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Big Island Facts
Facts about the Big Island of Hawaii.
Land Mass
4,028 square miles - twice the combined size of the
other Islands (10,473 square km)
Population
148,677 (2000)
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 Kïlauea, the world’s most active
volcano. It has 266 miles (428 km) of coastline.
Hawai‘i’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.
Climage
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,
ag-tourism, scientific technology, and tourism.
Recreation
Deep sea fishing, ocean kayaking, stargazing, snorkeling,
sightseeing, National Parks, National 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 Big Island Fact Sheet land was the one
from which he launched forays to unify the islands. For a
time, it was the capital of the kingdom. Hawai‘i’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 Hawai‘i’s
shores.
Today, much of ancient Hawai‘i can still be seen throughout
the island, where historical sites have been preserved.
Fascinating Big Island Facts
Ka Lae is the southernmost point in the United States.
Kïlauea is the world’s most active volcano and has been
continually eruptingsince 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.
Milolii, on the southern Kona Coast, is Hawaii’s last
authentic native fishing village.
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.
Hawai‘i’s Big Island has 12 spas, making it the perfect
destination to renewthe spirit.
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 andorchids and is the only place in the United
States where vanilla and cacao beans (the raw material used to
make chocolate) are grown. Kona is also the only place in the
United States where gourmet coffee is grown.
Hawai‘i’s Big Island is known as the Golf Capital of Hawai‘i
with 20 golf courses and several more scheduled for completion.
Data Courtesy of the Big Island Visitors Bureau
See also:
Best Places Hawaii Big Island Facts
Volcano Gallery Big Island Facts
Alternative Hawaii Big Island Facts
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Related Links
Hawaii Island - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
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