The Island of Hawai‘i is much loved for its active volcanoes and fields of hardened black lava, lush northern pasturelands, snowcapped peaks and sleepy “Wild West” towns. With a landscape this riveting, it can be easy to overlook the Big Island’s coastal wonderlands of golden, black and even olivine sand beaches and plenty of sun, plus unique up-close-and-personal marine life experiences that rival or sometimes even exceed those on the neighboring islands.

In the Kailua-Kona area, take a sailboat cruise to Kealakekua Bay, a national marine preserve and site of Capt. James Cook’s demise in 1779. This restful undersea paradise features clear, deep waters brimming with rainbows of tropical fish, exotic corals and sea urchins the size of bowling balls—a perfect spot for a morning or an afternoon of snorkeling. In the evening, head to Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa to see the giant manta ray from the shore, or even night snorkel or scuba dive among them with the Sheraton’s memorable Manta Ray Experience. For a more “Hemingwayesque” water adventure, try sports fishing—Kona is famous for its billfish and other big sea game.

On the Hilo side of the island, the Kapoho Tide Pools await you at the end of a drive through the rural Puna District. Graced with the rugged beauty for which the Big Island is noted, many of the tide pools harbor geothermally heated water as well as abundant life, making a visit both delightful and educational. Tread lightly to preserve this fragile environment for the next resident or visitor.

Wherever you choose to explore the Big Island’s coastline, you’re sure to find a little taste of heaven.

Exploring a Big, Big Island

TheManta Ray Experience lets you swim with gentle giants photo: James L Wing

BODY GLOVE CRUISES offers snorkeling and scuba diving at Pawai Bay, a marine preserve. Witness tropical fish, sea turtles and dolphins among beautiful coral reef gardens. Breakfast, lunch, flotation toys and much more. Also join in for a sunset cocktail cruise, two-hour open bar, heavy pūpū and live entertainment. Call 326-7122 or 800-551- 8911 and visit snorkelkona.com

BOSS FROG’S DIVE & SURF With two locations in Kona, you’ll rent the best snorkel sets at the lowest price. Boss Frog’s covers all your beach rental needs from surfboards to golf clubs, as well as discounts on all activities. In Kailua-Kona at 75-5725 Ali‘i Drive, Suite C111 and down the street at 75-6082 Ali‘i Drive, Suite 10-C. 331-1990 or toll free at 888-700-3764. Visit bossfrog.com

HARPER CAR AND TRUCK RENTAL is the Big Island’s only specialty rental company, featuring five- to 15-passenger four-by-four recreation vehicles and trucks. Hilo and Kona. Call 969-1478, 800-852- 9993 or visit harpershawaii.com

SAFARI HELICOPTER TOURS People’s No. 1 choice since 1987, Safari Helicopters offers 1.5-hour Ultimate and Eco Tour Adventures. Safari is the first and only company legally authorized to provide a remote landing where Jurassic Park was filmed. Safari features the ASTAR 350 B2 with huge windows, Bose stereo headsets and an FAA-approved multiple-camera system for a DVD of your actual tour. FAA Part- 135 certified. Call 800-326-3356 or visit safarihelicopters.com for great savings.

SNORKEL BOB BrandTM masks include the Seamo BettaTM and Li’l Mo BettaTM if you need Rx lenses. Snorkel Bob’s Compleat Reef Video is the what-for and where-from of snorkeling, and it’s free overnight when you get gear from Snorkel Bob. All islands 8-5 every day. Kona (329-0770) and Kaloko (329-0771). Visit snorkelbob.com

VOLCANO WINERY Wine tasting in paradise is just a sip away at the Big Island’s Volcano Winery. Come taste these award-winning wines, including Symphony Dry and sweet Macadamia Nut Honey wine. Tasting is free. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at the 30-mile marker. Call 967-7772 or visit volcanowinery.com

VOLCANO ART CENTER offers free, guided rain forest tours every Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village; a retail art gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park; hula shows, concerts, workshops and much more. Call 967-8222/967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org

WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT offers two championship golf courses for golfers of all levels. The Beach Course winds its way through ancient lava fields along the Kohala Coast—quite simply, resort golf at its finest. The Kings’ Course is a 7,000-plus-yard links-style course that offers stunning views of the towering volcanoes of the Big Island framed by palm trees and vibrant flowers surrounded by ancient lava fields. Call 877-WAIKOLOA or visit waikoloabeachresort.com

Buy, Buy, Buy

CABOANDCORAL.COM Capture the aloha spirit with Cabo & Coral Go Surfing! Inspirational and educational, it teaches about sharing waves, surfing etiquette, living in harmony with our environment and respecting the beach. Partial proceeds go to Surfrider Foundation. Visit CaboandCoral.com

