Flights And Sights

The largest island in the Hawaiian chain, the Big Island of Hawaii is where Mother Nature pulls out all the stops, from fiery volcanoes, sparkling waterfalls and black-lava deserts to tropical rainforests, alpine meadows and miles of golden-, black- and even green-sand beaches. Inland, its heart is snowcapped Mauna Kea, the world's tallest sea mountain, and the vast Volcanoes National Park. For a respite from breathtaking views, pack a picnic and head for the black-sand beaches of Waipio Valley, where you can laze the day away in the sun.

Things to Do

Hawaii has no shortage of beaches, and you can find sand to sun and waves to surf at Hapuna or White Sands beaches on the west side, or Leleiwi Beach on the east side. Experienced surfers head for the big swells at Pine Trees and beginners catch waves at Kahaluu Beach Park. Inland, bike along mountaintops with panoramic coastal views at Kahua and Kohala. A jacket, beach mat and binoculars are all you need to see every star and planet from Mauna Kea.

Shopping

Art communities and galleries selling pottery, wood-turned bowls and handmade glass are sprinkled throughout villages like Holualoa and Volcano. Waimea is lei country and farmer's markets, so look for protea, vegetables, vine-ripened tomatoes and tuberose stalks. Historic buildings in the Bayfront area in downtown Hilo are filled with trendy emporiums, especially along Kamehameha Avenue. Head to Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast for island footwear, or poke around Kailua-Kona's lively streets for T-shirts, trinkets and dime-a-dozen souvenirs.

Nightlife and Entertainment

At night, bars and restaurants offer dancing and live music to draw the crowds to Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona. On the Kohala Coast, evening entertainment takes the form of a traditional luau or indistinctive slack key music at scenic resort bars with scintillating sunset views. Film festivals, art movies, hula, concerts and all manner of special entertainment takes place at the Palace Theater in Hilo.

Restaurants and Dining

The fruitful combination of creative chefs, good soil, and rich cultural traditions has made this island a culinary destination, evident in homegrown fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood that dominate the menus. Kailua-Kona teems with restaurants for all budgets, while haute island cuisine is concentrated in the Kohala Coast resorts. In North Kohala, linger in bakeries and neighborhood diners, or head to Hilo for Japanese and ethnic restaurants in unpretentious surroundings. For an authentic Big Island experience, savor a cup of Kona coffee.

Paradise is closer than you think. With American Airlines flights to Hilo Hawaii, it's easy to get here! Located on Hawaii's Big Island, you'll find a number of wonderful things to do in Hilo that will turn into lifetime memories. From splashing in cascading waterfalls to watching dramatic volcanoes, nature is on spectacular display here. We'll help you discover it all!

One of the most popular activities in Hilo is a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hilo is the gateway to this amazing national park, located about 30 miles southwest of the city. It's home to one of the most active volcanoes on earth, the Kilauea volcano, and the Maunaloa volcano, which last erupted in 1984. The entire park is a sacred spot for Native Hawaiians, and you'll soon sense its mystical allure. It covers over 300,000 acres, with 150 miles of hiking trails that wind through craters, deserts and rainforests. You'll also be able to see petroglyphs (known as kii pohaku in Hawaiian). The Puuloa Petroglyphs include more than 23,000 carved images thought to commemorate births and other significant life events. The park also includes the Thurston Lava Tube, a cave formed by flowing lava over 500 years ago through which you can walk; a verdant rainforest awaits at the end. And don't miss the Thomas A. Jagger Museum, which is open daily. You'll see maps and geological displays on volcanology.

A visit to Liliuokalani Gardens is another one of our favorite things to do in Hilo. Named after Hawaii's last reigning royal, Queen Liliuokalani, this peaceful park is an authentic Japanese garden. It stretches over 30 acres, and it features arched bridges, rock gardens, a teahouse and striking pagodas. It's an especially wonderful place for families to stroll.

Another of the can't-miss activities in Hilo is a stop at the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii on Nowelo Street. It's housed beneath three conical titanium structures that represent the three largest peaks on the Big Island, and it explores the relationship between native culture and the celestial universe. You'll enjoy its range of displays and interactive exhibits. Hilo is also home to the Lyman Museum, where you can view an excellent collection of Hawaiian artifacts along with natural history specimens. The Mission House (part of the Museum) is the oldest wood-frame structure on the Big Island, and is the former home of David and Sarah Lyman. You should also plant to walk through the Hilo Farmers Market in downtown. You'll find locally grown fruit, vegetables, jams and macadamia nuts. Strawberry papayas are a local delicacy, so if they're in season, be sure to sample one. In addition to food, however, the Farmer's Market also includes souvenirs and gifts (think wind chimes, koa wood figurines and jewelry).

Best of all, it's so simple to visit this fascinating Hawaiian destination with American Airlines. Start making plans today to fly to Hilo so you can experience its unique magic for yourself.