The Big Island Editor Picks

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Editor Picks

Not that size always matters, but the biggest island in Hawaii certainly can claim some of the state’s most iconic sites – from active volcanoes and tropical coastline to top-tier golf courses and spectacular star-gazing. Let our Editor Picks, hand-selected by Sherman’s staff, guide you to the best places to eat, sleep, shop, socialize, and sightsee on this classic Hawaiian island.

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This barefoot, all-inclusive, oceanfront resort resembles a Polynesian village with free-standing bungalows (many with hammocks or hot tubs). It’s changed little since its heydey in the '70s and that’s exactly how guests like it.

Queen Kaahumanu Hwy.; Kailua-Kona, HI; 800-367-5290; www.konavillage.com

These modern, free-standing wooden lodges tucked inside the volcano rainforest have fireplaces and viewing decks, as well as Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

19th Rd; Volcano, HI; 808-985-9500; www.volcanovillagelodge.com

This impressive astronomy center connects the dots between the ancient Hawaiian art of navigating by the stars and the dozen world-class telescopes that reside on the summit of Mauna Kea. The café and gift shop are worth a peek too.

600 Imiloa Pl.; Hilo, HI; 808-969-9700; www.imiloahawaii.org

Big Island has some of the best spas in the state and Mauna Lani is one of its finest. Unwind in the black lava rock sauna, meditation garden and watsu pool.

68-1365 Pauoa Rd.; Kohala, HI; 808-881-7922; www.maunalani.com

Big Island is also known for having some of the top greens in the state, including the Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay-designed Hapuna Golf Course, with its sweeping panoramic views 700 feet above sea level.

62-100 Kaunaoa Dr.; Kohala, HI; 808-880-3000; www.princeresortshawaii.com/hapuna-golf.php

Helicopter tours like “The Big Island Spectacular” aren’t cheap, but there really is no other way to get a bird’s eye view of otherwise inaccessible areas of sea cliff coastline, lush green valleys, and boiling volcanic lava pits.

Hilo, HI; 808-961-5600; www.bluehawaiian.com

Hit this not-for-profit gallery and gift shop for precious, one-of-a-kind crafts found nowhere else in Hawaii (koa furniture, volcano-ash fired ceramics, and carved-bone jewelry).

Volcanoes National Park; Volcano, HI; 866-967-7565; www.volcanoartcenter.org

It's impossible to imagine a more perfect setting the beach at the Mauna Lani Resort, with tiki...more

68-1400 Mauna Lani DriveHI; 808-881-7911; www.maunalani.com

Hawaii’s most famous chef opened a new location of his namesake chain when, and it...more

250 Waikoloa Beach Dr.; Kohala, HI; 808-886-4321; www.roysrestaurant.com

Make a pilgrimage to one of the wonders of the world: a live volcano. Pay the park entry fee and stay and explore for up to a week. You could camp, but there’s no need to rough it – Volcano House hotel (808-967-7321; www.volcanohousehotel.com) is on the park grounds.

Volcano National Park; Hwy. 11HI; 808-985-6000; www.nps.gov/havo

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