What to see in Big Island

Papakolea Beach near South Point (Ka Lae) in the Ka'u district is one of the world's rarest beaches, tinted olive green by olivine crystals eroded from the walls of an ancient volcanic cinder cone. Olivine, a magnesium iron silicate mineral denser than quartz, accumulates as lighter particles wash away, gradually concentrating on the beach. The beach sits within a partially collapsed crater that partly shields it from the open Pacific. Access requires a 5-mile round-trip hike on a rough track from the South Point road, or informal shuttle rides arranged locally. Swimming is not advisable due to strong currents and exposed conditions.

Punaluu Beach lies on the Big Island's south coast between Pahala and Na'alehu. The striking black sand is basaltic, formed when lava flows met the ocean and cooled into dark glassy particles broken down by wave action over centuries -- a process that continues as the island's active volcanic landscape evolves. Endangered hawksbill sea turtles and green sea turtles (honu) regularly bask on the black sand, making close encounters near-certain on any visit. A picnic area and parking are available on-site. The beach sits along Highway 11 en route to Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States.

Mauna Kea is a dormant shield volcano rising to 4,207 metres above sea level and the highest point in Hawaii. Measured from its ocean base, the mountain reaches roughly 10,200 metres -- among the tallest on Earth. Its summit plateau sits permanently above the cloud layer with some of the driest, clearest air on the planet, which has attracted thirteen international astronomical observatories from nine nations. The Onizuka Center at 2,800 metres hosts free public stargazing programmes on most clear evenings. A 4WD vehicle is required above the visitor station; altitude acclimatisation is strongly advised before ascending to the 4,207 m summit.

Hilo International Airport, formerly known as General Lyman Field, serves eastern Hawaii from a coastal location 3 miles east of downtown Hilo. Operated by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, it is the main gateway for visitors focused on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park -- just 45 minutes by car -- and the waterfalls and plantation towns of the Hamakua Heritage Coast. The airport primarily handles inter-island flights connecting to Honolulu and Maui, with limited direct mainland service. A compact, uncrowded terminal with car rental desks on-site.

Kona International Airport at Keahole, officially named Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in honour of the Big Island-born NASA astronaut, is the primary gateway to western Hawaii. The open-air terminal sits on a lava field beside the Pacific Ocean, 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona. It serves the leeward coast including the Kohala Coast resort corridor -- Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, and Four Seasons Hualalai are all within a 20-minute drive. Direct mainland connections from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Phoenix operate year-round. All major car rental companies have desks at the terminal.