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Upon arrival on the Big Island of Hawaii, visitors may be surprised by the rich geographical diversity that can be overwhelming upon first glance. With a stunning coastline, sharp volcanic slopes, and breathtaking canyons, anyone with an affection for the great outdoors will be unable to resist the urge to explore all this spectacular island has to offer. Head to the Big Island for your next vacation and experience the majestic nature of this jewel in the Pacific Ocean.

With its prime position in the middle of the Pacific, there are bound to be a number of activities you simply cannot wait to participate in after arriving on the Big Island. Whether you are staying on the coast or further inland, you should consider heading out into the depths of the ocean to some of the most secluded and spectacular spots in Hawaii. You can swim with exotic fish, circle gorgeous reefs, and view ancient lava flows on a diving or snorkeling excursion or stay inside the boat for a cruise in search of dolphins, whales, and manta rays.

If you are looking for a more thrilling, heart-pumping adventure, hop aboard a deep sea fishing charter for a try at some of the big fish off of the Kona coast. There are numerous fishing boats that will take you in search of marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, and spearfish so you can come back from your trip with a story about the catch of a lifetime. If you enjoy seeking out your own thrills, grab a kayak and explore coral gardens, sea caves, lava tubes, and the different nooks and crannies that line the coast of the island.

For those times when all you want to do is sit back and relax, head to one of the many beautiful beaches the Big Island has in store for you. Kua Bay at Kona Coast State Park has beautiful white sand surrounded by a lush green landscape that is perfect for catching some sun or springing into the clear water that is great for swimming. Kaunaoa Bay or Mauna Kea Beach is one of the more popular beaches on the island due to the long crescent of white sand and the pleasant water conditions that allow for swimming and snorkeling. Don't be surprised, however, if a green turtle or two comes across your path while strolling these soft sands.

When you want to explore the Big Island's stunning terrain, there are a few places to head to see some of the best aspects of the island. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park rests upon two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and visitors can view lava from the hiking trails or take one of the scenic drives around the park. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden allows visitors to traverse trails that will take them through the rainforest and past flowing waterfalls and streams. This tropical oasis offers an exceptional and protected look at a myriad of plants from all over the world, including palms, bromeliads, gingers, and heliconias, so generations to come can revel in their beauty.

Another popular tourist destination is the Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center located along the slope of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hilo. Here, you can drive through the plantation, walk through the nut and chocolate processing plant to see how the end product is created, and receive chocolate demonstrations and free samples near the gift shop Also, during your time in Hilo, be sure to stop by the Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo to see the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. With more than 80 animal species including the white Bengal Tiger, this free zoo is certainly worth a stroll.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a great place for anyone who wants to combine an abundance of water activities with a one-of-a-kind landscape that will simply take your breath away. When searching for the right accommodations for your trip, look into the numerous Big Island vacation rentals that are located throughout the island. Whether you want to stay along the shores in a luxurious condo that has the most amazing views or you prefer surrounding yourself with the vibrant colors and lush greens that make up a large part of the island, there is a vacation rental that will meet all your needs and make it easy to relax throughout your trip.