Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/439907
In the midst of Hawaii's lush greens, the world's most active and only drive-in volcano, Kilauea, reminds visitors of the might of the goddess Pele with stirring vistas of desolate lava fields laced with orange ribbons of flame. On the other hand, the black sands of beaches like Punaluu—made even more striking by the electric blue of the water—are a gift in return, with palm trees bursting from coconut shells and baby sea turtles poetically representing life among the ashes. This contrast of improbability is one of the Big Island's most striking characteristics. Tropical foliage grows in the valleys between the snow-capped mountains of the Mauna Kea. The rustic charm of cattle ranches, manned by paniolos, are only minutes away from the modern elegance of championship courses in the "Golf Capital of Hawaii." Charming towns like Hawi beg to be explored on foot after a bike ride down the legendary Ironman Route, but driving becomes a delight with panoramic views on the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, the Pololu and Waipio Valley Lookouts, and the Valley of the Kings. All of this and more, on the island big enough to truly have it all. HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND THE FAIRMONT ORCHID, HAWAII OOOOO Amid a landscape of volcanoes, rainforest and rolling surf, The Fairmont Orchid graces 32 acres along the Kohala Coast. Guests can take advantage of 36 holes of championship golf or enjoy an oceanside massage treatment at The Spa Without Walls. For those who seek the ultimate in relaxation, lean back in a wide hammock at sunset and watch for the Kohala Coast's legendary green flash. AAA Four Diamond. MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL OOOOO Founded in 1965 by Laurance S. Rockefeller, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a landmark of luxury on the Big Island's golden Kohala Coast. Situated on Kauna'oa Bay, a beautiful white-sand crescent beach, the Mauna Kea offers 258 luxury guestrooms and suites with breathtaking ocean views, championship golf, exceptional dining, 11 court Seaside Tennis Club, spa services and much more. MAUNA LANI BAY HOTEL & BUNGALOWS OOOOO The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is an oceanfront oasis located on a white sandy beach surrounded by lush gardens and historic fishponds. Understated elegance, superb cuisine, champion- ship golf and award-winning spa, tennis, children's program, cultural activities and genuine Hawaiian-style hospitality is the signature of this Big Island resort. AAA Four Diamond. HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE ® OOOOH This is a 62-acre destination resort known for its tropical gardens, waterfalls, mahogany canal boats and waterways, where guests can enjoy golf, tennis and the Dolphin Quest learning program. The Kohala Spa offers relaxing Hawaiian treatments. The 1,240 guestrooms and suites are spread among three architecturally unique towers. The beautiful grounds and scenery can be enjoyed from the private lanai of every room. 1 2 3 4 11 19 11 11 130 200 250 N O R T H K O N A South Pt. S O U T H K O N A Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kamuela Airport Upolu Airport Keahole Airport Hilo International Airport Kilauea Caldera Mona Loa Observatory P A C I F I C O C E A N Hilo Kailua-Kona Pahoa Naalehu Volcano Mountain View Honokaa Waimea Captain Cook Mauna Loa Mauna Kea Punaluu Beach Miloli Beach Green Sand Beach Isaac Hale Beach Kolekole Beach Hapuna Beach H A M A K U A C O A S T S a d d l e R d. M a m a l a h o a H w y. K O N A C O A S T M a m a l a ho a Hwy. Q u e e n Kaahu m anu Hwy. Mamal a h o a H w y . 0 20 miles 0 20 km 2 5 1 3 10 4 9 8 13 12 7 14 11 6 KONA Hawaii's Big Island 15