The Big Island is very lush after you travel out of the southern coastal area

It's outrageous to say the Big Island is "ugly" because you don't like one area. Granted the part by the airport is odd, but it's interesting with its black lava formations. It's a "big island" after all and there's plenty of tropical greenery and great beaches on Hawaii, even some open ranch country, etc. It's all there on the Big Island.

I second that Maureen. I think the big island is so diverse in every aspect. The typical carbon copy is not my cup of tea.

Here are pictures of the Big Island east coast:

www.deephawaii.com/hawaii_photo_gallery.htm

Also check out the photos from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Some parts of the west coast reminded me of Ireland because of the emerald greens.

Have "done" the Big Island 3 times in the past 10 years--it is BIG and you will find PLENTY to do if you get a good guidebook ("The Big Island Revealed" is a MUST book for a trip there) We've been there almost 2 weeks each time and never get bored.

per another post about no car, seems that would be a hard one with this island , we've always had a rental car and put a LOT of miles on it but perhaps there are options such as daytours etc.