The Big Island of Hawaii: One of the Most Unique Places on the Planet
Posted: Wednesday, December 24, 2008
by David Schlesinger
http://www.bigisland-bigisland.com/index.html
The Big Island is a little over a million years old, with 11 of the worlds' 13 climate zones found in its 4,038 square miles. Hawaii, the Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. Hawaii (Hawai`i) is actually the biggest island in the U.S. with more land area than the entire state of Connecticut.
Kona and Hilo are the two main commercial centers on our island. Kona has been one of the fastest growing towns in the U.S. lately. In contrast, Hilo has grown very slowly since Mauna Loa erupted from March 24, 1984, to April 15, 1984, threatening to destroy the town. Both have a lot of character, and are unique in their own way.
Whether you're here for a week or a month, it's a good idea to gather a little information before you get here, to maximize every sight-seeing opportunity Hawaii has to offer.Of course, you might want to just lay on a white sandy beach, drinking Mai Tais and Mojitos for that whole week, while every craving you might have is catered to!
Getting to the most isolated chain of islands in the world can be exhausting, so consider beforehand, where you want to stay. Stepping off the plane, you are going to want to know that you are headed for a nice comfortable bed at a place where waking up to the morning sun and sounds of the ocean is a thrill.
Our island is made up of five volcanoes, three of which are dormant. At 13, 679 feet above sea level, Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on earth, is not one most people realize is active. The more famous Kilauea gets all the attention, probably because it has been spewing out lava since January 1983, making it the most active volcano in the world.
All in all the Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing place to experience, and for those of us who get to live here and call it home, we have a saying. Lucky you live Hawai`i.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)I heard it is breathtaking and perhaps one day we will get a chance to visit, perhaps.Aloha Uncle
More then the aina(land) the beauty is in the culture. We just got through with a Baby Luau for my 1 year old son. The people that attended were from all walks of life and everybody was able to rejoice and eat together and know that we are all one big ohana(family) on this island.
This is something that is so rare, that it is the most precious thing about living here for me.
2 Scoops Aloha
David
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