The Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawai'i, also known as Hawai'i Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian archipelago.
Formed by five shield volcanoes, including the still-active Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, the island has been shaped over millions of years by powerful natural forces. This rich volcanic activity has given rise to diverse landscapes, from black sand beaches and lush rainforests to barren lava fields and snow-capped peaks. The Big Island is also known for its amazing sunsets and mountains. Every year it snows on Mauna Kea one of the tallest inactive volcanoes on the Big Island.
The island's history is deeply rooted in ancient Hawaiian culture. Polynesians first settled here over a thousand years ago, bringing with them traditions and practices that continue to influence island life today. The Big Island was once home to powerful chiefs, or Ali'i, and it was the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, who united the Hawaiian Islands in the early 19th century. Because of the volcanic activity of Kilauea, the Island is constantly creating itself. To the people of the Island, this makes the Island a very spiritual place to heal.
The people of the Big Island are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. The spirit of "aloha" is more than just a greeting—it's a way of life. Islanders are always eager to help, whether you're a visitor needing directions or someone interested in learning more about local customs. This welcoming nature makes it easy to feel at home, turning strangers into friends.
The beauty of the Big Island is unparalleled. Towering waterfalls cascade into verdant valleys, while the stark contrast of lava fields meeting the ocean is a sight to behold. The island's diverse ecosystems allow you to experience almost every climate on Earth within a single day. Whether you’re hiking through dense rainforests, exploring the arid terrain of a volcanic crater, or relaxing on a pristine beach, the natural splendor of the Big Island is breathtaking.
However, no photograph can truly capture the essence of the Big Island's beauty. The vibrant colors, the sound of the waves, the scent of the tropical flowers, and the feeling of the warm sun on your skin all combine to create an experience that is impossible to fully convey through images alone. The Big Island must be seen, felt, and experienced firsthand to be truly appreciated.
SUNSET AT A BEACH RESORT ON THE BIG ISLAND. TIKI TORCHES ARE LIT FOR THE EVENING.
WEATHER STATION. WEATHER IS ALWAYS DESCRIBED AS “PERFECT” ON THE BIG ISLAND.
AMAZING SUNSET OVER THE KOHALA MOUNTAINS are pure magic and at times you can see the entire Kona coastline all the way to the town of Kailua Kona.
SUNSET OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN
GREAT AKAKA FALLS - The warrior chief Akaka threw himself over the cliff in his grief and became the waterfall.
FIRE FROM LAVA FLOWING FROM KILAUEA VOLCANO - Lava flowing toward the sea from Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, takes two recognizable forms: fast-flowing ropy lava called pahoehoe and thick blocky lava called aa.
Local Hawaiian group singing at the Shops at Mauna Lani on the Westside of the Big Island
Local Hawaiian fire dancer entertaining at the Shops at Mauna Lani
Riders at the King Kamehameha Day parade which occurs on June 11th of each year
Riders at the King Kamehameha Day parade which occurs on June 11th of each year
Riders at the King Kamehameha Day parade which occurs on June 11th of each year
KING KAMEHAMEHA STATUTE DURING THE KING K PARADE WHICH OCCURS IN JUNE OF EACH YEAR. JUNE 11 THIS DESIGNATED KING KAMEHAMEHA DAY ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
Rainbow Falls. You can see rainbows early in the day. The Falls cascade over a lava cave in Hilo town and is home to the Ancient Hawaiian Goddess Hina – Goddess of the Moon .
BEAUTIFUL FLOWER IN THE RAIN FOREST ON THE BIG ISLAND. THE FLOWER IS NATIVE TO HAWAII.
BEAUTIFUL FLOWER IN THE RAIN FOREST ON THE BIG ISLAND. THE FLOWER IS NATIVE TO HAWAII.
Bicyclist near the finish line at the Ironman competition held annually on the Big Island. The Ironman competition consists of a swim, marathon and bicycle ride totaling 140 miles.
FIRE FROM LAVA FLOWING FROM KILAUEA VOLCANO
Rainbow over Waikoloa Village, Big Island Hawaii
WAIPIO VALLEY. SEE THE BLACK SAND BEACH. KING KAMEHAMEHA SPENT HIS CHILDHOOD IN THIS VALLEY.
MADE IN THE SHAPE OF A “SAIL”, THIS IS A WOOD ART STRUCTURAT THE CROSSROADS FROM WAIMEA TO WAIKOLOA VILLAGE
Boat sailing into the Pacific Ocean from Kona Hawaii for a sunset cruise
Pu’ukohula Heiau Temple on the West side of Hawaii built by King Kamehameha in 1790. The King was told that he could conquer and unify all of Hawaii if he built the temple.
Ferns are plentiful and very colorful on the Big Island of Hawaii
Snows every year on Mauna Kea. Hawaiians driver to the snow and shovel it into trucks to take to the beach for the kids (keiki) to play in.