With snow-capped mountain peaks, black-sand beaches, and sparkling waterfalls, the Big Island of Hawaii is big on contrasts. It's the largest island in the chain (4,038 square-miles and growing) and the least populated (30 people per square-mile). It's also home to an impressive diversity of climate zones and natural environments. Black lava deserts stretch out from Kilauea Volcano to the sea. Lush, emerald-green flora covers the eastern Hamakua coast. During the winter months, the snow atop Mauna Kea attracts adventurous skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

Such variations make for striking and, at times, unexpected views. In the middle of Kilauea's vast black lava fields, a tropical rainforest has sprung up. Like an island within an island, the lively rainforest is a bird-watcher's paradise. On the southern part of the island (Ka Lae), one discovers that a hike through dry, rocky terrain reveals a green-sand beach.

The Kohala coast awaits those in search of white sandy beaches and a profusion of sunshine. And inland from the Kohala coast, in upcountry Waimea, you'll find rolling green pastures where the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) roam. In 1847, the 150,000-acre Parker Ranch was founded on this grazing land, making it one of the country's oldest and largest cattle ranches.

Discover how to make Hali'i Kai your Hawaii island home today. Call us at 1.877.955.9633.