop, cafe and plenty of events throughout the year.

Mokupapapa
Visit the Discovery Center for Hawaii's Remote Coral Reefs to experience educational and interactive exhibits. The Center also features a 2,500 gallon aquarium.

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo
This is the only natural tropical rain forest zoo in the United States. Check out their collection of exotic animals, including Namaste, a white Bengal tiger.

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Land & Air Adventures [The Big Island]

Whether you're warming up for the Ironman World Championship on the 112-mile bike route or spelunking through a lava tube, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the Island's unique geography and spectacular vistas. Join the paniolo (Hawiian cowboys) for a horseback ride. Walk carefully along the Crater Rim trail. Camp in a jungle clearing. Play tennis. The air is sweet; go outside.

Stargazing
Because of its combination of high altitude, clear air and absence of light, Maunakea is home to many international observatories. Take a guided tour or learn about Maunakea and its observatories at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Center. Bring the family and see why stargazing atop Maunakea is such an unforgettable experience.

Ziplining
Soar on a zipline 100 feet above a rain forest canopy. This is great way to learn about the natural environment while experiencing one of teh the Island's unique adventures. A bird's eye view of the treetops is spectacular.

Horseback Riding
Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) used to roam across the Island on horseback, herding cattle rolling green pastures. Today, the paniolo culture is still alive on Hawaii Island. Saddle up for horseback rides or take the reins and run with a real cattle drive. Ranches in Kohala provide a variety of landscapes that you can explore by horseback.

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, or Kings' Trail
You'll find many petroglyph fields while hiking along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile trail corridor full of historic sites including sacred heiau (temples), Hawaiian fishponds and settlement ruins.

Hiking
The trails of Hawaii Island will take you into tropical wilderness, volcanic landscapes, quiet beaches, romantic waterfalls, ridgeline lookouts and across open ranchlands. Help protect the Island's natural resources by staying on trails and not disturbing plants or historical features. Guide services can match your interests and abilities to the best hike, and you're sure to learn more with an expert on hand.

Camping
With all but two of the world's climate zones, you'll find a great variety of camping in country, state and national parks all around Hawaii Island. Permits are required for all state and county parks.

Biking
The Island of Hawaii is home of the world-famous Ironman World Championship, with its 112-mile bike segment. You can rent bikes and go out on your own, or sign up with a tour company offering guided trips.

Above Hawaii Island
From your birds-eye perspective in a helicopter, you'll be awed by the seething fury of Kilauea's lava and the vast sprawl of the ancient flows that have marked Hawaii Island's landscape. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be inspiring. You'll see hidden, cascading waterfalls, green jungles, deep, inaccessible valleys and coves, cliffs and beaches where the surf curls and carves into the shore. Hawaii Island possesses an unrivaled expression of the power of nature and there is no better way to see this than from the comfort of a helicopter.

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