The Island of Hawaii
(``The Big Island'')
PSB '96 will take place on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world. Home to long beaches of white, black and even green sand, the Big Island is a wonderland for water lovers, and home of the USA's only underwater national park. The swimming, snorkelling, surfing, scuba diving, boating, whale watching, and strolling along the beach are unmatched.
The great beaches are not all the island has to offer. You can see spectacular volcanos, including Kiluea, which has been errupting continuously for more than 12 years. Whether you prefer to hike, drive or helicopter, Volcanos National Park is absolutely worth visiting.
There are many reminders of the beautiful and poignant history of the Hawaiian people on the Big Island, providing both living and historic cultural attractions.
From the sunny beaches to the 13,796 foot (4218m) Mauna Kea volcano, the Big Island encompasses all seven of the world's major ecosystems, tropical rain forest to arctic permafrost. Although known for sugar and pineapples, the Big Island is also the source of much unique agriculture. Parker Ranch is the largest cattle ranch in the US, and it's run by Paniolos, the authentic Hawaiian Cowboys. Or you can see (and taste!) Kona coffee, prized by many as the finest in the world. And sample the New Hawaiian Cuisine, prepared by some of the world's most innovative chefs, working with the freshest ingredients.
There is a great deal to see and do here, and we hope you and your family have time to investigate before or after the meeting. Some of the links below may help you plan your trip.
Larry Hunter, PSB '96 Co-chair, hunter@nlm.nih.gov