The biggest island of Hawaii offers two active volcanoes and excellent scuba diving off its leeward western side.
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Hawaii, the big island, is the largest and youngest island (800.000 years) of the Hawaii Archipelago. It is an island still expanding by volcanic powers, mainly because of the continuing lava spewing Kilauea. The Mauna Loa hasn't erupted since March 1984, the Hualalai is a dormant volcano and the Mauna Kea and Kohala are considered to be extinct. Near the top of the 13.796 feet high Mauna Kea or White Mountain because of its snow, you can take a look at the stars in the Onizuka Center, one of the world's top locations for international astronomy.
Near Hilo, the islands biggest town, you can find the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a great point to start hiking and camping at one of nature's most impressive landscape. Bring a visit to the touristic Kohala Coast with its spectacular sunsets, luxury resorts, deep sea fishing, whale watching, golf and shore horseback riding. You can take a look at Parker Ranch in Waimea or explore some historic evidence and old style house constructions in Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park or former City of Refuge.
Scuba diving is mainly done off its west leeward coast where the strong trade winds are blocked by two of Hawaii highest volcanoes. The crystal clear waters often exceed visibilities of 100 feet. Kona coast is known for Manta Ray Village, a place where you will be kneeling on white sand waiting for tens of huge manta rays to feed on the plankton above you. You will be literally only feet away. Another long time favorite is scuba diving with hundreds of green sea turtles at Turtle Pinnacle. Another secluded but brilliant destination is Pawai Bay with its caves and caverns, reached by dive boat or by kayak from Kailua Bay. But most of all, it is the strangely formed lava rock formations created by the lava flows in the past hundred thousands of years that make this destination unique in the world.
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The best dive sites and top diving locations in Hawaii Big Island rated by divers since last year.
- Kona Manta Ray Night DiveRated 10.0, 3 ratings
- Turtle PinnacleRated 10.0, 1 ratings
- Mauna Lani Caves, Haunted CavernsRated 8.0, 1 ratings
Editor: Lars Hemel Have fun breathing underwater, but breathing above water is even more important!
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