Winners Circle 2025
May 1-5, 2025

 

The "Big Island" of Hawaii is known as such because it can hold all the other islands of the Hawaiian chain and still have room for more. To drive around the island of Hawaii requires six hours of actual driving time (not counting any stops). ​The geological youngster of the chain, Hawaii and its impressive terrain offers a variety of spectacular contrasts. The island was born of two volcanos: the active Mauna Loa, which rises 13,679 feet about sea level, and the now dormant Mauna Kea -- which at 13,796 feet is the tallest mountain in the world if measured from the ocean floor. Jagged, black volcanic rock covers part of the island, while elsewhere high mountain rain forests contrast with desert terrain. Deep, lush valleys and green rainforests form a backdrop to long stretches of rugged sea cliffs, and acres of rolling grasslands drop into brilliant blue seas.

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Waimea, at the north end of the island, is a charming rural farm and ranch area with historic museums. The district of Kohala is rich in plantation life style, history, and plays host to many exciting activities. The major resorts and white sand beaches are located along the leeward Kohala Coast. Spectacular waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs along the Hamakua Coast, and the beautiful Waipi'o Valley (Valley of the Kings) attracts many visitors. Coffee plantations, koa wood, macadamia nut farms as well as the USA's only commercial vanilla bean farm are located along the coast. Hilo,  on the eastern side, is the major city on the island, with its deep draft harbor, former sugar plantations and renovated downtown. To the sparsely populated south - the southernmost point of the United States - lies Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as some extraordinary green and black sand beaches. The southwestern coast is also home to many coffee, tea, and cocoa bean plantations, as well as Kealakekua Bay (landing place of Captain Cook), and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau or "City of Refuge", now a National Historic Park of stunning beauty. The town of Kailua-Kona is synonymous with sunny days and has long been a major tourist attraction on the west side, with unique shops and charming restaurants on the water where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular sunsets over Honokohau Harbor.

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The "Big Island" of Hawaii exemplifies the essence of a cherished heritage bequeathed by the ancient Hawaiian Kings and Queens who forged the philosophy of "Aloha", which recognizes the divinity of all creation. The word "Aloha" translates to "alo" (in the presence of) and "ha" (the breath of divinity). On the Big Island, Hawaiian roots run deep and strong and the welcoming spirit of Aloha lives on. 

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