
Night Manta Ray Encounters on the Big Island: What to Expect & How to Prepare
There are plenty of memorable things you can do on the Big Island, but floating in the Pacific after dark while enormous manta rays glide just inches beneath you is in a category all its own. At first, it can sound a little intimidating. You are getting into the ocean at night, after all. Then…

Kīlauea’s 50th Eruption Episode: Natural Fireworks on the Big Island
As Hawaiʻi gets ready for Fourth of July celebrations, Kīlauea offered a dramatic celebration of its own. On June 27, 2026, the volcano marked Episode 50 of its ongoing summit eruption inside Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Lava fountaining began at 10:10 a.m. HST and ended at 5:10 p.m., after seven hours of…

Packing for the Big Island: What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
Packing for a Big Island vacation is different than packing for a typical beach getaway. Yes, you will want swimsuits, sandals, sun hats, and plenty of beach time. But Hawaiʻi Island is wonderfully varied. In one trip, you can float in warm ocean water, drive through cool ranch country, and end the day wrapped in…