About The Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii - The Big Island is the largest island and the least populated per square mile. It is also the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, and it's still growing as long as lava continues to spew out of Kilauea. The Big Island has eleven of the 14 known climate zones in the world - from desert lava-scapes to tropical rain forests to beaches to snow on the peaks of 13,000 foot volcanoes. The total area of the island is 4,038 sq. miles - 93 miles long and 76 miles wide with 266 miles of coastline. The population is a little over 120,000 residents. The highest point is Mauna Kea at 13,796 ft above sea level and home to a number of world famous astronomical observatories. Mauna Loa, also stands tall - at 13,680 feet above sea level and over 31,000 feet when measured from its rise on the ocean floor - making it the tallest mountain in the world from base to summit. On its southeast flank you will find the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea - considered the most active volcano in the world!

More Interesting Facts about the Big Island:
- Ka Lae (on the island's southern tip) is the southernmost point in the United States.
- Kïlauea is the world’s most active volcano and has been continually erupting since 1983.
- Nearly every one of the Big Island’s stunningly diverse regions--from the lava fields of Puna to Kohala’s lush valleys--boasts its own nationally recognized park.
- Parker Ranch (located in Waimea) is one of the largest privately held ranches in the United States.
- You can see 90% of all the stars visible from earth from Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest mountain when measured from its base below sea level. 13 world-class telescopes, representing nine countries and 30 years of astronomy research are found here.
- The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, held annually in Hilo, is the largest gathering of hula in the world.
- Hawai‘i’s Big Island is a worldwide leader in harvesting macadamia nuts and orchids and is the only place in the United States where coffee, vanilla and cacao beans (the raw material used to make chocolate) are grown.
- Hawaii has the island's highest lake, Lake Waiau, at 13,020 feet (3,971 m) above sea level, and the state's longest sheer-drop waterfall, Akaka Falls, 442 feet (134.8 m).
- The island's peaks house the world's biggest telescope and more scientific
observatories in one place than anywhere else in the world, representing ten nations.