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| Hawaii The Big Island The Big Island of Hawaii goes by many names, including Orchid Island, for its tropical rain forests, or Volcano Island — a nod to active Kilauea. Stay at the world’s finest Big Island hotels and sun yourself on the shoreline; or venture out while on Big Island travel, and see 13,792-foot Mauna Kea, sometimes topped with snow. 
Top Ten Things to Do in Hawaii
Most Popular Things to Do in the Big Island - Spend a day at Volcanoes National Park
- Travel to the top of Mauna Kea
- Marvel at the gorgeous orchids grown in Hilo
- Glimpse the lava vents of Kilauea from a helicopter
- Kayak to the Captain Cook Monument
Recommended Hotels Four Seasons Hualalai
Easily one of the world's best resorts, Hualalai sits on a white-sand beach on the Big Island's west coast, 10 minutes north of Kona airport.
The 243 rooms have subdued Polynesian decor, including bamboo headboards and furnished lanais.
In addition to renowned service, guests enjoy spa treatments, a private golf course, a rock-climbing wall, tennis, boating, and a black-lava pool for snorkeling and scuba diving.
What to Expect: - This collection of 36 two-story bungalows is frequented by business travelers, celebrating couples, and relaxing families. Open-air dining and Polynesian-style decor throughout emphasize the backdrop of black-lava rock against white-sand beaches. Although recreational and cultural offerings abound, the pace is unhurried and the setting feels remote.
Amenity Highlights: - Jack Nicklaus designed the oceanfront golf course, which is built on black-lava rock. A cultural center with artists-in-residence offers courses for all ages, from traditional Hawaiian crafts, and dance, to music. Five swimming pools spread across the oceanfront include three for scuba and snorkeling with tropical fish, and others for lap swimming and adults. Fitness facilities include a rock-climbing wall and eight tennis courts. The spa, with 18 treatment rooms, also has eucalyptus steam, dry sauna, and a cold plunge.
Insider Tip: - At the on-site general store (within walking distance of guestrooms), guests can charge groceries for their rooms or gas for their rental cars to their resort account.
The Fairmont Orchid
Part of the green Mauna Lani oasis, this ocean-front resort occupies 32 acres with its own white-sand beach and 36 holes of championship golf.
540 guestrooms and suites are well-appointed, with garden or ocean views and private lanais. Fairmont Gold concierge floor also available.
Resort offers legendary service, a "Spa Without Walls," with 15 outdoor treatment "hales," oceanfront pool, watersports, and a variety of fine restaurants, lounges, and a deli.
What to Expect: - The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii offers elegant beachfront acommodations amidst the natural beauty of the Big Island. The Orchid Beachboys introduce the Hawaiian culture of canoes, ocean and adventure at the beach. The Spa Without Walls offers treatments amongst tropical waterfalls. The fairmont Gold Concierge Floor offers the ultimate in luxury.
Amenity Highlights: - Beach activities include snorkeling and sailing aboard a 35-foot traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe (surcharge). A secluded outdoor spa with waterfall cabanas features Hawaiian-inspired treatments (surcharge). Dining options include two restaurants specializing in fresh seafood and regional cuisine, a sushi bar, and a takeout deli. The resort's Tennis Pavilion offers 10 Plexipave courts (surcharge), a pro shop, and professional instruction (surcharge). Complimentary shuttle service within the Mauna Lani Resort is available upon request.
Insider Tip: - A 25-minute drive from the resort, in the town of Waimea, Parker Ranch is one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States. Founded in 1847, the ranch covers 175,000 acres. The museum and visitor center traces the history of the Hawaiian cowboy, or paniolo. Visitors can tour the ranch via horseback, wagon, or ATV
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