Although tourism has increased on the Big Island, it still lags behind that of Maui and Oahu, and that's not bad news for you at all! Its immense size allows people to be more spread out (unlike Waikiki) and the island is generally quite uncrowded. Except for Kailua-Kona and Hilo and possibly Waimea, there really aren't too many major population centers and even those towns are pretty manageable. Driving around the island, it's possible to travel good distances and see nothing more than wilderness, lava, and ranchland.

Almost everywhere you go, there is the feeling of a small-town, laid-back atmosphere. You'll feel the aloha spirit among residents, most of whom are happy to share their island with their temporary guests. The small towns and the wide-open spaces contribute to the rural ambience. Many visitors feel that of the four main islands, it's culturally the most Hawaiian. The Big Island can also inspire a sense of adventure. There are volcanoes to visit, even if just from your car, and loads of things to do in the water and on land.