There are only two seasons on the Big Island, “summer,” which lasts between May and October, and “winter,” which goes from October to April. In terms of precipitation, the weather varies greatly, from west to east. On the east side is Hilo, which is considered the “et” side of the Big Island, the wettest city in the United States. The west, “Kona” side of the island is popular amongst tourists. It offers accommodations and activities dedicated to pure fun, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking and fishing.

The Big Island is best known for its many volcanoes. You will find Kilauea here, the world’s most active volcano. While not the largest volcano, you will be able to see lava flowing across Volcanoes National Park, and on days when it is not active, you can see its unique “lavascape.” On those days, steam blows from vents, chasms and lava craters.

Aerial tours of the Big Island are a great idea, and if you’re interested, be sure to check out Blue Hawaiian or Tropical Helicopters in Hilo. The pilots here have tons of information they’re ready to share with you, as well as bird’s eye views of Kilauea.

If you want an experience on water, go to Kona Boy Kayaks, which can be found past the 113 mile market on Highway 11. You can rent a kayak or go on a guided trip. What you do once you’ve rented everything is up to you, you can cross water, go under waves, or snorkel in protected coves. You may even see dolphins as you pass the Captain Cook monument.

Seeing dolphins is always a fun experience, and if it’s a priority on you agenda, visit the Hilton Waikola Village on the Big Island. Here, you will find a program called Dolphin Quest. People of any age can have the opportunity to swim with the Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins. This program is normally full, so reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance. Observing underwater creatures is possible just visit Atlantis Submarines in Kona.

The Big Island is known as the marlin capital of the world, most especially the Kona (west) side of the island. Here, you will find Pacific billfish, tuna, swordfish alongside the giant blue marlin. There are numbers of charter fishing boats that travel in and out of the Kailua-Kona area, and you can charter boats with your friends or on the daily shared charters.

The island’s highest point is Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet above sea level, and the neighboring Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea have some of the clearest air in the world. Because of this air, over two dozen of the world’s best telescopes are found here. You can tour the University of Hawaii telescope, as tours are offered every weekend.

Of course, you will find many beaches on the Big Island. Hapuna Beach, located on the northwestern Kohala Coast, is one of Hawaii’s best beaches is found here. During the summer months, you can swim and enjoy other water-based sports. You can also visit the Hapuna Golf course, which extends from the shoreline to 700 feet above sea level. On this coast, you can also visit Pauoa Beach which is near the Fairmont Orchid Hotel on the Mauna Lani Resort. You’ll find freshwater springs here.

On the west coast, you can find Honaunau Bay, which is part of the Pu’uhonua o Honaunao National Park. This was once a sanctuary, and is now a site with a ton of historical family activities. Also on the west coast is Kahaluu Beach park, where you can snorkel around and see tons of tropical fish and marine life. A large coral reef protects the lagoon and the animals it houses. Kaunaoa Beach is found here, and it is bordered by a coconut grove and black-lava points. This beach has great waves throughout the years, making it a bodysurfing and boogie-boarding haven.

The Mauna Kea Golf Course is close to this place, and it is considered one of the best courses in the United States. With beautiful views of the Pacific and dramatic cliffs, this course will definitely entice and challenge you