As its name suggests the Big Island is the largest island of Hawaii. It has about 120 000 inhabitants and it is possible to drive round it in one (very long!) day by car. There is a lot to see and experience on the island in addition to its almost desolate paradise beaches.

The Big Island also has its own coffee, Kona Coffee, which is world famous. It is well worth trying, it really has a taste of its own.

Usually people come to the Big Island with their families or as couples. The only place where singles can find some "action" is in the town of Kailua-Kona, but the real place for partying is Honolulu on the island of Oahu.

On the Mauna Kea volcanic mountain there are many international observatories, which are interesting to visit. You can't get there by rental car, as they can't cope with the ascent to the summit, which is at 14,000 feet or 4,200 meters. Your only option is to join an organized day excursion to the mountain.

Like other Hawaiian Islands (Kauai is arguably the exception), Big Island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving conditions. In the surrounding waters there are dolphins, sea turtles, conger eels, manta rays and different kinds of sharks. During the winter season you can go on a whale-watching excursion, but with a little bit of luck you can also see whales from ashore.

One way to spend the afternoon is to visit one of Big Island's luxury hotels/resorts. They are free for anyone to enter and have a look around. Just don't try to use their pool, that is a strict no-no! I spent an entire day at Hilton Waikoloa resort and with features like an in-hotel monorail, canal with a boat that passes bird enclosures, possibility to arrange a swim with dolphins etc etc it felt like a mini Disney World to me.

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