LAY OF THE ISLAND

The land you're standing on is very special. For millions of years, forces of nature have worked to create and shape these very islands, as each one slowly, but surely, rose from the sea. Welcome to the island of Hawai‘i, also known as the Big Island, the newest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. Here, you can witness many facets of awe and wonder as you explore valleys carved eons ago or newly formed coastlines, all waiting for you to discover their immense beauty, their historical and cultural importance, and their relevancy to our island’s vibrant future.

Bigger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island is an island of contrasts and contradictions. Maunakea looms as our tallest volcano at 13,803 feet, but extends another 19,700 feet below sea level making it the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the base. (Mount Everest is the highest mountain.) Yet, only a hundred feet or so shorter, Mauna Loa is considered the world’s largest volcano, both in terms of mass and volume. Kīlauea, which until recently was one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is not even the youngest. Right off the southeast coast of the Big Island lies Lō‘ihi Seamount, a submarine volcano slowly growing larger, and poised to make its emergence above the sea surface in only a mere hundred thousand years, give or take.

Whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, the Big Island delivers in spades. If you’re looking to step foot into some of the world’s best and most colorful beaches, with your choice of white at Hāpuna Beach State Park or Manini‘ōwali Bay (also known as Kua Bay), black at Punalu‘u, grey or green sands at Papakōlea, you’ve come to the right place. If you’d rather explore massive peaks, dense jungle rainforests, subterranean lava tubes (Thurston Lava Tube in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park), dry, arid deserts, and almost all types of landscapes in between, the Big Island has it.

Thrill-seekers might prefer catching a big wave or soar high above the trees on a zipline over stunning waterfalls. For adventurers who prefer less adrenaline inducing activities, gently float down an old cane field irrigation ditch in a tube in Hawi. And nature lovers can look for sightings of native birds in a peaceful forest. Whatever you’re seeking, whether its relaxation and respite on a gorgeous beach or unforgettable adventure, the Big Island is an extraordinary playground for all.

Everything about the Hawaiian culture, traditions, history, language, food and, of course, genuine aloha is truly what makes this place so singular. Learning about King Kamehameha, the great unifier of all the Hawaiian Islands, and his journey from a young chief to commanding statesman, is a historical significance felt greatly on the Big Island, his birthplace.

The Big Island is home to one of the most diverse populations in the entire United States. Along the way, you’re sure to experience the unique culture of many ethnic groups of people who have made Hawai‘i home over generations. From the ancestors of former sugar cane workers, including Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese and Korean residents, to more recent immigrants such as Anglo-American, Marshallese and other Polynesian Islanders, each culture has brought its own flavor here. Taking the time to see how they’ve blended into a beautiful mélange is one of the joys of the different experiences found here.