The Big Island, the Orchid Isle

Kauai | Oahu | Molokai | Maui | Big Island

The Island of Hawaii is also known as The Big Island. Nicknamed ‘The Orchid Isle,’ it is a volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean and one of the seven main islands that form the US State of Hawaii. As the name itself suggests, it is a big island and also the largest island in the United States. Hilo is the County seat for the Big Island of Hawaii.

Mauna Loa and Kilauea are two active volcanoes in Hawaii. The Big Island is also an astronomer’s delight with numerous telescopes situated on Mt. Mauna Kea, owing to excellent clarity of atmosphere on its summit. Lava emission from these is still contributing to the size of Big Island. They also form a major tourist attraction as millions throng to see this awe inspiring and humbling saga of nature’s power. Kilauea has been erupting almost continuously for the last two decades and has buried many homes that were in the lava's path. Black lava from these eruptions ends up as Black sand beaches which are common on the Big Island. Saddle Road goes between the Hilo side and Kona side. It is also the road that takes you to the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center.

In earlier times, sugar cane cultivation was the backbone of economy on the Big Island but that died down gradually and today Tourism is the pillar on which the Big Island is gloriously thriving. The main towns on The Big Island of Hawaii are Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Kona is sometimes thought of as a town, but it is actually an area on the west coast of the Big Island. The airport code for the Hilo International Airport is ITO. The airport code for the Kailua-Kona International Airport at Keahole is KOA.

The various scenic spots on the Big Island offer adventures that can simply thrill you. For the more mellow tourist there are nature tours, museums, art galleries and ethnic festivals. Water adventures like whale watching cruises, snorkeling, deep-sea diving and air tours are for the more adventure minded. There are many vacation rentals in Hilo and Kona and other areas of the big island. 

The magnetism of Big Island is a thing of legends. Its sightseeing possibilities could be an unparalleled delight for any tourist provided one has a well-outfitted and roadworthy vehicle to match the ever-changing terrain that the island has to offer. Hawaiicarrentals showcases the best that the industry car rental agencies like Avis, Thrifty, Budget, Dollar and Enterprise have to offer. Terrific discounts and added perks and exceptional bonuses form the icing on the cake on this user-friendly comprehensive website. Car rentals are available Hilo and Kailua-Kona, which are favorite cruise ship destinations for the Hawaii visitor. Cruise ship visitors to Hilo and Kona usually rent a sightseeing car for just a single day. Hawaii Car Rentals has competitive daily and weekly rates for Hilo Car Rentals and Kona Car Rentals.