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Guidebook Hawaii (big island) "Aloha Spoken Here"
Land Mass: 4,028
square miles - twice the combined size of the other islands
(10,473 square km)
Population: 148,677 (2000)
Principal Cities: Hilo and Kona
Flower: Red Lehua
Color: Red
Rainbow Falls photo: HVCB/Kirk Lee Aeder
Geography: Hawaii's Big Island is the youngest and largest of the
Hawaiian Islands with 4,028 square miles and it's still growing as long
as lava continues to pour out of Kilauea, the world's most active
volcano. It has 266 miles (428 km) of coastline.
Hawaii's Big Island stretches from sea level to the
volcanic peaks of Mauna Kea, 13,796 feet (4,205 m), and Mauna Loa,
13,677 feet (4,169 m). Hawaii's Big Island has the Islands' highest
lake. Lake Waiau, at 13,020 feet (3,969 m) above sea level; the state's
longest sheer drop waterfall, 'Akaka Falls, 442 feet (135 m); the
southernmost tip of the United States, Ka Lae (South Point) and the
tallest mountain measured from the ocean floor, Mauna Kea.
Of all the islands, Hawaii's Big Island is the most
ecologically diverse, with natural environments ranging from the desert
plains of Ka'u to the rain forests above Hilo, to snowcapped Mauna Kea.
There are said to be 13 climatic regions on earth and the Big Island has
all but two, the Arctic and the Saharan.
Climate: Average temperature ranges from 71° -
77° F (22° - 25° C) with cooler climates of 57° - 63° F (14° -17° C) at
the 4/000-foot Hawaii Volcanoes National Park headquarters, and 62° -
66° F (17° -19° C) at 2/760-foot Waimea. Rainfall is variable in
different sectors, which makes for some beautiful, lush scenery.
Major Industries: Kona coffee (only gourmet
coffee grown in the United States), macadamia nuts, papaya, cattle,
anthuriums, orchids, aquaculture, scientific technology, and tourism.
Recreation: Deep sea fishing, snorkeling,
sightseeing, national historical parks, historic sites, hiking,
horseback riding, scuba diving, tennis, golfing, sailing, shopping and
agricultural tourism including Kona Coffee tours, botanical garden tours
and family-run farm tours.
Brief History: Believed to be the first
Hawaiian Island discovered and settled by Polynesians, perhaps as early
as the fifth century, Hawaii's Big Island has been the scene of many of
the state's historic events. The birthplace of King Kamehameha I, this
land was the one from which he launched forays to unify the islands. For
a time, it was the capital of the kingdom.
Hawaii's Big Island was also the scene of King
Kamehameha I's death, and with it the end of the kapu system, abolished
by his successor (and son) Kamehameha II in 1819. Kealakekua Bay,
Captain Cook's first Big Island landfall in 1779, and the scene of his
death, is the site where the first Christian service (a seaman's burial)
was performed on Hawaii's shores.
Today, much of ancient Hawaii can still be seen
throughout the island, where historical sites have been preserved.
Fascinating Facts:
Ka Lae is the southernmost point in the United
States.
KHauea 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 is one of the largest privately held
ranches in the United States.
Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world
(measured from its base at the ocean floor) and is home to more than
13 world-class telescopes representing 11 countries.
Hawaii's Big Island has 12 spas, making it the
perfect destination to renew the spirit.
Seven botanical gardens, each unique in
construction and specialty, showcase Hawaii's Big Island's rich
natural and cultural significance.
Hawaii's Big Island is a worldwide leader in
harvesting macadamia nuts and orchids.
Hawaii's Big Island is known as the Golf Capitol
of Hawaii with 20 golf courses and several more scheduled for
completion.
Top-Rated Attractions:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
'Akaka Falls
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Volcano Art Center
Lyman House Memorial Museum
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Pu'uhonua 0 Honaunau National Historical Park
Parker Ranch
Hulihee Palace
Waipio Valley
Information and photos submitted
by:
Hawaii Visitors and Convention
Bureau 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 808-923-1811 |
Website |
Email
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