Hawaii - Four Seasons Hotel

The 'Big Island', known as Hawaii, is an amazing mix of old meets new. The largest in the Hawaiian Island chain, you can fit the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai in it, and still have room to spare. It is vast in land mass, and diverse in geography, with one side of the island, known as the Kona side, desert like in appearance and arid, with 10 inches of rainfall a year, compared to the Hilo side, which averages 250 inches a year. In driving time around the whole island, it is approximately 8 hours without stopping. This vastness lends to an eye full of beauty everywhere you turn. It is an island that is alive and growing, and a lesson to those who visit, in history.

I landed on the Kona side of Hawaii. The airstrip is carved out of black volcanic lava fields. It's quite unique and beautiful, and you begin to feel as if you have stepped back into time. Immediately after arrival, I hurried to my car rental area. I suggest that you rent a car, as it is one of the best ways to experience the island.

With map in hand, I ventured to the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kona. The resort is on a half mile of white sand beach, on the Kona Coast, about 10 minutes from the airport. It is incredible, and there has been great care in keeping with nature and solitude. As I walked around, I noticed that the grounds had remnants of ancient lava flows and beautiful birds and flowers I had never seen before. It is a quiet, serene place that you can bring your family to, with five pools, three wonderful restaurants, and a top rate fitness club boasting tennis, canoeing, surfing and, for those who want nothing but pampering, a full service spa where you can have an outdoor massage or body scrub... trust me, you'll leave rejuvenated.

I ventured out of the resort, to soak up the opportunity for Hawaiian adventures. There are several adventures to enjoy when you visit Hawaii. It is an outdoor enthusiasts dream.

One of the best adventures that Hawaii has to offer is the active Volcano on the Hilo side of the island. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters had the most spectacular way to see it. They offer several aerial tours, which take you over and around the Volcano, over the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes (now extinct), Parker Ranch, and through the Kohala Mountains to the magical 1000 plus feet waterfalls that cascade down the sides of the cliffs. You can choose a tour of one or the other or both. Request pilot George Nischan for the adventure. He's informative and a great guide. It is a must do, even if you do nothing else during your stay.