While Big Island is the youngest island in the archipelago, it’s also the largest. It was geologically formed by five volcanoes, two of which are still active today. The first Polynesian visitors traversed from the Marquesas Islands 1,500 years ago, with Captain Cook opening Hawaii to the Western world in 1778. A year later, Cook was killed by warriors at Kealakekua and warring factions between chieftains was in full swing. By 1791, Kamehameha the Great (born on Hawaii’s Big Island) united the Big Island with the other Hawaiian Islands under his monarchy. Missionaries arrived in Kailua-Kona in 1820, as did Western cattle ranchers. Sugar and coffee plantations thrived. Residents believe that the volcano goddess Pele resides in the Kilauea volcano and still displays her power today. Culture is rich in this Hawaii real estate.

Hilo, also called “Hawaii’s biggest small town,” is one destination on the Big Island of Hawaii that you won’t want to miss. Hilo Bay rests at the foot of the Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, so it’s just a short trip from the Volcano National Park. The quaintness of Hilo is evidenced by the historic wooden storefronts, the farmers market selling fresh fruit, flowers and crafts, the neo-classical Palace Theater (circa 1925) and the Lyman Museum built in 1839 to celebrate Hawaiian heritage. But don’t let this seemingly sleepy town fool you, as it is also packed full of contemporary culture as well! International and local fine art are displayed at the Hilo Art Museum, the East Hawaii Cultural Center is the epicenter of the local art scene, the Chase Gallery features modern sculpture and glass-work, while the Grove Gallery specializes in locally crafted ceramics, woodwork and jewelry. Shopping along Kamehameha Avenue will send you home with treasures of your own.

National Landmarks and miles of coffee harvesting distinguish the Kona Coastline, which stretches from Kailua-Kona to just past Kealakekua Bay. When Kamehamaha the Great established himself as the ruler of a united Hawaii, he chose Big Island’s Kona Coast as his home. Hawaiian Islands history and culture are tangible here, with many ancient sites peppering this region. The 180-acre Puuhonua o Honaunau National Park was once used as a burial site for royalty and famed explorers, as well as a refuge for warriors who had lost battles to seek forgiveness. Today, visitors explore ancient temple platforms, royal fish ponds, tribal huts and old sledding tracks. Similarly, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park is the fascinating site of the first capitol, where you can still see royal fish ponds, stone slides, house site platforms, petroglyphs and religious temple ruins. Hulihee Palace, though it looks like little more than an inn, was actually the vacation home of former Hawaiian Governor John Adams Kuakini (1831-1834), which has now been converted into a museum. At Kealakekua Bay, you can see where Captain Cook was killed by warriors. If you’re feeling more in relaxation mode than adventure mode, then be sure to do some deep-sea-fishing for Pacific Marlin, stop for a cup of fresh Kona coffee or pamper yourself at one of the area’s golf-resorts. South Kona’s clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving, housing dolphins, green sea turtles, giant manta rays and rare never-before-seen sharks.

It’s easy to get a sense of other-worldliness in many spots of Hawaii’s Big Island, from the lava flow features of Kilauea at the Volcanoes National Park, to the spellbinding star gazing and moonscape of the Mauna Kea summit. Just like everywhere else on the Hawaiian Islands, you will certainly have your fair share of idyllic beaches and quaint, artisan beach towns to visit. Cowboys and farmers reveal another dimension of this special place that’s so full of life and diversity. Whether you spend your time at Hapuna Beach State Park or the snow-top of Mauna Kea, you’ll be glad you came.