Flights And Sights

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.

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.