As the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island of Hawaii is an amazingly active place — literally. Home to the world's longest continually erupting volcano (Kilauea caldera) and such scenic tours as the Chain of Craters Drive, the desolate beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see for visitors.

The volcano isn't the island's only natural wonder. For truly stunning vistas, take a drive on Highway 11, which skirts the lava fields of the Ka'u Desert between Volcanoes National Park and the tiny southern town of Na'alehu. On the opposite side of the island, the lush Hamakua Coast between Hilo and Waimea towns (Highway 19) hosts a myriad of scenic attractions, including botanical gardens, 'Akaka Falls and tiny Honomu Village, whose block-long main street is a window-shoppers' delight. If you're island hopping... We recommend spending at least 4 days exploring the Big Island.