Hawaii (The Big Island)

This is the island of superlatives: the largest island in the Hawaiian chain, the highest volcanic peaks, the most diverse terrain. This is the land of fiery volcanoes, sparkling waterfalls, black-lava deserts, snowcapped mountains, tropical rainforests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and miles of golden, black, and even green-sand beaches. Visitors flock to this larger-than-life island not only for its diversity, but also for it's "mana" or spiritual aspect, as the work of the Volcano Goddess, Pele, can be seen today as she continues to create new land.

Beaches
For the island's best swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing head to Hapuna Beach, a 1/2-mile crescent of gold sand. Families flock to Kahaluu Beach, on the Kona Coast, where brilliantly colored tropical fish convene in the reef. Green Sands Beach is a spectacle to behold -- tiny olivine pieces in the sand give the beach its shimmering green shade.

Things to Do
Be sure to visit Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, a sacred site that was once a refuge for ancient Hawaiian warriors. Or discover the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District, home to more than 3,000 petroglyphs. A jacket, beach mat, and binoculars are all you need to see every star and planet from Mauna Kea.

Eating & Drinking
Good soil, creative chefs, and rich cultural tradition combine to make the Big Island a culinary destination. High end restaurants are concentrated in the Kohala Coast, while those for all budgets can be found in Kailua-Kona. Most of the island's delicacies -- including laulau, kalua pork, lomi salmon, squid luau, and kulolo -- can be found at a luau, the best of which is at the Kona Village Resort. In Hilo you'll find Japanese and other ethnic restaurants that provide delicious, simple offerings in low-key surroundings.

Nature
Take a catamaran tour or treat yourself to a whale watching adventure. Carve through the jungle and experience Waipio Valley. After dark, don't miss the volcanic eruption at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's Kamoamoa Fissure. Red rivers of molten lava flow, inching down the mountain and pouring into the Pacific.