An active volcano, fields of black lava, lush rain forests, arid desert – Big Island with its many microclimates is a glorious surprise to the senses. Hawaii is a chain of islands, perhaps the best-known of which is Maui, synonymous with surfing, and Oahu, where you'll find the glittering metropolis of Honolulu. The largest however, is the lesser-known but no less spectacular island of Hawaii, called Big Island to avoid confusion. Here are 7 reasons to visit Big Island, Hawaii:

1. Communion with nature
It's impossible not to fall in love with Big Island's flora and fauna: Sleepy sea turtles lounging on the beach, brightly coloured birds taking wing, the sway of palm trees, gorgeous hibiscus, ohia and kukui blossoms growing everywhere would enchant even the most jaded urbanite. Many of Big Island's villa-style accommodations make you feel as if you're outdoors all the time, from the swanky Four Seasons Hualalai which has outdoor showers and spacious lanais on ground-floor rooms, to the thatched hales (huts) of eco-conscious Kona Village Resort.

2. Hawaiian culture
Lei, hula dancing, and pig roasts are in fact enduring parts of Hawaiian culture, not just old traditions revived for entertaining tourists. For instance, Hawaiian families still make lei from fresh flowers at home to bring to friends and family for get-togethers and celebrations, and hula dancing is taught in school. Visit Big Island's official website, bigisland.org to get the scoop on cultural events that are happening during your visit, or check out the local newspaper, the West Hawaii Today.

3. Great food
For the avid foodie, Big Island is a treat. The warm year-round growing season means that tropical fruits and vegetables abound. Macadamia nuts, papaya, mango, pineapple, breadfruit (called ulu in Hawaiian) and purple-streaked taro root are just some of the island's luscious produce, and much of it is organic. Fresh fish like ahi, crimson snapper and seabass are in abundance, and even the beef can come from one of the island's ranches. Then for mornings and after dinner there's the coffee. Kona coffee is one of the best known in the world, and comes from plantations that are often open for tours on Big Island.

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