Hawaii's Big Island is known for its awesome natural wonders and incredibly varied eco-systems. In fact, most of the world’s climates exist here. It’s possible to ski on Mauna Kea in the morning and swim at the beach in the afternoon. Many thank Pele, the volcano goddess, for creating such a beautifully diverse island. You’ll see fascinating contrasts from Hilo to Kona. Go just about anywhere on your Big Island vacation, and you’ll have dramatic, camera-worthy views of the land and seascapes.
But this island is more than just candy for the eye. It holds the power to revitalize your mind, body, and spirit. The “mana,” or rejuvenating power, on The Big Island is said to be especially strong. How you choose to take advantage of it is up to you. Bask away the day on some of the world's most pristine white sand beaches. Ride horseback through a lush jungle with Kahua Ranch. View Hawaii Volcanoes like from a birds eye view with Hawaiian Blue Helicopters from Waikoloa or with Safari Helicopters on the Hilo side. You can also drive over to the National Park and witness a lava flow 1st hand from Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. Scuba Diving on the Big Island is nothing short of phenomenal. The Kohala Coast is normally is protected and generally calm. For Scuba Diving enthusiasts,Jacks Diving Locker is the premier dive facility on the big island.
The Kohala Coast (west side- Kona gold Coast) is the dryer, more tropical side and a focal point of visitor activity with quaint shops and restaurants. It’s the place to be for a little excitement and plenty of Big Island activities. Kolea and Hali'i Kai at the Waikoloa Beach Resort offer the perfect perfect vacation rentals if you’re looking for a sunny safe haven on the ocean. Both are a mere 20 minutes North from Kona Airport. If pastoral and rural landscapes appeal more, Waimea might be more your style. This countryside is home to famous Parker Ranch, not to mention amazing pastures giving way to lush valleys of vibrant green foliage. Near the base of Mauna Kea volcano (Hawaii’s tallest), you’ll find the charming Waimea Country Lodge. For the best stargazing on the island, head to the top of Mauna Kea. Kolea Vacations helps you experience all the Big Island activities, without the big price. See below for offers from local Hawaiian Businesses only for our guests.
Hawaii is one of the only places in the world where you can see Pacific Humpback whales in their natural habitat. Each winter hundreds of endangered humpback whales migrate from the North Pacific to warm Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth to their calves. Here they play feed and nurse their young, and then leave Hawaii for nothern waters. Peak of Hawaii whale watching season begins in December and continues through March.
There are some interesting facts to know before you go Hawaii whale watching. Humpback whales are among the largest animals on earth. Mature adults typically grow to more than 40 feet in length and can weigh up to 40 tons. Humpbacks swim tremendous distances during their migrations: up to 7,000 miles round-trip between their summer breeding areas of the North Pacific and winter grounds in Hawaii area.
When preparing for a deep dive, humpbacks arch their back and raise their tail flukes above the water. The whale's arched back appears above the water as it dives. It is this arching that has earned the humpback whale its common name. Humpback whales are known for their haunting voices. Sometimes they are called "voice of the ocean".
Whale watching is becoming one of the most popular Hawaii attractions.Whalewatch cruise such as Ocean Sports offer you the opportunity to get closer to the whales. Most Hawaii whale watching cruises are two-hour tours. You will have an opportunity to learn more about whale's behavior from a whale expert, to hear a whale's blow (an exhalation of 300 mph) or even seeing a whale swim beneath your boat. Some boats are equipped with hydrophones so you can hear the whales' songs during your whalewatch.
Whales appear to be active throughout the day. More than time of day, the ability to see whales depends on conditions such as wind speed, sun glare or sea state. All times of day are good for watching whales in Hawaii.
Hawaii has the benefit of having some of the very best whale protection laws in the world. There is a "100 yard minimum" law, which states that whales within 100 yards cannot be approached by any means, including by boat, kayak, sailboard or even by swimming. However, the whales themselves can approach a boat. It's not uncommon for whales to come up alongside the boat, or may even swim beneath it. The boat captain can't move the boat until the whale has departed. So, if you see a boat that is sitting still for no apparent reason, be sure - whales are nearby.
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