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The Island of Hawai‘i

The Island of Hawai‘i (commonly known as the Big Island of Hawaii) is one of the eight main islands that make up the state of Hawai‘i. The island is administered under the County of Hawai‘i.

The Island of Hawai‘i is built from five separate shield volcanoes that erupted somewhat sequentially, one overlapping the other. These are (from oldest to youngest): Kohala (extinct), Mauna Kea (dormant), Hualalai (dormant), Mauna Loa (active, partly within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park), and Kīlauea (very active; part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park).

In greatest dimension, the Island is 93 miles (150 km) across and has a land area of 4,038 mi² (10,458 km²), representing more than half (~62% actually) of the total land area of the Hawaiian Islands. Traditionally, Hawai‘i is known as the Big Island because it is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

Because Mauna Loa and Kīlauea are active volcanoes, the island of Hawai‘i is still growing. Between January 1983 and September 2002, 2.2 km² (543 ac) of land were added to the island by lava flows from Kīlauea volcano extending the coastline seaward.

Visit Kona Web for the information on districts and communities on the Big Island.

Hawaii census fact sheet is here.

The County of Hawai'i Data Book is available from here.

Brief Big Island Annual Event Calendar

It would be impossible to list all the events that happen each year on the Big Island. Here we present a select few that we enjoy.

• January

Senior PGA Mastercard Championship

Hualalai Resort Golf Course in Kaupulehu-Kona, designed by Jack Niklaus, hosts the greats in a 54 hole competition.

• February

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival - Waimea

This festival celebrates the annual blooming of Waimea's cherry trees along Church Row Park, and the Japanese tradition of viewing them called "hanami".

Hilo Chinese New Year Festival

The Chinese New Year starts off at the Palace Theater in historic downtown Hilo with an evening of Chinese folk dancing and lion dancers. The Big Island Shaolin Arts Lion Dancers bless the Theater with firecrackers, then continue on into the theater with exhibition dancing.

• March

KONA BREWERS FESTIVAL

Almost 30 breweries serve up more than 60 types of beer, and chefs from 25 restaurants serve culinary creations on the shores of Kailua Bay at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.

• April

Merrie Monarch FestivaL

A week-long festival of cultural events including Hawaii's most prestigious hula competition at the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium. Get tickets early!

• June

King Kamehameha Day - June 11

A festival honoring Kamehameha I in his North Kohala birthplace. All day festivities include lei-draping of the King's original statue in Kapa'au, a traditional pa'u parade from downtown Hawi to the statue, an ho'olaulea at Kamehameha Park with exhibits, food, and live musical performances. See www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org

• July

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's Annual Cultural Festival

Hawaiian music, many Hawaiian crafts and skills will be taught by masters. Participants have the opportunity to buy locally-made Hawaiian crafts from the cultural demonstrators. Traditional Hawaiian foods will be offered for tasting.

Annual Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival - Hilo

A very popular Ukulele, Steel Guitar and Slack Key Guitar festival.

• August

Aloha Festivals Royal Court Investiture

The final performance in the hula kahiko (traditional hula) series at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park coincides with the start of the island's annual Aloha Festivals celebrations. At 10 a.m., hula troupe Na Pua Ha'aheo O Kona, under the direction of kumu hula Roy Palacat, will perform at the "hula mound" in front of Volcano Art Center. The Big Island Aloha Festival's Royal Court investiture ceremony will take place at noon at Halema'uma'u crater.

• September

Aloha Festivals Hawai'i

Aloha Festivals Big Island of Hawai'i events are a wonderful opportunity to experience the very essence of Hawaiian customs, cultures & tradition. From the Royal Court investiture on the rim of Halema'uma'u Crater to the Keiki Makahiki at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, there are many activities and events to enjoy.

• October

Ironman Triathlon

This ultimate endurance event - a 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. This event attracts thousands of the world's best athletes.

• November

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

Hawaii's oldest food fest features over 30 events, starting with the International Lantern Parade. There will be a variety of events throughout the festival, including art exhibits, tastings, a cupping competition, a coffee picking competition, coffee recipe cooking contest, farm tours, sporting events and more.