Hawaii Vacation Destination
Hawaii (Big Island)
Hawaii, also called the Big Island, is the largest and southernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago, and has everything from the tropical rain forests to towering volcanic peaks, quaint "old Hawaii" Hilo to tourism hotspot of Kailua-Kona.
Covering just over 4,000 square miles and making it more than double the size of all the other principal islands combined, Hawaii's greater than 150,000 residents makes it the second most populated of the Hawaiian Islands. The island features twelve distinct climate zones and two of the five volcanoes that make up this island are currently active: Mauna Loa - the world's largest volcano, and Kilauea - the world's most continuously active volcano.
Much of Hawaii's economy is founded on tourism, primarily on the western coast of the island in the North Kona and South Kohala districts. However, agriculture has once again entered into the economic factor (in the past, sugar cane was the economic backbone) where macadamia nuts, papaya, flowers, tropical and temperate vegetables, and coffee are all important crops. Hawaii is also called the Orchid Isle by virtue of its renowned reputation for the beautiful and diverse species of its orchids. The island also happens to be home to Parker Ranch, one of the largest cattle ranches in the world.
Once you land at Kailua-Kona airport (the island's main airport - the other being at Hilo), you'll find the majority of hotels along the 70 mile long coastline here. There's lots to see and do on the Big Island and visitor's will have no shortage of actvities available as they get around. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kealakekua Bay, Kailua-Kona, Kawaihae, Parker Ranch, Waipio Valley just to name a few.
Hawaii's Main Attractions
- Kona-Kohala Coast
- Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
- World Botanical Gardens
- Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
- Mauna Kea
- Waimea - Parker Ranch
- More Hawaii Attractions
Island Facts
- Official Island Flower: Red Ohia Lehua
- Official Island Color: Red
- Highest Point: Mauna Kea - 13,796 feet
- Average Temperatures Range: 71° to 77° Fahrenheit