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HAWAII BIG ISAND AT A GLANCE
Area: 4,038 square miles, Twice the size of all the other Major Hawaiian Islands combined
Geography: Formed by five massive volcanoes, one of which, Kilauea is still erupting, Hawaii's Big Island's most defining geographical landmarks are the massive volcanic peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, often snow capped late fall to early spring
Hawaii's Big Island also offers eleven of the world's most climatic environments, from lush rainforests to black lava deserts.
Principal Cities: Hilo and Kailua-Kona
Rainfall: The Big Island rainfall is as diverse as the island itself. While the West Side's Kohola Coast gets mere 9 inches a year, Hilo, on the East Side, is blessed with over 128 inches per year.
Major Attractions: Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, Waimea, Kalua-Kona, Parker Ranch, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa, Merrie Monarch Festival, cultural and historic events, golf, sportfishing, national historical sites, botanical gardens and
adventure touring.
Major Destination Areas: Kailua-Kona, Kona-kohala Coast, Waimea and Hilo.
Major Activities: Beach activities, water sports, golf, tennis, hiking, horseback riding, biking, kayaking, fishing, snuba, scuba and snorkeling, ATV touring, ecotouring, historic sights and museums, stargazing, spa pampering, spelunking, sightseeing, flightseeing, as well as shopping and dining out. |
