by Glynnis Hayward

Created on: January 03, 2009   Last Updated: January 04, 2009

Can you name a vacation destination where you can you swim in a clear, warm ocean and see snow on top of the tallest mountain in the world at the same time? The answer is not somewhere overlooking Mount Everest, so don't get out the atlas to see what warm oceans are near Nepal. The answer is on the Big Island of Hawaii. That's right, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain when measured from its base on the sea floor from where it erupted. Year round it has snow covering it, as does Mauna Loa which is slightly shorter but much broader, making it the largest mountain in the world.

But it's primarily the beaches that make the Big Island a vacation paradise destination. The Pacific Ocean is warm and as clear blue as it gets so snorkeling is a treat if this is your fancy. Colorful tropical fish teem on many of the wide beaches and smaller coves, and in the winter months you will be rewarded with the magnificent sight of whales breaching out of the water to enormous heights. The ocean can be transformed from glassy smooth to pounding surf after a winter storm and surfers are in their element. If you are on the Kohala or Kona coasts on the western side of the island, the annual rainfall is only approximately 8 - 12 inches, so your vacation is unlikely to be ruined by rain however. The temperatures here in the Tropics remain at a steady 80 degree Fahrenheit on average, so this really is a perfect vacation destination. As it's the Big Island (bigger than the other Hawaiian islands put together), there is much more space to absorb crowds and so one never feels that there are too many people sharing the same space as you! You might have to share the beach with green turtles, however. They are protected, so be sure not to touch them.

Something unique is what you're looking for in a vacation destination? How about an active volcano that belches hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of lava per day from Pu'u 'O'o on Kilauea, making a spectacular show especially at night when you can see its orange glow moving down into the water. Obviously you have to view from a distance with your own binoculars or aided by a telescope provided by the Parks Department. Be sure to take a flashlight if you go at night to light your way as you walk to the viewing point.

If you are a golfer, you are in for a treat with the many superb golf courses on the island. Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea and Hapuna are just a few to mention. If you plan to play more than once, try looking for special deals on line which

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