Hawaii vacation, tourism and hotel guide. Explore Hawaii's Big Island and sense the power of volcano goddess Pele as she creates new land over old. See new vegetation growing in seemingly impossible pockets -- micro views of natural cycles that civilization obscures elsewhere. Molten lava flows glowing in the dark night are a spectacular sight -- destruction and creation on a grand scale.
Hawaii (The Big Island) is served by Kona International Airport (KOI) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Airlines serving Hawaii include American, Alaska, Continental, Delta, Hawaiian, United, Aloha Airlines and many others. Visit the Airports & Airlines section for more information.
Travelers to and from the United States, Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement. Visit the United States Immigration section or Embassy section for more information.
Hawaii Hotels By City & Rate Range |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The West, or Kona, Side of the island is dry and sunny -- a nexus of activity with deep-sea fishing, quaint shops and restaurants, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, submarine underwater tours, hikes through thick rainforests, horseback riding ... If you're a high activity type, the West Side is the place for you.
The Kohala Coast is Hawaii 's Golf Mecca with world-class golf courses. Just getting there is a visual adventure as you drive through vast, dramatic lava fields. If your eyes are really sharp, you might be able to spot the Kona Nightingales (donkeys) which blend into the landscape. Upcountry, the scenery changes dramatically. Waimea is home to Parker Ranch where fluorescent green pastures give way to lush valleys and a host of vibrant natural greens.
On the East Side, Waipio Valley is filled with brilliant flowers and breathtaking waterfalls. Tiny towns and highways built on old railroad trestle bridges recall the sugar plantation heritage of the Hamakua Coast. And the island's must-see is Kilauea, the earth's most active volcano. Visit Go Hawaii, the official Hawaii state tourism site.
Travel & Health Insurance
Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Medical costs in the United States are extremely high. Visiting a doctor in the United States for even simple complaints could cost several hundred dollars for the doctor's appointment, pathology tests and medication.
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.
USA Travel Alerts
Always carry photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, driving licence and travellers' cheques which should be kept separately from the originals. In many countries, passports are a prime target of theft for illegal purposes. Your passport should always be kept in a safe place, as considerable inconvenience and disruption to travel plans may result from its theft or loss. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, contact the nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible. Visit the Embassy section for USA foreign embassy listings.
Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings also are available on the Consular Affairs Internet home page: http://travel.state.gov. Consular Affairs Tips for Travelers publication series, which contain information on obtaining passports and planning a safe trip abroad, are on the Internet and hard copies can be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, telephone: 202-512-1800; fax 202-512-2250.
Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) and a web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries.
Foreign visitors with long term travel plans are urged to register their travel plans with your country Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC.
Visit the Transportation Security Administration for global airport safety and terrorism reports. Always be vigilant and report any suspicious person or package to local authorities or airport security. Sign up to receive U.S. Department of Homeland Security/TSA critical travel alerts.
