Hawaii, also known as "The Big Island", is home to unique black sand beaches, snow-covered mountains, and verdant valleys. You can enjoy lush scenery, take part in exciting activities, and visit picturesque parks. Before you set out on your journey to Hawaii, read this extensive guide through to the end. It will let you know all about fun activities, safety tips, the best seasons to visit, and information about travel insurance plans.
Before leaving for Hawaii, book a visitors medical insurance plan. This is what experienced travelers do to avoid unexpected expenses related to medical emergencies and sudden cancellations.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Hawaii - FAQs
Ending up in a hospital is probably the last thing you would anticipate while planning for a trip. However, emergencies can always occur, even while you're on vacation. If you were to need medical treatment, you would have to spend a lot of money for such treatment at a private medical facility. And if the illness or injury is severe enough, you might need emergency medical evacuation or repatriation. With a visitors medical insurance plan, your insurance company can help you with the treatment costs.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Hawaii?
Hawaii is home to diverse wildlife. You may get bitten or stung while hiking or snorkeling. Healthcare in the U.S. is prohibitively expensive. To make sure that you can seek treatment at the best medical facility immediately and without hesitation, make sure that you book an adequate visitors medical insurance plan.
What should I look for in my Hawaii (Big Island) visitors medical insurance?
Consider the following benefits as you're purchasing visitors insurance:
- Coverage for emergency medical expenses
- Coverage for injuries sustained through adventurous or extreme sports. You might need to purchase an additional adventurous sports travel insurance rider specifically designed to cover riskier-than-average activities.
- Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Coverage for emergency medical evacuation
Are you hesitating to buy a visitors medical insurance plan because it seems like an unnecessary expense? It is only a small fraction of the huge sum you might have to spend at a private medical facility. Be cautious, and buy visitors medical insurance so that you do not find yourself staring at a financial catastrophe.
Hawaii's Most Popular Places to Visit
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park experiences frequent volcanic activity. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are the largest active volcanoes on earth and, hence, popular tourist attractions. You can explore the diverse and rich culture and history of Hawaii, hike the backcountry, and go on exciting road trips at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Waipio Valley
You can hike to the Waipio Valley and enjoy a marvelous view of the Waipio River. You can take the shorter trail (about 5 miles, or 8 kilometers) or the longer and more picturesque Muliwai Trail. The Waipio Valley is a paradise for nature lovers. The black sands beach and the Kaluahine Falls are its most popular attractions. Did we mention that the sunset in the Waipio Valley is simply breathtaking?
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest mountain. At its peak lies the Mauna Kea Observatory. Visit the Mauna Kea Observatory to participate in stargazing. The most fun and interactive way to explore the Mauna Kea Mountain is by taking the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour. If you take this tour, you won't have to worry about transportation or parking.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
The Kona Coffee Living History Farm is a living reminder of how farmers turned the volcanic soil of Hawaii into one of the most well-known coffee farms in the world. Visiting this farm is like watching the agricultural history of Hawaii replay itself in front of you. At Kona, you can also try grinding coffee the old-fashioned way.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is home to Hawaii's greatest architectural marvels. It features a great wall, wooden statues of gods, and the temple of Hale o Keawe Heiau. This national historical park will amaze you with its distinctive landscape. It is an absolute paradise for photographers.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Hawaii
Stay on Known Hiking Trails
Much of Hawaii is wilderness. The National Park authorities keep alerts posted so that tourists know which areas to avoid. Stay on marked hiking trails so that you can reach out for help with relative ease if needed.
Beware of Volcanic Activity
Hawaii is home to active volcanoes. If you are close to volcanic activity, your lungs will be exposed to volcanic cinder, ashes, and sulfur dioxide gas. These pollutants can be severely harmful to your health. If you see that a part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is closed for visitors, do not risk going near it.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay in the heart of Hawaiian nature, then the Volcano House—located inside Hawaii National Park—is the perfect refuge for you. Other than that, Hawaii has many bed & breakfast facilities that you can book
Transportation
You can rent a car at the Hilo or Kona Airport. You can also rent bicycles or motorcycles if you want to truly enjoy the view while traveling. Public buses are available on the island, though the route is not very extensive.
Before You Travel to Hawaii (Big Island): Do This
You are almost ready for an exotic vacation in Hawaii. Before you go, consider the following suggestions.
- Do not wear shorts while hiking. The trails are filled with centipedes. Be sure to wear plenty of insect repellant.
- Check the weather before visiting the Big Island. If you see any alert which can be cause for concern, be aware of how that might affect your trip.