CRAZY SHIRTS Founded in 1964, Crazy Shirts is a brand of top-quality T-shirts and apparel made from the finest materials available and decorated with original, fun art. There are 37 retail stores located in Hawai‘i, Guam, California, Nevada and Florida. Call the catalog store at 800-771-2720 or visit crazyshirts.com

HILO HATTIE—THE STORE OF HAWAI‘I is where you will discover the largest selection of Big Island souvenirs, fashions, T-shirts and gifts, with low manufacturer prices. Kona (329-7200) or Hilo (961-3077). Free transporation from most hotels or visit HiloHattie.com

HILTON WAILOKOA VILLAGE is set on 62 lushly landscaped acres along the beautiful Kohala Coast. Cruise aboard mahogany boats, discover art and cultural treasures, award-winning dining, worldclass shopping, 36 holes of golf and the Kohala Sports Club & Spa. Call 886-1234 or visit HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com

INDICH COLLECTION specializes in unique hand-woven Hawaiian Rugs® in designs of plumeria, heliconia, bird of paradise and more. Wide range of sizes. In Kona, Old Industrial Area, 74-5599 Luhia St. Call 329-6500. Also on O‘ahu and Maui. Visit hawaiianrugs.com

KAMA‘AINA WOODS has been “the koa bowl specialists” since 1976, featuring a factory and gift shop in Honoka‘a. Introducing “Huli Hands,” handcrafted and sold only from the factory. 775- 7722. For phone orders, call 800-551-9306 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or visit hulihands.com

KINGS’ SHOPS is a charming, first-class shopping center that features luxury designer boutiques with a splash of quaint Hawaiian shops. Enjoy a refreshing beverage while relaxing by the cascading waterfalls, or stroll the center enjoying the native Hawaiian plants and dramatic murals depicting Old Hawai‘i. With complimentary nightly entertainment center stage, you’ll enjoy the Hawaiian-style ambiance. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Call 886-8811 or visit kingsshops.com

KOA COFFEE PLANTATION produces 100 percent Kona coffee that is consistently smooth, with a rich, well-balanced flavor. Called the “Best Coffee in America” by Forbes magazine. A truly delicious cup of coffee! Call 866-562-5282 or visit koacoffee.com

LAHAINA GALLERIES Among the most respected names in the art world, Jim and Nancy Killett opened Lahaina Galleries in 1976. Paintings and sculptures by renowned artists, including Hart, Buffet, Ginzburg, Campanile, Luongo, The Twins and more. Located at The Shops at Mauna Lani (885-7244).

LOUIS VUITTON has been synonymous with the history of travel since 1854. Experience Louis Vuitton’s fashion—from travel goods, handbags and accessories to the current season of men’s and women’s collections. Kings’ Shops—Waikoloa (886-0262).

MAUI DIVERS JEWELRY has an exquisite selection of fine jewelry. Located at Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa (886- 0055), Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center (966-7692) in Hilo, Royal Kona Coffee Visitor Center (328-1313) in Captain Cook, Kona Square (329-9560) in Kona, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa (324-7979) and in Hilo Hattie Hilo (961-3615) and Kona (329-6682). Visit mauidivers.com

NA HOKU As diverse and beautiful as the Big Island itself, Nā Hökū’s collection of fine jewelry accents your individuality, taste and style. Nā Hökū captures the essence of the Hawaiian lifestyle with exquisite creations from Kabana, Steven Douglas, Wyland and other renowned artists. Located at Kona Marketplace (329-5080), Kings’ Shops (886-7599) and Hilton Waikoloa Village (886-5019). Visit NaHoku.com

ORIGINAL HAWAIIAN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Original Hawaiian Chocolate . . . the only chocolate of its kind in the world! Made and grown on the island of Hawai‘i. You are invited to savor our exceptionally unique handcrafted Original Hawaiian Chocolate. Chocolate is Aloha!® Call 322-2626 or visit originalhawaiianchocolatefactory.com

THE ORIGINAL PLUMERIA LEI COLLECTION features beautiful bracelets, earrings, pendants, necklaces and rings created by designer Denny Wong. Available on the Big Island at Royal Gold (886-7701, 331- 8818), Originals by Oscar (322-6767) and Kona Jewelers (329-8434).

PEARL FACTORY At the authentic Pearl Factory, Hawai‘i’s original Pearl-in-the-Oyster, you’ll discover some of the most beautiful, high-quality saltwater cultured pearls in the Islands. Pearl Factory offers a wide range of locally created settings, with an equally wide range of prices. Located in the Kona Marketplace (327-1749).

