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Hawaii Island, the biggest island in the Hawaiian chain, is home to some of its most stunning scenery. Much less populated than Oahu, the Big Island has gorgeously preserved nature and a strong agricultural economy. Take a tour of a coffee plantation and enjoy relaxation in the resort areas of the island, but be sure not to miss these incredible natural sights.

                                         A green turtles basks on Punalu'u Beach; photo via Aloha Valley.

Punalu'u Beach is a beautiful black-sand beach, the color coming from the fact that the sand is made up of very finely ground lava rocks—lava flowed into the ocean and exploded upon contact with the cooling water. The beach is a regular nesting and sun-bathing area for green and hawksbill turtles, and sightings are nearly guaranteed year-round. In addition to being a lovely spot, the beach is fully outfitted for swimming—though the water can be cold—with lifeguards on duty. For a day at the beach that's a little something different, make the trek to the south side of the island to Punalu'u.

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Tags: Hawaii, Hawaii Island, Big Island, nature, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, turtles, beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, lava, state park

From February 15 through June 15, 2016, you could win a trip to Hawaii or cash prizes simply by learning more about Hawaii and how to sell the six iconic islands that deliver the vacation of your clients' dreams. 

Qualifying travel agents who register will be entered into monthly drawings for $100 American Express gift cards. Even better, qualified agents who register for the program and complete the online Hawaii Destination Specialist Program (Certifications 1 and 2) will have a chance to win the Grand Prize: Round-trip airfare for two and a five-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for two!

Click here to register!

Keep reading to learn more about all that Hawaii offers your clients and the resources that HVCB provides to our travel professional partners:

With six iconic islands, the Hawaiian Islands deliver More...

Tags: Hawaii, HVCB, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, travel agents, booking travel to Hawaii, Hawaii vacation, win trip to Hawaii

A while ago, I watched a fascinating documentary called "The City Dark" about light pollution and the search for total nighttime darkness in such a heavily lighted world. In it, astronomers camped out at the top of the world’s largest dormant volcano, Maui’s Haleakala, where the stars are more visible than almost anywhere else on earth, thanks to its isolation and location above the clouds. More...

Tags: Hawaii, Maui, Haleakala

Hilo, Hawaii, makes a perfect base for exploring all that Hawaii Island has to offer—exquisite botanical gardens, smoking craters, glowing lava flows and crashing waves perfect for surfing. And with all the rain it receives, Hilo remains lush and colorful year-round. But this town offers more than good looks: It's also a haven for foodies.

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Tags: hilo, hawaii, dining, ken's house of pancakes, seaside restaurant, what's shakin, tex drive in, cafe pesto hilo bay, travel, island, tropical