Islands of Utopia

Hawaii’s Big Island

Why Visit: Known as the “Island of Adventure,” the Big Island lives up to its name, with 11 different climate zones. While many associate white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees with Hawaii, this island also features a snow-capped Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest mountain when measured from the ocean floor, as well as rain forests and arid deserts. As with all of the islands that make up Hawaii, this island was created as volcanoes spewed forth lava under the sea, eventually breaking through to fresh air. The Kilauea volcano continues to erupt, meaning that the Big Island is only getting bigger.

Where to Stay: Kona Village Resort features Polynesian-style bungalows, complete with thatched roofs, tucked amongst black lava, gardens, and black and white sand beaches.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is featuring a new Big Island Farm to FSRH Table, during which a resort chef accompanies guests to a farm, where they harvest crops that the chef whips into a picnic lunch.

Must See: The Kilauea Volcano. There are three active volcanoes on Hawaii’s islands, but the one you will want to visit is Kilauea. The name itself means spewing, which is apropos, as it has been continuously erupting since 1983. This is possibly the world’s most active volcano, setting loose up to 650,000 cubic yards of lava daily, and one of the only places on the planet where you can come face-to-face with nature’s fury. The volcano is accessible via an 18-mile drive along Chain of Craters Road, which is dotted with scenic stops and hikes. If you want to get a more unique perspective, book a luxury helicopter tour, where you may have the opportunity to see lava flowing down towards the beaches from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Nature: Big Island Grand Fire & Falls. KapohoKine Adventures and Paradise Helicopters new excursion starts with a road trip to the east side of the island with stops at Rainbow Falls and Onomea Bay where participants get to dive in for a waterfall swim. After a Hawaiian barbeque with flowing Champagne and local brew, hop onto a helicopter for a flight to Kilauea volcano.

Adventure: Daring visitors can even ski on Mauna Kea during the winter months, but it’s not recommended due to the high altitude, extreme conditions, and short season. But even if you left your skis at home, still plan a nighttime trip to the mountain for some unparalleled stargazing at any of the international observatories.

Pampering: The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. This recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award is located on the Kohala Coast of the island. The crowning jewel of the property is the outdoor Spa Without Walls, complete with eight outdoor waterfall huts.

Off the Beaten Path: Dolphin Trainer. Dolphin Quest has a unique “Trainer for a Day” program, where guests can spend a day observing and helping the trainer with his or her duties. To emerse yourself in the field, opt for the “Trainer for the Week,” where you get to participate in what can be considered one of the world’s best jobs.