Big Island Island Guide
The Big Island is actually named Hawaii, and has lent its name to the entire island chain. Due to the sea and wind currents of the Pacific Ocean, along with the soaring heights of Mauna Kea the island of Hawaii or Big Island has a dramatically wide range of different climate zones. Big Islands climate zones include everything from tropical to desert to sub-arctic high in its volcanic peaks. In fact the volcano Mauna Kea, if measured from its base far below the Pacific surf to its summit high in the clouds, is actually the tallest mountain on the planet, towering over Mt Everest by over four thousand feet. Kilauea, Big Island's youngest volcano is also a record holder. Kilauea is the world's longest continually erupting volcano. Lava began to flow from the Puu Oo cone in 1983, and continues to flow down the slopes from the cone for eleven miles into the sea forming new land and making the island larger every day.
Big Islands fertile volcanic soil meets a tremendous amount of annual rainfall, to create truly magnificent tropical rain forests. A day spent hiking the trails that cut through the rugged landscape, and lush exotic vegetation will certainly not be soon forgotten. The combination of earth, sea and sky also makes Hawaii's Big Island home to some of the finest fruits nuts and coffee grown anywhere. All of the volcanic activity also produces a multitude of hot springs, hot salt ponds, black sand beaches, and a truly rare natural wonder, green sand beaches. While you are taking in all the natural beauty of the rare volcanic sand beaches, make sure you take part in all the adventure activities, the Big Island surf has to offer. Surfing, sailing, deep sea fishing, and kayaking are all easily accessible.
