lamb. Honey. Herbs. Lettuces. And that’s just for starters. With a diversity of climates and landscapes available to them, the island’s farmers and ranchers produce an ample bounty for supermarket shelves, farmers markets and an ever-growing number of farm-to-table restaurant menus. Several farms offer tours — tea, coffee, flowers, macadamia nuts, sea salt, vanilla, spices, fruits and more! Park, Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail? All five are must-visits. 6 We’re one of the best places on Earth for stargazing, with or without a telescope. Several permitted tour operators offer access to the summit of Maunakea at night, followed by stargazing from the Maunakea Visitor Information Station. The island’s location at 19.5 degrees north latitude offers dazzling views of the entirety of the Northern Hemisphere skies and 90 percent of the Southern Hemisphere’s. Sea-level options include ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, which shares the connection of Maunakea, astronomy and the traditional art of wayfind- ing. On certain nights, enjoy seaside stargaz- ing with Mauna Kea Sunset Sunrise and Stars on the Kohala Coast. AHU‘ENA HEIAU, KAMAKAHONU BAY, KONA ANNA PACHECO KIRK LEE AEDER 7 We make sure our marine life has lots of room to thrive. With 266 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that the island of Hawai‘i has the most marine conservation districts of all the Hawaiian Islands. That’s wonderful for the honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), manta rays, dolphins and multitudes of colorful reef fish and marine life that thrive in our protected waters — an undersea nirvana for snorkel and scuba aficionados. 8 We’re home to the most prestigious hula competition in the world. Held each year in Hilo, starting on Easter Sunday, the weeklong Merrie Monarch Festival’s three biggest nights are its signature hula competitions. Participation is by invitation, meaning only the best hālau hula (dance troupes) from Hawai‘i and beyond compete. For non-ticket holders, the festival also has craft fairs, a parade through Hilo and hula exhibitions. 9 We’ve got more oceanfront golf holes than any island in the Pacific. And we dare you not to be at least a little bit distracted by all of the sublime natural scenery surrounding the island’s sumptuous greens. Views of Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes. Fairways set like emerald oases amidst obsidian lava fields or set apart by churning seaside coves. Sightsee while you tee off. 10 If it can be grown or ranched, chances are good we’re growing and ranching it. Coffee. Papaya. Mushrooms. Bananas. Strawberries. Cacao. Tea. Grass-fed beef and 11 We expand the definition of nightlife. Nightclubbing is for amateurs. On the island of Hawai‘i, our nightlife includes stargazing from the cloud-free elevations of Maunakea with one of several permitted tour operators or from the comfort of several Kohala Coast resorts. The magic of snorkeling alongside the most graceful manta rays, or scuba diving with pelagic fish. Or the enthralling opportunity to witness creation during a volcanic eruption. 12 We are the island of Hawai‘i. Each of the islands has a Hawaiian name, and ours is Hawai‘i. Experience The Island of Hawai‘i 15
