The Big Island of Hawaii is noted for its lush rain forests, arid lava-covered deserts, black sand beaches, dramatic waterfalls and the sometimes snow-capped peak of Mauna Kea - the tallest sea mountain on Earth.

However, it's most famous attraction is Kilauea, the world's most active volcano located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Also located in the park is Mauna Loa, another active volcano. Excellent hiking opportunities await outdoor enthusiasts at the park along with...
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The Big Island of Hawaii is noted for its lush rain forests, arid lava-covered deserts, black sand beaches, dramatic waterfalls and the sometimes snow-capped peak of Mauna Kea - the tallest sea mountain on Earth.

However, it's most famous attraction is Kilauea, the world's most active volcano located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Also located in the park is Mauna Loa, another active volcano. Excellent hiking opportunities await outdoor enthusiasts at the park along with exploring a lava tube and viewing the immense Kilauea caldera and its fire pit Halemaumau. Lucky visitors might get to see molten lava flow into the ocean either within the park, or outside the park near Kalapana.

The Hilo area offers several interesting outdoor destinations: Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue Falls) and Boiling Pots in Wailuku River State Park, and Lava Tree State Park. Further up the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii is Akaka Falls State Park, and the hiking destination of Waipio Valley.

The sunny Kona coast near Kailua and Keauhou and it's calm waters offer water activities of snorkeling, diving, swimming with manta rays, spotting honu (green sea turtles) and deep-sea fishing. Surfing at beaches like Kahaluu Beach Park is also popular.

On the southern part of the Big Island you can walk on a black sand beach in Punaluu Beach Park, and at the South Point (Ka Lae), you can stand at the southern most point in the U.S. while taking in a view of wind farm turbines.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to numerous ancient Hawaiian temples (heiau)and other historic Hawaiian sites including Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge) located near Kealakekua Bay.
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