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Rainbow Falls - photo: HVCB/Kirk Lee Aeder "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

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