The Big Island of Hawaii -- Island Overview

The Island of Hawaii is commonly known as "The Big Island" in order to distinguish it from the rest of the Hawaiian chain. The nickname is quite appropriate since The Big Island is twice as large as all of the other islands combined. The Big Island’s size is one of its distinguishing characteristics, although the most important aspect of this island is its history of massive volcanic activity. This activity continues today: the Big Island is home to the world’s most active volcano.

The volcanoes’ influence is evident throughout the island of Hawaii Big Island. As you drive throughout the island, you will see miles and miles of barren lava-rock-filled coastline that is not nearly as eroded as the coastline of the other islands, which are much older and have had more time to be shaped by the wind and the water. Along the highways, natives and visitors have adorned this black landscape with white rocks to form environmentally friendly graffiti. Another unmistakable calling card left behind by the volcanoes is 14,000 foot Mauna Kea. The summit of Mauna Kea, which is frequently covered with snow, is home to some of the world’s most powerful telescopes.

The volcanoes were kind to the Big Island’s farmers since they left the island with extremely fertile soil. Kona coffee, grown in a small section on the Kona coast, is the favorite of coffee connoisseurs throughout the world. The perfect soil and climate on The Big Island allow Hawaii to be the only state in the United States to produce coffee commercially. Just as famous as the Kona coffee are the island’s Macadamia nuts, which are grown on the eastern, or windward, side of the island. The Big Island's soil and climate are also ideal for growing orchids, which is why the Big Island is often called "The Orchid Isle."

Where To Stay
The island is split in half by its mountains. The eastern half catches the southwesterly trade winds that bring in rainy weather. Before the clouds can reach the western, or leeward side, of the island, they must dump their rain on the windward side. The effect of this phenomenon is that certain parts of the windward side receive over 100 inches of rain per year, while the leeward side often receives less than 10 inches per year. Clearly, if you are looking for sunny weather, we recommend that you stay in the Kohala or Kona Districts on the leeward side of the island and avoid the area around Hilo on the windward side.

Unlike the other islands, you can not easily drive around The Big Island in one day since one "lap" around the island is more than 200 miles. If you stop to visit any of the sights, those stops, along with the slow-going winding roads that you will encounter will slow you down. What we recommend instead is that you stay in the Kona or Kohala areas, tour the northern coast in one day, and then spend the night in the Hilo area. On the next day, continue your journey by visiting Volcanoes National Park and then swing through the southern part of the island on your way back to your hotel in Kona or Kohala. If all this driving sounds too grueling to you, then you should consider checking into one of the island’s world famous five star resorts and not leaving until you get tired of all the pampering.

Plan Your Trip
Convinced that the island of Hawaii is the place for you? Visit our list of articles about the Big Island for all kinds of tips about what to see and what to do. And don't forget to use our convenient travel services for saving money on your hotel reservations, rental car reservations and airline reservations.

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