QUEEN’S MARKETPLACE is the exciting new Hawaiian lifestyle shopping destination at Waikoloa Beach Resort, a 23,000-square-foot Island gourmet marketplace that hosts everything a family desires. The Marketplace offers everything from everyday necessities to favorite foods and special souvenirs. A selection of quality local- and national-brand retailers caters to visitors and residents alike. The food court offers a quick bite, while the variety of restaurants hosts sit-down, family-style dining. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Call 886-8822 or visit queensmarketplace.net

SANDAL TREE has an outstanding selection of footwear for men and women for every occasion and a great line of accessories. At the Hilton Waikoloa Village (886-7884). Visit sandaltree.com

TIFFANY & CO. Since 1837, Tiffany & Co. has captivated the world with elegant design and remarkable craftsmanship. Here you will find the timeless creations that have made Tiffany the world’s premier jeweler and America’s house of design. At Kings’ Shops (886-1931).

TOMMY BAHAMA retail emporiums offer a broad range of refined men’s and women’s collections of sportswear, swimwear, footwear, home décor and accessories. Tommy Bahama compounds, consisting of a retail emporium and Tropical Café, offer the complete lifestyle environment that takes you to a unique destination with the full flavor of the Islands. Tommy Bahama emporiums are located in Honolulu, Kïhei, the Kohala Coast, Lahaina and Waikoloa (opening Spring 2008). Tommy Bahama compounds are located in Kïhei and the Kohala Coast. Visit tommybahama.com

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY Located in the historic 1877 Volcano House in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the gallery features fine art and crafts by more than 300 artists. Much of the work—including wood and glass, painting and photography— is one of a kind and can be found nowhere else in Hawai‘i. Call 967-7565 daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit volcanoartcenter.org

Your Very Own Estate

BROOKFIELD HOMES HAWAI‘I builds homes with enduring design and timeless architecture, all within nature’s most beautiful surroundings. Each one of our neighborhoods completes the resort experience. Visit KaMilo at the Mauna Lani Resort on Hawai‘i, Nihilani at the Princeville Resort and PiliMai at Po‘ipū on Kaua‘i—and live the difference. Visit BrookfieldHawaii.com

FARM CREDIT SERVICES OF HAWAI‘I Planning to buy open or improved land, construct a new project or purchase livestock or equipment? Need funds to operate your business or refinance an existing mortgage? Farmers, ranchers, fishermen, nursery owners and country homeowners can call Farm Credit Services of Hawai‘i for help. Toll free 800-894-4996. Visit HawaiiFarmCredit.com

HAWAII REALTY BROKERS & ASSOCIATES specializes in luxury condominiums and w townhomes, luxury homes and estates, vacation rentals and investment properties, vacant residential and agricultural land, beachfront, ocean or mountain views. Linda Kelly, principal broker, GRI, ABR. Call 895- 2701 or visit hawaiirealtybrokers.com

KE KAILANI means “the sea reaching for the heavens,” and is a place where terrestrial grandeur and ethereal grace coexist in harmony in a community unlike any other. In addition to its abundant natural beauty, this last parcel of oceanfront land in Mauna Lani Resort offers estate lots and villas with a host of extraordinary amenities. For information, contact Ke Kailani Realty at 886-2000 or visit kekailani.com

KULALANI AT MAUNA LANI This gated community of two- and threebedroom luxury townhomes along the championship North Course embodies resort living and Hawai‘i’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Kulalani offers five exceptional floor plans, reflecting Hawai‘i’s contemporary or plantation-style architecture, and features designer appointments and architectural touches including high, vaulted ceilings, attached garages and lānai. Call 885- 8577 or visit stanfordcarr.com

WAIKOLOA BEACH MARRIOTT is set on 15 prime oceanfront acres along the sun-splashed Kohala Coast. The worldclass, 545-room resort overlooks beautiful ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay and a half-mile crescent of golden sand. Call 800-922-5533 or visit waikoloabeachmarriott.com

WAI‘ULA‘ULA The estate residences at Wai‘ula‘ula are Mauna Kea’s crown jewels. From the moment you arrive, you’ll understand why: They are luxurious and spacious, with Hawai‘i’s best views and all that the Mauna Kea has to offer. Call 888-657-4253 or visit waiulaula.com

WEHILANI AT WAIKOLOA offers spacious floor plans, nearby beaches and championship golf courses, all the amenities of Waikoloa Village and more. It’s a perfect place for a perfect lifestyle. Call 883-3753 or visit castle-cooke.com

Room with an Opulent View

HāPUNA BEACH PRINCE HOTEL on the stunning Kohala Coast is a luxurious beachfront hotel where one can experience the true essence of rejuvenation. Guests can relax in the elegant guest rooms, play championship golf, indulge in exquisite dining and enjoy all the amenities of the renowned Mauna Kea Resort. Call 880-1111 or 866- PRINCE-6. For tee times, call 882-5400. Visit PrinceResortsHawaii.com

KONA VILLAGE RESORT is Hawai‘i’s only Polynesian-style resort, with 125 thatched-roof bungalows scattered among lush tropical beaches, ancient fishponds and lava seascapes. Enjoy romantic, star-studded nights, cool tropical breezes and idyllic days, and no intrusions from televisions, radios, clocks or telephones. Visit konavillage.com