Howstuffworks "Big Island Overview "

How big is the Big Island? At 4,028 square miles, it's the largest island in the United States. Smoosh all the other Hawaiian isles together and the resulting mash-up still pales by comparison. And the Big Island gets bigger every day because the active volcano at its center spews red-hot lava that cools into black volcanic rock, expanding the island's landmass by a few feet each day.

The mountain in the middle makes it difficult to get from one side of the island to the other. There's a road through the center, but rental cars aren't allowed on it. You can drive from the posh resorts on the western Kona and Kohala coasts to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the southeastern side, but the three-hour trip isn't advised. It's better to divide your Big Island experience into two itineraries.

For the sightseeing itinerary, head to Volcanoes National Park. It's less than an hour from Hilo, which isn't much of a getaway since it's the wettest city in America (the park, however, gets much less rain). Activities at the neighboring Volcano Village revolve around the simultaneously bleak and beautiful black-volcanic-rock landscape created by this massive force of nature. Make sure you take a helicopter ride to see the volcano erupt. In Volcano Village, you'll find small inns, cottages and bed and breakfasts, with casual food options to match.

The relaxation itinerary brings you to the Kona and Kohala coasts. They are spots for luxury hotels with waiters serving you tropical drinks as you lounge on the beach. The Four Seasons and Fairmont Orchid resorts compete with amazing independents like Mauna Lani and Kona Village. With high-end restaurants serving gourmet Hawaiian regional cuisine, a plethora of pools and all the activities you can imagine, these self-contained resorts give you little reason to leave.

Whichever route you choose, realize that the Big Island isn't the stereotypical tropical locale. Don't expect white sandy shores—almost all of the beaches on the Big Island have soft black volcanic sand. One of the most popular is Punalu Beach. The black sand is actually small pieces of smooth glass that come from lava flows that go into the ocean, where it cools and gets broken up into little pieces. You'll find great swimming and cute wildlife.

While on the Big Island, you'll also find perfect settings for sunset cocktails on the beach and luaus (which make up the island's nightlife) as well as loads of water activities. You can do everything from kayaking and parasailing to snorkeling and scuba diving along coral reefs. But if you want a deeper look at the underwater life, take a submarine tour, which plummets 100 feet below the surface. After seeing Big Island from up in the air and below the depths of the sea, you'll understand how big and gorgeous it really is.

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