Welcome to Big Island, Hawaii


Aloha,

Welcome to ICNC 2020, which will be held at one of the world famous tourist places - Big Island (officially named Hawaii) is the largest island in the United States' Hawaiian archipelago in the Central Pacific. Its diverse terrain spans colored-sand beaches at Papakolea (green) and Punalu?u (black) to lush rainforest. Within Volcanoes National Park, there are 2 active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Hapuna Beach and Kahalu'u Beach Park in the west are popular snorkeling sites.

Weather

During summer (May through October), daytime maximum temperatures at sea level generally range from between 85?90 °F (29?32 °C). During winter (October through April), the maximum daytime temperatures ranges between a balmy 79?83 °F (26?28 °C). At low elevation it is very rare for the temperature to rise above 90 degrees in F (32 degree in C) or to drop below 65 degree in F (18 degrees in C).

This stable and pleasant weather is driven by the warm ocean temperature. The surface waters around Hawaii range between 77 degree F (25 degree C) and 83 degree F (28 degree C), all year round, which makes sure the air never cools down that much.

Transportation

The Big Island has two international airports that accommodate major air traffic. Kona International Airport (KOA) at Keahole, located seven miles northwest of Kailua-Kona on the leeward side of the island, accommodates domestic overseas, international, interisland, commuter/air taxi, and general aviation flights.

Hilo International Airport (ITO), two miles east of Hilo on the eastern shore of the island, is used principally for interisland air carrier and general aviation operations.

Many flights into both Hilo and Kailua-Kona originate as interisland flights from Oahu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport or other smaller airports in the Islands.

You can get around by car rental, shuttle, taxi or public transportation system (Hele-on). The shared ride services Uber and Lyft are available on the Big Island. Lyft has been servicing the Big Island since March 23, 2017. As of February 1st, 2019 Lyft will service both international airports on the Big Island and have designated pick up locations at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). For more information about Lyft on the Big Island on the Lyft website https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/big-island-hi.

Sightseeing

The Island of Hawaii, more often simply referred to as the Big Island, is famous for its incredible natural attractions, especially the volcanoes that have shaped and continue to shape the landscape. Originally formed by five volcanoes, the island still continues to grow as the active Kilauea spews lava into the ocean. The two largest volcanoes on the island are Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, which together comprise almost three quarters of the island's surface. Mauna Kea, now extinct, is the highest mountain in the Pacific Basin at 13,800 feet above sea level.

The Big Island is also a top tourist destination for its exotic tropical climate, filled with lush forests and stunning waterfalls, as well as its gorgeous beaches. People come from all over the world to surf the huge Pacific waves, snorkel among the bright fish and coral, and dive to explore the diverse ocean life. Hilo, on the northeast coast, is the island's biggest town and the best place to stay for those focusing on exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kailua-Kona sits on the opposite side of the island in the middle of the west coast. This region is best known for its coffee and breathtaking sunsets.

Some well-known places include: