by SparkyLeigh

The Big Island has surf breaks on just about every side of the Island. The warm tropical waters and hot afternoon sun make any day surfing a great day surfing.

  by SparkyLeigh

The Plumeria flower is commonly white and yellow but the blossoms can come in many varieties. The flowers are strewn together to make leis and are also seen behind the ear of beautiful wahines. Depending on which ear the flower is behind can publicize your relationship status.

  by SparkyLeigh

Hula is a traditional dance performed to chant or song and is considered a sacred part of Hawaiian life. Hula has evolved to include several different styles, including western influenced 'auana accompanied by guitar, 'ukelele and the double bass. Hula is performed by both male and female dancers.

  by SparkyLeigh

Measured from its base at the sea floor, to its highest peak, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world, even taller than Mount Everest. Playing in the Hawaiian snow can be fun, but at 13,000ft elevation the air is thin.

  by SparkyLeigh

Kileaua Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the world's most active volcano. At certain times of the year you can get close enough to the lava flows to watch the liquid rock move with your own eyes.

  by SparkyLeigh

When you're completely surrounded by thousands of miles of pacific ocean, it is hard to get a bad sunset in Hawaii. When the clouds are clear and the sun is setting, many people watch the last bit of sun disappear behind the ocean... hoping to see a mystical green flash.

  by SparkyLeigh

Near black sand beaches and hike-able lava tubes you can stand at the southern most point in the U.S. at Ka Lea, South Point.

  by drflet

I've probably spent nearly a whole years worth of my life at Hapuna Beach. The public pavilions play host to birthday parties and BBQ's... the soft white sand has captured millions of footprints... and the warm pacific ocean brings playful waves during the summer and neck-breaking surf during the winter.

  by ekash

The tropical sun shines down on the 80-foot Rainbow Falls, often creating rainbows in the mist. While not the tallest waterfall on the Big Island, more than 300 million gallons of water fall daily. Legends say Hina, the mother of Maui, lives in the cave behind the falls.

  by phdpsx

The west side of Hawaii is home to sunny shores and luxurious resorts. Snorkeling these pristine waters reveals a vibrant ocean life with beautiful colors. Migrating whales can be often seen breaching off shore.

  by philnowicki

The Hawaii state fish has a very fun name... it sounds like Hoo Moo Hoo Moo Noo Koo Noo Koo Ah Poo Ah Ah.

  by nothing

The Big Island's north side is home to hundreds of thousands of acres of rolling hills and grasslands. A variety of cactus also calls this part of the island home... and I have the scars to prove it.

  by sunnaquair

Parker Ranch is one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States, covering 175,000 acres in and around Kamuela. Cowboys in Hawaii are called Paniolos.

  by Pekelo_99

"Hawaii's native forests are among the world's biological treasures, sheltering more than 10,000 plants and animals found nowhere else in the world." -[VIA]

  by Shubhro

The lava fields on the Big Island look like the surface of far off planet. The black rock extends for miles and its edges can be razor sharp.