Your first glimpse of the Big Island, called Hawaii, may be the snow-capped peak of Mauna Kea. Thrown up from the early volcanoes of the ocean floor, its base is so deep in the early seas that its overall height is greater than that of Mount Everest.

Majesty and splendor characterize the variety of this King of the Hawaiian Islands, from where unification of the entire chain of islands began in the late eighteenth century. Hilo is the last frontier of Old Hawaii, where you can still experience the warmth of the Aloha Spirit, which is not only endemic to the local people, but exudes from every pore of its living body.

Explore a breathing volcano among extinct craters, Devastation Trail, silver waterfalls, botanical gardens, the Space Observatory. Hear legends of cliff caves in which ancient kahuna, Hawaiian Priests conducted their sacred rites amid the bleached bones of their dead. Visit the heeiau, temples, where human sacrifices were offered to the Gods.

What better way to live the real Hawaii experience than from the authenticity of Waiakea Villas Hotel. Located in the center of Hilo, it is one of the few hotels that offers you modern comfort in the old style beside your own blue lagoon.

Photos by Nathan Becker and Sunstar Elan

Waiakea Villas Hotel, 400 Hualani Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Tollfree: (877)WAIAKEA (924-2532), Local: (808)961-2841 ext. 3, Fax: (808)961-6797 E-mail: info@hotelsinparadise.com