Nicknamed "The Orchid Isle" for the
beautiful orchids, as well as other tropical flowers, which
grow on the island; the Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest
and biggest of all the Hawaiian Islands with a total land
area of 4,028 square miles. The island continues to expand
in land mass to this day due to the active lava eruptions of
Kilauea, which is the most active volcano on the planet.
Wait though! The Big Island does offer visitors more than
just orchids, contrary to what its nickname suggests! The
island consists of 11 different climate zones ranging from
tropical rain forests to hot desert landscapes - and even
snow-capped mountain tops. The wide variety of landscapes
and climates make the Big Island
a nature lovers paradise and
can provide an extremely enjoyable vacation for those who
love hiking and other outdoor nature activities.
Travelers to the Big Island of Hawaii usually come to the
island to experience the active lava flows and eruptions at
Kilauea volcano in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, relax
on the black sand beaches created by the waves pounding on
the newly formed lava rock along the coastline, and to visit
some of the other extinct or dormant volcanoes like Mauna
Kea, Kohala, and Hualalai. In addition, the Big island also
offers tourists museums, ancient Hawaiian temples, various
parks, beautiful beaches and waterfalls,
important Hawaiian historical sites, natural caves, and
relaxing botanical gardens to expore and enjoy.
The main tourist areas on the Big Island are located on the
coastline around Kailua-Kona, Hilo, and the Kohala Coast.
Tourists can enjoy local entertainment, Hawaiian culture,
and the delicious cuisine of the island while in Hilo and
Kailua-Kona. If your looking to do some shopping while on
your vacation you can visit a number of shopping areas like
the Keauhou Shopping Center, Prince Kuhio Plaza, or the
Kings Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort. Other than the main
tourist areas the island is
sparsely populated, with a population of a little over
200,000 residents, leaving much of the island's natural
beauty untouched - perfect for nature enthusiasts. So pack
your bags, make your travel arrangements, and get ready for
a great vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii, one you'll
never forget!
